Secret Santa Rules, Questionnaire & Gift Ideas

Secret Santa rules (the simple version)

1. Everyone draws one name and buys a gift for that person only.
2. Keep it secret until the gifts are opened (or forever, if your group prefers).
3. Stick to the budget. Spending far more or far less makes people uncomfortable.
4. Respect the questionnaire and any allergies or “please don’t” items.
5. Bring your gift wrapped and labelled with the recipient’s name by the agreed date.
6. Keep it inclusive at work: no gag gifts that could embarrass or offend.

How to organise Secret Santa in 5 steps

1. Pick a date and budget — ideally three to four weeks before the exchange.
2. Collect names and any couples who shouldn’t draw each other.
3. Draw names with the free Secret Santa generator. It sends everyone a private link, so even the organiser can join in without knowing the matches.
4. Share the questionnaire below in your group chat or email.
5. Exchange gifts at the party, or post them for remote teams.

Secret Santa questionnaire (copy and share)

SECRET SANTA QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name: 
2. Favourite colour: 
3. Favourite snack or sweet treat: 
4. Favourite drink (coffee order, tea, wine, etc.): 
5. Hobbies or interests: 
6. Favourite store or website: 
7. Favourite scent (candles, lotion): 
8. Clothing size (if you’re happy to share): 
9. Things you collect: 
10. Allergies or foods to avoid: 
11. Something you need but would never buy yourself: 
12. Please don’t buy me…: 

Paste it into your group chat, an email or a shared doc. Ask everyone to answer before you draw names, then send each person their match’s answers.

How much to spend on Secret Santa

Secret Santa gift ideas by budget

Under $10 / £10

1. Fancy hot chocolate or coffee sampler
2. Cosy socks
3. Mini hand cream set
4. A good pen or notebook
5. Lip balm and hand warmer
6. Local bakery treats
7. Phone stand
8. Pocket card game

Under $20 / £20

1. Scented candle
2. Plant or succulent
3. Paperback from their favourite genre
4. Reusable coffee cup
5. Desk organiser
6. Board game for two
7. Bath bombs or face masks
8. Gourmet snack box

Under $50 / £50

1. Wireless charger
2. Cosy throw blanket
3. Bluetooth tracker tag
4. Cookbook plus a spice set
5. Experience voucher (cinema, climbing, class)
6. Insulated water bottle
7. Quality knit beanie and gloves
8. Portable speaker

Fun Secret Santa variations

• Something you want, need, wear, read: four small gifts instead of one.
• Theme year: everything handmade, second-hand, local or under one colour.
• Guess who: after opening, everyone guesses their Santa.
• White elephant swap: gifts can be stolen — see our white elephant rules.