35 great Secret Santa poems

You may not be aware of the fact that poetry and gift exchange events have a long partnership in fun; they have a lot of connections when it comes to these group party events. Whenever a group gets together in creative conversation there usually arises an opportunity for a fun gift exchange poem to be generated.

There are many poems associated with Christmas, Santa Clause or Kris Kringle. We will not catalog them all here, but will instead focus on those associated with the secret Santa exchange and then we will share an old favorite white elephant party poem.

This list of unique gift exchange poems has been collected from books, magazines and the internet, so we hope that you will find something fun to share at your next office, church or family gift swap event.

Secret Santa Poems

The majority of gift exchange poems are used during a secret Santa gift swap events. Poetry is used as a way of sharing hints and suggestions as to the identity of the secret Santa.  The rules of a secret Santa exchange revolve around keeping the identity of the purchaser camouflaged as long as possible, before the time arrives for the gifts to be opened.  Much of the fun generated by the exchange is created through attempting to identify who is sharing the poems while attempting to learn who is sharing the gift.
Some secret Santa events allow people to share several small gifts or trinkets that act as hints and point to what the “big” gift is going to be. Or they may be used as hints as to the identity of the sly Santa who purchased the present. Some poems blend in the first letter of the Santa’s name and then suggest other traits that might help with discovering identity. Online secret Santa applications may find ways to use poems to help increase the conversation and the fun on their sites.

Many poems give a clue as to if the gift is something that you would hear, smell, read, watch or wear. The trickiest Santas use poems that point to the style of gift that is coming in the future with cleaver hints in the poem. Poetry allows creativity and fun to help the party turn into an extended adventure for both the secret Santa and the recipient of the gift.

We will not spend much time on the rules of the secret Santa game on this page, but you can find many different gift exchange rules here on the AlbinoPhant Blog.

This is a gift especially for you,
I’m your Secret Santa, I bet you can’t guess who.
Accept this gift with a smile on your face,
And expect another one soon in it’s place.

Spread holiday cheer to family and friends,
Because the joy of Christmas never ends.
I’m a top secret Santa on a mission to surprise. But here are two clues for your two little eyes: I’m (fill in a clue) and (fill in a clue) and that’s all I can say, ’till you get the last clue on the big reveal day!

A whiffin’, sniffin’ gift,
Especially for you.
It’s from “Secret Santa”
Bet you can’t guess who!

Twas the first day of giving and all through the place
Not a person was lurking not even a trace
So I tiptoed my way to your desk down the hall
And dropped off this gift, Gosh! I’m having a ball!

My elves have been busy making this gift just for you,
They told me you’re special but I already knew.
As your Secret Santa I hope you’ll enjoy,
This heartfelt sentiment and new little toy.

Jingle, jangle, what do I hear?
It’s not a reindeer sleigh–
It must be Secret Santa,
Hurrying on his way.

Santa knows you need some cheer and a lift,
So please accept this card and this little gift.
Just remember that wherever you go,
You have family and friends that love you so.

Here’s a present for you I hope you’re surprised,
I’m your Secret Santa Claus in disguise.
The tradition is fun and done every year,
You’re my first choice because you’re such a dear.

Who’s Secret Santa? Here’s a clue, she likes to ____ and likes you too!

It’s not a house, a car, or a boat. It’s a secret Santa gift with a silly little note!

I’m prancing and dancing all over the place
Because I’ve left you a gift with ‘neary a trace
I’m really quite proud of the way that I’ve been
Able to stay secret – it sure makes me grin!

Winkin’, blinkin, just don’t nod.
This gift is for your eyes.
It’s from Secret Santa too,
By now, that’s no surprise.

This special gift is just for you,
I hope you’ll enjoy it the whole year through.
As Christmas approaches you’ll find out who,
Your Secret Santa is and who’s fond of you.

Who could my Santa be? A he or a she? Open the gift, and a hint you will see.

Yummy, yummy, tummy tingling.
A tasty, tempting treat.
Won’t you be surprised
When we finally meet!

Here’s a present for you I hope you’re surprised,
I’m your Secret Santa Claus in disguise.
The tradition is fun and done every year,
You’re my first choice because you’re such a dear.

