Free tool
Secret Santa budget calculator
Not sure what limit to set? Answer three quick questions and get a suggested spend per person. It runs in your browser and nothing is saved.
Suggested budget
£5 to £15
per person, for 10 people. Pick a single number inside that range and tell everyone up front.
Need ideas? See our gifts under £20 guide.
Secret Santa budget questions
How much should you spend on Secret Santa?
For an office, £10 or $10 is a common limit. Friends often settle around £15 ($15 to $20) and families around £20 ($20 to $25). Closer groups can spend a little more, and large groups usually keep it lower so nobody feels stretched.
Who sets the Secret Santa budget?
The organiser, before names are drawn. Tell everyone the exact amount (or a range) up front, and put it in the invite so nobody has to ask.
Does the budget include postage and wrapping?
Say so when you set the limit. Most groups count everything the giver spends, so wrapping and delivery come out of the same amount.
What if someone goes over budget?
A short note in the invite that the limit is a ceiling, not a target, keeps it fair. Small homemade extras are usually welcome.
Can I set the budget in the draw itself?
Yes. The HintDrop Secret Santa generator lets you set a budget and a date, then emails each person their private match with the amount included.
Ready to draw names? Try the free Secret Santa generator, or make a Christmas list with HintDrop so your Santa knows what you'd love. Drew someone you barely know? Ask your Secret Santa a question anonymously.