Secret Santa
HintDrop vs DrawNames: Secret Santa Compared
DrawNames is a popular, simple name drawing site. Here is how it compares with HintDrop, so you can pick what suits your group.
Start a free drawWhat DrawNames does well
DrawNames is free, needs no account to draw names, and has a live draw so everyone sees their name at the same moment. It also has wish lists, a gift finder and a phone app.
Side by side
| HintDrop | DrawNames | |
|---|---|---|
| Account or app for players | No account for Classic draws. Players open the link in their email. | No account needed to draw names. There is also an iPhone and Android app. |
| Wishlists | Works with every shop. Family wishlists draws let each Santa see their person's list. | You can make a wish list, or set up a group just to share wish lists. |
| Exclusions | Yes, for example couples not drawing each other. | Yes, if the group is big enough. |
| Anonymity | Each person only sees who they drew. The organiser can't see who got whom. | DrawNames can show the draw live so everyone sees their name at once. Its page doesn't say whether the organiser sees matches. |
| Cost | Free to start a draw. | DrawNames describes the service as free. |
| Gift ideas within budget | Included in each player's email. | A Gift Finder lets you search for gift ideas. |
DrawNames details are from its public website and help pages, checked on 19 October 2026. Features change, so check DrawNames for the latest.
Gift ideas within your budget
Each HintDrop email includes gift ideas within the budget for the person you drew. Browse them any time in our Secret Santa gift ideas, or pick an amount with the budget calculator. Want wishlists as well? See Family Secret Santa with wishlists.
Questions
Is HintDrop a good alternative to DrawNames?
If you want a free draw with gift ideas in the email and optional family wishlists, yes. If your group likes DrawNames' live draw, there is no need to switch.
Do players need an account on HintDrop?
Not for Classic draws. Family wishlists draws give everyone a free HintDrop account so they can keep a Christmas list.
Does the organiser see who got whom?
No. On HintDrop each person only sees their own match.
Can I stop couples drawing each other?
Yes. Add exclusions when you start the draw.
Is it free?
Yes, starting a HintDrop Secret Santa draw is free.
Ready to draw? It takes about a minute.
Start a free draw