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Christmas is just around the corner but – just like everything else – the traditional secret santa gift exchange is likely to look a lot different this year.
Whether you’re organising a Christmas party with friends or colleagues, gathering in person to open gifts won’t be an option for must of us, due to local tier restrictions.
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But with a bit of planning you can still hold your festive gift exchange virtually and make sure everyone gets their presents on time.
Here’s a few ideas on how to do it as well as inspirations for presents that won’t break the bank.
How to organise a virtual Christmas Santa
Secret Santa is a Christmas tradition where members of a group of friends, housemates, or co-workers draw random names to become someone’s Secret Santa. Givers and gift recipients are randomly assigned with presents usually exchanged at a party.
Although the pandemic makes it difficult to meet face-to-face (unless you’re part of the same household or are meeting outdoors in a group of six) a few websites such as Elfster and Draw Names can help those organising the event remotely this year.
Both sites allow you to input everyone’s email address, and will draw names on your behalf before sending it the results to the right email address. They also help you to create “exclusion” lists, which ensure that no one gets paired up with their respective managers, for example.
Before sending the list make sure you set a price limit, so it is easy for everyone to participate no matter their financial situation or job.
The challenge this year will be to make sure the presents arrive on time for the party. Check the Royal Mail’s website or the one of the delivery company you’re using for holiday deadlines to avoid disappointment.
The rest is, of course, completely left to the organisers and participants. For example, to make your virtual party more festive, you can assign a fun dress code.
To keep everyone in the group occupied you can also organise an activity like a festive Christmas quiz. Those looking for ideas can check the i’s festive-themed quiz to try out on your friends, colleagues or loved ones. All questions are related to the holiday season, and split into four rounds; TV, music, film and general knowledge.
Although background noise can make things complicated on Zoom, the organisers can also create a customised playlist and share it on Spotify to put everyone in the festive mood.
Ideas for gifts for £5 or less
Typo mug with slogan don’t @ me, £5 at Asos – buy here
Piccadilly Sweet Parade Peach Bellini Bon Bons, 200g, £5 at John Lewis – buy here
Mindful meditation cards, £5 at Oliver Bonas – buy here
Coconut Hand Cleanse Gel £2.50 at the Body Shop – buy here
Ginger Fox After Dinner Trivia Game, £5 at John Lewis – buy here
I Heart Revolution Chocolate Bar Bath Fizzer – Chocolate, £4 at Asos – buy here
Ideas for gifts under £10
Hy-Pro Two Player Table Tennis Set, £9.99 at Argos – buy here
Vintage Notebook Lined, £6 at PaperSmiths – buy here
Soap & Glory All Eyes On You Christmas Gift Set, £10 at Boots – buy here
Colouring As Therapy Poster – Set of 4, £8 at the School of life – buy here
45% Nutmilk Hot Chocolate, £9 at Hotel chocolate – buy here
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo £8.36 at Bookshop.org – buy here
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