Draw names online

No bits of paper in a hat, no hassle over who may draw whom. With Kerstlijst.be the computer draws the names and everyone discreetly receives an e-mail with the name they drew.

What is drawing names (Secret Santa)?

When drawing names, also known as a name draw or Secret Santa, not everyone buys a present for everyone. Each participant draws one name and only buys for that one person. It's cheaper, less stressful and keeps the excitement going, because nobody knows who is buying for whom. It's popular with families, groups of friends, colleagues and clubs, for Christmas and Sinterklaas.

How to draw names on Kerstlijst.be

  1. Create a group. Register for free and start a group for your family or circle of friends. Everyone who takes part gets a place in the group.
  2. Choose who takes part. As group administrator, you select who takes part in the draw. Someone who isn't taking part won't be drawn either.
  3. Set exceptions. Don't want partners or housemates to draw each other? Indicate per person who they may not draw.
  4. Let the computer draw. Nobody draws themselves, everyone is drawn exactly once and your exceptions are respected. Choose whether everyone immediately receives an e-mail with the name they drew.

Why draw names with Kerstlijst.be?

Discreetly by e-mail

Each participant only receives the name they drew themselves. You can also always find the name in your profile on the site.

Who may not draw whom

Partners, parents and children or little groups you want to keep apart: set it per person.

Agree on a budget

Enter a target amount and a maximum amount for the group, so everyone knows where they stand.

The right gift straight away

Everyone fills in their own wish list. That way you know exactly what the person you drew would like.

Ask questions anonymously

Is the list too short or is there no size? Send a question anonymously, without the person you drew knowing who it is.

You can draw again

Something goes wrong or someone joins? The group administrator can reset the drawn names and start again.

Frequently asked questions about drawing names

Does drawing names on Kerstlijst.be cost anything?

No, you can create a group and draw names for free.

Can I see for myself who drew whom?

Participants only see the name they drew themselves. Other participants can't see who drew you, so the surprise is preserved. When drawing, the group administrator can choose whether to receive an overview of all drawn names by e-mail.

How many people can take part?

You can add an entire family or group of friends. Anyone who isn't taking part, you simply don't select when drawing.

Does everyone need an account?

Yes, every participant needs their own login to fill in their list and find the name they drew. The group administrator invites the others.

Can I also draw names for Sinterklaas or another celebration?

Yes. Kerstlijst.be is available all year round, so you can draw names for Sinterklaas, Christmas, a team party or any other occasion.

Ready to draw names?

Create a group, invite everyone and let the computer do the work.

Register for free

More explanation? Have a look at the guide, the frequently asked questions or read how to make a wish list.