Secret Santa rules

The golden rules

Write these on your invite and everyone knows where they stand.

• One budget for everyone, and stick to it (a little under is fine, over isn't).
• Keep your person secret until the swap, even from your best mate.
• Buy for them, not for you: check their wishlist, likes and sizes.
• Nothing that could embarrass, offend or upset, especially at work.
• Wrap it and label it with their name, not yours.
• Hand it over by the swap date: order with time to spare.

Office Secret Santa etiquette

Keep it kind and safe for work. Jokes land best when they're about something the person loves (their football team, their tea habit), never about their looks, age or weight.

Set the budget so the lowest-paid person in the team is comfortable. Make joining optional, and don't chase people who say no.

What not to buy

A few gifts go wrong more often than others.

• Anything about appearance, age, weight or dieting.
• Alcohol for someone you don't know drinks, or for under-18s.
• Strong scents or food for someone with allergies (check their profile).
• Re-gifts, unless you're sure they'll love it.
• Anything you wouldn't want your boss to see opened.

House rules you can add

Some groups like extra fun: a theme (everything handmade, everything under £5, everything purple), a joke gift plus a proper one, or a swap game where people can steal gifts. Agree it in your group message before the draw.