Minute 0 to 5: fill in the group details
Page 1 starts with a few blanks: who is organizing, the budget, the exchange date and how gifts will be handed over. Write them in before anyone is invited. Once these four things are fixed, most of the later questions answer themselves.
If you’re not sure what to put for the budget, pick a number most people can say yes to without thinking. Our guide to organizing a Secret Santa covers how to choose one.
Minute 5 to 10: work through the 7-step checklist
The checklist runs from setting the budget to confirming everyone received their gift. Tick each step as you go. Two steps are the ones groups most often skip:
- Collect interests, not wish lists. Three words per person (“tea, plants, running”) is enough to shop from and doesn’t feel like homework.
- Set an order-by date. A gift that arrives after the exchange is just a late gift. Page 2 does the math for you.
Minute 10 to 12: agree on the house rules
The house rules are deliberately short, because nobody reads long ones. They cover the budget cap, keeping your giftee secret until the reveal, and what to do if you can’t take part after the draw. Read them out once, or paste them in the group chat, and you’re done.

Minute 12 to 15: use the sign-up sheet
Page 2 has a table with room for 11 people. Each row has a name, a way to contact them, their interests, and two tick boxes: Ordered and Got it. Those last two columns are the useful part. At a glance you can see who still hasn’t ordered, without nagging anyone.
Need more than 11 people? Print a second copy and continue the list.
Don’t forget the order-by dates
The bottom of page 2 lists when to order for a Friday, Dec 18, 2026 exchange. Everything we sell is made to order, so production time counts before shipping even starts. For that date, the printable shows:
- US, accessories, mugs and ornaments: order by Tue, Dec 1
- US, apparel: order by Thu, Dec 3
- International, accessories: order by Mon, Nov 23
- International, apparel: order by Wed, Nov 25
These are estimates, not guarantees. If your exchange is on a different day, use the delivery date estimator to get your own order-by date.

What to buy once you’ve drawn a name
If your budget is modest and your giftee is a mystery, small and useful beats clever. A ceramic mug with an encouraging line or a ceramic ornament works for almost anyone and fits most budgets. For more ideas by price, try our Secret Santa planner.

Share it with your group
You’re welcome to print the organizer and hand it out, or link to the page from your group chat, blog or newsletter. Please link to the page rather than re-hosting the file, so everyone gets the latest version.
