A Kado guide
Organise a clear Secret Santa, from group to gift
Secret Santa is easy to explain: everyone gives one gift and receives one. The challenge is agreeing the rules before the draw and keeping the results away from curious eyes afterwards.
What should you agree before people join?
Decide the exchange date, indicative budget and kind of gifts: new objects, second-hand, homemade or experiences. Write the common rules in the group message so everyone starts from the same information.
Ask people to confirm before the draw. An expected count is a guide, not proof that everyone is registered. Check names and possible duplicate entries with participants.
When should you add exclusions?
An exclusion prevents one person from giving to another and must be saved before the draw. If a couple should not draw each other, both directions must be excluded.
Avoid adding so many constraints that no draw is possible. If no assignment satisfies the exclusions, discuss the rules with the group instead of promising an impossible allocation.
How do you keep recipients secret?
The group invitation link and personal links do different jobs. The first allows someone to join. A personal link lets its holder manage wishes before the draw and see their result afterwards. Send it only to the correct person.
Kado does not show the organiser a complete table of assignments. When opening a result, participants should check that nobody else can see the screen. A screenshot or forwarded link is enough to reveal the surprise.
How can you help your Secret Santa without dictating a gift?
A few preferences, a reading idea or a hobby clue can provide a starting point. Avoid sensitive information and stay within the group budget. The example below can become your personal wishlist to include when you join.
Sending personal links by email is an explicit organiser action. If the group needs to change after the draw, a reset replaces links and removes the previous assignments. Tell participants and share the new access links.
Before sharing
- Everyone has confirmed their participation.
- The date and budget have been communicated.
- Necessary exclusions are saved in the right direction.
- Personal links will be sent individually.
An example to make your own
My Secret Santa wishlist
These ideas are starting points, with no required brand or shop. You can edit, extend or remove them after creating the list.
A book in my favourite genre
Describe themes or authors you enjoy, avoiding books you already own.
A treat to taste
Share useful preferences or restrictions without posting medical information.
Something handmade
Suggest colours, materials or the sort of object you would enjoy.
A small useful accessory
Choose a specific use and keep within the group’s budget.
A surprise inspired by my hobbies
Give two or three clues and mention anything you would rather avoid.
The template opens a form. No wishlist is created until you confirm.
Organise the Secret Santa draw →Frequently asked questions
How many people can take part?
A Kado group supports a draw for three to fifty people. Each gives and receives exactly one gift, without drawing themselves.
Can the organiser see all recipients?
No. The organiser screen and API do not show a complete allocation. Results are accessed through personal links.
Can the group change after the draw?
Its composition is fixed. A confirmed reset returns it to preparation, removes assignments and replaces the old personal links.