What Should I Ask For in Secret Santa? How To Fill Out a Questionnaire
Don’t know what to write in your Secret Santa wishlist? In this guide, we offer practical and festive ideas so your Santa can pick a gift you’ll genuinely love.
n the classic version of the game, each Secret Santa puzzle over what to give to their recipient. Savvy players use short questionnaires and wishlists to share gift preferences and make choosing easier. If you have no idea what to ask your Secret Santa for, this article is for you.
The MySanta service automates this popular holiday game to make participating even more fun. We know the best Secret Santa tricks — and we’re happy to share them with you.
Why A Secret Santa Questionnaire Helps — And How to Complete It
In the MySanta app, each player fills out a short questionnaire with gift wishes. It helps each Santa choose a gift that the recipient will appreciate and minimize disappointment from getting unwanted gifts.
The questionnaire is short and has only two questions. You can be as brief or elaborate as you wish. If you want to get a specific item from Santa, you can write it, too.
Also, remember to include any health considerations. For example, if you don’t drink alcohol or have allergies to certain foods, scents, or cosmetics. That way, you won’t be disappointed and won’t make your Santa uncomfortable.
How to Ask a Gift From Your Secret Santa?
If nothing comes to mind right away, open your favorite shopping apps or marketplaces and check your saved items. Your list of favorites often sparks good ideas. Here are other approaches you can use.
Everyday Requests
Don’t hesitate to be straightforward when asking for a specific gift. If you'd like a new planner, chocolate, or a fun T-short, write that in your questionnaire. Just be sure to stay within the gift budget.
Top 10 Simple, Universal Gifts
- Portable battery/charger
- Board game
- Mug
- Bottle of wine
- Book
- Daily planner
- Large jigsaw puzzle
- Umbrella
- Travel tumbler
- Throw blanket
Riddle Requests
Instead of asking for a specific item, you can give your Santa a playful prompt — a riddle that hints at the kind of gift you’d enjoy. It makes the game more fun for both you and your Santa.
Riddle Ideas for Secret Santa
Dear Secret Santa, please give me…
- something that would delight you, too
- something that truly inspires you
- something you can’t go a day without
- something that will make me laugh
- something useful for travel
- something I’ll need this winter
- something that will make my Christmas bright and fun.
Simple Requests
If you use paid apps and online services, it becomes a nice surprise when your Secret Santa purchases a subscription.
You can also ask for a small gift card to a favorite store — a great excuse to treat yourself. And if you already have everything you need, ask your Santa to donate the gift budget to a charity. You’ll both feel part of something good.
Creative Requests
You can ask your Santa to give you something they love. For example, a book that impressed them deeply, their favorite wine, or a beloved dessert. Your Santa will enjoy choosing such a gift, and you’ll discover something new.
Other Requests
If you have kids, they’ll be thrilled with any surprise from a mysterious holiday helper. Let your Santa know your child’s age and interests.
Real Examples: How Reddit Secret Santas Responded To Recipient Requests
In 2009, Secret Santa started taking off worldwide. It happened after a Reddit user named Dan McComas suggested on a forum organizing a holiday gift exchange. The idea got so many takers that McComas even launched RedditGifts.com to streamline the drawing. On that site, anyone could register and receive the address of another player to send a gift to.
In return, the sender also received a gift — but from a third participant. Many people included wish lists during sign-up and later posted photos of what they received.
Conclusion
As you fill out your questionnaire and dream up requests for Secret Santa, remember that it’s just a game. Getting an amazing gift is great, but it’s even more important that everyone enjoys the experience.
And most importantly, if your game set a gift budget, keep it in mind when writing your requests. Don't ask for a new phone if everyone agreed to spend $20 on gifts.
FAQs
What should I write in a Secret Santa wishlist if gift budget is small?
List two or three practical items you’ll use every day (mug, planner, cozy socks) plus one fun treat (chocolate, mini puzzle). Ask for something within the agreed price range. Leave short note about your favorite colors or flavors – it can help a lot.
How many items should a Secret Santa wishlist include?
Aim for 5–8 options across prices so your Santa can choose. Include two things you'll like for sure, two delicious treats, and a couple of practical gift ideas. Too few choices limits your Santa, whereas too many feels like a shopping list.
How do we keep the gift exchange fair?
Set a gift budget upfront and encourage everyone to stick to that amount (for instance, $25). Make it clear for everyone that spending a bit more is okay, while spending less is not recommended. Thus, nobody will get discouraged because of getting a subpar gift.
