Every celebration starts with people
The MySanta blog
Ideas for thoughtful gifts, getting everyone together and organizing Secret Santa with a little less stress.
For the person who brings everyone together
Every group has someone who sends the first message: “Shall we do Secret Santa?” They invite friends, gather colleagues and remind the family about the celebration. If that sounds like you, this blog is for you.
December already has enough on the to-do list. You want to find a gift that feels personal, share a table with people you care about or surprise someone far away. And you deserve to enjoy the celebration too, rather than spend the whole time organizing it.
We bring together ideas you can put to use: from the first invitation to a small tradition your group will want to repeat next year.
Where to start
Bring your game together
Invite your group, agree on a budget and work out how to draw names and exchange gifts.
Secret Santa rulesGive a thoughtful gift
Start with interests, wishes and a budget, then explore ideas that might suit your recipient.
Gift ideasWork out the details
Find answers to the questions organizers and participants ask along the way.
Questions and answersOur story
It started with a game for colleagues
MySanta founder Viktor Babichev once organized Secret Santa at work: names on paper, a draw from a hat and the anticipation of a surprise. The exchange did not go entirely to plan, and some colleagues went without a gift.
He still liked the idea. He wanted to make the organizing easier, so that workplace game grew into the online service MySanta.
The blog is part of the same project. Here, we help you plan the celebration; in the service, you can organize the gift exchange. We like the way a simple “Shall we play?” can become a reason to get to know one another a little better.
What matters to us
Thoughtfulness matters more than the price
A good gift can fit both someone’s interests and your budget. We also care about an exchange where people can agree on a spending limit, share their wishes and choose not to take part without feeling awkward.
Useful ideas, with room for your judgment
A gift guide is a starting point. It cannot promise that every item will suit every person. Check prices and availability before buying, and adapt ideas to your group. Playing together can create a happy moment; it cannot solve every relationship problem.
Advice you can check and questions you can ask
Topics involving health, development or safety need reliable sources and context. Follow the source links where provided, and seek personal advice from a qualified professional when you need it. If something in an article needs correcting, please tell us.
From an idea to a celebration
Now, bring your people together
Friends, family or colleagues. Agree on a budget, invite your group and start your own Secret Santa story.
Have an idea or spotted a mistake?
Tell us what you would like to read about. If something in an article is inaccurate, send us the link and explain what needs another look.
[email protected]You can also use this email for questions about a game or working with MySanta.