How to Organize a Secret Santa Gift Program

This is the time of the year when exchanging gifts comes into play. One of the most popular ways is through what is known as a Secret Santa Gift program. The program works by you giving and receiving gifts from an anonymous involved person. How do you start a Secret Santa Gift program? It is easier than you think....

It is really easy if you work in an office environment. Or, it will work well in any work environment where numerous people are located. The more people, the merrier. Even if you are surrounded by the perennial Scrooge-type, people will be smiling. If they do not seem to enjoy the idea, keep asking around.

You may want to find another person or two to help you develop the Secret Santa gift program. They can help you field questions and work out the details. This step is up to you. However, the larger your work environment, the more likely you will need help in running this gift program.

• Scout out your area. Find interest. Receive feedback. Go around the environment you work in and ask individual people if they would be interested in becoming involved. Let them know how the program works. Some of your fellow workers may not be familiar with the Secret Santa gift program. For the ones not interested, simply move on. Your mission is to find how many people are actually interested. Write down the names of the people interested. When you get enough people expressing interest, go to step two.

• Develop program details. Details include money and time.
  1. Put a dollar limit on the individual gifts. Also, put a dollar limit on the total amount spent. This helps keep the gift program operating on an even keel. You do not want anyone thinking they have to give an expensive gift to compensate for receiving one. The purpose of the Secret Santa gift program is to be lighthearted and easy.
  2. Set the dates of the program. Usually one week (Monday through Friday), or five working days is enough.

• Write a memo. Describe the details of your Secret Santa gift program. Give it to everyone who chose to become involved in your program. Your memo does not have to be anything fancy, just describe what guidelines everyone needs to follow. Give your contact number in case anyone has questions.

• Cut up paper into even sized strips. Write the names of individuals involved in your Secret Santa gift program on each strip. (Write one name on one strip).

• Place all name strips into one container. Take this container around to all involved individuals. Each person will be drawing one name. The person drawing the name will be the person on the strip's Secret Santa.

• Field any questions, as needed. You ought not to have that many questions since the Secret Santa gift program is easy. Plus, people may be having too much fun to ask questions.

That is all there is to it. Enjoy!