Who is secret Santa? Her first name ends with “y”. She’s agile and intelligent. And she likes to bring pie.

Who is secret Santa? His name begins with “h”. He’s always working overtime, but doesn’t stay late.

In through the door I flew like a flash
Set down your gift, I hope it’s a smash!
Then with a twinkle and gleam in my eye
I quickly disappeared before you could spy
I can’t let you see me I have to be quick
You don’t know my name ’cause I’m your secret St. Nick!

You may not like the gift that’s inside, but please remember to act surprised.

If you hear someone yell though they aren’t in your sight
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
You’re not hearing things and it’s not a trick
It’s really just me, your secret St. Nick

Santa’s been busy making your gift. Hope it gives your Christmas spirit a lift.

This final gift–for the sense of touch–
Might be a bit surprising.
I’m sure you know just who I am,
Without realizing.

I’m a secret Santa. This gift contains a hint. Please pretend you like it ’cause the money has been spent.

Jingle, jangle, what do I hear?
It’s not a reindeer sleigh–
It must be Secret Santa,
Hurrying on his way.

Here is a treat I hope you find sweet. I’m keeping the best gift until we meet.

I’m giggling and laughing and shouting with glee
I’ve left you another gift
But you still haven’t seen me!

Who is secret Santa? Her name contains an “i”. She loves to make photocopies but can’t tell you why.

A whiffin’, sniffin’ gift,
Especially for you.
It’s from “Secret Santa”
Bet you can’t guess who!

Santa’s been working nearly a year to craft you a gift that brings you great cheer.

What to my wondering eyes did appear
An opportunity to drop off this gift
For someone quite dear…

This is a gift especially for you,
I’m your Secret Santa, I bet you can’t guess who.

Accept this gift with a smile on your face,
And expect another one soon in it’s place.
Spread holiday cheer to family and friends,
Because the joy of Christmas never ends.

On day number 3 I snuck past the door
With a clever disguise to even the score
For I’m your Secret Santa and I can’t let your eyes
Rest on my face and spoil the surprise!

Filling Your Stocking With Chocolate Belongings.

This special gift is just for you,
I hope you’ll enjoy it the whole year through.
As Christmas approaches you’ll find out who,
Your Secret Santa is and who’s fond of you.

We would like to thank Sugardoodle for this great poem that can be adapted for most gift exchange events that involve drawing random numbers. Use this white elephant gift poem to living up your next white elephant gift exchange or Yankee Swap. Now let’s get a party started a share some poetry!

1. Lucky you, you’re # 1

You get to start all the fun.

So grab a gift and grab it quick.

Cause you’re the one who gets first pick.

2. Number 2 you’re on the way.

It’s time for you to have your say.

Get your gift and when you’re done,

Swap it off with number 1.

3. Number 3 its plain to see.

It’s your turn to pick which gift `twill be.

And when your choosing job is through,

Swap with 1 and then with 2.

4. Number 4 must use your head.

So grab a gift that has some red.

If it doesn’t suit you to a `T’,

You may swap with 2 or 3.

5. Jump to it 5, don’t drag your feet.

Take your gift back to your seat.

Wonder of wonders, it’s yours for a spell.

But what comes next, you can never tell.

6. Number 6 it’s your time to go.

Grab a gift and don’t be slow.

Now put on a smile so they won’t be sore,

Cause you must swap with #4.

7. Is a lucky number it seems,

You choose a gift that has some green.

Poke it, and shake it until you get back.

Now trade with someone wearing black.

8. Number 8 its up to you.

To get a gift that has some blue.

Now go quietly to your place.

Or trade with someone with a smiling face.

9. Nine, we haven’t forgotten you.

So choose your gift and don’t be blue.

Consider well and when all is said.

Trade with someone wearing red.

10. Number 10 come to the front.

For yours you shouldn’t have to hunt.

Now hurry back and look alive.

For you get to swap with #5.

11. Your turn 11 is finally here.

Pick a gift and hold it near.

Back at your seat look both ways.

If your choice was right then it may stay.

12. Number 12 jump to it sir/girl.

Make your choice, and with a whirl

Glance around to see who’s where.

