Kris Kringle generator

By Yuri Nieto Faus · Updated 12 November 2026

In Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, the Christmas gift draw is often called Kris Kringle. It’s the same game as Secret Santa, and you can draw names for free in a minute, without emails or sign-up.

How to do Kris Kringle online

1. Type the names of everyone taking part (at least 3).
2. Set the budget, date and any rules. The budget shows in your local currency: Australian or NZ dollars, or euros in Ireland.
3. Share the link in your group chat or work channel. Each person taps their name and sees who they’re buying for.

The names are drawn on the server, so the organiser can play too, and nobody can draw themselves.

Kris Kringle or Secret Santa?

Same idea, different name. “Kris Kringle” comes from the German Christkindl, the Christ Child who brings presents in parts of Central Europe. Over time the name drifted in English to mean Santa himself, and in Australia and Ireland it became the usual name for the workplace gift draw. In the UK and US the same game is usually called Secret Santa. Read more in what is Secret Santa?

Kris Kringle at work in Australia and Ireland

Workplace Kris Kringles tend to have modest budgets and a fixed date, often the last Friday before the Christmas break. December in Australia is summer, so outdoor gifts (a picnic set, a good water bottle, sunscreen and a hat) work well.

Whatever your budget, write it in the draw so it’s clear to everyone. Our budget guide covers how to choose.

Running a Kris Kringle for a big office

The draw supports up to 200 people with one link. For very large workplaces, run one draw per team so presents are swapped in smaller groups.

Frequently asked questions