Family Secret Santa
When a family grows, buying a present for everyone gets expensive and stressful. A family Secret Santa replaces a pile of rushed gifts with one thoughtful present each. Here’s how to make it work for every age.
Why families switch to Secret Santa
- It saves money. One present each instead of one for every relative.
- Better gifts. With one person to think about, people put in more effort.
- Less waste. Fewer “just in case” presents that nobody wanted.
Setting it up
- Agree who’s in. Decide whether partners, in-laws and children join.
- Set a budget everyone can afford. Choose the amount that works for the tightest budget in the family, not the most generous.
- Draw names online and share the link in the family chat. Grandparents who aren’t on WhatsApp can get the link by text or email, or someone can reveal their name with them.
Draw names for your family
🎁 Draw names for freeIncluding children
Kids usually love the secret part. A few tips:
- An adult creates the draw and helps young children reveal their name on a phone.
- Pair each child with an adult “shopping buddy” who isn’t their recipient.
- Some families run two draws: one for adults and one for children, with different budgets.
- Remind older kids that the fun is keeping the secret until the day.
Couples and households
Couples usually buy for each other anyway, so many families prefer they don’t draw each other. When you create the draw, tap “Couples or people who shouldn’t draw each other?” under the details and pick the pairs to keep apart. It’s optional and stays hidden unless you open it.
Relatives far away
Set an earlier posting deadline for anyone who needs to send a present, ask for addresses privately, and consider a video call so distant relatives can see their gift opened. More in our virtual Secret Santa guide.
Making the day special
- Open presents one at a time, youngest first.
- Play “guess your Santa” before each reveal.
- Ask everyone to fill in our questionnaire beforehand so gifts hit the mark.
Frequently asked questions
What age can children join Secret Santa?
As soon as they can keep a secret, usually from about five or six, with an adult helping them shop.
What budget is fair for a family Secret Santa?
Pick an amount that works for the family member with the tightest budget, and consider a lower separate budget for children.