Secret Santa Questionnaire for Work: Questions

What to ask coworkers, and what to skip

Work is not the place for personal questions. Ask about things a coworker would be happy to share in the break room: drinks, snacks, hobbies and what would make a desk better. Leave out clothing sizes, health, family, religion and relationship questions.

Always include a "something you would rather not get" line. It lets people say no to alcohol, candy or scents without making it awkward. The general sheet at Secret Santa questionnaire has more questions if you need them.

How to run a work questionnaire

Set the budget and swap date first, then send the questions in the same message.
Ask for answers within three to five days.
Collect answers in one place, such as a form or a reply to the organizer.
After the draw, give each buyer only the answers for their person, with no name on them.
Delete the answers after the swap. The full office Secret Santa guide covers budgets and rules.

Keep it anonymous at work

The organizer sees everyone's answers, so pick someone neutral and ask them to share only the answer sheet for each giftee. Another option is to use an anonymous chat so a buyer can ask one question without giving away who they are. Hollyhush has that private chat, and no one needs an app, an account or an email.

If the team is small, answers may reveal who wrote them. In that case, ask people to give a short wishlist instead, with three to five items.

Draw names and share the questions with one link. Create your group, free. Create your group, free

Ideas for what to buy from the answers

Coffee or tea answer: a small sampler, a mug or a travel cup, within the budget.
Snack answer: a small box of the exact snack named, with any allergies checked.
Desk answer: a notebook, a plant, a phone stand or a cable organizer.
Hobby answer: a small item that links to it, such as a puzzle, a book light or a card game.
No answer: a safe pick like tea, a notebook or a snack set. See gifts for coworkers.

Short work questionnaire

Five questions, about two minutes.

Short

Secret Santa questions (reply by [date], limit $[amount]): 1) Coffee, tea or something else? 2) A snack you like? Any allergies or diets? 3) Something that would help your desk or workday? 4) A hobby outside of work? 5) Anything you would rather not get?

Longer version for teams that know each other

Add these if the team is close.

Long

Add: 6) A favorite place for lunch or a treat? 7) A book, show or game you like right now? 8) A color or scent you like or dislike? 9) Something you already have plenty of? 10) A favorite candy or sweet?

Remote team version

For people who will get a gift by mail or a digital gift.

Remote

Secret Santa questions (reply by [date]): 1) Would you rather get a physical gift or a digital one? 2) Coffee, tea or hot chocolate? 3) A snack you like? Any allergies or diets? 4) Something that would help your home desk? 5) A hobby you do after work? 6) Anything you would rather not get?

Frequently asked questions

What questions should I ask in a work Secret Santa questionnaire?

Ask about drinks, snacks, allergies, hobbies, desk needs and anything the person would rather not get.

How long should a work Secret Santa questionnaire be?

Five to six questions, about two or three minutes to answer.

Can I send a Secret Santa questionnaire by email?

Yes. Copy the questions into an email or a team chat and ask people to reply to the organizer by a set date.

What if a coworker does not answer?

Choose a safe gift such as tea, a notebook or a snack set that fits the budget.

Secret Santa questionnaire for work