An odd number: why it works
People often picture Secret Santa as a set of pairs. In fact, the draw makes a chain: each person gives to the next, and the last one gives to the first. With five people, for example:
Léa gives to Tom gives to Inès gives to Hugo gives to Grandma Jo gives to Léa
Everyone gives one gift and receives one, whatever the number of participants. The draw can also make several smaller chains: that works just as well.
| Participants | What to know |
|---|---|
| 2 | No secret possible: each person knows who is buying for them |
| 3 | It works, but everyone can work out the whole chain: if you buy for Tom, Tom has to buy for the third person, who buys for you |
| 4 or more | The secret holds: nobody can work out who is buying for them |
| Large group | No limit. Think about exclusions for couples, and wish lists: people know each other less well |
Couples: keep them from drawing each other
Buying for your own partner in a Secret Santa misses the point: they need one more gift, and they already know who chose it. The fix is an exclusion: you name the two people who shouldn’t draw each other.
- Add one exclusion per couple, and maybe between siblings who already exchange gifts.
- Another option: a couple plays as one person. They draw one name, give a joint gift and receive one.
- Don’t pile up exclusions in a small group: at some point, no draw is possible. Rimbi checks the draw is still possible before running it.
Run your Secret Santa with Rimbi
Name draw with exclusions, guests without the app by text or email, wish lists and group gifts. Free for up to 20 people, no ads.
Coming soon to iPhone and Android
Kids, even without a phone
Kids love Secret Santa, as long as they get a little help:
- A parent discovers the draw with the child and helps them choose and wrap the gift.
- A suitable budget, or two separate draws: kids among themselves, adults among themselves.
- A wish list filled in with the child, or their letter to Santa.
- A child doesn’t draw their own parents: they already give them gifts.
In Rimbi, a parent creates their child’s profile, with no account or phone, and discovers the draw with them through a special animation. Who is buying for the child stays secret, even from the parents.
Other tricky cases
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Someone joins after the draw | Redo the draw, or adjust it: in Rimbi, only one person’s draw changes |
| Someone drops out | Whoever was buying for them takes over the person they were buying for |
| The organizer wants to play | An online draw: they see their own name like everyone else, and nothing more |
| Someone can’t make it on the day | They mail their gift, or hand it to someone who’ll be there |
| Everyone should buy for several people | Each person draws two or three names: handy in a small group |
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Secret Santa with three people?
Yes, but everyone can work out who is buying for them: if you buy for Tom, Tom has to buy for the third person, who buys for you. For a real secret, you need at least four people.
Can you do Secret Santa with two people?
Not really: each person necessarily knows the other is buying for them. With two, just agree on a budget and surprise each other.
Can a couple take part as one person?
Yes. The couple draws one name, gives a joint gift and receives one. It’s handy when the group has lots of couples.
From what age can a child take part?
As soon as they understand the idea and can keep a secret, with a parent helping them choose and wrap the gift. The youngest can simply receive a gift without giving one.