How to write exclusion rules
Use the rules box under the names. Each line is one rule, and names must match the list (capital letters do not matter).
- Thandi & Pieter means they cannot draw each other, in either direction. Typical for couples.
- Aisha & James & Lerato keeps all three apart from each other. Useful for siblings or a household.
- Sipho > Aisha stops only Sipho drawing Aisha. Useful for “I bought for her last year”.
You can also use + or / instead of &.
When a draw is impossible
Too many rules can leave someone with nobody to buy for. For example, with four people, if three of them are in one household group, each of the three can only buy for the fourth person, who can only receive one gift. The tool finds this and names the people involved.
The usual fix is to drop one rule or add another person. Larger groups are far more forgiving: with ten or more people, several couples are almost never a problem.
Avoiding two-way swaps
A swap is when A buys for B and B buys for A. It is allowed in many families but takes some of the mystery away. The box below the rules keeps it switched on by default. If your rules force a swap, the tool tells you instead of failing.
Back to the main generator or learn about private reveals.
After the draw, see Secret Santa gift ideas by budget for someone you hardly know, or how to organise a Secret Santa for the full plan.
Questions people ask
Can I keep last year's pairings from repeating?
Yes. Add one rule per pair using the one-way form, for example "Sipho > Aisha" if Sipho bought for Aisha last year.
How many exclusions can I add?
As many as you like, but each one removes options. The tool checks a draw exists and explains if not.
Do I need to type names exactly?
They must match the list but capital letters and extra spaces do not matter. A rule with an unknown name is ignored and flagged so you can fix the spelling.
Why did it say a draw is impossible?
Because the rules leave at least one person with nobody they are allowed to buy for. The message names the people involved so you can remove or soften a rule.