Gift Exchange Rules
Gift exchange rules for Secret Santa or Kris Kringle can differ per celebration and also depend on who you’re celebrating with. There are always a few ground rules though.
- Set a price limit
Decide on a maximum amount of money you’re allowed to spend beforehand. You don’t want people feeling guilty or disappointed. - Set a date
Let everyone know when the secret santa gift exchange will take place, so everyone will know when to start shopping. - Kind of presents
Decide on the kind of presents you’ll be giving each other. Are funny gifts allowed or should all presents be thoughtful? - Gift wrapping rules
Some people like to go all out when wrapping their presents. Others will think a plastic bag will do the job. Be clear what you expect from people. Also, make sure that people label their presents. - Secret Santa revealed or not?
Will you be revealing Secret Santa’s identity or will it forever remain a mystery? Decide this before the actual celebration. If you decide to not reveal who got whom, make sure everyone knows and doesn’t fill out the from part on their labels.
Drawing names
Once you’ve decided on the above, let the name drawing commence. Have everyone write down their names and a few things they’d like to get on a piece of paper. Then put all the names into a hat, basket or bowl and have everyone draw a paper one-by-one.
Draw Names Now
Secret Santa Online
An easier way to this is to draw names online. There are different online Secret Santa generators that you can use for this. The advantage of doing it this way is that you don’t have to get together before the actual celebration. There’s also no risk of you getting yourself or of losing your drawn name.
A few extra tips
- Do some research on you drawn name
Try to find out a little more about this person. What or his or her hobbies? Does he or she like working out, reading, playing games? Ask some questions, but don’t make it to obvious. You don’t want to give yourself away. Using online drawnames’ Secret Santa organizer, could help you out with this. This tool actually makes it possible for you to ask questions anonymously. - Send a reminder before your gift exchange
Most people are very busy before Christmas. Be sure they don’t forget about your gift exchange and send them a (subtle) reminder. - Buy your presents online
When you do decide to use an online gift exchange generator, you can also buy your presents online immediately. drawnames has a gift finder which can help you decide what to put on your wish list. It can also be useful when you’re trying to find a proper gift for your giftee.
Have fun playing!