Swap with whomever’s got the darkest hair.

13. Well, now, what do you know.

It’s finally 13′s turn to go.

There you go, you’re doing fine.

Now swap with 3 or 6 or 9.

14. Number 14 it’s your turn to shine.

So find a gift and don’t you pine.

Somewhere you really have a friend.

You get to trade with number 10.

15. Number 15 how do you do?

There should be a fit up there for you.

So pick one out without delay.

Now trade with someone wearing gray.

16. Number 16 your patience is great.

Go get a gift and don’t be late.

When your return, spin around.

And switch with someone wearing brown.

17. 17 your choice is here.

Find a box and hold it near.

When you return and look behind.

Swap with 11 if you don’t mind.

18. Number 18 boogie to the tree.

Choose the largest gift you see.

Admire it well, then turn with a wink.

And swap with someone wearing pink.

19. Now #19, do as you’re told.

Find a gift which has some gold.

When you’ve chosen we must be fair,

Trade with whoever has the blondest hair.

20. Number 20 how patiently you’ve waited.

Go get a gift before it’s outdated.

Shake it a bit and look around the floor.

Swap it with someone who’s five feet four.

21. 21 it’s time for fun.

For swapping time has just begun.

After trading with 4 and 9.

Swap with two even numbers–That’s fine.

22. 22 it’s time to make your way.

Get a gift that’s pretty and gay.

Now get ready to use your bean.

You must swap with 8 and 14.

23. 23 your turn has come.

Choose your gift with a lithe hum.

Look it over and when you’re through.

You may swap with a number having 2.

24. Number 24 have you been bored?

Well, we’d like to show you you’re adored.

So choose a box, see what you get.

Now you may trade with a brunette.

25. Let’s go 25, look alive.

Pick a gift of any size.

Show the gang that you’re O.K.

And swap with anyone you say.

26. It’s time for 26 to mix.

Get a gift if just for kicks.

For you’re to trade, if you have the knack.

With anyone whose shoes aren’t black.

27. Number 27 how lucky you are.

You’ve seen all the gifts chosen so far.

If a pretty box catches your eye.

Grab it, make a trade, and don’t be shy.

28. Hop up 28, don’t drag your feet.

Study your gift as you reach your seat.

Now grin a bit and smile some more.

Trade with 22, then 24.

29. Number 29 you must wake up.

Run up there as spry as a pup.

Make your choice, isn’t this keen?

But you must swap with 17.

30. Number 30 your wait was long.

But when we’re through you’ll sing a song.

Just look them over from small to large.

See a favorite? Then forward charge!

31. Number 31, how about that?

On your chair so long you’ve sat.

But get a gift, it’s not too late.

And trade with 30, 20, and 8.

32. O.K. 32, jump up quick,

And snatch your prize.

Then trade with the person

With the bluest eyes.

33. Well 33 it’s here at last.

You may break your giftless fast.

Gaze around at all the lasses.

Trade with someone wearing glasses.

34. 34, can there be more?

This poetry may be a bore.

Find your gift and look around.

Swap with the youngest member found.

35. 35, it is really true?

That 34′s rhymes now are through.

Well, choose your gift, now you see.

You trade with two numbers having 3.

36. 36 your waits been endless.

But now you know that you’re not friendless.

Look around and “case the scene”.

Then swap with someone wearing green.

37. 37 the end is near.

But have a gift, and never fear.

Now let’s shake up the early ones, like 7.

Trade with odd numbers through 11.

38. 38, it’s your choosing time.

Please make it better than this rhyme.

When you have it, look around.

And trade with those from out of town.

39. 39, go to the tree.

Choose the smallest gift you see.

If you wish to make a trade.

Find the largest that was made.

40. 39′s turn is finally past.

It’s number 40′s turn at last.

Find your gift and make a date,

To swap with #38.

41. 41 are you still awake?

Go get a gift for heaven’s sake.

Pick it up nice and quick.

Then trade with numbers having six.

42. Guess whose turn has come up now.

42, please take a bow.

Choose your gift, isn’t it keen.

Now trade with 15 and 19.

43. Oh my goodness, it’s getting late.

43, let’s see your fate.

