This guide explains how to create and manage a Secret Santa group.
Creating a New Group
Step 1: Start the Process
- From your dashboard, click Create Group
- Or navigate to
/groups/new
Step 2: Fill in Group Details
- Required:
- Group Name - Give your exchange a memorable name (e.g., "Smith Family 2024", "Office Holiday Exchange")
- Description - Add context about the exchange
- Currency - Choose from USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, or JPY
- Budget Range - Set minimum and/or maximum gift values
- Exchange Date - When the gift exchange will happen
Step 3: Create the Group
Click Create Group and you're done! You'll be redirected to your new group's dashboard.
Your Invite Code
When your group is created, a unique 8-character invite code is automatically generated (e.g., SANTA24X).
- Share this code with participants so they can join. You can find it:
- On your group dashboard
- In the invite section of the sidebar
Managing Your Group
As the group creator, you're automatically an admin with these capabilities:
Member Management
- View all members and their roles
- Remove members if needed (before the draw)
Exclusion Rules
- Set up exclusion rules to prevent certain matches
- Learn more about exclusions
The Draw
- Initiate the Secret Santa draw
- Reset the draw if needed (before the exchange date)
- Learn more about the draw
Event Details
- Set the exchange location
- Add event notes (parking, dress code, etc.)
- Add virtual meeting link for online exchanges
- Learn more about events
Group Settings
- Edit group name and description
- Update budget and exchange date
- Archive the group after the exchange
Best Practices
Before Sharing the Code
After Members Join
After the Draw
Group Lifecycle
- Setup - Create group and configure settings
- Invitation - Share code, members join
- Preparation - Set exclusions, members add wishlists
- Draw - Run the Secret Santa draw
- Shopping - Members buy gifts
- Exchange - The big day!
- Archive - Save memories for history