Secret Santa Generator

Add everyone taking part, then draw. Nobody gets themselves, and each match stays hidden until it is revealed.

Everyone gives one gift and gets one gift, all in one big circle.

8 names

adds 8 names

How to draw Secret Santa names

Add everyone taking part, press Draw names, then let each person reveal their own match.

  1. Add everyone. At least three people, one per line.
  2. Draw. Everyone is matched with someone else; nobody ever gets themselves.
  3. Reveal one at a time. Pass the phone or laptop round and let each person tap their own tag, so even the organiser doesn't know who has who.
  4. Or reveal all. If you're organising for someone else, "Reveal all" and "Copy all pairs" give you the full list.

How the draw works

The names are shuffled into one random circle, and each person buys for the next one round it. That guarantees nobody draws themselves, and nobody is left out. Settle a budget and a date before you draw: it saves a lot of awkward questions later.

Questions

Can someone draw themselves?

No. The draw makes one big circle in which everyone gives to someone else.

Can the organiser take part?

Yes. Each person reveals only their own tag, so the organiser finds out who they are buying for without seeing anyone else's.

Do I need to enter emails?

No. There's no sign-up and no emails. Draw in person, or share the reveal step by passing the device round.

How many people do I need?

At least three. With two, each person would simply buy for the other.

More name tools

Spin the WheelSpin a wheel of names to pick one at random.
Random Name PickerDraw one name, like a card from a hat.
Raffle / Pick a WinnerNumbered tickets, one winner or several.
Team GeneratorSplits a list into even, random teams.
Name CombinerBlend two names into one, ship-name style.