Everything you need to know about hosting a Secret Santa party

You’re hosting a Secret Santa party, how exciting! First of all, congratulations on choosing one of the most popular and fun Christmas activities to partake in during the holiday season. Everyone loves giving (and receiving) gifts. Not only is it a great way to bond, it’s also an excellent opportunity to show the lucky receiver of your Secret Santa gift how much they mean to you. Whether the budget is high or low, the best gifts are usually the ones with an original idea behind it.

Finding the perfect Secret Santa gift is easy

With personalised Secret Santa gifts you'll never bring an unoriginal gift to the party. We're here to give you many Secret Santa ideas to make the gift exchange a guaranteed success, whether you're on a budget or not. One of the most classic Secret Santa presents is a personalised Christmas mug with a funny or beautiful photo, add a quote or date to make it extra special! You can find all sorts of other types of mugs on our personalised mugs and glasses page. You could also decide to gift Christmas decorations, with products such as a Christmas Tree star, personalised Christmas baubles and Christmas letters with photos. If you're looking for a gift for your or someone else's child then maybe a stuffed animal is a great choice. Find many more Secret Santa gift ideas by browsing our Christmas shop! We're sure you'll find what you need for that lucky receiver of your gift.

How do you go about organising a Secret Santa party?

1. Set a Date and Time
Choose a date and time that works for most participants. Consider everyone's schedules and availability.
2. Create a guest list
Decide who you want to invite to participate. Make sure you have contact information for everyone.
3. Send invitations
Send out invitations well in advance. You can use digital invitations, social media, or traditional paper invites, our classic photo card is a great product for this! Include all necessary details such as date, time, location, and any special instructions.
4. Explain the rules
Clearly explain how the Secret Santa gift exchange works. Specify a budget range to ensure everyone spends a similar amount on gifts. Mention any themes or special guidelines.
5. Gather guest information
Collect names and possibly some details about each participant’s likes, dislikes, and interests to help the gift-givers choose appropriate presents. You can use an online form or a simple survey.
6. Draw names
Use an online Secret Santa generator or draw names from a hat to randomly assign each person a recipient. Ensure that the pairings are kept secret.
7. Communicate who buys which gift for who
Send each participant the name of the person they are buying a gift for, along with any relevant information about their preferences.
8. Plan the party details
Decide on the venue (someone’s home, the office,...) Arrange for some food and drinks and plan some entertainment or activities such as games, karaoke or a festive movie! They don’t have to be holiday themed.
9. Prepare for the gift exchange
Choose a designated area for the gifts. Maybe consider labelling all gifts with the name of the person that will receive it.
10. Host the party and thank your guests
When it’s time for the gift exchange, gather everyone and explain the process. You can go in a circle, draw numbers, or use another method to distribute the gifts. After the party, thank everyone for coming and participating. You can send a follow-up message or note to express your appreciation. Good luck!