Sequence

How an exchange goes from a name to a private draw.

Four things you do as the organizer. Nothing here is automatic until you confirm the assignments.

1. 01

   Create the exchange

   Give it a name people will recognize in the invitation. Add a minimum and maximum budget if you want everyone spending in the same range. Set a wishlist deadline and the day gifts are exchanged. Those fields are visible to everyone who joins.

   • Name is required
   • Budget, wishlist deadline, and exchange date are optional
   • You can edit the details later, before the draw is sent
2. 02

   Invite people by email

   Enter the addresses of the people who should be in the draw. Each one receives an invitation link. They create a free account — a sign-in code by email, or Google or Apple if they prefer — then join, write a wishlist, and can add a delivery address.

   • Open invitations stay marked as pending
   • You can resend an invitation that has not been accepted
   • Pending people are not included when you draw names
3. 03

   Add exclusions if you need them

   An exclusion is a pair who must not be assigned to each other. It applies in both directions. Use it for couples, siblings, or anyone else who already buys for each other. You can add as many pairs as the group can still support.

   • Set before you confirm the draw
   • The preview respects every exclusion
   • If the rules make a draw impossible, you will need to loosen them
4. 04

   Preview, then send the draw

   When at least three people have joined, you can assign Santas. Look at the full preview first — only you see every pairing. Generate another set if you want a different arrangement. Confirm when you are ready to email each person their own recipient. After those emails go out, the assignments cannot be changed.

   • No one is assigned themselves
   • Each participant receives only their own match
   • The recipient’s wishlist and delivery address open for that giver