Secret Santa invitation messages to copy

A good Secret Santa invitation says four things: the budget, the exchange day, the day to join by, and how to join. Keep it short and friendly, and make it clear that playing is a choice.

Below are 7 messages to copy. Change the words in [brackets].

What every invitation needs

1. The budget. One number for everyone, for example $20.
2. The exchange day. The day and the place, or the video call.
3. The day to join by. Give people 3 to 5 days.
4. How to join. A reply, a reaction, or a link.
5. That it is a choice. Nobody should feel they must play.

Planning the whole thing? Read how to organize an office Secret Santa.

1. Work email

Subject: Secret Santa this year? Join by [Friday, November 27]

Hi everyone,

We are doing a Secret Santa again. The budget is [$20], and we swap gifts on [Friday, December 18] at [4 pm in the kitchen].

Want to play? Reply to this email by [Friday, November 27]. Then you get your match and a link to add your wish list.

Playing is up to you. No reply means no gift to buy.

[Anna]

2. Slack or Microsoft Teams

🎁 Secret Santa time. Budget [$20], exchange on [Fri, Dec 18]. React with 🎅 by [Fri, Nov 27] to join. You get your match by email, with a wish list from your person. Totally optional, no pressure.

3. Remote team

Subject: Remote Secret Santa: join by [Friday, November 27]

Hi team,

We are doing a Secret Santa for the whole remote team. The budget is [$20], shipping included. We open the gifts together on a video call on [Friday, December 18].

Want to play? Reply by [Friday, November 27]. You get your match and their shipping address. Only your Santa sees yours.

Please order your gift by [Tuesday, December 8], so it arrives on time.

[Anna]

4. Family group chat

Secret Santa this year? 🎄 One gift each, up to [$30], instead of a gift for everyone. We swap on [Christmas Eve]. Say yes here by [Sunday, November 29], and I will send everyone their name.

5. Friends

Secret Santa at [Lea's] on [Saturday, December 19]. Budget [$20]. Reply by [Sunday, November 29] and I'll send you your person. Add a wish list, so nobody gets a 4th scented candle.

6. Reminder: add your wish list

Send it to the people who joined but have no wish list yet. Not to everyone.

Subject: Your Santa is waiting: add your wish list

Hi [Ben],

Your Secret Santa wants to know what you like. Please add your wish list by [Friday, December 11]. It takes one minute.

[Your link]

7. Last call to join

Subject: Last day to join Secret Santa

Hi everyone,

Today is the last day to join our Secret Santa. Budget [$20], exchange on [Friday, December 18]. Reply today if you want to play. Tomorrow I draw the names.

[Anna]

Let AllBack send the messages

With AllBack's free Secret Santa, you send no messages by hand after the invitation. AllBack emails each person their private link and their match. It reminds only the people with no wish list, 3 days and 1 day before the wish list day. Two days before the exchange, it reminds every Santa to buy their gift.

Looking for gift ideas to share? See Secret Santa gift ideas under $20.

Questions

How do I invite people to Secret Santa at work?

Send one short message by email, Slack, or Teams. Give the budget, the exchange day, and the day to join by. Say that playing is a choice.

When should I send the Secret Santa invitation?

About 4 weeks before the exchange. People need a few days to join, a week to add wish lists, and time to buy gifts.

How do I tell people their Secret Santa match?

Send each person a private message with only their own match. An online Secret Santa tool does this for you, so nobody, not even you, sees the whole draw.