Secret Santa name drawing without the hat
Drawing names from a hat has problems: someone picks themselves, partners pick each other, and remote family members can’t take part. This draw names tool fixes all three. Enter everyone taking part, add optional exclusion pairs (for couples, or people who swapped last year), and press Draw names. The tool arranges everyone in a single random gift-giving loop, so nobody ever draws their own name.
For an in-person draw, pass the phone around: each person taps Reveal next to their own name, memorises their match, and taps Hide. Organisers who need a record can copy the full list. Nothing is emailed or stored online — your list stays in this browser tab. Need a budget-friendly present? Browse the random gift ideas generator.
How to use the Draw Names
- Type each participant’s name on its own line (at least three).
- Optional: add exclusion pairs like “Ava, Ben” for couples.
- Press Draw names.
- Each person taps Reveal next to their own name, then hides it again.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone draw their own name?
No. Everyone is placed in one random loop where each person gives to the next, so a self-match is impossible.
How do exclusions work?
Each line like “Ava, Ben” stops Ava drawing Ben and Ben drawing Ava. If the exclusions make a valid draw impossible, the tool tells you.
Are names sent by email?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser and doesn’t collect emails. Reveal results in person or message them yourself.
What’s the minimum number of people?
Three. With two people the result is always the same pair.
Published · Last updated by the WhimWheel team.