Core game rules
Use these rules as the default version for most office, family, and friends gift exchanges.
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Helpful questions
What are the basic Secret Santa rules?
Agree on participants and a budget, draw one recipient per person privately, share useful clues, set a delivery or exchange date, and keep assignments secret unless the group chooses a reveal at the end.
How do you stop someone drawing their own name?
Use a draw method that can block self-matches and duplicate assignments, or have a neutral organiser check the result privately. If a paper draw fails, redraw discreetly rather than announcing every assignment.
What happens if someone drops out?
Tell the organiser immediately. The organiser can redraw affected assignments, buy a backup gift, or remove a matched pair depending on timing, but should protect the remaining names and avoid revealing who had whom.
Should Secret Santa gifts stay anonymous?
Either approach works if it is agreed in advance. Anonymous gifts add mystery, while a reveal makes thank-yous easier; the organiser should state the plan before names are drawn so participants can label gifts correctly.