Common questions
Do I need an account or email to run a Secret Santa draw?
No. The host creates a room with a room name and their own name, and guests join with a name. Nobody signs up or gives an email address. Each person gets a personal link, so save it to come back.
How do people join a room?
Share the six-character room code, the invite link or the QR code from the stage. A room holds up to 50 people, and at least 3 are needed to draw.
Can the host see who drew whom?
No. The host sees who has joined and whether the draw is done. Each match appears only on that person's own page, and the shared stage shows sealed cards and an opened count, never pairings.
How do exclusions work?
Before drawing, the host can add pairs of people who must not draw each other, such as partners. Exclusions apply in both directions. The draw also never gives anyone themselves. If your exclusions leave no valid assignment, the draw does not run and you need to remove or relax one.
Can I stop two people from giving gifts to each other?
Yes. The host can turn on the option to avoid mutual pairs, where A gives to B and B gives to A. If that cannot be satisfied alongside your exclusions, the room tells you the draw used a mutual pair rather than failing.
Can I redraw after names are drawn?
No. The draw is final once it runs, so confirm the guest list, exclusions, budget and date first.
What can I put on a wish list?
Up to ten ideas, each up to 140 characters with an optional note of up to 280 characters, plus a delivery note of up to 280 characters. Your match can read it after the draw, and you can keep editing it.
Can I set a budget and exchange date?
Yes. The host can enter a budget with a currency and an exchange date in the room settings. The exchange date must be within 120 days of creating the room.
How long does a room last?
A room with only its host closes seven days after creation. Once a guest joins, it stays open for at least 60 days after creation, or 30 days after the exchange date if one is set, capped at 120 days after creation.
What if I lose my personal link?
There is no account recovery, because there is no account. Keep your personal link private and saved; anyone who has it can open your page.
Does the site track me or show ads?
Room, stage and personal pages make no third-party requests and carry no ads. Only public information pages load a cookieless Cloudflare Web Analytics beacon.
Is it free?
Yes. Creating and running a room costs nothing.