Secret Santa Generator

What is a Secret Santa Generator?

A Secret Santa generator is an online tool that randomly assigns each participant in a gift exchange to one other participant, so everyone gives one gift and receives one gift—and no one knows who has whom until the big reveal. It removes the hassle of drawing names from a hat and prevents anyone from getting themselves.

Our generator uses a fair random algorithm to create pairings instantly. You enter the names (one per line), click generate, and each person gets exactly one recipient. Perfect for office parties, family gatherings, friend groups, and holiday events.

How It Works

The tool shuffles the list of participants and assigns each person to the next person in the shuffled order, forming a closed loop. That way:

• Everyone gives exactly one gift and receives exactly one gift
• No one is assigned to themselves
• Pairings are random and change each time you generate

You can copy each pairing to share privately (e.g. by email or message) so only the giver knows who their recipient is. We recommend sharing results one-on-one to keep the "secret" in Secret Santa.

Average Group Sizes and Best Practices

There is no single "average" score for Secret Santa—the outcome is the set of pairings. What matters is that the group size is workable:

• Small groups (4–10): Easiest to coordinate; everyone can keep the secret easily.
• Medium groups (10–25): Common for offices or clubs; set a clear budget and deadline.
• Large groups (25–50): Our tool supports up to 50 names; consider setting a spending limit and reveal date.

Benefits of Using Our Secret Santa Generator

• Fair and random: No bias; each run gives a new set of pairings.
• Private: All processing happens in your browser; names are never sent to our servers.
• Quick: Enter names, click generate, and copy or share pairings in seconds.
• No sign-up: Free to use with no account or installation.
• Works on any device: Use on phone, tablet, or desktop for last-minute office or family draws.

Improvement Tips for a Great Secret Santa

• Set a clear budget (e.g. $15–$25) so everyone is on the same page.
• Agree on a reveal date (in person or virtual) so everyone knows when to bring their gift.
• Share pairings privately (email or DM) so only the giver knows their recipient.
• Allow optional wish lists or interests so givers have ideas without spoiling the surprise.
• Use our random number generator or spin the wheel for other party games or tie-breakers.

Frequently Asked Questions