Secret Santa
HintDrop vs Elfster: Secret Santa Compared
Elfster is one of the best known Secret Santa sites. Here is how it compares with HintDrop, so you can pick what suits your group.
Start a free drawWhat Elfster does well
Elfster is well established and free to use. It has wishlists with links from any store, exclusions and private matches, and it works well for larger groups that want everything in one place.
Side by side
| HintDrop | Elfster | |
|---|---|---|
| Account or app for players | No account for Classic draws. Players open the link in their email. | Free to join. Elfster's pages differ on whether players must create an account, so check an invite link before relying on it. |
| Wishlists | Works with every shop. Family wishlists draws let each Santa see their person's list. | Players can build wishlists with links from any store. |
| Exclusions | Yes, for example couples not drawing each other. | Yes, set as draw restrictions. |
| Anonymity | Each person only sees who they drew. The organiser can't see who got whom. | Each person is emailed privately. Elfster says the organiser doesn't see matches either. |
| Cost | Free to start a draw. | Elfster says it is free to organise and join. |
| Gift ideas within budget | Included in each player's email. | Gift ideas and inspiration are available on the site. |
Elfster details are from its public website and help pages, checked on 19 October 2026. Features change, so check Elfster for the latest.
Gift ideas within your budget
Each HintDrop email includes gift ideas within the budget for the person you drew. Browse them any time in our Secret Santa gift ideas, or pick an amount with the budget calculator. Want wishlists as well? See Family Secret Santa with wishlists.
Questions
Is HintDrop a good alternative to Elfster?
If you want a quick free draw where players need no account, yes. If your group already uses Elfster and likes its wishlists, there is no need to switch.
Do players need an account on HintDrop?
Not for Classic draws. Family wishlists draws give everyone a free HintDrop account so they can keep a Christmas list.
Does the organiser see who got whom?
No. On HintDrop each person only sees their own match.
Can I stop couples drawing each other?
Yes. Add exclusions when you start the draw.
Is it free?
Yes, starting a HintDrop Secret Santa draw is free.
Ready to draw? It takes about a minute.
Start a free draw