Go get yours, sakes alive.

You have to trade with 25.

44. On we go to 44.

There must be at least one more.

Take your pick, are you in heaven?

Alas, you’ll swap with 27.

45. 45, it’s time for you.

Guess what it is you have to do.

Trade with 28, then 29.

Now you can say, “This one is mine!”

46. Skip on over 46.

Time for you to stir and mix.

Make your choice and then connive,

To swap with #35.

47. 47, we’re now to you.

There’s a gift for you there, too.

Isn’t this a lot of fun?

Now trade with 40, then 41.

48. 48, there’s not much left.

Still we won’t leave you bereft.

Maybe you’ll choose an old, rare wine.

Would you like to swap with 39?

49. 49, are your eyes still open?

Are you sitting there just hopin’?

Trot on up, what’s your fate?

Then trade with number 48.

50. We’ll wrap this up with #50.

We bet what’s left is really nifty.

However, one last swap is due.

With the gal who’s sitting left of you.

We hope that these Secret Santa gift exchange poems will inspire you to share more gift experiences with your family and friends. We love to focus on white elephant gifts as a part of our secret Santa events. If you would like to try the AlbinoPhant white elephant gift party online click HERE

Gift exchange rules

The gift exchange party is the most common way to share gifts among groups of family and friends. These events are held during various holiday celebrations and for office parties, family and class reunions.

The most common and popular gift exchange is the Secret Santa gift swap game. The Secret Santa is primarily used to exchange gifts directly from one person to another.  This activity is akin to the standard name draw exchange that many groups use to establish the rules of gift purchasing among groups during important life events. But before we move into the rules of Secret Santa we will start with the most common rules of all gift exchange games, parties or events:

The Name Draw or Drawing Name Exchange

The name draw style gift exchange is used as a means to save money among members of various sized groups. Rather than purchasing a gift for everyone, the name draw system randomly parses out the gift purchasing responsibly evenly between each member of the group.  This helps with the gift giving budget because each person only purchase one gift for one person in the group.

The main rule of the name draw is that all members of the groups put their name into a common holding area.  This holding devise could be a hat, or a box, or a bucket.  Newer online versions of the name draw exchange uses an electronic mimic of the hat using special randomizing name drawing software.  Instead of names written on slips of paper, the group adds the names electronically on a website. Here is a fun site the shows a virtual hand going into the hat and pulling out a name.  The online party version of these name draw systems can really be described as a fun generator for any name draw exchange.

There are several online name draw sites that will help simplify your name drawing and simple gift exchanging events. Here are some links to those that we found in a quick Google search for Name Drawing, Secret Santa Name Generator and Random Name Draw Generator:

Name drawing .com

Draw names .com

Virtual name draw .com

Sneaky santa .com

Boggol drawing names .com

Boogspace secret santa name picker .com

You can use many of these simple and free online tools to randomly select the names for your name drawing events and never draw names from a hat again. No matter what name holding devise that you use, the rules for the gift exchange remain the same; one name drawn for each potential gift to be shared, so that everyone gets a gift.

The Secret Santa Gift Exchange or Secret Kris Kringle

The next level up from the family gift name draw is an group gift exchange activity known as the Secret Santa Exchange or in some other parts of the world, the Kris Kringle Gift Exchange. As we mentioned before, the Secret Santa is the most used style of gift exchange in the world.

The main difference between a standard name draw gift exchange and a Secret Santa exchange is the idea of secrecy. In a Secret Santa event the members of the group draw names just like any name draw activity, but you don’t share who you are purchasing a gift for. The internet also provides a few online secret Santa organizer sites that can help put the party together. We have listed a few of them here for you to explore:

Secret Santa Organizer .com

Elfster Secret Santa .com

Secret Santa .com

Sly Santa .com

Secret Gift .com

Evite Secret Santa

Kris Kringle gift exchange

NOTE: the Kris Kringle gift exchange is popular in the UK and Australia.

