What is Secret Santa?

Secret Santa is a fun and anonymous gift exchange tradition practiced during Christmas. Participants draw names randomly to determine who they will buy a gift for, and the recipient tries to guess who their Secret Santa is after opening the present. This tradition promotes joy, surprise, and community spirit.

What is a Virtual or Remote Secret Santa?

A Virtual Secret Santa is an online Christmas-themed gift exchange where participants are assigned a recipient, purchase a gift, and send it by mail. Participants gather online, often via Zoom, for the unwrapping even if your loved ones are far away. Also known as "online Secret Santa" or "remote Secret Santa." this event helps connect and celebrate remotely.

Step by step instructions on how to run your secret santa in person or remotely

1. Gather Participants:
   • Traditional: Have everyone write their names on slips of paper.
   • Online: Use an online Secret Santa generator like ours to randomly assign names.
2. Create Wish Lists:
   • Traditional: Each participant writes down a few gift ideas on the same slip of paper with their name.
   • Online: Participants create comprehensive wish lists using platforms like ours, they will add their gift ideas later on when they draw their name.
3. Set a Budget:
   • Agree on a spending limit, typically between £20 to £30, to ensure everyone receives a gift of similar value.
4. Draw Names:
   • Traditional: Draw names from a hat, ensuring that no one draws their own name.
   • Online: The generator will handle the random assignments and notify each participant of their giftee.
5. Purchase Gifts:
   • Review the list your recipient wrote and anything else you know about them and buy them a gift within budget. Ensure the gift remains a secret until the reveal.
6. Plan a Gift Exchange Party:
   • In-Person: Organize a gathering where all participants bring their wrapped gifts. Place the gifts under a communal tree.
   • Online: Host a virtual party via Zoom or Google Meet where participants can open their gifts together on camera.
7. Exchange Gifts:
   • During the party, each person receives their gift and tries to guess their Secret Santa's identity. Optionally, you can allow gift-givers to reveal themselves after the guessing.