How to draw names for Secret Santa online

Names in a hat are charming, but they come with well-known problems. Someone draws themselves, someone is not there, and whoever holds the hat often knows more than they should. An online draw solves all of this, and it only takes a couple of minutes.

How an online draw works

1. The organiser creates the Secret Santa with a name, a date and a budget.
2. The organiser shares one invite link, for example in the group chat.
3. Each person joins with their name and email or mobile number, and can add a wishlist.
4. When everyone is in, the organiser presses "Draw names".
5. Everyone gets a private message saying who they are buying for, with a personal link where they can see the wishlist.

Why it beats names in a hat

• Nobody draws themselves. The draw makes sure everyone gets someone else.
• Nobody sees the list. Not even the organiser knows who drew whom, so the organiser can join in on equal terms.
• Everyone can take part from anywhere. Family in another city or colleagues working from home get their message by email or text.
• Couples are kept apart. The organiser can say that two people should not draw each other.
• The wishlist comes along. The giver sees the wishes of the person they drew, right next to their name.

What if something goes wrong?

• Someone lost their link: they can get it resent with the invite code and the email or number they joined with.
• Someone joins after the draw: they can be added without everyone drawing again.
• A message did not arrive: the organiser can see who received their message and send it again.

Try it

With JingleBell, the draw is free for up to 10 people, and there is no app to install. Bigger groups pay once: 9.99 (euros or dollars) for 11–25 people.