How to use the Secret Santa Generator
- Enter the names of everyone taking part, one per line. You need at least three people.
- Add any rules (optional). Put people who should not draw each other on the same line, separated by commas — for example Alex, Sam for a couple.
- Add an event name and budget if you like. They are shown to each person when they open their link.
- Press Draw names. You get one private link per person.
- Send each link to its owner only. When they open it and press Reveal my match, they see who they are buying for — and nobody else's result.
Why there is no email or sign-up
Most name-drawing sites ask for everyone's email address and then send the results for you. This generator works differently: the draw happens inside your browser and the result for each person is packed into their own link. That means:
- no accounts, no email addresses and no app to install;
- nothing is saved on our server — we never see the names;
- you can share links however your group already talks: WhatsApp, text, Slack, Teams or email;
- it works for people who do not use email, such as children or older relatives.
Keep the links safe. Because nothing is stored, the links are the only copy of the draw — if you close the page without copying them, you will need to draw again. The match inside a link is scrambled so it cannot be read at a glance, but it is not password-protected: anyone who opens a link can see that person's match, so send each link only to its owner.
How the draw works
The generator shuffles the names using your browser's secure random number generator and gives every person exactly one other person to buy for. It guarantees that:
- nobody draws their own name;
- everybody gives one gift and receives one gift;
- people listed together under "should not draw each other" are never matched, in either direction.
If your rules make a fair draw impossible — for example, three people where two cannot draw each other — the tool tells you so instead of producing a broken result. Remove a rule or add another person and try again.
Organiser taking part too?
Yes — that is the point of the private links. Do not open Show the full list, and you will not know anyone's match except your own. Copy each link straight from its button and send it without opening it. The full list is there only for organisers who are not playing, or as a backup if someone loses their link.
Tips for a smooth gift exchange
- Agree a budget first and put it in the budget box so everyone sees the same number.
- Set a date for the exchange and draw names at least three or four weeks ahead. The Christmas Countdown shows how long you have.
- Ask for wish lists. Three ideas each is enough to avoid guesswork.
- Hunting for a deal? The Discount Calculator shows whether a sale price really fits the budget.
- Someone drops out? Draw again and send new links — old links simply become out of date.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Secret Santa generator free?
Yes. It is free, has no sign-up and no limit on how many draws you make.
Do I need everyone's email address?
No. The generator creates a private link for each person, and you send the links yourself by any chat app, text message or email.
How many people can take part?
From 3 up to 200 people in one draw.
Can I stop couples from drawing each other?
Yes. In the box "Who should not draw each other?", put the two names on one line separated by a comma. They will never be matched with each other.
Are the names stored anywhere?
No. The draw runs entirely in your browser and nothing is sent to or saved on our server. The links you copy are the only record of the draw.
Can the organiser take part without seeing the results?
Yes. Send each link without opening it and leave the full list hidden. You will only see your own match when you open your own link.
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