Secret Santa in a writing workshop is a voluntary exchange of small gifts among adult members. Agree on a spending limit, dates and acceptable gifts before drawing names. Keep the handover separate from manuscript discussions.
This plan is for a regular group finishing a workshop cycle. It does not cover book recommendations, gifts for professional writers or school activities.
Set the boundaries first
A gift is not payment for feedback, a prize for the best story or a compulsory present for the tutor. Invite people separately from workshop assignments. Declining must have no effect on their place in the group. Ask whether the facilitator wants to join on the same terms.
Choose a format that meets three conditions: the spending cap is manageable, there is enough time to prepare, and absent members have an agreed handover arrangement.
| Decision | Agreement |
|---|---|
| Participation | Only adults who explicitly opt in |
| Spending | An upper limit; spending less is welcome |
| Manuscripts | No unpublished work or compulsory reviews |
| Handover | A separate moment after the final discussion |
| Absence | A private arrangement without posting an address |
For a group focused on reading rather than writing, see the separate book club exchange.
Five practical steps
- Invite volunteers and set a reply deadline. Do not ask people to justify declining.
- Finalise the list before the draw. Ask privately about alternative handovers.
- Collect brief preferences: a format, an acceptable alternative and anything to avoid. Do not request manuscript extracts.
- Draw names using your chosen method. If organising it yourself, check that nobody draws their own name and send each assignment privately.
- Exchange gifts after the workshop discussion. Avoid public judgements about price, taste or writing quality.
A private note and individual messages can be enough for a small group. The invitation templates offer wording for each stage.
A worked example
Eight adults agree to a cap of 700 roubles, with replies by 1 December, a draw on 3 December and gifts on 17 December. These are example choices, not required dates or spending.
> Joining is optional. Spend up to 700 roubles, or less. Describe your preference in one or two sentences. Manuscripts and required feedback are outside the exchange. We will hand over gifts after our final discussion and arrange any absences privately.
A preference could be: “A small undated notebook; any colour. Please do not quote my drafts.” Never share someone else's unpublished work without permission.
What Osanta handles
The Osanta game page shows an organiser email as the first step, followed by a game name, draw date and budget. Members use one invitation link to submit preferences; assignments are emailed on the draw date. This reduces manual assignment messages. The group still agrees its own boundaries. Participants do not need a separate account.
Before starting
- Everyone has opted in.
- The budget is a cap, not a target.
- There is preparation time after the draw.
- Preferences contain no drafts, contact details or private meeting location.
- No gift requires a review in return.
- Absences have a private handover plan.
- Gifts are separate from manuscript critique.
Organizing a gift exchange?
Create a Secret Santa game online and send the link to participants.
Questions on this topic
Does everyone in the workshop have to join?
No. Include only adults who opt in. Declining should not affect workshop participation.
Can I give my own short story?
Only if the recipient has agreed to that format. A gift does not require them to read, review or edit it.
How can I state preferences without sharing a draft?
Describe the gift format and limits, such as a small notebook without quotations. Leave unpublished work and private document links out.
What if someone misses the final meeting?
Agree on a handover privately before the draw. Do not post their address or guarantee a delivery date.
Where does the main button lead?
To the Osanta game setup form. It begins with the organiser's email, then the game name, draw date and budget.