How to run a remote Secret Santa that feels personal
Step-by-step checklist for hosting a remote Secret Santa: invite templates, rules for couples, wish lists, and reveal ideas.
Quick checklist
- Pick a budget and reveal date/time that works across time zones.
- Collect emails only—no spreadsheets—and send private invite links.
- Ask for wish lists early so Santas can shop without guesswork.
- Add no-pair rules for couples or repeat matches from last year.
- Agree on shipping deadlines and ask for mailing addresses.
- Do a short video reveal with cameras on for reactions.
Rules that avoid awkward draws
Make couples and teammates ineligible to draw each other, prevent repeat pairings from last year, and hide the full participant list so nobody can reverse-engineer the draw.
Add pairs who shouldn't match. The draw re-rolls until every restriction is met.
Assign before invites go out so guests can reveal instantly—no live randomizer chaos.
Each person gets a unique URL. They can't see anyone else's match or the full list.
Wish lists that make gifting easy
Ask participants for 3–5 ideas with sizes, links, or shipping notes. Encourage budget-friendly picks and a “wild card” option so Santas can pick quickly. If you use our app, the giver sees the wish list right under their reveal.
Sample agenda for a remote reveal
- 5 min — Quick hello and rules recap.
- 10 min — Everyone opens their private link and reveals their match.
- 10 min — Share wish lists; Santas ask clarifying questions.
- 10 min — Pick a shipping deadline and confirm addresses.
- 5 min — Decide on a wrap-up call date for the gift unboxing.
Ready to run yours?
Set up your draw, email private links, and collect wish lists in minutes.