The secret Santa gift exchange follows the same rules as the regular name draw, so there is one gift per each person in the group. The parings are selected randomly from all members of a group and there is still the expectation that each person will purchase and deliver a gift to another person. The unique rule in a secret Santa event is that the random name selection is secretive.  There are version of the secret Santa that involve providing clues as to how the shoppers are, with guessing and questioning opportunities provided to ad to the fun.  Some secret Santa exchanges use the rule that no gift can be shared until a certain date and time. This is usually a rule when the gift exchange is a part of a group party of other event.

Gift Exchange games that involve random gift swapping

The most complicated set of rules for gift exchange activities are associated with gift swapping parties.  The most common of these swap or “stealing” gift  parties is the White Elephant gift exchange party, but there are at least 22 other party games that use the same basic rules. Here is a list of the various titles of gift swapping parties:

Yankee Swap

Scottish Gift Exchange

Chinese Gift Exchange

Chinese Christmas

Thieving Elves

Dirty Santa

Thieving Secret Santa

Rob Your Neighbor

Dirty Christmas

Pollyanna Swap

Cajun Christmas

Devil’s Santa

California Swap

Steal-a-Thon

Snatchy Christmas Rat

Gift Grab

Cutthroat Christmas

Nasty Christmas

Redneck Santa

Rob a Santa

Grinch Exchange

The Grinch Game

No matter the name, the rules follow a basic format and require each members attendance at a group event or party activity. There is even an online white elephant gift party called AlbinoPhant, that also uses these same basic rules of play:

White Elephant Gift Exchange common rules

All invitees to the party must purchase a gift for sharing. The gift should be something that all would find interesting or unique, because nobody knows which gift will eventually be going home with which person. Unusual gifts are great for these gift swap parties because they really help get the conversation going and make the party more interesting.

Gifts at the White Elephant party are required to be wrapped so that the contents will be a surprise when it is opened. There should be no identifying marks on the gift so that the purchaser remains anonymous to the other attendees at the gift exchange event.

The game begins with a random name draw for all those in attendance, in order to select the first player.  From this point the game allows gifts to be opened and to be “stolen” , which is the term used to describe the gift swapping rule of the game.  Any gift that is opened can be stolen on any players turn. Another basic rule concerning stealing is a restriction that stops any player from stealing-back a gift that was just stolen from them.  The final common rule of the game is that once a gift has been held by 3 people it is “frozen” from the stealing process for the rest of the game. This rule does not apply in the case of a white elephant gift exchange game titled Commando, where stealing is allowed up until the end of the game, no matter how many times the gift goes around the room.

One final rule that is common in these white elephant style events is the “first shall be last” rule.  This rule says that the first person that opens a gift is given the last chance to exchange any gift that is not frozen.  This rule is used to reduce the possibility of the first person missing out on all of the action, if nobody every steals their gift.  There is a school of thought that suggests that this rule is lame, so you can make the decision to use it or not.

There you have it… The most common rules of the Gift Exchange, from simple name draws to complicated gift stealing exchanges.  You can find very complete details of the rules for each of the exchange activities here on this site.

If you have any thoughts, additions, corrections or suggestions, please add them here in the comment box.

Have a great time at your group gift exchange party and remember to play by the rules!

Sometimes we feel like our story if falling on deaf-ears; because the idea is so new and unproven…

But we know it can be done and are just waiting for others to agree.

We would like to thank the Reddit users for their absolute proof that a gift exchange can be organized and completed using internet connections.

Antonio Cangiano’s Blog shares the story:  Antonio writes; “Dan McComas (kickme444 on Reddit) came up with a website to collect sign-ups, and put forward a few ground rules for participants. For instance, to cut down on the number of ill-intentioned users (the so called trolls), only users who were already registered with Reddit before November 10, 2009 were allowed to sign-up for the gift exchange.”

Further TechCrunch reported that this Secret Santa style exchange has demonstrated that almost 4500 internet users can exchange personal details (including shipping information) and share over 5000 gifts with other online users.

Now,  these were not virtual gifts…
The Reddit group shared $160,000 in REAL gifts!
They even earned a Guinness World Record for thier efforts.

OK, people…. WE TOLD YOU THIS COULD BE DONE…!!!

We also  suggested that sharing real gifts and using the images to represent the real thing, would work as well… Again the proof of this vision is in the redditgifts.com photo gallery.

