Secret Santa is a popular holiday gift exchange game where participants anonymously draw names to buy presents for each other. It adds fun and secrecy to group gifting, often with a spending limit to keep things fair. The game ensures everyone gives and receives one gift without overwhelming exchanges.
Core Steps
Participants write their names on slips of paper and place them in a hat or use an online generator for random assignment. Each person draws one name secretly, becoming that person's "Santa" responsible for a gift. Gifts are typically wrapped without sender info and exchanged at a set event, where recipients guess their Santa.
Variations
- White Elephant : Everyone brings a generic wrapped gift; players draw numbers and choose or "steal" opened gifts in turn.
- Online/Remote : Use apps to assign names and ship gifts, ideal for distant groups.
- Yankee Swap : Similar to White Elephant but with stealing allowed multiple times until stable.
Tips for Success
Set a budget, wishlists, and no-self-draw rules upfront. Organizers track purchases and reveal assignments during the reveal party for maximum surprise.