Draw names online: set it up in 5 minutes
Quick answer
Step-by-step online name draws — with exclusions, budget, wishlist and invite link.
Drawing names online is the fastest way to organize Secret Santa or Sinterklaas without slips in a hat. On Ribbon Pull you create a group, invite everyone via a link, set exclusions, and draw fairly — even if not everyone is online at the same time.
Create a group and share the link
Choose a name for your group (for example 'Family 2026' or 'Team Christmas'), fill in the gift date and budget, and share the invitation link or code. Participants open the link on phone or laptop and enter their name.
No app installation needed: the site works fully in the browser and is responsive.
Set exclusions before the draw
Partners who do not want to draw each other, or parents who do not buy for their own child: you handle that via exclusions. Do this before anyone clicks 'Draw names'.
That prevents manual redraws and discussions afterward.
Link wish lists to the draw
The advantage of drawing online is that the recipient can immediately share a wish list — with the Happiness bar per gift. You see what is truly wanted and check off items without the recipient noticing.
That saves guessing and duplicate gifts.
Draw when everyone is in
Once there are at least three participants and all spots are filled, each participant can start the draw. Afterward you only see your own match.
Want to redraw after a mistake? Only the organizer can reset.
Online vs. slips in a hat
Paper draws work for small groups who are together. Online you win with large families, hybrid work teams, exclusions, deadlines, wish lists, and people participating remotely.
Plus: nobody accidentally sees someone else's slip.
Conclusion: how to put it into practice
Drawing names online does not have to be hassle: group → invite → exclusions → draw → wish list. Start free on Ribbon Pull and have your draw done within five minutes.