Secret Santa

Secret Santa rules: eight rules that make the game pleasant for everyone

Most trouble in Secret Santa comes not from the gifts but from unclear rules. Here are eight agreements worth stating before the start.

October 12, 2026 · 2 min read

In this article
  1. How it works in Bazhanka
  2. Extra rules you can add
  1. Taking part is voluntary. Nobody has to play, and saying no should not affect relationships.
  2. At least four players. With fewer people the pairs are easy to guess, and with three the game is unfair. In Bazhanka the minimum is four including the organizer.
  3. One budget for everyone. Name the maximum amount before the draw, not after. In Bazhanka the budget can be set in hryvnias, euros or dollars.
  4. A clear exchange date. Everyone must know by which day to prepare the gift. In Bazhanka the date is required.
  5. Anonymity. The giver stays secret even after the exchange day, unless the group agrees otherwise.
  6. Only the player knows who they drew. The organizer does not see the whole draw either.
  7. Report leaving as early as possible. If the game is already running, the pairs are redrawn for the rest: possible when at least three are left.
  8. The gift should be kind. Jokes about looks, age or health are better left out.

How it works in Bazhanka

The organizer creates a group, sets the date and budget, invites members and starts the draw when everyone has joined. After that everyone sees only their own match. For step-by-step instructions see: Secret Santa online.

Extra rules you can add

  • The gift should be useful, not just funny.
  • Everyone adds at least three ideas to their wishlist.
  • The gift is handed over on the chosen day and in the chosen way, so nobody waits last.
  • If a gift does not fit, it can be tactfully exchanged rather than criticized.

Try it in Bazhanka

Play Secret Santa

Answers about Secret Santa

Frequently asked questions

What is Secret Santa?

It is a gift exchange inside a group: everyone secretly prepares a gift for one other person and stays anonymous until the gift is handed over. The organizer takes part like everyone else.

Is it Secret Santa or Secret Saint Nicholas?

It is the same game with different names. “Secret Santa” is the common English name and “Secret Saint Nicholas” (Таємний Миколай) suits the Ukrainian December holidays. In Bazhanka the mode is called Secret Santa and the rules are the same.

Can I run Secret Santa online for free?

Yes. Create a group in Bazhanka, invite members by email or by link and start the draw: playing is free. Members create an account, then buy and hand over the gifts themselves.

How many people do we need?

At least four, including the organizer. With fewer people the matches are too easy to guess.

Does the organizer see who gives to whom?

No. Everyone, the organizer included, sees only the person they give to. Nobody sees the whole draw.

What happens if someone leaves the game?

Before the start the person simply leaves the roster. After the draw Bazhanka repeats it automatically for the rest if at least three members remain. If only two are left, the game is canceled.

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