Secret Santa made simple
Organise Secret Santa in a few simple steps
Create your group, add the names and run the draw. Each person gets their own link showing who they are buying for.
- Keep names, date and budget in one place
- Choose which pairings should be avoided
- Send each participant their own link
For every occasion
Christmas, a birthday or the office party
Built on trust
Rules that overwhelm no one
How it works
From names to the draw in a few steps
First, create the group and add the names. You can also save the date, budget and main rules in the group.
Then run the draw. Each person gets their own link showing who they are buying for. To learn more before you start, read about Secret Santa exclusions.
Basic steps
- Create the group
- Add participants
- Save exclusions
- Run the secret draw
Easy participation
Joining is as simple as opening a link
You organise the group. Everyone else opens their own link in the browser. You do not need their email addresses when adding them.
App users can also sign in with Apple, Google or email. If your group already uses chat, you can share Wichtlify links in WhatsApp.
Good for
- Families
- Friend groups
- Teams
- Clubs
- Chat-based groups
Private and practical
The result stays secret
Each person sees only who they are buying for. If that person added wishes, they also appear in the link.
Before the draw, you can choose who should not draw each other. This is useful for couples or people in the same household, as long as the draw still works.
Wichtlify helps with
- Making sure nobody draws themselves
- Using exclusions before the draw
- Sharing personal links
- Optional wish lists
Organiser overview
You can see what is still missing
The dashboard shows what is ready and what still needs attention. That makes it easier to check the group before the draw.
Larger groups can use extra Pro features, including reminders you time yourself and more insight into group readiness. Reminders about missing wishes are sent without Pro too, and repeating the group next year is free.
Helpful when
- The group is larger
- You want to pick reminder dates
- Wishes are still missing
- Plans change late
Next steps
Helpful next steps for your Secret Santa
Once the group basics are clear, the next questions are usually online setup, draw mechanics, rules, chat sharing and larger groups.
Secret Santa online
For groups that want to prepare the whole exchange online, with a personal link for everyone from the start.
Prepare your online Secret Santa with private linksFamily Secret Santa
For relatives, households, couples, children and family members who need a private draw with clear exclusions.
Prepare the family Secret SantaDraw explained
Shows how secret assignments, exclusions and personal links work together in Wichtlify.
Understand the draw before you share linksSecret Santa rules
Helps you settle budget, date, gift limits, handover and exclusions before the draw.
Set the rules before drawingFAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does Wichtlify do for your Secret Santa?
Wichtlify helps you create the group, add participants, save exclusions, run a secret draw and share personal links with the people taking part.
Does every participant need to register?
No. The organiser needs an account to manage the group. Participants can use their personal link on the web; app users can also sign in with Apple, Google or email.
Can Wichtlify prevent someone from drawing themselves?
Yes. Nobody draws themselves. Exclusions saved before the draw are also considered as long as Wichtlify can still create a valid assignment.
What does the group still decide itself?
Gift style, posting or handing over, and where the humour stops. The budget and the date you enter when you create the group, and every link shows them. If someone drops out after the draw, the free emergency repair asks who steps in, and nobody else redraws.
Can participants add wish lists?
Yes. Wishes are optional. They help the giver choose a better gift, but your Secret Santa also works without wish lists.
When is Wichtlify Pro worth considering?
Pro helps in larger groups: several pots, printable cards and reminders on dates you choose. Repeating the group next year and the emergency repair are free.
Ready to start your Secret Santa?
Create the group, add the names and run the draw when everything looks right.
Create a Secret Santa group