Step-by-step instructions
Enter unique participant names
Use one distinct label per person. Similar names need initials or another unique identifier.
Agree on the exchange rules
Set the budget, deadline, and sharing method before drawing. Any exclusion requirements need a separate process.
Draw and share assignments privately
Select Draw gift pairings. Save the full result as organizer, then tell each giver only their own recipient.
Worked example
Six relatives have agreed to take part. Shared first names are distinguished before the organizer generates assignments.
One valid result is shown below. Your generated outcome will vary.
Example input
Alex A Jamie A Morgan B Taylor B Sam C Jordan C
Example result
1. Alex A → Jamie A 2. Jamie A → Sam C 3. Morgan B → Alex A 4. Taylor B → Morgan B 5. Sam C → Jordan C 6. Jordan C → Taylor B
Each participant receives one recipient assignment. The organizer sees all of them and must share them privately.
Discuss household exclusions before choosing the method
Some families do not want partners, household members, or last year’s recipients matched. This tool cannot enforce those exclusions. Do not assume a unique-name draw will satisfy them by chance; use a method designed for your required constraints. For an unrestricted exchange, agree on budget, timing, and how assignments will be shared before running one final draw.
Settings and limits to check
The example has 6 retained entries. Each participant gives once and receives once, with no self-assignments. All assignments are visible on the organizer’s screen. The tool has no private reveal links, automatic emails, couple exclusions, or previous-year history. Reciprocal assignments are possible. It does not require an even number of people or force everyone into one single cycle.
Settings used in this example
Remove duplicate entries: Off
Keep a usable copy of the result
Use Copy to place the current result in your own notes, or Download to keep a text file. Keep the eligible input list with the result when you need to explain which entries took part. A new generation replaces the displayed result rather than adding to a saved history.
The tool runs in your browser and does not upload your input. Save the result before refreshing or leaving the page. If other people need to use the same outcome, share your saved copy rather than asking them to generate another independent result.
Frequently asked questions
Can the tool prevent partners from drawing each other?
No. It has no couple or household exclusion settings.
Are recipients hidden from the organizer?
No. The full list appears on screen. The organizer must share each assignment privately.
Can I exclude couples or last year’s recipient?
There are no exclusion settings. Use a different process if those constraints are required.
What should I check in the worked example?
Each participant receives one recipient assignment. The organizer sees all of them and must share them privately.