---
title: "How to Do Secret Santa With Wishlists"
description: "Want a Secret Santa where everyone actually likes their gift? Here's how to set one up step by step, with wishlists so nobody has to guess."
author: "Listful Team"
published: "2026-10-07T15:25:48.461Z"
updated: "2026-10-07T15:25:48.461Z"
tags: ["Guides"]
canonical: "https://www.listful.com/blog/how-to-do-secret-santa-with-wishlists"
source: "Listful"
---

# How to Do Secret Santa With Wishlists

Secret Santa is supposed to be fun. Then you draw the coworker you've talked to twice and spend a week panicking. Adding wishlists takes the guessing out of it.

### Why add wishlists to Secret Santa?

Because a lot of Secret Santa gifts miss. A Love2shop survey estimated that [around 2.5 million unwanted Secret Santa gifts get thrown away in the UK every year](https://workplacejournal.co.uk/?p=52726). In instantprint's 2024 survey, [27% of people said they re-gift Secret Santa presents they don't want](https://www.instantprint.co.uk/printspiration/be-inspired/the-secret-santa-survey-2024).

When everyone shares a short list, their Secret Santa gets real ideas that fit the budget.

### How do I set up a Secret Santa with wishlists?

1. **Pick your group.** Friends, family, coworkers, or a mix. Five or more people keeps it fun.
2. **Set a budget.** Pick one price limit and make sure everyone agrees to it.
3. **Choose a date.** Decide when you'll exchange gifts and when everyone should have their list ready.
4. **Draw names.** Pull names from a hat in person, or use a free online name generator if your group is remote.
5. **Share wishlists.** Everyone makes a Listful wishlist with a few items under the budget and drops the link in the group chat.
6. **Shop the list.** Each Secret Santa picks something from their person's list. Done.

### How much should you spend on Secret Santa?

Whatever works for your group. Love2shop found the [average Secret Santa gift in UK offices was about £14](https://workplacejournal.co.uk/?p=52726), so a limit around $15 to $25 is a comfortable range for coworkers. Friend groups and families often go higher. The most important thing is that everyone agrees before names are drawn.

### What should go on a Secret Santa wishlist?

Keep it short and under the budget. Five or six items is plenty. A few ideas that work well:

- Your favorite snack or coffee, in the exact flavor
- A cozy item like socks or a scarf, with your size noted
- A book or game you've been meaning to try
- Something small from a shop you love

Need inspiration? These [nostalgic Christmas wishlist ideas](https://www.listful.com/blog/nostalgic-christmas-wishlist-ideas-trending-in-2026) have plenty of under-$25 finds.

### Can you do Secret Santa with a remote group?

Yes, and wishlists make it way easier. Draw names online, have everyone share a Listful wishlist link, and ship gifts straight to each person. Since Listful works with items from any store, you can order from wherever ships fastest to your person.

### How do I keep Secret Santa a secret?

Only the person who drew a name should know who they're buying for. Have everyone shop straight from the shared wishlist and wrap gifts without a "from" tag until the exchange. Using wishlists means you never have to ask your person what they want and give yourself away.

Comparing Secret Santa tools? See how [Listful compares to Elfster](https://www.listful.com/blog/listful-vs-elfster-which-wishlist-app-is-right-for-you-in-2026-).

### FAQ

**How do you do Secret Santa with wishlists?** Set a budget, draw names, and have everyone share a Listful wishlist with a few items under the limit. Each Secret Santa shops straight from their person's list.

**What is a good Secret Santa budget?** A limit between $15 and $25 works well for most coworker groups. Ask everyone to add items under that amount to their Listful wishlist.

**How many items should be on a Secret Santa wishlist?** Five or six is plenty. A short Listful wishlist gives your Secret Santa options without overwhelming them.

**Make this year's Secret Santa a hit.** Have everyone in your group start a Listful wishlist.

**Sources:** [Workplace Journal on Love2shop's Secret Santa survey](https://workplacejournal.co.uk/?p=52726), [instantprint, The Secret Santa Survey 2024](https://www.instantprint.co.uk/printspiration/be-inspired/the-secret-santa-survey-2024).