Secret Santa Generator
Draw names online in a minute. Block couples from drawing each other, then send each person a private link that shows only who they are buying for. No accounts, no emails, no ads.
0 people (at least 3 needed)
Who should not draw each other?
Optional. Couples, roommates, or last year's pairs.
How the Secret Santa generator works
- 1
Add everyone's name
One name per line. Add a last initial if two people share a first name.
- 2
Block pairs who should not match
Couples, roommates, or last year's match. Neither person in a pair draws the other.
- 3
Draw names
Everyone gets exactly one person to buy for, and nobody draws themselves.
- 4
Send each person their link
Each link shows only that person's match. Text or email it without opening it.
Secret Santa rules to agree on first
- One price limit for everyone, usually $20 to $30 at work and $25 to $50 for family
- One exchange date, sent with the links so nobody forgets
- A wish list or questionnaire, so each Santa knows what to buy
- Whether the Santas are revealed when gifts are opened
- A spare gift held by the organizer, in case someone forgets
Secret Santa questionnaire
15 questions, free printable
White elephant rules
Turns, steals, and variations
Holiday party sign-up
Food, games, and cleanup slots
FAQ
How does the Secret Santa generator work?
Type everyone's name, add any pairs who should not draw each other, and press Draw names. Each person gets a private link that shows only who they are buying for. Send each link by text or email.
Is this Secret Santa generator free?
Yes. There is no sign up, no account, no email collection, and no ads.
Can the organizer see who drew whom?
Not on the results screen. The organizer only sees one link per person. Opening someone else's link would show their match, so send each link without opening it.
How do I stop couples from drawing each other?
Add them as an exclusion pair. Neither person in the pair can draw the other. If the exclusions make a fair draw impossible, the generator tells you instead of breaking a rule.
Do you store the names or the matches?
No. The draw runs in your browser and each match lives in the link itself, after the # sign, which browsers do not send to our server. The links are private by convention, not encrypted, so share each one only with its owner.
Can I use it for white elephant or a gift exchange?
Yes for any one-to-one gift exchange. White elephant does not need a draw at all, only numbers for turn order; see the white elephant rules page for how stealing works.
How do I collect wish lists too?
Share a free sign-up sheet with questionnaire questions like favorite snack, sizes, and allergies. Everyone joins the exchange and answers in one step.
Running the whole party?
One free sign-up sheet for who is playing, wish lists, and who is bringing what. Guests join from a link with no account.
Create a Free Secret Santa Sign-Up