secret santa with wish lists

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Draw names and share gift ideas in the same go

The hardest part of Secret Santa is not the draw, it is staring at a name and having no idea what to buy. On this page the generator adds one screen: after the names, Any gift ideas? shows a line for each person. Type two or three ideas per person, then finish the draw as usual. When someone holds Hold to reveal, they see the name they drew and that person’s ideas together. With Private links, the ideas travel inside each link.

How to fill in the ideas

Go around the table and let each person dictate their own line, or pass the phone before the draw so everyone types theirs. Wish lists are not secret: only who gives to whom is. The ideas stay hidden on the reveal screen until the button is held, like the name.

What makes a useful wish list

  • Mix precise and open ideas. “Blue wool scarf” is easy to buy; “anything for my balcony garden” leaves room for a surprise.
  • Sizes and colors. If you ask for socks or gloves, give the size.
  • A no-thanks list. Allergies, scented candles you never light, mugs you have no shelf for.
  • One idea per price. Keep at least one idea well under the budget.
  • Hobbies count. “Into bouldering and sci-fi” helps more than a blank line.

An example line: size M, loves green tea, learning to bake, no more candles please. A line holds up to 120 characters, enough for three ideas.

No budget is set on this page; tap one on the budget screen if your group uses one. To keep partners apart while you are at it, the couples page has a shortcut for adding pairs.

How it works

  1. Add everyone’s name

    Tap Together, right now, then type each name and press Add, or paste a whole list. You need at least 3 people, and nobody can draw themselves.

  2. Answer the short questions

    One question per screen, depending on the page: gift ideas, couples who shouldn’t draw each other, then the budget per gift, often already chosen here. Press OK to go on.

  3. Reveal the matches

    Choose Pass the phone: each person taps their name, then holds the button to see their match. Or choose Private links and send one link per person in your group chat.

Any suggestions for improvement?

We build tools that are as simple and intuitive as possible, with a few bonuses here and there. Tell us what would make this one better.

Questions

Can people write their wish list privately?

Not on this page: the ideas are typed on the device before the draw, so the person typing sees them. That is usually fine, since wish lists are meant to be read. What stays secret is who drew whom.

Do I have to fill in an idea for everyone?

No, every line is optional. Leave a line empty and that person’s Secret Santa simply sees the name, without ideas.

Can I change an idea after the draw?

Yes, but it means drawing again. Press Back until you reach the ideas screen, edit the line and go through the next screens: the names are drawn again and everyone sees a new match. Links already sent keep the old match and the old ideas.

What should I write if I really want nothing?

Write something cheap and useful, like your favorite snack or a charity you like. A blank list leaves your Secret Santa guessing, which often ends in clutter.

Can I do a Secret Santa without emails?

Yes. Choose Together, right now, add the names and answer three quick questions. Then pass the phone around, or send one private link per person in your group chat.