Secret Santa replaces a dozen gifts with one: each player draws a name and gives that person an anonymous present within an agreed budget. It works well in teams where people don’t know each other well enough for personal gifts.
Three ways to draw names
- Slips in a hat. If anyone draws their own name, everyone puts theirs back and you start over.
- An online draw. Free websites and Telegram bots send each player only their own recipient and can exclude couples.
- A chain. Shuffle the list; each person gives to the next, the last to the first. Nobody gets themselves, but the organiser knows every pair.
Messages
“Colleagues, we’re playing Secret Santa! Budget 800–1,000 RUB, sign up in this thread by 5 December, the draw is on the 6th, gifts are exchanged at the party on the 26th. Participation is voluntary.”
“Dear Santa, I like tea, board games and anything cosy. Please no sweets or cosmetics. Thank you!”
Collecting money for a party as well? See corporate party collection messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you run Secret Santa at work?
Announce it two or three weeks ahead, agree one budget for everyone, draw names, collect wish lists and set the exchange day. Participation is voluntary.
What budget should you set?
One that makes nobody drop out. A narrow range, such as 800–1,000 RUB, keeps gifts comparable.
What if someone draws their own name?
Everyone puts their slips back and you draw again. Redrawing for one person can leave the last player with their own name.
A Party with a Shared Table?
Track who paid for food, decorations and the venue — and who owes whom at the end.
Create Free Group 🚀