Short answer: a useful Secret Santa invitation states whether participation is optional, the budget, the sign-up deadline, the draw date and the gift-opening plan. Send a short invitation first, one game link second, and keep rules and reminders in separate messages.
When the details are agreed, create the game and copy its invitation link. The organizer starts with an email address, then adds the game name, draw date and budget. Participants use one shared link, add wishes and receive their assignment by email on the selected date.
Decide the facts before writing
Confirm who coordinates, who is invited, whether participation is voluntary, the budget, sign-up deadline, draw date, shipping rule and opening format. Do not ask people to decline publicly. For the complete flow, see the online Secret Santa guide; family-specific choices are covered in the family Secret Santa guide.
Short group-chat invitation
> We are planning an optional Secret Santa. The suggested budget is $25, sign up by December 5, the draw runs on December 6, and we will open gifts on December 24. If you want to join, use the link and add a few wishes. If you skip this round, no explanation is needed.
Put one link after the message. Avoid repeating it in every paragraph.
Full invitation for a remote team
> We are starting an optional team Secret Santa. Join through the link by December 3. The draw runs on December 4, the suggested gift budget is $30–40 before shipping, and we will meet online on December 22. Add several wishes and things to avoid. Please do not post home addresses, phone numbers or access codes in the group chat; the minimum delivery details will be exchanged privately after the draw.
If home-address collection is not allowed, offer an approved pickup point, office address, digital gift or local voucher. The draw service does not arrange shipping.
Rules message
> Quick rules: participation is optional; sign up by December 5; the budget is a guide; add several wishes and one or two dislikes; keep your assignment private until opening; tell the coordinator early if plans change; never post addresses or phone numbers in the shared chat.
Do not promise perfect anonymity, identical gift value or delay-free delivery.
Deadline reminder
> Reminder for confirmed participants: please open the link and complete your wishes by 8 p.m. today. The draw runs tomorrow. If your plans changed, contact the coordinator privately before the list closes.
One group reminder is usually enough. Contact only people who opted in but did not finish the form.
Post-draw message
> The draw is complete. Check the email address used to join for your assignment and wishes. Keep the name private until opening. If the email is missing or you cannot prepare a gift, contact the coordinator today.
The current Osanta game page states that assignments arrive by email on the draw date and that participants do not need a separate account.
Invitation for families with children
An adult should coordinate any game involving minors. Adults complete the form and handle contact or delivery details. Never ask a child to post an email address, phone number or home address in a shared chat.
Two-minute adaptation checklist
| Field | Replace with |
|---|---|
| Group | family, team, friends or neighbours |
| Choice | a clear right to decline |
| Budget | amount or range and shipping rule |
| Sign-up | exact date and time |
| Draw | a later separate date |
| Opening | place, call or delivery plan |
| Help | coordinator and private contact channel |
Read the message as a participant. It should explain what happens after the click, use one date per action and avoid collecting unnecessary personal data.
Final check
Confirm voluntary participation, budget, sign-up deadline, draw date, opening format, one working link, a private help channel and a plan for withdrawals before the draw. Then create the game and copy the link, or browse more Secret Santa guides.
Organizing a gift exchange?
Create a Secret Santa game online and send the link to participants.
Questions on this topic
What must a Secret Santa invitation include?
State that participation is optional, the budget, sign-up deadline, draw date, opening or delivery plan, one link and a private way to contact the coordinator.
Should rules and the invitation be one long message?
Usually no. Send a short invitation first, a compact rules list to confirmed participants, and one reminder near the deadline.
How many reminders should the organizer send?
One clear group reminder is generally enough. Private reminders should go only to people who opted in but have not completed the form.
Do participants need an Osanta account?
No. They open the shared link, complete the form and receive their assignment by email on the draw date.
Can children share their contact details in the game chat?
No. An adult should coordinate the game and handle any email, phone or delivery details privately.