In Ireland we call it Kris Kindle (or Kris Kringle): everyone pulls one name from a hat and buys that person a present, in secret, usually for under €20 or €30. It's the best part of Christmas until someone pulls their own name, loses the bit of paper, or Mam peeks at everyone's.
Secret Kringle does the hat for you. Add the names, tap draw, and everyone gets their own private link by email or WhatsApp. Nobody draws themselves, couples can't draw each other, and even the organiser can't see who got who.
How to run a Kris Kindle online
- Add everyone: type the names or drop one link in the family WhatsApp so people add themselves.
- Set the rules: budget (€20 is the Irish classic), the date, and who shouldn't draw who.
- Draw: each person taps their link, opens their envelope and sees who they got.
- Wish lists: everyone adds what they'd love. Paste a link from any shop, snap a photo, or pick from our gift shop. Links go to amazon.ie for Irish groups.
Why Irish families use Secret Kringle
- Made in Ireland, priced in euro, links to amazon.ie.
- Works on WhatsApp: no emails needed for Nana.
- "Open together": seal the names until Christmas Eve dinner and open them at the same time.
- Next year, copy the group and nobody draws the same person twice.
Questions
Is Kris Kindle the same as Secret Santa?
Yes. Kris Kindle and Kris Kringle are the Irish names for Secret Santa: everyone draws one name and buys that person a gift in secret.
How much should you spend on a Kris Kindle?
Most Irish families and offices set €20 to €30. Pick a budget when you set up the draw and everyone sees it on their page.
Is it free?
Yes. Secret Kringle is free. We earn a small commission from Amazon when people buy gifts through our links, at no extra cost to you.
More: Kris Kindle · Secret Santa generator · Office Secret Santa · With friends · How to draw names · Wish lists · Gift ideas