VennFind a date for your Secret Santa swap.
Before anyone draws a name, find the night everyone can be there to swap gifts. Share one link, and Venn shows where everyone overlaps.
Start a Secret Santa pollOpens with Secret Santa filled in, plus a note about drawing names and the gift budget.
How to organize a Secret Santa
- Find the date first. Everyone needs to be at the swap, so settle the night before drawing names.
- Offer a few evenings. Early to mid December works best, before people travel.
- Set the budget in the note. The template suggests one. Change it, and add a theme if you like.
- Pick the date, then draw names. Venn finds the date; it doesn't draw names. Pull them from a hat, or use any name-drawing app.
Tips for a Secret Santa that goes well
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Agree on a budget
Twenty to thirty dollars is common among friends. Saying it up front avoids awkward moments.
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Share wish lists
A few ideas each makes shopping easier and gifts better.
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Pick a theme, maybe
Books, something handmade, or under ten dollars: a theme makes it more fun.
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Keep it a secret
Only the gift giver should know. Finn won't tell.
A sample Secret Santa timeline
- Four weeks beforeSend the Venn poll with a few evenings.
- Three weeks beforePick the date, then draw names.
- Two weeks beforeShare wish lists and the budget.
- One week beforeWrap the gifts and send a reminder.
- Swap nightOpen the gifts and guess who gave what.
Questions
How do I organize a Secret Santa?
Find a date everyone can make, set a budget, draw names, and swap gifts on the night. Venn helps with the first step: one link, and everyone marks the dates that work.
Does Venn draw the names?
No. Venn finds the date. Draw names from a hat, or with any name-drawing app, once the date is set.
What is a good Secret Santa budget?
Twenty to thirty dollars is common among friends. Put it in the poll's note so everyone sees it.
Is Venn free?
Yes. Venn is free and open source, with no ads and no tracking.