Draw Names Generator for Secret Santa and Gift Exchanges

Need to draw names for a gift exchange? Type the names, add anyone who should not draw each other, and press Draw names. Nobody draws themselves, your rules are always respected, and each person sees only their own match when you pass the screen around. It runs in your browser: no emails, no accounts, and the list never leaves your device.

How to play Draw Names Generator

• Type one name per line (3 to 60 people). If two people share a first name, add a last initial.
• Optional: under Who must not draw each other, write couples or family as Ava & Ben, one rule per line. You can also list a whole group on one line, like Ava, Ben, Cy.
• Choose No swaps so two people never draw each other, or One big loop so everyone sits in a single chain (the whole group is linked, and nobody can be left in a small closed circle).
• Press Draw names. Hand the device to the first person, who taps to see who they give to, then taps Hide and pass.
• Set a budget and exchange date to show them on every match. Draw again re-shuffles with the same rules; the organizer can open Show full list if someone loses their slip.

Controls

• Tap or click the buttons. Names and rules are saved on this device only.

Tips

• Add exclusions for couples and housemates, otherwise you will end up with gifts that are shopped for from the same bag.
• With 3 people, a draw is always a loop, so "No swaps" and "One big loop" give the same result.
• More rules means fewer possible draws; if the tool says no draw fits, remove one rule.
• Send the questionnaire below before the draw so everyone has ideas ready.

Secret Santa questionnaire: 15 questions to copy or print

Give each person these questions before the draw (or ask them to answer after), so the gift giver has real ideas. Copy the list into a message, or use your browser's print command on this page.

1. What is your favorite color?
2. What is your favorite snack, candy or sweet treat?
3. What do you drink in the morning (coffee, tea, something else)?
4. What are your hobbies?
5. Which stores or websites do you like to shop at?
6. What is your favorite book, show or game right now?
7. Is there something you have been wanting but would never buy yourself?
8. What do you collect, or what would you like more of?
9. Do you have any allergies or scents you cannot stand?
10. What size do you wear (if clothing is on the table)?
11. What is your favorite scent or flavor?
12. What could you use at work or at home?
13. What do you like to do on a day off?
14. What would be a gift you would never want?
15. Anything else your Secret Santa should know?

How the draw works

The generator tries random matches and rejects any that break a rule: nobody draws themselves, no blocked pair is matched, and (if chosen) no two people swap or the matches form one loop. It checks every finished draw again before showing it. If your rules leave no possible draw, it tells you instead of looping forever. Everything is computed in your browser.

Secret Santa ideas that go with it

Christmas party games · Christmas trivia · Christmas charades · holiday this or that · Christmas would you rather

FAQ

How do you draw names for Secret Santa?

Write every participant on a list, give each person exactly one other person to buy for, and keep the matches secret until the exchange. This tool does the draw for you and shows each match privately, so the organizer does not have to know who has whom.

How do you draw names fairly with couples?

Add each couple as an exclusion, like "Ava & Ben". The draw will never match them to each other, and every other match stays random.

What does "no swaps" mean?

A swap happens when two people draw each other. Turning on No swaps makes every match one-way, which feels more like a real surprise.

What does "one big loop" do?

It forms a single chain, so A gives to B, B to C, and so on until the last person gives back to A. It is a good choice if you want to show the chain order at the party.

Do I need to enter emails?

No. Names stay in your browser and are never sent anywhere. To keep the matches secret, pass your phone around and let each person tap to see their own match.

What is a good budget for a Secret Santa?

There is no rule: groups commonly pick a round number everyone is comfortable with, like $15 to $25 at work or a small amount for a family. Enter it in the budget box and it shows on every match.

What if someone forgets who they drew?

Open Show full list as the organizer and look up their name. Only the organizer should do this.

Can I use it for something other than Secret Santa?

Yes. Any exchange where each person gets exactly one other person works: white-elephant partners, a birthday gift swap, pen pals, or an office kindness week.