Without email list
Organize Secret Santa without email addresses
Names are enough to set up the group. Only the organizer needs an account; everyone else can open their link in the browser.
- Add participants by name first
- Share personal links instead of an email list
- Run a secret draw with exclusions before sharing links
Start simple
You do not need an email list before you create the group
In families, friend groups, classes or chat groups, the organizer often knows the names but not every email address. That should not block the Secret Santa setup.
Create the group in Wichtlify, add the participants and use email addresses only where they are actually helpful. The main requirement is a correct participant list before the draw.
Works well for
- Family groups
- Friend groups
- Classes and clubs
- Existing chat groups
Participation
Personal links keep participation easy
After the secret draw, the organizer shares the right personal link with each participant. The link can be opened in the browser, so participants do not need to install an app just to see who they are giving to.
If your group already coordinates in a chat, you can share Wichtlify links in WhatsApp or another channel the group already uses.
Basic flow
- Create the group
- Add participants
- Run the secret draw
- Share personal links
Keep links private
The right link needs to reach the right person
A personal link is meant for exactly the person who receives it. If a link is forwarded to the wrong person, the secret assignment can be spoiled.
That is why the invitation text should be simple: open only your own link, do not forward it, and ask the organizer if something does not work. The link keeps participation easy, but it still needs to reach the right person.
Tell the group
- Open only your own link
- Do not forward links
- Ask the organizer if needed
- Keep the assignment secret
Accounts
An account can still make sense for people who use Wichtlify more often
The no-email setup is mainly about reducing the work for participants. People who use the app can still sign in with Apple, Google or email, and that can be useful when they want easier access later.
If you want the complete online setup with group creation, exclusions, wishes and personal links, prepare the full online Secret Santa round.
Account is useful when
- Someone uses the app
- They want easier return access
- The group repeats later
- They prefer Apple, Google or email login
Next steps
If personal links are only one part of the setup
Start with personal links when email collection is the blocker. Then continue with rules, draw logic or the full online round if the group needs more structure.
Secret Santa on WhatsApp
For groups that want to use Wichtlify for the draw and share personal links in an existing chat.
Share links in chatSecret Santa online
Explains the full online setup with group creation, participants, exclusions, draw and personal links.
Prepare the full round
Draw explained
Shows why each person sees only their own assignment and how exclusions affect the draw.
Understand the draw
Secret Santa rules
Useful before inviting everyone when budget, gift type, handover and link rules still need agreement.
Set rules first
Secret Santa with kids
For kids rounds where parents or responsible adults open personal links and help with the gift.
Plan kids Secret Santa without child emailSecret Santa generator
For organizers who want to add names, save exclusions and run the secret draw directly.
Start the secret draw setupFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I run online Secret Santa without collecting email addresses?
Yes. The organizer needs an account, but participants can be added by name. Email addresses are optional when adding participants.
Do participants need to install the app?
No. Participants can open their personal link in the browser. App users can also sign in with Apple, Google or email if they prefer.
How do I share the personal links?
Share each personal link through the channel your group already uses, such as WhatsApp, Signal, Teams, Slack or direct messages.
Can I still use exclusions without participant emails?
Yes. Exclusions are connected to the participants in the group and need to be saved before the draw.
Does the draw stay secret?
Yes, as long as each person opens only their own link and links are not forwarded to the wrong person.
What should I tell the group?
Tell everyone to open only their own link, keep the assignment secret and contact the organizer if the link does not work.
Start Secret Santa without an email list
Create the group in Wichtlify, run the secret draw and share personal links through the channel your group already uses.
Start without an email list