How to Run a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

A gift exchange is the easiest way to give everyone in a big group something fun without anyone spending a fortune. Whether it's your office, your family or a group of friends, here's how to run a Secret Santa or White Elephant from start to finish.

1. Pick your format: Secret Santa or White Elephant

Secret Santa works best when people know each other. Everyone draws one name and buys a gift just for that person, and the giver stays secret until the reveal.

White Elephant (also called Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa) works for any group, even people who barely know each other. Everyone brings one wrapped gift, and players take turns opening a new gift or stealing one that's already been opened.

2. Set a budget and a date

Pick one spending limit and put it in writing so nobody feels awkward. $15 to $25 works for most offices, and $25 to $50 is common for families and close friends. Set the exchange date at least two weeks out so everyone has time to shop, and longer if gifts need to ship.

3. Draw names the easy way

• Use name slips: write each name on a slip, fold it and have everyone draw. If someone pulls their own name, everyone puts theirs back and draws again.
• Keep couples apart: spouses and partners usually buy for each other anyway, so pull those pairs out before the draw.
• Share wish lists: ask everyone to list a few likes, sizes and favorite colors. It takes the guesswork out of shopping.
• Have a backup buyer: pick one person to cover a gift if someone drops out at the last minute.

4. White Elephant rules that keep it fun

• Everyone draws a number. Player 1 opens a gift.
• Each player after that can open a new gift or steal an opened one.
• A player whose gift is stolen picks again: open a new one or steal a different gift.
• No stealing back a gift that was just taken from you on the same turn.
• A gift is "frozen" after it's been stolen three times.
• When every gift is open, player 1 gets one last chance to swap.

5. Gift ideas that work for almost anyone

• A cozy blanket, mug and hot cocoa set
• A board game or card game
• A phone charger, power bank or earbuds
• A gift card to a coffee shop or local restaurant
• Something funny that still gets used, like a novelty sweatshirt

6. Make the reveal a moment

For Secret Santa, go around the room and have everyone guess who their Santa was before the giver speaks up. For White Elephant, hand out quick awards when it's over, like Most Stolen Gift, Best Wrapping and Funniest Gift.

Turning it into a full party? Add the Christmas Party Games Pack and wrap everything with matching gift tags and labels. See all Christmas printables.