Virtual Secret Santa Unwrapped: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Gifting
Tsvetelina Hinova
05 December 2023
Are you ready to dive into the festive, fun world of virtual Secret Santa? Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to make it super easy and super jolly!
Secret Santa is a beloved holiday tradition where people exchange gifts anonymously. It’s always been a hit at office parties and family gatherings, but now, we’re taking it online. That’s right, Secret Santa is going virtual!
With many of us working remotely or having friends and family spread across the globe, a virtual Secret Santa is the perfect way to stay connected. From personalised Thankbox e-gift cards to online classes, the possibilities are endless.
Wondering where to begin? Don’t worry. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the world of Secret Santa or you’re a pro looking for new gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get this festive ball rolling!
Virtual Secret Santa gift ideas
First things first, choosing the perfect gift can be tricky. So, before you start working overtime on Pinterest, here are some virtual gift ideas to get going:
1. Personalised e-cards
Customising a gift makes it extra special. So why not start with a personalised e-card? A service like Thankbox allows you to create custom e-cards at the drop of a hat (or should we say at the jingle of a bell), and best of all, your whole team can contribute!
With Thankbox, you can add personal messages, photos, GIFs, or even videos to make your online Christmas card unique. It’s fun, sustainable, and boasts same-day and next-day delivery. Thankbox is a modern twist on a classic that they’ll cherish forever.
Make a unique and memorable gift with Thankbox!
With just a few clicks, your personalized Thankbox will be on its way, bringing joy and excitement to its recipient. You can even add a heartfelt touch with a bouquet of beautiful flowers to make your gift extra special.
2. Online gift cards
Online gift cards are the ultimate choice for flexibility and convenience. And with Thankbox, you’re just one click away from both. Whether they enjoy shopping on Amazon, streaming, or dining, Thankbox is brimming with options they’ll enjoy whatever time of year.
3. Digital subscriptions
Consider options like streaming services for movies and music or subscriptions to online magazines. These gifts provide a treasure trove of entertainment, especially during the Christmas season when you want to watch Love Actually on repeat.
4. Online classes
For the lifelong learners or hobby enthusiasts, gifting an online class can be a unique and thoughtful choice. There are plenty of classes available, from cooking and coding to photography and personal development.
5. Virtual experience gifts
Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with virtual tours, online workshops, or live-streamed concerts. These gifts transport your Secret Santa to far-off places or offer them a chance to learn a new skill, all from the comfort of their home.
6. DIY kits
For the crafters and creators, DIY kits come to the rescue. Options range from baking and cocktail-making kits to art and craft projects. It’s a fun, hands-on gift that offers a rewarding experience and a final product.
7. E-books and audiobooks
Got any bookworms on your list? E-books and audiobooks make fantastic gifts – especially if it’s read by Stephen Fry! With multiple platforms available, your Secret Santa can enjoy their new gift on the go or in the comfort of their home.
8. Charitable donations
Choose a cause or organisation they’re passionate about and make a contribution that can make a difference. Charitable donations are a gift that gives back.
With your virtual Secret Santa gifts sorted, it’s time to bring everyone together. Up next, we’ll dive into how you can host an unforgettable virtual party.
How to host a virtual Secret Santa party?
Jumping into a virtual Secret Santa might seem daunting at first, but trust us, it’s as easy as pie once you get the hang of it. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making it happen:
1. Gather your group
First things first, figure out who’s in. Shoot a quick message to your friends, family, or coworkers to gauge interest. You can use any group messaging app or even a simple email. The more, the merrier!
2. Set up a Secret Santa generator
Gone are the days of pulling names out of a hat. Use an online Secret Santa generator like Elfster or drawnames. These tools will randomly assign each participant a person to buy for without any of the hassles.
3. Agree on a budget
Let’s keep things fair and fun – decide on a budget that works for everyone. This ensures no one feels pressured to overspend and keeps the focus on the thought behind the gift.
4. Create a wishlist
Encourage everyone to create a wishlist using your Secret Santa platform or any online wishlist tool. It’s a great way to nudge your Secret Santa in the right direction (and not receive any more Jamie Oliver cookbooks).
5. Plan your virtual party
The best part about Secret Santa is the big reveal, right? Plan a virtual get-together using a video call platform like Zoom or Skype. Set a date and time for everyone to unwrap their gifts and guess their Secret Santa. Check out these virtual party ideas for your coworkers.
6. Send the gifts
Now for the fun part – shopping and sending the gifts! You can order online and have the gift directly shipped to your recipient. Don’t forget to mark it as a gift if the option is available so your identity remains a mystery.
Make a unique and memorable gift with Thankbox!
With just a few clicks, your personalized Thankbox will be on its way, bringing joy and excitement to its recipient. You can even add a heartfelt touch with a bouquet of beautiful flowers to make your gift extra special.
7. Enjoy the unwrapping
Finally, it’s showtime! Gather online at the planned time and enjoy the smiles and surprises as everyone unwraps their gifts. It’s a heartwarming way to connect and spread joy, no matter where you all are.
And voila! With a bit of planning and internet searching, your virtual Secret Santa will brighten up the holiday season!
Wrapping up (excuse the pun!)
From Thankbox personalised e-cards and online gift cards to digital subscriptions and virtual experiences, the options for virtual gifting are endless. And with our step-by-step guide, you're all set to make this holiday as magical as Love Actually.
So, put on your Christmas jumper and start your virtual Secret Santa celebrations. And remember, if you're looking to make your gift-giving unique, create a Thankbox today!
Images: Cover | Woman playing an electric guitar | Young man wearing headphones | Woman using a smartphone and petting a cat | A couple on a video call
