In this article
How a children’s game differs from an adult one
In a children’s Secret Santa the gift is almost always smaller and simpler, and what matters most is the secret and the joy of opening it. So three things matter for kids: the same small budget for everyone, an adult who makes sure nobody is left out, and a gift the child will actually understand and use.
For younger children it is easiest to run the game through an adult: a parent or a teacher organizes the draw, reminds about the date and helps with the gift.
What budget to pick
- Children aged 6 to 9: usually UAH 100-200.
- Children aged 10 to 13: UAH 150-300.
- Teenagers aged 14 to 17: UAH 200-500, depending on the group.
The main rule is the same amount for everyone, so nobody gets a set while another gets a trinket. In Bazhanka the organizer sets the budget when the game starts and all members see it.
What to give a child aged 6 to 9
- A small building set or a craft kit.
- A picture book or a comic.
- A board game for two or three players.
- A drawing set: markers, watercolours, a sketchbook.
- An anti-stress toy or a soft toy.
- Sweets in bright packaging.
What to give a boy aged 10 to 13
- A model kit, a building set or a puzzle.
- A board game or a card game.
- Sports gear: a ball, a jump rope, training equipment.
- A book or manga in a favourite genre.
- A set of markers or sketching supplies.
What to give a girl aged 10 to 13
- A bracelet or jewellery-making set.
- A diary or a notebook with a nice cover.
- A set of gel pens, stickers and sticky notes.
- A book from a favourite series.
- A soft blanket or a plush pillow.
- A craft kit: modelling clay, paints, embroidery.
What to give a teenager
- Headphones, a power bank, a phone case or stand.
- A warm hoodie or a hat in a style they choose.
- A board or card game for a group of friends.
- Merch from a favourite band, game or series.
- A gift card for a cafe, the cinema or a favourite platform.
- A scented candle, a cosmetic bag or an organizer.
It matters to teenagers that a gift does not look “childish”. If you do not know the person’s tastes, ask them to write a short wishlist: in Bazhanka only the person who draws them can see it.
How to run the game so that nobody feels hurt
- Agree on the rules in advance: the budget, the date and a responsible adult.
- Do not force anyone to take part: whoever does not want to does not have to explain.
- Do not discuss out loud who gave what and how much it cost.
- Make sure children who are less known get an attentive match.
- Allow handmade gifts: they are as valuable as bought ones.
- Keep a spare gift in case someone falls ill.
How to organize it online
For a class, a club or a family with teenagers it is convenient to run the draw online: create a Secret Santa group in Bazhanka, invite members by email or link and set the budget and the exchange date. Everyone sees only the person they give to and that person’s wishlist. General rules and organization: Secret Santa online and Secret Santa rules.
More ideas by budget: What to give your Secret Santa and Inexpensive gifts under UAH 300. And if you simply give on Saint Nicholas Day, see What to give on Saint Nicholas Day.
Everything about Secret Santa in one place: Secret Santa in Bazhanka.
Try it in Bazhanka
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