Secret Santa with wishlists - free generator
A wishlist-enabled Secret Santa removes most of the guesswork for gift-givers without spoiling any surprises. With Tozi, each participant can share their interests, a comfortable budget range, and a short list of things to avoid - and when names are drawn, the gift-giver sees that information alongside their assignment. It's free, requires no account, and wishlists are always optional for participants who prefer the surprise.
Create a Secret SantaWhy wishlists make gift exchanges better
The biggest risk in any gift exchange is a gift that misses - something the recipient already owns, something they actively dislike, or something they have no use for. Wishlists fix this without turning the exchange into a shopping cart checkout. They give the gift-giver a direction, not an order.
Groups with mixed tastes, ages, or budgets especially benefit from wishlists. When a coworker or distant family member is drawing your name, they may not know you well. Even a few words about what you like and what you'd rather not receive makes a real difference.
What participants can share in their wishlist
Tozi's wishlist lets participants add three types of information: their general interests or gift ideas (books, cooking, outdoor gear, a specific hobby), a comfortable budget range so their giver knows how much to spend, and a 'things to avoid' list for allergies, dislikes, or items they already own.
The 'things to avoid' field is often the most useful. 'Not a fan of candles' or 'allergic to fragrance' or 'already have an air fryer' saves the giver from an awkward moment and the recipient from a polite but insincere thank-you.
Wishlists are optional - not everyone wants to reveal what they want
Some people genuinely enjoy the full surprise of not hinting at anything. Tozi treats wishlists as optional - participants who skip the wishlist still get matched and their giver just works with less information. You can note in your exchange invite that wishlists are encouraged but not required.
Even a partially filled wishlist is helpful. A participant who just writes 'I like coffee and I'm vegetarian' has given their giver more to work with than a blank profile, without locking them into a specific item.
How the gift-giver sees the wishlist
After names are drawn, each participant gets a private assignment page showing who they're buying for. If that person filled in a wishlist, the giver sees it there - the interests, the budget range, and the things to avoid. The wishlist is only visible to the person drawing that name, not to the whole group.
The giver can use the wishlist as a starting point and still add their own creativity. The wishlist suggests; it doesn't dictate. Many givers find the additional context makes shopping faster and more satisfying.
Frequently asked questions
Do all participants have to fill in a wishlist?
No. Wishlists are optional. Participants who skip it still get matched - their gift-giver just has less to go on. You can encourage wishlists in your invite without making them mandatory.
Can I see everyone's wishlist as the organizer?
The wishlist is shown to the person who drew that participant's name, not to everyone. This keeps the exchange fair and preserves the element of surprise while still giving givers useful guidance.
What if a participant adds a wishlist item that's way over budget?
The wishlist is a guide, not a shopping list. Encourage participants to list general interests rather than specific expensive items, and remind everyone of the budget when you send the join link. The budget you set is displayed on every assignment page.
Can participants update their wishlist after they join?
Yes. Participants can update their wishlist at any time before names are drawn. After the draw, the wishlist is locked in so givers always see the final version.