Secret Santa with a twist

Pick one twist, not three

A twist is fun when it is simple. Stack three and the group spends the party asking what the rules are. Choose one, put it in the invitation with the budget and swap date, and everyone starts on equal footing.

The list below is ordered from the lightest twist to the heaviest. If your group is new to Secret Santa, start at the top.

Keep any twist fair

• Announce the twist before the draw, never after.
• Keep one total budget, even if the twist adds a gift. Divide it up rather than raising it.
• Give everyone the same chance. A twist that favors the loudest person is a bad twist.
• Let people opt out of a twist without opting out of the game.
• Write the rule in one sentence. If it takes more, simplify it.

Hollyhush shows the budget and swap date on every page, so the twist and the rules sit in one place. Create your group, free

Which twist fits which group

Offices do best with stocking only or a theme, because spending stays even and nothing personal is required. Families like handmade, clue chains and daily mini gifts, since there is time and goodwill. Friend groups can handle steals and the reverse reveal, which depend on a bit of banter. For classrooms, keep to one rule a child can repeat, and see Secret Santa for kids.

If your group is spread across cities, pick a twist that works by message, such as the clue chain or mystery questions. Running a twist through the Secret Santa generator setup keeps the budget and date visible while the extras play out in chat.

How to announce a twist

Put the twist in the invite in one line, next to the budget. For example: Budget $25, swap Friday December 18, twist is stocking only. Repeat it in the reminder a week before. If you need an example message, see reminder messages.

1. Clue chain

   Each Santa gives their person one clue a day for five days, such as a small drawing or a riddle. The receiver guesses on the last day.

2. Stocking only

   Every gift has to fit in a stocking or a sock. It keeps the budget low and the gifts small and thoughtful.

3. Theme

   Pick a theme such as cozy, desk, kitchen or homemade. See theme ideas for more.

4. Two gift

   One practical gift and one fun gift, with the budget split between them, such as $15 and $10.

5. Pay it forward

   Every Santa also donates a small amount or does a kind act in the name of their person, and tells the group at the reveal.

6. Secret Santa with steal

   Gifts are opened one at a time at the party, and each receiver may swap with someone once. It blends the game with white elephant.

7. Handmade only

   Gifts have to be made, baked or drawn by you. Great for families and classrooms, and it equalizes the budget.

8. Three words

   Each person writes three words describing themselves, and the Santa builds a gift around them.

9. Mystery questions

   Santas ask one anonymous question a day, and the receiver answers in the chat. See Secret Santa questions to ask.

10. Reverse reveal

    The gift is opened first, and only then does the group try to guess who gave it. Works best in a small circle.

11. Opposite gift

    You buy something you would love, and tell the receiver why. It teaches more about the giver than the receiver and is a good icebreaker.

12. Daily mini gifts

    A small treat each day for a week, such as a candy, a note or a pencil, then the main gift on the swap date.