Tick the no-pairs option to stop two people drawing each other. If the rules make a draw impossible, SecretSantaKit tells you instead of quietly breaking a rule.
How the draw works
SecretSantaKit shuffles the list of names with your browser’s cryptographically secure random generator, then assigns each giver a recipient one at a time, skipping anyone who would break a rule: nobody can draw themselves, excluded pairs are blocked in both directions, and with the no-pairs option two people cannot draw each other. If a choice leads to a dead end, the draw steps back and tries another, so it always finds a valid result when one exists and tells you plainly when the rules make one impossible. Every valid arrangement has a fair chance of being picked.
Because the draw happens on your device, there is no account, no email list and no server holding everyone’s names. Your participants, settings and the latest draw are saved in this browser so you can come back and resend a link.
Private reveal links
Each link carries one person’s card inside the part of the address after the # sign, which browsers do not send to the website. The details are scrambled so the recipient’s name is not visible if someone glances at the link, though this is a privacy courtesy rather than strong encryption. Opening a link shows a greeting with the event, a tap-to-reveal button, the budget, the exchange date and any note you added. The organiser never needs to look; keep “Show matches” unticked and send yourself your own link too.
Tips for a smooth exchange
Agree on a budget and date before you draw, and add them so they appear on every card. Use exclusions for couples, housemates and parents with young children, and to stop last year’s pairs repeating. For remote groups, ask everyone to share a wish list or a delivery address privately with their Secret Santa. If someone drops out, redraw and send new links to everyone, since changing one match can affect the whole chain. Prefer something physical? Print the fold-over slips and hand them out at dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write exclusions?
One pair per line, separated by &, +, a comma, “and” or a spaced dash.
Why does it say no valid draw?
Too many exclusions for the group size, such as one person excluded from everyone else. Remove a rule and draw again.
Can I exclude last year’s matches?
Yes. Add each giver and last year’s recipient as a pair.
Is SecretSantaKit free?
Yes. No sign-up, no emails and no limits.
Are names sent anywhere?
No. The draw runs in your browser. Names travel only inside the links you choose to send.