Can remote colleagues join?

Yes, send links by chat and ship gifts or use e-gift cards.

Should the boss join?

If they want to; consider an exclusion between managers and their reports.

How do I handle late joiners?

Run a new draw before sending links, or add them in a separate small draw.

Secret Santa at Work – How to Organize the Office Exchange

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Keep it simple and inclusive: make joining optional, set a modest budget, often $20 to $30, and pick an exchange date. Type the participants above, add the event name, budget and date, and use exclusions if you want to keep teammates who sit together, or managers and their reports, apart. Send each link by private message or work chat. Remind everyone to keep gifts work-appropriate.

Do it now, right here

Event name (optional) Participants (one per line, at least 3) Pairs who should not draw each other (optional, one pair per line)

Gift budget Exchange date

Step by step

Ask who wants to join and agree on budget and date.
Draw names here with exclusions if needed.
Send each link privately in your work chat.

At a glance

Setting	Suggestion	Why
Budget	$20–$30	Fair for everyone
Participation	Optional	No one feels pressured
Gifts	Work-appropriate	Avoid awkward moments

How to play Secret Santa at work

Do it now, right here

Send each person their link

Step by step

At a glance

Related questions

Can remote colleagues join?

Should the boss join?

How do I handle late joiners?

More questions: secret santa generator