Email notifications (optional)
If you organize primarily using your cell phone, also take a look at Secret Santa via WhatsApp. For couples or teams, use the separate exclusions guidance for Secret Santa.
Online Secret Santa
Organize a Secret Santa group online – everything you need to know
During Secret Santa, each person randomly draws another person and gives them a gift - anonymously or openly, depending on the round. Internationally this is often called Secret Santa. Variants:
- Admin registers and creates the group.
- Register members & share private links via WhatsApp/email.
- Set budget & deadline, optionally activate wish lists.
- Start the draw – fair distribution without doubles or self-draws.
At a glance
What to clarify before you start
- 1Rolls & Links
- 2Add members
- 3Email notifications (optional)
- 4Wishes & group information
- 5Draw: fair & error-tolerant
- 6Recommended setup (checklist)
Practical Guide
Rolls & Links
During Secret Santa, each person randomly draws another person and gives them a gift - anonymously or openly, depending on the round. Internationally this is often called Secret Santa. Variants:
Synonyms/Regional: Engerl–Bengerl (AT), Julklapp (Northern German/Scandinavia), Wichteln/Adventwichteln, etc.
Add members
Wichtlify takes care of your coordination, but remains flexible. These are the building blocks:
Members can enter their wishes at any time – before or after the draw.
Wishes & group information
Is an email mandatory for members? No. Email is optional. If you would like to receive notifications, please enter and confirm your address.
Practical tips for private groups, teams and community rounds
What happens to late participants? The admin can override the draw and draw again so that everyone is considered fairly.
When can you enter wishes? From the time of registration/investment – even before the draw.
Concrete implementation with Wichtlify
Wichtlify brings planning and setup together: you get practical ideas and a clear way to run fair, transparent draws.
From invitations to wish lists to the draw, all core elements stay in one place. Advanced features such as Smart Draw, Auto-Reminder and Insights are optionally available with Wichtlify Pro.
Wichtlify Pro
If you need more control: Wichtlify Pro
For larger or recurring rounds, Wichtlify Pro adds Smart Draw, emergency assistant, auto-reminder, admin broadcasts, insights and event status.
This allows you to reduce manual effort, react more quickly to changes and keep the group stable despite high dynamics.
FAQ
What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa means that each person is randomly assigned to another person and only gives them a gift. Wichtlify handles the draw digitally with clear rules.
How does Wichtlify work in practice?
Typical setup: Create a group, enter participants, set rules and budget, then draw and provide private results via the personal links.
Ready for the next step?
Start directly on your preferred platform and lead the group to the result without any detours.