1. What is a Secret Santa Gift Exchange?

A Secret Santa gift exchange is a way of exchanging gifts for the holidays that helps add a sense of surprise and anticipation while cutting down on stress and expenses. 

Here's how it works. 

Rather than everyone buying everyone else a gift, the group "draws names from a hat". Each person in the exchange is reponsible for buying only one gift. When you only have to buy one gift, you can find a thoughtful gift while experiencing less stress and saving money.

2. How does Elfster help a Secret Santa Exchange?

Elfster helps with both organizing an exchange and participating in an exchange.

For organizers, Elfster helps with the logistics of determining who wants to participate, drawing names, and communicating the names that were drawn. All this is done while at the same time maintaining the secrecy of who drew whom. 

For participants, Elfster helps find the right gift for the person whose name you drew. For example, you can askyour person questions (such as "What's your shoe size?") that will help you get the right fit. But you are able to ask these questions in a way that will not give away your identity. In addition, participants can keep a wishlist to give their Secret Santa ideas of what might be good gifts.

3. How can I get started?

Getting started is easy.  Simply navigate to Elfster's home page. Click on the "Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange" button in the center of the home page. If you aren't already registered, you will be asked to register. You will then begin creating your first gift exchange! Anyone can use the site and it is available free of charge.

4. Why is Elfster offering this service?

Our family has been enjoying Secret Santa exchanges for years. Some inventive sorts in the family have tinkered with the process using a little bit of imagination and some computing power. In 2004, we decided to let anyone use Elfster because, well, why not?!! Today over 250,000 elves are enjoying Elfster. We hope you have fun, too!