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
Eight willing participants join an office gift exchange. Staff who have not opted in are excluded from the list.
One valid result is shown below. Your generated outcome will vary.
Example input
Alex Jamie Morgan Taylor Sam
Example result
1. Alex → Taylor 2. Jamie → Alex 3. Morgan → Jamie 4. Taylor → Sam 5. Sam → Morgan
Every listed participant gives and receives once, with all pairings visible on the organizer’s screen.
Keep participation and private sharing clear
Agree on the exchange’s budget and timing without assuming everyone in the workplace is participating. Use simple unique labels rather than pasting contact details into the draw. Share recipients individually after saving the result. The generator does not collect consent, send reminders, hide assignments from the organizer, or enforce reporting-line exclusions.
Settings and limits to check
The example has 5 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 I keep managers from drawing their direct reports?
There is no relationship exclusion setting. Choose a constrained process if that rule is required.
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?
Every listed participant gives and receives once, with all pairings visible on the organizer’s screen.