Gift exchange name draw
Running a family gift exchange or a holiday swap at work? Drawing names online is the easiest fair way to do it, without emails or accounts, and with the organiser joining in.
How to draw names for a gift exchange
- Add everyone’s name. From 3 to 200 people.
- Set the budget and date, in dollars, pounds or your own currency.
- Share one link by text, iMessage, WhatsApp or email. Each person taps their name and sees who they’re buying for.
Start your gift exchange
🎁 Draw names for freeWhich kind of gift exchange are you running?
| Type | How it works | Needs a name draw? |
|---|---|---|
| Secret Santa / name draw | Each person buys for one assigned person | Yes |
| White elephant (Yankee swap) | Everyone brings one gift; players pick or steal | No |
| Theme swap | Everyone brings something on a theme, swapped at random | Optional |
Our white elephant rules explain the stealing version step by step.
Planning a gift exchange step by step
- Agree who’s in and whether children have a separate exchange.
- Set the budget at a level that works for everyone. Our budget guide helps.
- Pick a date at least two weeks after the draw, so nobody panic-buys.
- Draw names and share the link in your family or work chat.
- Swap hints using our questionnaire.
- Exchange on the day, one present at a time.
Ready-made messages for each step are in our message templates.
Tips for family gift exchanges
- Set the budget around what works for everyone, not the biggest spenders.
- Let kids join: an adult creates the draw and helps them reveal their name.
- Use the notes field for wish lists or “please no more mugs”, or share our questionnaire.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop couples drawing each other?
Yes. On the draw details step, tap “Couples or people who shouldn’t draw each other?” and pick the pairs to keep apart. It’s optional.
Do people need to download an app?
No. It works in any phone or computer browser.