How to do Secret Santa with a large group of friends?
Organizing Secret Santa for a large group can be tricky without proper planning. In this article, we provide a step-by-step plan to make the gift exchange smooth for a large group of friends.
Read these tips and enjoy an amusing Secret Santa exchange. From choosing thoughtful gifts to keeping things organized, we’ve got all kinds of advice to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Set a time frame
One of the most important things to establish when organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange is a clear timeline. Since people may have different schedules, having a definite date helps prevent confusion or shopping at the last minute.
Start by choosing a date for the actual exchange and give participants enough time to purchase their gifts. A good rule of thumb is to give at least two to three weeks between the date names are drawn and the gift exchange day. This gives everyone time to choose thoughtful gifts without feeling pressured or rushed.
Also, communicate deadlines clearly. Make sure everyone knows when they must submit their gift preferences and when the gifts should be bought or delivered. The more organized you are with timelines, the smoother the process will be.
Establish a budget
Setting a budget is crucial for keeping the Secret Santa experience fun and fair for everyone. If the budget is too low, people might feel like they are incapable of buying something useful and of good quality. On the other hand, if the budget is too high, it could lead to unnecessary stress and resentment, particularly for participants who might be dealing with financial constraints.
For large groups, it’s important to set realistic budget so that everyone can afford buying presents. Once the budget is decided, make sure everyone sticks to it. Provide a gentle reminder that the thought behind the gift matters far more than the price tag.
Decide on the type of exchange
If your group is spread out geographically, hosting a traditional in-person Secret Santa is not possible. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to bring the joy of Secret Santa to large groups, whether you’re all in one location or scattered across different cities or countries.
In-Person Secret Santa
If your group is local and can meet in person, organizing a gift exchange can be an exciting way to celebrate together. Be sure to establish a location and time for the exchange well in advance to ensure it’s convenient for everyone. Enjoy the experience of exchanging gifts and seeing people’s reactions.
Online Secret Santa
If your group of friends is spread out geographically, you want to include people who aren’t physically able to attend in person, or just want a convenient way to play, consider doing an online Secret Santa.
You can easily play Secret Santa in person or online with our MySanta online generator,
- Click the “Create Game” button at the top right corner and choose the online game. Sign up with your email.
- Create a new exchange game, specify how you will exchange gifts (in person or by mail), and set a gift budget.
- Set the date when you will draw names and the date where all players will exchange presents.
- The game has been created! Invite players to your gift exchange game using a link, QR code, or email. Don’t forget to join the game, too.
The online organizer has many advantages.
- You can draw names and assign players instantly — each participant will see who they need to buy for in their profile. No players limit — even 100 or 1,000 people can join the fun. Drawing names manually in a big group is tough, but our MySanta app makes it simple, assigning names with a single click and saving the results.
- You can set exceptions if certain friends don’t get along to keep things stress-free. Players can create personal wishlists with gift suggestions within the set budget, making it easier to choose useful gifts.
- The organizer can track who’s bought their gift and who hasn’t, ensuring everyone gets something. The app keeps all the information in one place, so you can easily manage the exchange for large groups.
Encourage everyone to create wishlists
One of the best ways to ensure everyone enjoys their gift is by encouraging participants to create a wishlist. A wishlist allows each person to specify their preferences. It’s an excellent way to make the exchange more personal and thoughtful. Participants can create wishlist using an online organizer MySanta app, where people can indicate their preferences and upload their gifts, and even hint on where to purchase them.
Make sure to remind participants that wishlists should be used as suggestions rather than strict guidelines. Secret Santa is all about having fun, so encourage creativity, and embrace the unexpectedness. At the same time, make sure there are enough details in the wishlist to avoid confusion.
Ensure everyone sent a gift
It’s important to follow up and ensure that everyone has purchased a gift for their assigned person. To avoid any last-minute disappointments, set a clear deadline for when all gifts should be bought or delivered. If you don’t use an online organizer, you can create a simple tracking system, like a shared document or group chat, where everyone can mark off when their gift has been sent. This will help prevent anyone from forgetting or missing the deadline.
Reveal ideas
The reveal is a fun part of the Secret Santa experience. After all the gifts are exchanged, everyone will be excited to know who gave a gift to them. For large groups, it can be even more entertaining to observe the reactions of the gift recipients. Whether it’s a virtual gift exchange or a live gathering, the reveal can be an opportunity for everyone to laugh and show appreciation.
Remember to be thankful
After the event, make sure everyone expresses gratitude for the thoughtfulness and effort behind the gifts. A simple thank you note or verbal acknowledgment can help immensely in making the experience even more special. It helps foster a sense of connection and warmth, making the gift exchange more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Secret Santa is all about spreading joy, and showing appreciation is an important part of that.
Conclusion
Organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange for a large group of friends may seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and communication, it can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone. By setting a clear timeline, establishing a reasonable budget, using online tools, encouraging wishlists, and keeping the event light-hearted, you’ll create lasting memories that everyone will cherish. Most importantly, remember that Secret Santa is all about spreading joy, so relax and enjoy the process.
FAQs
What if I don’t know the person whom I am buying a gift very well?
Rely on their gift preferences if there are any. In case you don’t possess such information, consider giving a neutral but thoughtful gift, like a gift card, or something that everyone might appreciate, like a fun holiday treat.
How do I make sure everyone sticks to a budget?
Politely remind participants about the agreed budget and suggest keeping it. It’s best to maintain open communication to avoid misunderstandings and keep the spirit of the exchange intact.
Can we do a Secret Santa exchange with a group that has a wide age range?
Yes, you can absolutely do a Secret Santa with a group of varying ages. The key is to set a limited budget and encourage everyone to include diverse options on their wish lists. This way, no one feels left out, and everyone has a chance to find something thoughtful and appropriate for their recipient.