From invite to gift exchange
A gift exchange with wish lists
Invitations, wish lists, the name draw, and gift updates—all in one place.
Free for up to 9 participants.
For 10 or more — see pricing.
SECRET SANTA GIFT EXCHANGE
Secret Santa online for friends, family and coworkers
Create an exchange with wish lists, or draw names without an account. Choose the setup that works for your group.
Full exchanges are free for up to 9 participants.
YOUR EXCHANGE. YOUR TRADITIONS.
CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR GROUP
A full exchange or just the draw?
Choose whether you need invitations and wish lists or simply want to draw names.
From invite to gift exchange
Quick Secret Santa draw
Add names, draw, and share each person’s result privately.
3–9 people.
Free, no account needed.
Draw names from a list
See every assignment in one place, then tell each person who they’re shopping for.
3–1,000 people.
Free, no account needed.
Looking back on 2025 with MySanta
MySanta · since 2016- participants said they
received a gift - 1M
- participants came back
year after year - 65%
- gift ideas added to wish lists
- 5M
- gift exchanges created
- 100K+
- companies and organizations hosted exchanges
- 5K
MySanta service-wide data for 2025. Figures are rounded. Learn more ↗
FROM INVITATION TO GIFT
How to play Secret Santa
Four simple steps, whether your group is at home, at work, or spread across different cities.
Create an exchange
Choose a name, gift budget, and exchange date. You can organize the exchange and take part, too.
Invite your group
Share the invite link in your group chat. Everyone can join and add gift ideas to a wish list.
Draw names
Once everyone has joined, draw names. Each person gets one recipient and can see their wish list. No one draws their own name.
Exchange gifts
Everyone picks one gift within the budget. Exchange gifts in person or send them to each other—just agree on the plan ahead of time.
Inside the exchange
Create an exchange
Draw names
Participant
Gifts
THE DRAW, EXPLAINED
How a Secret Santa name draw works
Each person is assigned one recipient and has one Secret Santa. No one draws their own name.
Each person gives one gift
and receives one from someone else.
Can a group have an odd number of people?
Yes. A group can have three, five, or any other number of people, as long as there are at least three. You don’t need to form pairs: each person gives to one person and receives a gift from another.
Can we set exclusions?
Yes. Before the draw, add exclusions for people who shouldn’t draw each other—for example, partners. Available options depend on the exchange type. Check the exchange settings to see which exclusions are available.
If a valid draw isn’t possible with those exclusions, MySanta will let you know so you can adjust them.
Who can see each assignment?
Participants see their own recipient and that person’s wish list. Depending on the exchange settings, organizers may also be able to view assignments.
In quick draw , the organizer may also open the results; with a name-list draw . The organizer sees the full list of assignments. Share each personal result link only with its recipient.
Can we draw names again?
A new draw changes everyone’s recipient. Check with your group first—someone may already have chosen or bought a gift.
If the group changes after the draw, see the exchange optionsbefore making changes.
WISH LISTS
Help your Secret Santa find something you’ll love
Everyone can add gift ideas before the draw. Afterward, each Secret Santa can see their recipient’s wish list—no more chasing links across group chats.
- Add links to gifts you’d like
- Share a few of your interests
- Mention things you’d rather not receive
Organizing an exchange? Read more on the MySanta blog
AFTER THE DRAW
Find a gift that fits their interests and your budget
Gift guides and Santa AI suggestions can help you find a gift for your recipient.
What should you get your recipient?
Choose a budget to browse gift ideas on our blog.
SANTA AIAI GIFT ASSISTANT
Gift ideas for
the person you drew
Tell Santa AI about your recipient’s interests and your budget for gift ideas. You can start with details from their wish list.
See a sample Santa AI answer
SAMPLE PROMPT
“My coworker likes coffee and board games. I have a modest budget. What could I get them?”
Three ideas for this recipient
- A compact board game. Great for a quick game with friends. Check which games they already own.
- Coffee from a local roaster. Find out how they brew coffee so you can choose the right grind.
- A gift card to a coffee shop. A flexible choice if you’re still learning your coworker’s tastes.
YOUR EXCHANGE, CLOSE AT HAND
Join from wherever works for you
On your computer or phone—choose what works for your group.
NO DOWNLOAD NEEDED
In your browser
Open your exchange on any device.
Works on iPhone, too.
iOS app
MySanta for your iPhone.
Coming soonON ANDROID
MySanta app for your phone.
Get it on Google Play ↗VIDEO STORIESHow the exchange went
How the exchange went
for our participantsAn exchange they remember
Participants share what their Secret Santa experience was like.
Preview is muted. Select to hear the full story.8 video stories
HELP FOR YOUR EXCHANGE
Need a little guidance?
Find practical tips on drawing names, sharing wish lists, and planning the gift exchange. If you still need help, contact support.
- Can a group have an odd number of people?
- How can I ask my recipient a question without giving myself away?
- How can I send a gift and keep my identity secret?
- Make sure everyone receives a gift
Questions about how to play?
Our FAQ covers the draw, odd-numbered groups, wish lists, and sharing results.
Or email us: [email protected]FOR TEAMSSecret Santa
Secret Santa
for your team
Bring your coworkers together, whether you’re in the same office or spread across different cities. Set up the exchange, invite your group, and draw names in one place.
Ways to play →See pricing →Ideas for a team exchangeHave your own team traditions?
Add your budget and gift exchange date, then agree on how gifts will reach everyone.
Explore the exchange options →WHO’S PLAYING?
Secret Santa tips and ideas →Bring your people together
WITH COWORKERS
A little holiday spirit at work
Bring your team together for an in-person exchange or include coworkers joining remotely.
Ideas for a team exchange ↗ WITH FRIENDS
One more reason to get together
Add a little mystery to your holiday plans: everyone picks a gift, then guesses who their Secret Santa was.
Ideas for playing with friends ↗ WITH FAMILY
A new family tradition
Invite the whole family, from siblings to grandparents, and make the gift exchange part of your celebration.
Ideas for a family exchange ↗ IN THE CLASSROOM
A surprise for everyone
Draw names and print cards to hand out.
Secret Santa for your class ↗
FREE TOOLS, NO ACCOUNT NEEDED
More ideas
More ideas
for your exchange
Invitations, wish lists, party ideas, and more ways to play Secret Santa. Explore and find what works for your group.
What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is a gift exchange where everyone draws one person to shop for. MySanta helps organize the group, draw names, and share wish lists. Read the rules.
Can I join if no one invited me?
Create an exchange for your group and invite people yourself. If you’ve already been invited, open the link from the organizer to join their exchange.
Who buys and ships the gifts?
Participants do. Agree on a budget and whether you’ll exchange gifts in person or ship them. Gift purchases and shipping are separate from the service.
How much does an exchange cost?
Exchanges with up to 9 participants are free. For 10 or more, the price depends on group size and is charged per exchange. Organizer and participant support is included. See pricing.
Can we play from different cities?
Yes. Your group can join online from different places. Decide how you’ll send gifts and leave enough time for delivery. Ideas for remote groups.
Does everyone have to join at the same time?
No. People can join and add to their wish lists when it works for them. The organizer can draw names once everyone is in.
What if I only need to draw names?
Yes. If your group wants a quick draw, try quick draw. Add names and share each person’s result link. If you want to see every assignment, use draw names from a list . Both are online name-draw options.
BRING YOUR PEOPLE TOGETHER
Start a tradition of your own
Friends, family, or coworkers—invite the people you’d love to celebrate with. Make your next get-together a little more surprising: who was your Secret Santa?
Start a Gift ExchangeIt starts with an invitation.