We now have proof that an online gift exchange can be hosted, organized, facilitated, and indeed work in social spaces.

PartyWeDo will continue to promote this opportunity for family and friends to share real gifts online, using a fun and engaging traditional party game.  We are confident that the rest of the world will eventually catch up…

Thank you Dan and your Reddit community for proving our point…

Your host has used a special offer code (1234) to begin a “test-drive” party that allows you to experience a gift exchange without spending any money…

Like a real test drive!

Here are the step by step instructions on how to get the invitation, RSVP, find a gift (virtually), get it wrapped and then join the party.

It is really easy, once you have done it one time!

Step #1 (these screen shots seem to display better in Firefox than on Explorer browsers, sorry)

Step #2

Step #3

Step #4

Step #5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Final Step: HAVE A GREAT TIME.. You are going to love this party!

A recently released study by Sears, and reported in Marketing Daily suggests that; “Some 90% of those it surveyed say that because of the challenging economy, they are more focused on celebrating family traditions.”

Other studies are suggesting that more than 75% of Americans are realizing that connecting with traditional family activities is what will make them happier during the holidays.

New family traditions are also a high priority, and the Sears study suggests that group gift giving activities like Secret Santa gift exchanges will be a priority this year. Setting spending limits on these gift opportunities is also an important consideration during tight financial times, and the study suggests that 63% of us will do just that. Gift exchange formats also reduce the overall gift purchasing volume needed among the family, saving even more resources.

Some marketers are skeptical that this new traditionalism will have staying power, once the recession is past and better times arrive. But it is possible that the rise in social networks and the fall in expendable income will alter family trends forever.

One trendy industry is going to really benefit from these traditional family leanings. That would be social media, and some web-based mimics which provide traditional experiences for family members. Facebook has positioning itself as the alternative solution to actually driving to Grandmas house for Thanksgiving. Especially for those who can’t afford the fuel this year. Images and comments are not a perfect substitute for the taste of turkey, but at least it is a connection to the traditions of the past. As more learn the systems and find them to be acceptable substitutes, the mimics will become the new traditions for family gathering. Online solutions break down distance constraints and expand the connections far beyond what was possible in Grandma’s confined living room.

The social activities like White Elephant parties or Yankee Swaps can now combine traditional family gift sharing and conversation, without spending money on fuel or travel. These online mimics provide, at least in part, the family feeling that would be lost by not being able to show up in person.

So the economic realities of today are building a desire to reconnect with the traditions of the past, while creating the systems that will become the trends of the future.

Sharing books might be your cup of tea...

People are very creative in the ways that they share gifts during the holidays.

I discovered what the book bloggers and the tea enthusiasts are doing, and it is very cool…
They use an online Secret Santa format to spread the joy of the season with their respective networks.

Bonnie at Red Lady Reading Room and Gwendolyn at Sea of Books both participate in a blog-based book swap.  This event was started a few years back by some passionate book readers who describe the party as: “a way for book bloggers to connect and celebrate the holiday spirit by sharing gifts. It’s done secret Santa style; all of the participants are randomly assigned a blogger to send a gift to, and these assignments are kept secret until the gift has been delivered. So no one knows who their gift is coming from”!

I did a little exploring around, and it seems that there is a large group of bloggers who share the gift of reading through this online party.

But, the book readers are not the only online community that swaps gifts using  internet tools…  The tea crowd is in on the action as well…

Theirs is also an online Secret Santa format and is titled The Tea Round Table’s Holiday Gift Swap.  It is organized by the World of Tea.  Those who are a part of the world of tea online forum can use an online registration to join and share tea with randomly selected “gift buddies”.

These connected groups of users  find many ways to share with each other. So during the holidays they use the web to facilitate their effort to share gifts.  We  see groups like book bloggers and tea drinkers also using the online white elephant party system to share as well.

In fact, it would add the extra dimension of a common game play page and extra banter into their events.  The online yankee swap/white elephant party would connect club members, societies, sororities and gift-sharers of many persuasions.  What is more social than a party?

We salute the Blogger Book Swap and the Tea Holiday Gift Swap for moving the party online!

What other groups do you know who could benefit from these ideas?

Thanks to HolidaySwap for the image…