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August 14, 2024

How to do a Virtual Secret Santa Online or Remotely

Cartoon image shows a computer with santa clause and a christmas tree on the screen

Ho ho ho! Learn how to organise a Virtual Secret Santa, build connections, and celebrate the holidays remotely with this comprehensive guide. Near or far we think everyone should celebrate christmas with their colleagues or loved ones.

What is a Virtual Secret Santa?

A Virtual Secret Santa is an online Christmas-themed gift exchange where participants are assigned a recipient, purchase a gift, and send it by mail. Participants gather online, often via Zoom, for the unwrapping even if your loved ones are far away. Also known as “online Secret Santa” or “remote Secret Santa.” this event helps connect and celebrate remotely.

How to Organize a Virtual Secret Santa

To organize a successful online gift exchange, follow these simple steps:

1. Gather your particpants

Put a message in your group chat or ask everyone if they want to participate at your next meetup.

2. Set a budget and an exchange date

Establish a gift budget (e.g., £10-£30) and decide on a date for the gift exchange.

Tip 1: put a Zoom call in as soon when the date is decided to block peoples calenders.

Tip 2: you can use emoji reactions for the budget range and date ranges in your groupt chat.

3. Use an online Secret Santa name picker or generator

Since this is a virtual secret santa drawning names out of a hat is off the cards. So, use an easy simple to use virtual secret santa generator. We have created one that garauntees everyone will know details about who they are buying for.

4. Draw names and create wish lists

Once the link has been sent everyone needs to draw their names and give their secret santa some inspiration for what to buy. Our secret santa generator allows all participants to share their interests and gift ideas to their secret santa.

5. Share mailing details

Each participant will need to share their shipping address so their secret santa knows where to ship their gift to. With our secret santa generator you can add this to your information field when drawing your name.

6. Send out reminders

A couple weeks before you the exchange date send out a reminder to everyone to make sure they have ordered their gifts.

Tip 3: Take shipping time into account.

7. Host a virtual party

On the day of the exchange host a virtual party where everyone opens their gifts while you all have a festive celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to do a Secret Santa virtually?

Use online tools to draw names like a virtual secret santa , set a budget, gather wish lists, mail gifts, and hold a video call exchange.

Why Organize Your Secret Santa Online?

Organizing Secret Santa online simplifies the gift-giving process, especially when participants are far apart. Using tools like our virtual secret santa name picker allows organizers to manage the entire event online, from drawing names to creating wish lists.

How to play Secret Santa virtually?

Participants draw names online, buy and mail gifts, and reveal Secret Santas during a video call.

How do you arrange a virtual Secret Santa? Use online tools to organize the exchange like our best secret santa app, gather wish lists, set a budget, and host a virtual gift-opening event.


Check out our other guides to Secret Santa

How to do Secret Santa with your Family (and why it's better)

How to make your workplace secret santa more fun

Secret Santa Rules: Everything You Need to Know

How to organise your work's secret santa to be fun and inclusive this year - 2024