Secret Santa budget calculator
Enter the number of people and a per-gift limit to see what each person spends and what the whole group spends. Add shipping and wrapping if people are mailing gifts.
How to set the spending limit
- Ask what the lowest-income person in the group is comfortable with, not the average. A limit is a ceiling, and the ceiling should work for everyone.
- Name the number in dollars and say whether it includes tax, shipping and wrapping.
- Put it on the invite so nobody has to ask. Hollyhush shows the budget on every page of the group.
- Offer a floor if people tend to under-buy, for example "between $15 and $25".
The math per person and per group
Every person buys one gift and receives one gift, so each person spends the limit once. A group of 12 with a $25 limit spends about $300 in total, and each person spends about $25, plus shipping if any.
If couples exchange as a unit, count each couple as one entry. If people also bring a small extra, such as a card or a treat, add about $3 to $5 each.
Include wrapping and shipping
- Wrapping: about $2 to $5 for paper and a bow if bought new.
- Shipping: about $5 to $10 for a small parcel inside the U.S., and more for far away. For remote teams, say whether shipping is inside the limit.
- Tax: say whether the limit includes it. It saves arguments.
- A simple rule for remote groups: "$25 including shipping".
Picking a limit for your group
| Group | Common limit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Close family | $20 to $40 | People know each other well and can pick something meaningful. |
| Office or team | $15 to $25 | Keeps it comfortable for every salary level. |
| School or kids | $5 to $15 | Parents are covering it, so keep it small. |
| Friends | $20 to $30 | A middle ground that still buys something real. |
| White elephant | $20 to $30 | High enough to make steals worth it. |
These are typical ranges, not rules. Pick a limit your least comfortable person can meet without stress.
What if someone cannot afford it?
Offer a handmade option, or let people take a lower budget privately. Never announce who is spending less. Our how much to spend guide goes further, and the rules page shows how to word a limit. To run the draw itself, create a group.
The budget appears on every page of your Hollyhush group, so nobody has to ask. Create your group, free
Frequently asked questions
How much should a Secret Santa budget be?
Typical ranges are $15 to $25 for work, $20 to $40 for family and $5 to $15 for kids. Pick the number your least comfortable person can afford.
Does the Secret Santa budget include shipping?
Only if you say so. For remote groups, say "$25 including shipping" on the invite.
How do I calculate the group total?
Multiply the number of people by the per-gift limit. 12 people at $25 is about $300 in total.
Should there be a minimum as well as a maximum?
Optional. A range like "$15 to $25" prevents very cheap gifts and keeps the limit fair.
Try it now
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