# Secret Santa Generator

> A Secret Santa generator draws names so each person buys one gift for someone else, without anyone knowing who has them. This one shuffles everyone into a single chain, so nobody draws themselves and, with three or more people, no two people simply swap gifts. Each person gets a private link that reveals only their own match, so the organiser can join in without seeing the draw.

Source: https://rankcert.com/tools/secret-santa-generator
Free, no signup. Updated: 2026-10-26

## How to use it

1. Enter everyone's name, one per line.
2. Add any pairs who should not draw each other, like couples or housemates.
3. Set the budget, draw names, and send each person their private link.

## Popular Secret Santa budgets

Agree the budget before the draw. A fixed number avoids awkward mismatches on the day.

| Group | Typical budget | Tip |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Office or team | $15 - $25 | Keep it inclusive for every pay grade |
| Friends | $20 - $50 | Add a theme like 'something handmade' |
| Family | $25 - $100 | Exclude partners so couples don't draw each other |
| Kids | $10 - $20 | Ask each child for a short wish list |
| Online group | $10 - $30 | Collect addresses before the draw |

## Questions

### How does the Secret Santa generator work?

It shuffles the names into one chain and each person gives to the next, so everyone gives exactly one gift and receives exactly one. You then send each person a private link that shows only who they are buying for.

### Can I stop couples from drawing each other?

Yes. Add each pair on its own line, like 'Anna, Ben', and the draw will never match those two in either direction. If the exclusions make a draw impossible, the generator tells you.

### Do people need to sign up or give an email address?

No. There is no account and no email. You copy each private link and send it however you like - WhatsApp, Slack, text or email.

### Can the organiser take part without knowing the draw?

Yes. The links only show the result when opened, so send them without clicking them yourself and open only your own.

### What is the minimum number of people?

Three. With two people each simply buys for the other, so there is nothing to draw.

### Can two people end up buying for each other?

Not with three or more people. Everyone sits in one chain, so a direct swap between two people cannot happen.

### Is my list stored anywhere?

No. The draw runs in your browser. Each private link carries its own result inside it, so nothing is saved on a server.

### What is a good Secret Santa budget?

Most offices pick $15 to $25 and most friend groups $20 to $50. The key is that everyone agrees the same number before the draw.

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