Kris Kringle
Kris Kringle is the name for Secret Santa in Australia, the UK, and Ireland: everyone in a group secretly draws one name and buys that person a gift. Here's what it means, the rules, and a free way to draw Kris Kringle names online.
What is Kris Kringle?
Kris Kringle (sometimes shortened to "Kringle" or "KK") is a gift exchange where everyone in a group is secretly assigned one other person to buy a present for, within an agreed budget. If that sounds exactly like Secret Santa, it's because it is the same game, "Kris Kringle" is simply the name used in Australia, the UK, and Ireland, while "Secret Santa" is more common in the United States.
The name comes from "Kris Kringle," an old nickname for Santa Claus derived from the German Christkindl ("Christ child"). Over time it became the popular name for the drawn-name gift exchange across much of the Commonwealth. However you say it, the idea is the same: one person, one secret gift, one happy surprise.
Kris Kringle rules
The rules are simple and easy to adapt to your group:
- Everyone draws one name. Each person is randomly assigned someone to buy for, and no one draws themselves.
- Keep it secret. You don't tell anyone whose name you drew, that's the fun of it.
- Set one budget. Agree on a spending limit (often around $20 to $30, or the local equivalent) so every gift feels fair.
- Buy and wrap one gift. Get a single present for the name you drew and wrap it without a "from" label.
- Exchange on the day. Hand out or open gifts together, and try to guess who your Kris Kringle was.
Some groups add a theme (handmade only, something funny, or a wish-list questionnaire) to make shopping easier. No paper slips needed, draw names online free.
How to play Kris Kringle
Gather your group
Family, friends, flatmates, or coworkers, any group of three or more works.
Draw names
Randomly assign everyone a match. An online generator makes sure no one draws themselves and can keep couples apart.
Set a budget
One clear spending limit keeps every gift roughly equal.
Buy one secret gift
Shop for the name you drew, add a gift idea or two, and wrap it.
Exchange and guess
Swap gifts on the day and see if anyone can guess their Kris Kringle.
Free · no account needed to start
Kris Kringle around the world
One gift exchange, many names.
Kris Kringle questions
What is Kris Kringle?+
Is Kris Kringle the same as Secret Santa?+
What are the rules of Kris Kringle?+
How do you draw names for Kris Kringle?+
What is a good Kris Kringle budget?+
How to play Kris Kringle, at a glance
Pin it, print it, or share this quick visual with your group.
Draw your Kris Kringle names free
Add your group, set a budget, and draw names in about two minutes, no self-draws, no app, works anywhere.
🎁 Start your Kris Kringle free