Secret Santa Wishlist

When it comes to the most magical time of the year, there’s one phrase in particular that has the power to elicit feelings of intense excitement or dread… Secret Santa!

If you’re putting together a Secret Santa wishlist, it’s important to bear in mind your audience (in other words, don’t include anything that could make your Secret Santa feel uncomfortable). And be sure to include items for a range of price points, or that fit the budget you’ve been given.

What is a normal Secret Santa?

Secret Santa is a fun alternative to traditional gift-giving for groups at Christmastime. Everyone draws a name at random, often from a hat or using an online generator. They then buy that person a gift, becoming their ‘Secret Santa.’

If you’re wondering what’s ‘normal’ in Secret Santa, there’s only one hard and fast rule – the gift-givers should be anonymous. Other than that, anything goes! 

However, groups will often set a price limit for gifts, to avoid the awkwardness of one person buying a much bigger gift than another. It’s also becoming more and more common for people to submit a wishlist, to give their Secret Santa some ideas. Normally, once the presents have been opened, everyone will guess who their gift is from.

When you create a wishlist using Moonsift, you can reveal what has been bought and by who when you choose – making it perfect for Secret Santa where you need to keep it a surprise! Oh, and it works great for birthdays, baby showers and wedding registries too.

What should I put on my Secret Santa wishlist?

Wondering what to put on your Secret Santa wishlist? Only you can decide. However, here are some general guidelines that might help.

1. Be mindful of price. If you’ve been set a budget for Secret Santa, only add things to your wishlist that fall within it. If not, be sure to include items that span a range of price points, so that your Secret Santa doesn’t feel pressured into spending more than they want to.

2. Add things you wouldn’t buy yourself. Secret Santa is an excuse to be treated – so, we’d recommend adding things that you want rather than things that you need. It’s more fun that way!

3. Narrow it down. Your Secret Santa will likely only buy you one thing. So, narrow your list down to a maximum of 10 items that you actually really want. That way, you won’t be disappointed.

Remember also that your Secret Santa needs enough time to get your gift. So, make sure that you share it well in advance of gift exchange day. Better yet, share it before Black Friday so they can make the most of the sales! Read our guide to creating a Christmas wishlist for more tips.

What do you put on a Secret Santa wishlist for work?

If you’re doing Secret Santa at work, the same guidelines we’ve already covered will apply. However, it’s also important to consider what would be appropriate in a workplace setting. After all, your Secret Santa could end up being your boss!

Here are some tips and ideas for creating a Secret Santa wishlist at work.

1. Stay professional. You might prefer to separate your work and private life. So, avoid adding items that cross that boundary. For instance, if you don’t like the idea of your boss seeing you in your PJs, new PJs might not be the best thing to add to your list.

2. Be mindful of the setting. Remember who your audience is. In other words, adding an ‘I hate my job’ mug might not be the best idea when you consider who might be perusing your list!

3. Consider items you can use at work. If you’re racking your brain for ideas to add to your list, consider items that you could get out at work. A few ideas might include a notepad, mug, photo frame, coaster, candle… you get the idea!

How to make a Secret Santa gift special?

Wondering how to make a Secret Santa gift feel special for the person you’re buying for? The very fact you’re asking shows what a great Secret Santa you’ll be! Here are some tips.

• Ask for their wishlist. That way, you can make sure you’re buying something they actually want! To make sure you don’t give yourself away, why not suggest that everyone taking part creates a wishlist? They can do it quickly and easily on Moonsift (plus, it’s free!).

• Wrap it up nicely. A well-presented gift goes a long way and shows that you’ve put in some effort.

• Write something personal. Writing a personal message on the gift label can help the person you’re buying for feel truly special. Maybe you can list some of the qualities you like about them or wish them the best with a goal they’re hoping to complete in the New Year.

• Personalise it. If something on their wishlist can be personalised, consider splashing out the extra few quid. For instance, you might be able to monogram the recipient’s name or initials on an item they’ve picked out.

What do you write on a Secret Santa label?

Here are some ideas for what to write on your Secret Santa label.

• State the recipient’s name (this one’s essential!)

• Wish them a happy Christmas

• Include a personal message to make them feel special (without giving away who you are, of course!)

• Include a few hints to help them out when they come to guess your identity

What are good Secret Santa hints?

Decided to go down the route of giving your gift recipient some hints to help them guess who you are? Then you might be umming and ahhing about what kind of hint you should leave. Consider the following.

1. Make it rhyme

2. Get out the puns

3. Make it festive

4. Don’t make it too tough to crack (it’s not a serious competition)

5. Don’t make it too easy either

6. Comment on your relationship with the recipient

7. Add veiled references to your job, gender or hair colour, for instance

Here’s an example:

‘Snowflakes are white,

My hair is too.

Your Secret Santa,

Works in HR with you.’

How to make a Secret Santa list

Now you’re a Secret Santa pro, only one thing remains – it’s time to make your Secret Santa wishlist!

To get started, simply sign up with Moonsift. Not only is it completely free, but our universal ‘save’ button lets you add items you like from any store in the world. Then, just share it with your Secret Santa group with one simple link.

Set your wishlist to ‘registry’ mode and your Secret Santa can mark off any items they get you and even leave a gift message – but don’t worry, it will all remain a secret until you choose to reveal it. Ho ho ho!