Virtual Secret Santa
A virtual Secret Santa is a normal exchange where every step happens online: the name draw, the questions, the gift and the reveal. Plan about three weeks from draw to reveal if you mail gifts, or one week if you send e-gifts.
Pick the format first: e-gifts or mailed gifts
This one choice sets your whole timeline. E-gifts (a coffee card, an ebook, a streaming month, a donation in their name) arrive instantly and cost nothing to ship. Mailed gifts feel more personal but need a cutoff and a way to collect addresses.
Many groups mix the two: a mailed gift under $20 for people who gave an address, and an e-gift for everyone else. Say that in the invitation so nobody feels they are getting less.
The online draw
- Create the group and set the budget and swap date.
- Share the one link by text, group chat or email. People type a first name to join.
- Add exclusions for couples or housemates.
- Draw. Each person sees only who they got. Nobody sees anyone else's match.
- Remind people about the date a week before, since Hollyhush does not send email reminders.
Collecting addresses without leaking them
Do not post a spreadsheet of home addresses in the group chat. Ask each person to message only their Secret Santa through the anonymous chat if they are happy to share, or collect addresses privately and pass them on one by one. A privacy friendly shortcut is to send gifts to a work address or a parcel locker.
Use a nickname or first name only for the gift tag. The giver does not need a full name.
A simple timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks out | Create the group, share the link, close sign ups. |
| Draw day | Draw names. Everyone fills in a wishlist and sizes. |
| Draw + 3 days | Ask questions in the anonymous chat. |
| 10 days out | Mailed gifts ship. E-gifts can wait. |
| Swap date | Video call reveal. Open gifts together. |
| After | Share a photo or two. Groups delete 60 days after the swap date. |
Run the reveal on a video call
Keep it short: 30 minutes for up to 12 people. Open TV mode and share your screen so each pair appears one at a time. Ask people to hold their gift until it is their turn, then guess who sent it. The guess your Santa game works well here because players are all looking at the same screen.
For a bigger group, run two short calls or let people post a photo of the unwrapped gift in a chat instead.
Start a free virtual Secret Santa. Up to 50 people, no app, no signup. Create your group, free
What to do when someone drops out
Do not redraw everyone if the gifts are already sent. Ask a volunteer to cover the extra gift, or let the giver keep it for next year. If the draw has not happened yet, simply remove the person and draw again. See common Secret Santa problems and fixes for more cases.
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual Secret Santa?
It is a Secret Santa where the draw, the chat and the reveal happen online. Gifts are either mailed or sent as digital gifts.
How long should a virtual Secret Santa take?
About three weeks if you mail gifts and about one week for e-gifts, counting from the draw to the reveal.
What can you send as a virtual Secret Santa gift?
E-gift cards, ebooks, a streaming or app subscription, an online class, or a donation in the person's name, all within your budget.
How do I draw names for a virtual Secret Santa for free?
Use a free generator like Hollyhush. Create a group, share one link, and everyone types a name. It is free up to 50 people.
How do you do the reveal online?
Open a video call, share your screen in TV mode, and have each person open a gift and guess who sent it.
Try it now
A draw takes about a minute. No signup, no email, a private link for everyone.
Create your group, free- Couples & exclusions
- Wishlists & anonymous questions
- Deletes itself in 60 days
Ready when you are
Make a draw in a minute. No signup, no email, private links for everyone.