Office Secret Santa: How to Run It at Work
For an office Secret Santa, put everyone\u2019s names into SantaDraw, set a budget and exchange date, then send each colleague their private link by Slack, Teams or email. Nobody needs an account, and the organizer can take part without seeing the matches.
Five steps for a work exchange
- Make it opt-in and collect names (up to 200 per draw).
- Agree a modest budget, often $10–$25.
- Add exclusions if needed, such as a manager and their direct report, in the exclusions section.
- Draw in the Secret Santa generator and send links by direct message, or use the optional email button.
- Set the exchange date in the notes; it shows on every private page.
Remote and hybrid teams
Ask people to add shipping hints to their wish list, which only their Santa can read, and give two to three weeks for delivery. Anonymous questions help when people do not know each other well.
Gift ideas
See gift ideas for coworkers and ideas under $20. Prefer a party game? Try a White Elephant instead.
Frequently asked questions
How much should an office Secret Santa cost?
Most workplaces choose $10 to $25 so everyone can join comfortably. Put the budget in the draw notes so it shows on every link.
Do colleagues need to sign up?
No. Each person gets a private link you can send by Slack, Teams, chat or the optional email button.
Can the organizer join in?
Yes. The full results are hidden behind two confirmations, so the organizer can take part without seeing the matches.
How many people can be in one draw?
From 3 up to 200 names per draw.
What if someone loses their link?
The organizer can copy it again or keep a CSV backup of all links.