Secret Santa in summer
You can run Secret Santa any time of year, and Christmas in July is the most popular summer version. Draw names a few weeks ahead, set a smaller budget and use a summer theme like beach, cookout or road trip. Here is how to do it.
Why hold a swap in summer
- Calendars are open compared with December.
- Budgets are not stretched by the holidays.
- Teams with a summer slowdown get a morale boost.
- You get time to do it right, without pressure.
- Summer reunions, camps and clubs give a natural group to gather.
Summer formats
- Christmas in July: a full Secret Santa with Santa hats, ugly shirts and cold drinks.
- Summer swap: a regular swap with a summer theme.
- Vacation swap: each person gets a small gift for the road or beach before a team trip.
- Road trip swap: wrapped items to open at set stops.
- Camp or retreat swap: names drawn at the start, gifts exchanged on the last night.
Create a summer group in seconds. Share one link, no app or signup. Create your group, free
Themes and ideas
For prices see Secret Santa gifts under $20 or under $30.
| Theme | Gift ideas |
|---|---|
| Beach | Sunscreen, a small towel, flip flops, a book |
| Cookout | A grill tool, spices, a hot sauce, a cooler bag |
| Road trip | Snacks, a playlist, a car organizer, a travel mug |
| Garden | Seeds, a small plant, gloves, a watering can |
| Staycation | A puzzle, a card game, ice pop molds, a candle |
Rules and budget
The rules are the same as December: one budget, one swap date, a draw nobody can peek at. Many groups lower the budget in summer, to about $10 to $20. Choose a date that does not clash with school holidays and travel. If people will be away, set a draw date a month before the swap and let gifts go in the mail or be given on return. See Secret Santa rules for the full set.
Making it work for remote or traveling groups
Everyone can join from one link on their phone, so it does not matter who is at the beach. For people far apart, see virtual Secret Santa. Use the Secret Santa generator and set the swap date after most trips are done.
Pick a swap date at least two weeks after the draw so people can shop and ship.
Costs and logistics to settle early
Shipping is the hidden cost in summer, since people travel and move around. Decide whether gifts should be handed over or mailed, and whether shipping counts toward the budget. A simple rule is to count it. Pick one delivery week and ask people to confirm an address or a pickup spot through anonymous chat, so nobody has to reveal themselves. If the group is a team, remember that office space may be empty in July, so a lunch or video call can serve as the reveal.
A full-year plan
Once you try it, you may want a swap every season. Our birthday Secret Santa page has a month-by-month table. Spring, summer, fall and winter swaps keep a team or friend group connected through the year without any one of them being a big lift.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Secret Santa in July?
Yes. Christmas in July is a popular summer version. Draw names three to four weeks before the swap.
How much should a summer Secret Santa cost?
Many groups spend $10 to $20. Pick one budget for everyone.
What is a good summer theme?
Beach, cookout, road trip, garden or staycation.
What if people are on vacation?
Set the draw date earlier and the swap date after most trips. Gifts can be delivered on return.
Do I need a new group for each swap?
Yes. Create a new group each time. Hollyhush groups delete 60 days after the swap date.
Try it now
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- Deletes itself in 60 days
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