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Classroom Secret Santa

The teacher adds the participant list to Quick Draw, runs it, and hands out the matches in class — students do not need accounts, email, or access to the site.

Classroom · guide

The simplest setup: an adult runs the draw

A classroom Secret Santa does not need an online game for every student. An adult organizer — a teacher or parent — can open Quick Draw, add the participant list, run the draw, and hand out the results in person. Students do not need to visit the site, create accounts, or provide contact information.

Set the ground rules first

  • Keep participation voluntary. Finalize the list before the draw and include only those who are taking part. If your school requires parent approval, handle that before the draw.
  • Agree on a modest budget and gift guidelines ahead of time. For example, gifts should be school-appropriate, and food should only be included if classroom rules and allergies have been considered.
  • Do not enter unnecessary student information. First names, initials, or another label the organizer can recognize are enough for the draw — student emails, phone numbers, and addresses are not needed.

How to run the draw

1

Finalize the participant list

Make sure you know who is taking part before you start. That way, you will not have to change the draw afterward.
2

Open Quick Draw

The adult organizer adds first names or another recognizable label. Students do not need accounts or email addresses.
3

Run the draw

The adult runs the draw. Students do not need to open the site or receive any links.
4

Hand out the matches

Write each match on a separate card or slip of paper and hand it to the right student without showing the rest of the class.
5

Collect Secret Santa notes

Have each student write a few gift ideas on paper — things they like or hobbies they enjoy. The teacher collects the notes and, after the draw, gives each one to the person who drew that student.
6

Exchange gifts together

Pick an exchange day and hand out the gifts together. Once everyone has received a gift, the class can try to guess who each Secret Santa was.

Wishlists can stay offline too

A classroom exchange does not need online wishlists. A simple paper note with a few ideas does the same job without requiring a student account. After the draw, the organizer simply gives each Secret Santa note to the right person.

This keeps the online part with the adult organizer while the classroom experience stays simple: receive a name, prepare a gift, and exchange it on the chosen day.

Run a Quick Draw

The teacher adds the participant list to Quick Draw, runs it, and hands out the matches in class — students do not need accounts, email, or access to the site.

Frequently asked questions

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