Questions people ask
Can't find yours? Email support@hintdrop.app and a real person will reply.
Is HintDrop free?
Yes. Making lists, adding your people, birthday reminders and the Secret Santa generator are all free. The only time money changes hands is if you choose to chip in towards a group gift, and then you're paying your share of the present.
How do I drop a hint?
On your phone, tap Share in any shop app or website, then HintDrop. On a laptop, add the free browser extension and click it on any product page. You can also paste a link into HintDrop yourself. The name and picture come with it. There's a step by step guide with videos at hintdrop.app/how-to-drop-a-hint.
Does it work with any shop?
Yes. Big shops, small makers, second hand apps and Instagram finds all work. Every store, all in one place.
Who can see my list?
Public lists show on your profile, so the people in your circle and anyone you share the link with can see them. Private lists and private hints never show on your profile or in the Feed. You can still send a private hint to someone yourself with Share, and only people with that link can open it.
Will I find out what I'm getting?
No. Friends can tap "Dibs" so nobody buys the same thing twice, but you never see who is buying what.
How do I add everyone's birthdays?
Open Calendar and tap Import. You can pick people from your phone's calendar (including Google Calendar's birthdays), type a few in, or send one link so friends add their own birthday, no account needed. Only the people you pick are saved, and nobody is messaged unless you choose to invite them.
Who can see my birthday?
Only the people in your circle, so it lands in their calendar. Everyone else just sees your star sign.
How do group gifts work?
If a few of you want to go in on something bigger, plan it together and everyone can chip in towards one present instead of several smaller ones.
Is HintDrop better for the planet?
It helps, and we try not to overclaim. In a 2024 Censuswide survey of 2,000 UK adults for Finder, 58% said they had been given a Christmas present they did not want, worth about £1.27 billion in total. When people buy from your list, they buy something you asked for, so fewer presents end up unused, regifted or in the bin. Research also suggests people find gifts they asked for more thoughtful, not less. We don't measure carbon, so we won't pretend HintDrop saves the planet; it just makes it easier to give the right thing. More on our About page, and sources are in our guide to unwanted Christmas gifts at hintdrop.app/blog/unwanted-christmas-gifts.
Is there an app?
Yes, HintDrop is free on iPhone and Android, and works on the web too. There's also a browser extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
Do I need an account for Secret Santa?
No. The organiser confirms their email, and everyone else just opens the email with their match. Each person can add a wishlist so their Santa knows what to get.
Do you sell my data?
No. We never sell your data. See our privacy policy for exactly what we store and why.
How do I delete my account?
Tap your profile picture, choose Account, then Delete account (on the web: hintdrop.app/account). It's deleted straight away, along with the data linked to it. Can't sign in? Email support@hintdrop.app from your account's email address.
More: How to drop a hint · Privacy · Terms · Delete account