A poetry club Secret Santa is a voluntary gift exchange among adults who regularly read and discuss poetry. Agree a modest budget, acceptable gift formats and a handover date before drawing names. Nobody should have to write a poem or perform to take part.
This plan is for a coordinator preparing an exchange alongside regular meetings. It does not replace the reading programme or turn the group into a writing workshop.
Agree the rules before collecting names
Ask for an explicit opt-in. Someone may attend the usual discussion without joining the exchange, and declining needs no explanation.
| Decision | Agreement to make |
|---|---|
| Participation | Adults who have expressly opted in |
| Budget | A modest ceiling everyone is comfortable with |
| Theme | Whether gifts need any connection to reading |
| Preferences | Interests, things already owned and unsuitable choices |
| Timing | Sign-up deadline, draw date and handover |
| Absence | Another agreed handover without revealing pairs publicly |
Avoid treating rare editions or literary expertise as a measure of generosity. For an exchange specifically organised around book genres, see the book club plan.
Ask for preferences, not private work
A language, format and a few interests are enough. Separate “I would like to explore this” from “I already own this”. Do not attach unpublished poems, recordings or someone else's correspondence without consent.
Example preference
> I enjoy discovering contemporary short poetry in Russian and prefer print. A small gift unrelated to books would also be welcome. Please do not plan a compulsory reading when we exchange gifts.
This is an invented wording example, not a product recommendation. Describing the mood and format in your own words avoids reproducing protected work.
Choose a practical way to draw names
A small group can use paper slips. Include only volunteers; if anyone draws their own name, repeat the whole draw. Share results privately and collect preferences yourself.
An online game helps when people will not meet before the handover. The Osanta game page describes a start with the organiser's email, followed by a game name, draw date and budget. Participants use one link and receive their assigned recipient by email on the draw date. The service handles allocation, not gift selection or club rules.
- Confirm who wants to join.
- Agree the budget and dates.
- Set up the game and share its link with participants.
- Ask for preferences and exclusions.
- Check readiness before the draw and allow time to obtain gifts.
Adapt the invitation templates without adding private meeting details.
Keep the handover free of judgement
Set aside a short period after the discussion. Label gifts with recipients' names, but do not require speeches, dedications or guesses about the giver. Arrange another handover for anyone absent; exchange addresses privately only if needed.
Coordinator's checklist
- Explicit consent and an affordable ceiling.
- No compulsory poem, performance or literary gift.
- Useful preferences without private texts or recordings.
- Time between the draw and the exchange.
- A plan for absent participants.
- No contact details or private venue information in shared material.
Once these decisions are settled, the game form provides a practical next step.
Organizing a gift exchange?
Create a Secret Santa game online and send the link to participants.
Questions on this topic
Must every gift be a poetry collection?
No. Agree acceptable formats beforehand; the club's theme does not oblige anyone to receive a book.
Must participants write a poem?
No. A personal text or reading should be an entirely separate, voluntary choice.
Can I forward a recording of a club reading?
Do not share private recordings or unpublished texts without the relevant consent. Describe preferences in your own words instead.
What if someone misses the exchange?
Agree another handover privately, for example at the next meeting, without posting addresses or revealing pairs.
Do participants need an Osanta account?
The game page says participants do not need a separate account. They follow the game link, complete the form and receive their assignment by email.