# Organize a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange

Agree the rules before the draw, draw names in secret with exclusions, run a white elephant game with a clear stealing rule, and handle the usual problems.

- Level: Practitioner
- Length: 55 minutes
- Exam questions: 9, pass mark 80%, up to 3 attempts
- Certificate: valid for 12 months

## What you will learn

- Write an invitation that states the spend limit, the ground rules, the reveal and the dropout rule.
- Draw Secret Santa names in secret, with exclusions collected privately.
- Run a white elephant game with one named stealing variant.
- Plan a running order and a time budget for the game.
- Handle a forgotten gift, a dropout, a dispute and a game that drags.

## Lessons

1. [Agree the rules before the draw](https://giftideas.fyi/academy/organize-a-gift-exchange/agree-the-rules-first.md) (12 minutes)
2. [Draw Secret Santa names in secret](https://giftideas.fyi/academy/organize-a-gift-exchange/draw-secret-santa-names.md) (14 minutes)
3. [Run a white elephant game](https://giftideas.fyi/academy/organize-a-gift-exchange/run-a-white-elephant-game.md) (15 minutes)
4. [Handle the common snags](https://giftideas.fyi/academy/organize-a-gift-exchange/handle-the-common-snags.md) (14 minutes)

## Questions

### What is the difference between Secret Santa and white elephant?

In Secret Santa each person draws one name in secret and buys one gift for that person. In white elephant everyone brings one wrapped gift, and players open or steal gifts in turn.

### Do I need an app to draw names?

No. Folded names in a hat work for a group in one room. A draw tool helps remote or busy groups, and a good one applies exclusions for you.

### Does the certificate qualify me as an event planner?

No. It is a certificate of completion from this site. It records that you passed the exam and makes no other claim.

Also on the [web page](https://giftideas.fyi/academy/organize-a-gift-exchange).