White Elephant Club
Simple exchange setup

Secret Santa Rules

Simple Secret Santa rules for drawing names, setting budgets, collecting questionnaires, swapping gifts, and keeping the exchange fair.

Core game rules

Use these rules as the default version for most office, family, and friends gift exchanges.

Rule 1
How to run Secret Santa

Collect names, set a budget, draw one person per participant, share questionnaires, and choose a date for everyone to bring or deliver gifts.

  1. Set the budget
  2. Draw names privately
  3. Share questionnaires
  4. Set a deadline
  5. Decide whether gifts stay anonymous
Rule 2
Host tips

Secret Santa runs smoother when everyone has the same spending limit and enough hints. Send reminders early so nobody panic-buys on the day.

Printable
Secret Santa checklist

Use this as a host checklist before you collect names and set the budget.

Printable version

Classic White Elephant Rules

Best for most office, family, and friends gift exchanges

Setup: One wrapped gift per person. Draw numbers. Open or steal on your turn. Two steals freezes a gift. Player one gets the final choice.
  1. 1. How to run Secret SantaCollect names, set a budget, draw one person per participant, share questionnaires, and choose a date for everyone to bring or deliver gifts.
  2. 2. Host tipsSecret Santa runs smoother when everyone has the same spending limit and enough hints. Send reminders early so nobody panic-buys on the day.

Host tip: Read the rules once before player one opens the first gift so everyone understands the steal limit.

Keep planning

Secret Santa Gift IdeasNamed-recipient gift guideSecret Santa QuestionnairePrintable clue sheetSecret Santa GeneratorQuick named-recipient ideas

Helpful questions