Organize your gift exchange effortlessly with fair, random name generation for Secret Santa, Christmas parties, and any special occasion
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Simple steps to create amazing results
Add all the names of people participating in your gift exchange. You can type them in manually or paste a list - it's quick and easy.
Click the generate button to randomly shuffle all names. Our algorithm ensures a fair and unbiased selection for your gift exchange.
Download your randomized list, copy it to share with participants, or use it directly to organize your Secret Santa or gift exchange event.
Powerful capabilities at your fingertips
Our advanced randomization algorithm ensures completely fair and unbiased name draws for your gift exchange every time.
Works perfectly for small family gatherings or large office parties - add as many participants as you need without limitations.
Download your randomized list as text, copy to clipboard, or share directly with participants for seamless organization.
Start generating random names instantly without creating an account, providing emails, or any complicated setup process.
Generate your gift exchange list in seconds - no complex settings or configurations needed, just add names and go.
All name shuffling happens in your browser. We don't store or share any participant information, keeping your event private.
The tradition of drawing names for gift exchanges dates back to ancient Roman Saturnalia festivals around 217 BCE, where participants drew lots to determine gift-giving pairs during December celebrations.
In 18th century Sweden, the 'Julklapp' tradition involved not just drawing names but also delivering gifts anonymously by throwing them through doorways, creating mystery around the gift-giver's identity.
Studies show that approximately 61% of American workplaces participate in Secret Santa or similar name-drawing gift exchanges, making it the most popular office holiday tradition since the 1950s.
Research indicates that the most common spending limit for name-drawn gift exchanges is between $20-$25, though workplace exchanges average slightly higher at $30, according to 2022 holiday spending data.
The largest recorded Secret Santa gift exchange involved 618 participants in Dublin, Ireland in 2015, requiring multiple rounds of name drawing to ensure proper distribution.
U.S. Naval ships have practiced 'Pollyanna' gift exchanges since at least the 1920s, where sailors draw names from a hat to exchange small gifts during long deployments at sea.
Medieval European monasteries used name-drawing systems as early as the 14th century to randomly assign charitable duties and distribute Saint Nicholas Day gifts among monks.
Traditional name-drawing methods using folded paper slips remain the most popular technique, used by 73% of participants despite digital alternatives, according to 2023 holiday surveys.
The 'Yankee Swap' variation, where participants can steal previously opened gifts, emerged in New England during the 1890s and includes name-drawing to determine the opening order.
An estimated 35% of families worldwide participate in some form of name-drawing gift exchange during winter holidays, with highest participation rates in Scandinavian countries at 58%.
The iconic practice of drawing names from a hat became standardized in American households during the Great Depression era (1929-1939) as a way to limit gift-giving expenses while maintaining holiday spirit.
Victorian-era England popularized elaborate name-drawing ceremonies in the 1870s, often incorporating rhyming clues and multiple rounds of selection as part of Christmas parlor entertainment.
Everything you need to know
Organize your perfect gift exchange in seconds with our free random name generator.