Secret Santa: rules, etiquette and ideas

Secret Santa means everyone buys one present instead of lots, so it’s a good way to keep Christmas manageable. The debt charity StepChange suggests it too: its Christmas tips include “set spending limits or try Secret Santa”, and talking openly about this with friends and family.

How to run it

1. Agree who’s in. Make joining optional. Some people would rather sit it out, and that’s fine.
2. Agree a spending limit together and stick to it. The fun is in finding something clever within the limit, not in spending more.
3. Draw names fairly. Put names in a hat, or use a free online name-drawing tool that emails each person their match, which suits remote teams.
4. Set a date and a place for the swap, and a deadline for wrapping.
5. Share a few hints. A short wish list or three “likes” per person helps a lot, especially at work where people don’t know each other well.

Etiquette for office Secret Santa

• Keep it kind. Jokes that could embarrass someone in front of colleagues — about age, appearance, weight or religion — aren’t funny on the day.
• Think about dietary needs and alcohol. Not everyone drinks, and some people avoid certain foods. If you don’t know, choose something non-edible.
• Label it clearly, so nothing goes astray at the swap.
• Say thank you, even if it isn’t your thing.

Ideas that work for almost anyone

• Something for the desk: a small plant, a quality notebook or a desk toy.
• Something cosy: bed socks, Christmas socks or a hot chocolate set.
• Something to do: a quick card game or a brain-teaser puzzle.
• Something useful: a reusable coffee cup or a keyring torch.

See all our Secret Santa and colleague ideas or try the gift finder.