The only problem with doing a Secret Santa was trying to figure out how to do it. Especially since we do not see each other often, in fact we're only get together during the holidays. So drawing a name out of a hat was out of the question.
We could not figure out how we would pick names our Secret Santa gift exchange. Well, at least until we found out about DrawNames. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about DrawNames is a website that organizes your Secret Santa or any kind of gift exchange for you! The best part? It's really easy to use! Here is a step by step guide to create a gift exchange on DrawNames:
Step 1: Have whoever is in charge of the gift exchange login to DrawNames and put everyone's names and emails into the Secret Santa Generator.
Step 2: Here you can set up how many names you'd like to draw per person. Most of the time, you'll select one, which is the default option. But, let's say you want each person to have two people for the gift exchange, you would set that up here. The most you can do is draw two names, but you can also have zero names drawn and just use the website for it's other functions, like the Wishlist option.
Step 3: When you get to this step this is the fun part. You can create a group name for your gift exchange, because if you end up using this website for more than one gift exchange it will organize all your groups by group name and date. After that, you will select the date of your gift exchange. In this step you can also set the budget for the gift exchange. And then lastly, you will compose an email to your members explaining the gift exchange and all the rules or anything else you want the group to know. DrawNames will then send this email out to your group members.
Step 4: Your email is sent by DrawNames through their website email instead of your email address. And this email will invite everyone to your gift exchange group. Once all the invitations are accepted the names will be drawn! It could take up to an hour after everyone has joined. You will receive an email from DrawNames with the name of the person you will be gifting.
Step 5: From there, you can decide to make a wishlist and help out your Secret Santa or you can choose to be surprised. If you choose to make a wishlist, you can add items or suggestions onto your list. The list is powered by Amazon so if Amazon sells what you'd like as a gift, a link with a picture of the item you'd like will appear on your wishlist. However, if you choose to be surprised you can write in your hobbies and interests to give your Secret Santa some sort of idea of what to get you. You can also create a wishlist to go along with your hobbies and interests.
And it's as simple as that! If you choose not to draw names for a gift exchange, you can still use the Wishlist option to let your family or group know what you would like for a gift. That can come very handy when it comes to Christmas shopping!
DrawNames is great tool to use, especially for the holidays. Planning your Secret Santa gift exchange has never been easier. So why not try it out? Plus if you decide to use it and want to use again next year, all of your group members' email addresses will be saved on the website. Cool huh? Happy gift exchange planning!
Until tomorrow.
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