A Giftster alternative
Giftster is mainly a wishlist and registry tool for families, so it solves a different problem than a Secret Santa draw. If you want both the draw and the lists, you can pair two tools or use Hollyhush, which does the draw, wishlists and anonymous chat from one link with no signup.
What Giftster is for
Giftster is known as a gift list tool for families. People keep lists of things they want, and relatives can see them. That is useful all year, for birthdays and holidays, not just one swap.
That is different from a draw tool, which picks who buys for whom. Features and plans change, so as of late 2026 check Giftster for what it includes today, including whether it has a name draw.
Wishlist tool or draw tool?
Decide which problem hurts. If everyone buys for everyone and the pain is guessing sizes, you need lists. If the pain is who buys for whom, you need a draw. Many groups need both.
- Lists matter most: a wishlist or registry tool, kept all year.
- Fair draw matters most: a generator or draw tool.
- One swap with lists and a draw: an all-in-one like Hollyhush, or two tools side by side.
Using a wishlist with a Secret Santa
- Draw names first with a draw tool such as the Secret Santa generator.
- Ask each person to add a short list with three to five items under the budget.
- Tell Santas to read the list before shopping, and to stay inside the budget even if the list has pricier items.
- Allow a few open-ended lines like favorite snack or color, for people who hate lists. A questionnaire does the same job.
Get the draw and wishlists in one place, with no signup for guests. Create your group, free
Hollyhush as a combined option
In Hollyhush each person can add a wishlist, and their Santa sees it after the draw. The organizer shares one link, guests type a first name, and there is no app, account or email. Chat is anonymous, so you can ask about sizes without revealing yourself. Free up to 50 people.
What it does not do: it is a swap tool, not a year-round family registry. Lists live with the group and the group is deleted 60 days after the swap date. If you want lists to last through birthdays and next year, a dedicated wishlist tool is the better fit. Our wishlist template helps either way.
Which to pick
- Pick a family wishlist tool for lists that last all year.
- Pick Hollyhush for one holiday swap with draw, lists and chat, with no accounts.
- Use both if you want permanent lists plus a quick draw.
| Criteria | Hollyhush | Giftster |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Draw names, chat and wishlists for one swap | Gift lists and registries for families |
| Signup needed | No, first name only | Check their site |
| Email needed | No | Check their site |
| Wishlists | Yes, shown to your Santa | Yes, a core feature |
| Exclusions | Yes, with an impossible-draw check | Check their site |
| 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 | One holiday swap with lists | Year-round family lists |
Frequently asked questions
What is Giftster used for?
Giftster is mainly a wishlist and registry tool for families. People add what they want and relatives view the lists.
Is there a Secret Santa tool with wishlists?
Yes. Hollyhush lets each person add a wishlist that their Santa can see, alongside the draw.
Can I use two tools together?
Yes. Draw with one tool and share lists with another. Just tell people which link is which.
Do wishlists spoil the surprise?
Not usually. A short list under the budget keeps the gift useful. Add an open-ended line for people who want to be surprised.
Will my wishlist stay after the swap?
In Hollyhush, groups delete 60 days after the swap date. Use a long-term list tool if you want lists to persist.
Try it now
A draw takes about a minute. No signup, no email, a private link for everyone.
Create your group, free- Couples & exclusions
- Wishlists & anonymous questions
- Deletes itself in 60 days
Ready when you are
Make a draw in a minute. No signup, no email, private links for everyone.