Secret Santa reminder messages to copy
Four reminders cover the whole exchange: the join deadline, the gift due date, the swap date and the thank-you. Pick a tone below, fill in the [placeholders] and send.
When to send each reminder
| Reminder | When | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Join deadline | 2 days before and on the day | Get everyone in before the draw |
| Gift due | 1 week before the swap and 2 days before | Gifts bought and wrapped |
| Swap date | The day before, morning of | People show up with gifts |
| Thank you | 1 to 3 days after | Thanks to Santas and the group |
How to write a reminder people act on
- Put the date and action in the first line.
- Include the link or place again. Never say "see the earlier message".
- Send to everyone, not only the people who are late, and do not name names.
- Keep it to two sentences. Anything longer will be skimmed.
- Send in the same channel as the invite so it appears in the same thread.
One friendly reminder and one firm one is enough. More than that feels like nagging.
Tools and phones
Hollyhush does not send email reminders, so the organizer sends these by chat or email. The group wall is a good spot to post one, and people who add Hollyhush to their phone's home screen can get push notifications. Budget and swap date are shown on every page, so even a short reminder can point people to the link. See Secret Santa invitation message for the first message.
If your group has the mood for a bit of fun, a good reminder cadence also keeps the clue game going. See Secret Santa clues.
What to do when people still do not respond
A reminder is not enough for some people. Send a short private message, in the same channel, that says what you need and by when. If the swap is close and a name is still missing, tell them you will pair them with someone who has a spare gift, or remove them from the draw. Do this politely and early, not on the last day. For more on handling no-shows and late gifts, see Secret Santa problems and fixes.
Keep the budget and swap date on every page, so a short reminder is enough. Create your group, free. Create your group, free
Join deadline reminders
Send two days before the deadline and again on the day.
Gift due date reminders
One week out and again 2 days before.
Swap date reminders
The day before and the morning of.
Thank-you messages
After the swap. Send to the group, then privately to your Santa if you know who it was.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remind people about Secret Santa?
Send a short message in the same chat or email as the invite, with the date and link in the first line. Send a reminder two days before each deadline.
How many reminders should I send?
One friendly reminder and one firm one for each deadline. More than that feels like nagging.
What do I say to someone who has not bought a gift?
Send a private message that says the gift is due on [date], and offer help if they are stuck, such as a gift card idea or a quick link.
Does Hollyhush send reminders?
It does not send email reminders. The organizer sends them by chat or email, and phones that add Hollyhush to the home screen can get push notifications.
What should a Secret Santa thank-you message say?
Say thanks for the gift and mention one thing you liked. If the Santa is still secret, send it to the group.
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