Family Secret Santa without the drama
Big family, one gift each, and nobody wants to draw their own spouse. Here's how to run a family Secret Santa that's fair, secret and easy for everyone from the kids to the grandparents.
Keep couples apart
Mark partners when you set up the group and they'll never draw each other. HushSanta also avoids repeating last year's matches, so everyone gets someone new.
Kids and grandparents can play too
Not everyone has email. Link a child to a parent's email, or copy their private link and send it by text or WhatsApp. No one needs an account or a password.
The organizer plays too
In most families the organizer is also a participant. Because matches stay hidden even from the person who runs the draw, they get a surprise like everyone else.
Wishlists end the guessing
Ask everyone to add two or three ideas. Santas see their match's list, can ask an anonymous question, and get budget-friendly ideas from the gift guides.
Pick a budget everyone's comfortable with
Family exchanges often land between $25 and $50. Put the budget in the exchange so there's no awkward conversation later.
Questions
Can someone who drops out be replaced after the draw?
Yes. Remove them and only the one or two people affected get new matches. Everyone else keeps theirs.
Does it work in French for bilingual families?
Yes. Each person can use English or French, including the emails.