DrawNames Alternative With No Email

What DrawNames does well

DrawNames has been around a long time and keeps things simple: you list the people, set the rules, and it draws names. That simplicity is its strength. If your group already knows how it works and you only want a draw, there is not much to improve.

We do not want to guess at current limits, email handling or plans. As of late 2026, check DrawNames for how it delivers results and what the current options are.

When people switch

They want guests to join themselves from one link, rather than the organizer typing everyone in.
They do not want to collect email addresses, for example for a classroom, a church group or teens.
They want wishlists and a way to ask questions without giving themselves away.
They want the organizer to be unable to see who has whom.

Want to skip collecting emails? Create a group and share one link. Create your group, free

How Hollyhush differs

In Hollyhush the organizer creates the group, shares one invite link, and people type a first name to join. There is no email, app or account. Up to 50 people are free. You can add couples and can't-draw rules, and Hollyhush warns you if the rules make a draw impossible.

After the draw, each person sees who they got along with the budget and swap date. Nobody else can see the matches, including the organizer, unless show me everything is on. People can chat anonymously with the person they buy for and with their own Santa, which helps with sizes and favorites. See Secret Santa with no email for the full flow.

Where DrawNames or a simple site may be the better pick

Hollyhush also does not send email reminders (see how to organize a Secret Santa for a reminder plan), so if your group depends on reminder emails, check what DrawNames or other tools currently offer.

You want a minimal tool and you already have everyone's details in a list.
Your group is used to it and you do not want to change anything.
You prefer to type all the names yourself and send the results your own way.

Side by side

Where we are not sure about the other site, the table says to check it. Do that before you decide.

How to decide in two minutes

Count your group. Hollyhush is free up to 50 people; check other sites for their limits.
Ask if everyone can join from a link, or if you must collect names and emails yourself.
Decide if you want chat and wishlists, or only the draw.
Decide whether the organizer should be able to see the matches. The Secret Santa generator shows how Hollyhush handles that.
Try the one that fits, then set the budget and swap date in the invite, as covered in Secret Santa rules.

As of late 2026. Features change; check each site.
Criteria	Hollyhush	DrawNames
Signup needed	No, first name only	Check their site
Email needed	No	Check their site
Wishlists	Yes	Check their site
Exclusions	Yes, with an impossible-draw check	Exclusions are widely supported on name drawing sites; check their site for details
Anonymous chat	Yes	Check their site
App needed	No, works in a browser	Check their site
Group size	Free up to 50	Check their site
Best for	Self-join links, privacy, chat	A simple, familiar draw

Frequently asked questions

Is there a DrawNames alternative with no email?

Yes. In Hollyhush people join with a first name from one link. No email is collected.

Is DrawNames free?

We do not quote prices. As of late 2026, check the DrawNames site for current free and paid options.

Can the organizer see who has whom in Hollyhush?

No. Nobody can see the matches, even the organizer, unless the show me everything option is turned on.

How many people can join a Hollyhush group?

Up to 50 people per group, free.

Can I set couples not to draw each other?

Yes. Add couples and can't-draw rules, and Hollyhush tells you if the rules make a draw impossible.

Does Hollyhush have wishlists?

Yes. People can add wishlists that their Santa can see.

A DrawNames alternative