A non-Christmas gift exchange

Names that include everyone

Whatever you call it, say in the invite what it is and that joining is optional. People who do not take part should be able to say no without explanation.

• Holiday gift swap: the safest plain choice for work.
• Winter gift exchange: works for a January swap or a December one.
• Gift swap: no season at all.
• Secret gift exchange: emphasizes the anonymous part.
• End-of-year gift exchange: good for a team that finishes a year together.

Holidays your group may observe

Many winter and year-round celebrations include gifts, but traditions differ a great deal, and a group of coworkers will include many different practices. Here are a few examples, described carefully. If you are unsure, ask the person.

• Hanukkah lasts eight nights and shifts dates each year. Gift giving varies by family. See Hanukkah gift exchange ideas.
• Diwali is the festival of lights, and sweets and small gifts are commonly shared in many families. Dates change each year.
• Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1, and gifts are often handmade or meaningful rather than expensive in many families.
• Lunar New Year falls in January or February, and red envelopes with money are a common tradition in many families. That is different from a gift swap, so do not replace it with one.
• Eid is celebrated at the end of Ramadan and, separately, at the Feast of the Sacrifice. Gifts and money for children are part of the tradition in many families.

Draw names for any holiday. One link, no app, no email. Create your group, free

Rules that keep an office swap inclusive

1. Make it optional, in writing, with no follow-up questions for people who decline.
2. Set one budget that fits the lowest earner on the team, such as $15 to $20.
3. Avoid religious imagery on the invite and the gifts unless you know the person wants it.
4. Choose a date that does not fall on a major observance for someone on the team.
5. Skip alcohol, or make a non-alcohol option, since not everyone drinks.
6. Keep gifts work-appropriate and food gifts clearly labeled for allergies.

Gift ideas that work for any tradition

Neutral gifts are the ones that stay useful regardless of the person's background: a good mug, a notebook, a plant, tea or coffee, a puzzle, a desk gadget, a book, a candle. Check Secret Santa gifts for coworkers for a longer list. For a food gift, ask about dietary needs through anonymous chat first.

Holding it at a different time

Nothing says the swap has to be in December. A winter gift exchange in early January avoids the crowded calendar and gives people more time. You can also run a birthday Secret Santa or other swaps across the year. See Secret Santa in summer for a warm-weather version.

Setting it up online

Create the group, name it with your neutral title, set the budget and swap date, and share one link. People type a first name to join, with no app, account or email. Hollyhush is free for up to 50 people and the organizer cannot see the matches. Use the Secret Santa generator to start. The word Santa in the product name does not need to appear in your invite.