The limit
Most offices pick a small round amount, about the price of a lunch out. Keep it the same for everyone, and low enough that the newest junior can join without feeling pressure.
- Say “up to”, never “around”.
- Put the limit in the draw.
- Point people to ideas at that price.
Drawing names
- Start a group link and post it in the team chat.
- Everyone adds their name.
- Block pairs such as managers and direct reports, then tap Lock and draw.
- Each person opens the group link again to see who they're buying for.
Keep your organizer link to yourself: it manages the group. Already have every name? Paste them in and send each person a private link instead.
Managers join as one more name, with the same limit.
Office-safe gifts
Think of the gift opened at a desk, with the boss watching. If it feels right, it passes.
Skip scents, clothing sizes, personal comments, political or religious items, and alcohol unless everyone opted in.
Only give joke gifts if everyone says yes. Never make one person the joke.
Remote teams
- Send your address to your giver in a private chat. You can use the office address instead.
- Open together on a call. Late parcels wait until next time.
- Allow another week abroad; order in the recipient's country.
- Send the questionnaire as a private chat message.
Use Slack or Teams for private links and questionnaire replies.
What to send
- Invite
We're doing a Secret Santa on [party date]. It's optional: reply "in" to me by [reply-by date] if you'd like to join. The limit is [amount], and that's the most anyone spends. Thanks, [your name].
- Names drawn
Names are drawn. Open the group link to see who you're buying for, and keep your match to yourself. Reply to me by [wish list date] with your questionnaire answers so your Santa has a clue.
- Buy-by reminder
Reminder: gifts should be bought by [buy-by date]. Keep them desk-friendly: nothing scented, nothing that needs a size, nothing personal. Wrap it and write the recipient's name on the tag.
- Remote team
Remote folks: ship straight to your person, and keep the parcel wrapped until our call on [call date]. If it arrives late, no stress, we'll open it next time.
- Tomorrow
Tomorrow's the day. Bring your wrapped gift to [place] when you arrive. We open at [time], one at a time, and guessing who your Santa was is allowed.
Gift ideas for a colleague
*Paid link
YETI Rambler everyday drink tumbler
Home-brewed coffee is still hot at the first meeting when it travels in this insulated YETI Rambler.
Hand it to the coworker who makes their own pot every morning and would rather skip the paper cup on the way in.
Jumbo Hitster music party card game
Jumbo Hitster gives the team's resident music fan a game to host at the after-work social.
With the companion app open on one phone, the group guesses its way through popular hits, and everyone finally learns who really knows their music.
Hydro Flask Food Jar packed lunch container
Skipping the line at the office microwave is the point of this insulated food jar from Hydro Flask.
Soup or leftovers go in hot at home, then get eaten straight from it at the desk. At 8 ounces it holds a modest serving, right for a side of soup or a light lunch.
LEGO Botanicals water lily building set
Ages 9+ (LEGO) 259 pieces · set 11511
LEGO Botanicals Water Lilies give a desk-bound colleague a set of flowers that never need watering.
The 259 pieces go together over a few lunch breaks, a step or two at a time.
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