Organise a Secret Santa with Happy Giftlist
Secret Santa is one of those traditions that sounds simple but always involves someone forgetting to send the invitation, drawing their own name, or buying completely the wrong thing. Happy Giftlist takes care of all that — so you can just enjoy the fun bit.
How the Secret Santa generator works
- Create your event: Add a name, set a budget, pick the date.
- Invite participants: Enter names and email addresses — they get their invitations automatically.
- Exclude awkward pairings: Don't want certain people drawing each other? Block those combinations upfront.
- Draw names: Everyone gets their Secret Santa assignment privately — no spoilers.
How to add gifts to your wishlist
If everyone adds a wishlist to the event, their Secret Santa knows exactly what to buy. Here's how it works:
- Paste a URL: Found something you want? Copy the link and paste it in.
- Use the suggestion tool: Not sure yet? Browse by keyword or category for ideas.
- Add without a link: Just describe what you want — brand, colour, whatever helps.
Tips for finding the right Secret Santa gift
- Check their wishlist: If they've added one, it's the easiest shortcut there is.
- Do some detective work: A quick look at social media or a casual question to a mutual friend usually does it.
- Personalise it: Something with their name, a hobby reference, or an inside joke lands well every time.
Why Secret Santa works so well
- Everyone gives and gets something: No one is left out, no doubles.
- Budget-friendly: One thoughtful gift instead of buying for the whole group.
- The surprise element: Not knowing who got you — or who you got — adds to the excitement.
Tips for a great Secret Santa
- Set a clear budget: Keeps it fair and removes any stress about spending too much or too little.
- Set a clear deadline: Give people enough time to actually find something good.
- Make it fun: A theme, a wrapping challenge, or a reveal game can turn a simple exchange into a full event.
Also create a wishlist
If you want a list for other occasions too — birthdays, Christmas in general, or just because — you can also create a wishlist on Happy Giftlist. Share it with anyone, any time.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free. Secret Santa, wishlists, group events — all of it, no charge.

