The year is 2004. Your look is all about layered lace tank tops, a blouse, a ruffled mini-skirt and a pair of leggings underneath. Jack from accounts doesn’t realise it’s inappropriate to ask a woman when she’s due. And the office Kris Kringle is decided by drawing names out of a coffee mug. The novelty! Fast forward 20 years and fortunately, the festivities are being celebrated a little differently. And, while creepy colleague comments are best handled by your HR department, we can help with the annual office gift exchange by recommending these 10 excellent Secret Santa apps.
1. DrawNames | Kris Kringle App
DrawNames takes the headache out of the holiday gift swap by letting you draw names online. No more crumpled paper or name confusion! This app is super intuitive, allowing you to set gift price limits, preferences, and even wish lists. Whether you’re organising a small group or a big office-wide exchange, DrawNames will keep everything running smoothly. Plus, it offers a built-in gift suggestion feature, so you don’t even have to rack your brain for ideas!
2. Elfster
If you’re all about creating a fun, interactive experience with your Secret Santa, Elfster is the way to go. It packs nifty features, including wish lists, anonymous messaging, and the ability to set up group video calls (ideal for virtual holiday parties). You can even draw names at the click of a button, and the app will email everyone their matches to keep it a surprise. It’s easy to see why Elfster has become a favourite for many holiday enthusiasts.
3. Secret Santa – Wichtel App
This app, also known as Wichtel, is a perfect choice if you’re in need of a simple yet effective way to organise your gift exchange. The Wichtel app lets you create an event, set price limits, and then lets the app randomly assign who’s buying for whom. You can add special requests and check off whether you’ve bought your gift, making the entire process fun and stress-free. It’s particularly great for smaller groups or family gatherings.
4. Secret Santa Generator
No frills, just the essentials. Secret Santa Generator focuses on simplicity – just set up a group and start drawing names. This platform uses email or messenger. And, it operates quickly, efficiently, without getting bogged down by unnecessary features. If you’re just looking for a reliable app to do the basics, this one will have you covered without overwhelming you with options. Great for last-minute planners who just need to get the names sorted!
5. Secret Santa 22
Looking for a no-nonsense approach with some holiday cheer? Secret Santa 22 is a straightforward app that lets you create your exchange in minutes. The app ensures that no one is assigned to gift their own name, a mistake that can sometimes occur during the chaos of manual drawing. Plus, it lets you customise your gift list and set up easy-to-follow reminders so that no one forgets to get their gift in time.
6. Simple Secret Santa Generator
If you’re a fan of the basics with no extra fluff, this app has you covered. The Simple Secret Santa Generator does exactly what its name suggests – generates a Secret Santa gift list. You input names, and voila, the app sorts your gift exchange. It’s perfect for smaller groups who prefer to keep things as streamlined as possible.
7. My Wish List
My Wishlist’s Secret Santa generator simplifies organising gift exchanges by allowing participants to draw names via WhatsApp or email. The tool offers features like exclusions (to prevent certain people from drawing each other), optional wishlists to guide gift selection, and the ability to ask questions anonymously. It’s easy to use, free, and designed to make Secret Santa gifting more convenient and fun. You can get started on their website.
8. My Secret Santa Co
MySanta is a website that helps organiwe Secret Santa gift exchanges. You can set up a game, invite participants via a special link, and track who gives gifts to whom. It supports remote play, making it ideal for friends, family, or coworkers across different locations. The platform provides personalized gift suggestions based on player wishlists, and you can choose from several pricing plans depending on the number of players
9. Giftster – Family Wish Lists
Giftster stands out for those family-oriented Secret Santa exchanges. It allows you to create wish lists for everyone involved, making gift shopping a breeze. This app doesn’t stop at Christmas; it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion involving gift-giving. It keeps track of the list in real time, meaning no more “I forgot to get you something” moments. It’s family-friendly and users can use it throughout the year.
10. Santa’s Secret Keeper
Santa’s Secret Keeper offers a bit of whimsy along with practicality. You can set up a Secret Santa exchange, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The app gives participants the chance to reveal clues or even send secret messages to their assigned giftee – adding a touch of mystery to the process. It’s particularly fun for younger crowds or those who like a bit of intrigue in their holiday celebrations.
Need a little more information on what to gift? Check out our guide to Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Under $50!
