SantaPairKey takeaways
- Keep the questionnaire to 10–15 questions, since short forms get answered.
- Always ask what people don't want and about allergies.
- Ask for three ideas within budget and an optional wishlist link.
- Make sure answers only reach each person's own Santa.
On this page
A Secret Santa questionnaire (sometimes called a Secret Santa form or survey) is a short list of questions each participant answers before names are drawn. It's the single easiest way to raise the quality of every gift in your exchange, especially in offices and big families where people don't know each other well.
The copy-and-paste questionnaire
Fourteen questions that cover everything a Santa needs. Paste it into your group chat, email or a form tool:
🎅 Secret Santa questionnaire: help your Santa out! 1. Favorite color(s)? 2. Favorite snacks or treats? 3. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate? 4. Favorite scents (or none)? 5. Hobbies or interests? 6. Favorite book, show or film? 7. Any allergies or foods you avoid? 8. Do you drink alcohol? (Fine to say no!) 9. Things you already have too much of? 10. Things you definitely DON'T want? 11. Practical or fun gifts? 12. Three things you'd love (within budget): 13. Wishlist link (optional): 14. Anything else your Santa should know? Reply by [date] — answers go only to your Secret Santa. 🎁
Want to customize it? Here's the full bank of 40 questions, grouped by what they help you learn.
Favorites questions
The fastest way to a gift that feels personal.
- What's your favorite color (or colors you'd never wear)?
- Favorite snack, sweet treat or comfort food?
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate or none of the above? How do you take it?
- Favorite scent: fresh, woody, sweet, spicy, or no scents please?
- A shop or brand you always love getting things from?
- Favorite cuisine or restaurant?
- Favorite music artist or genre?
- Favorite season, holiday tradition or cozy-day activity?
Hobbies & interests questions
Hobby gifts get used, and they show you were paying attention.
- What do you love doing on a free weekend?
- Any hobbies you're getting into (or want to try)?
- Favorite book, author or genre?
- Favorite TV show, film or fandom?
- Are you into games: board games, video games, puzzles?
- Do you cook, bake, garden or make things by hand?
- Any sports teams or activities you follow?
- A podcast, YouTuber or creator you never miss?
Practical details questions
Prevents the most common gift misses.
- Any allergies or foods you avoid?
- Do you drink alcohol? (Totally fine to say no.)
- Clothing sizes: T-shirt, socks, gloves (optional)?
- Do you prefer practical gifts or fun ones?
- Physical gifts or experiences?
- Any styles or colors you avoid in your home?
- Is there anything you already have too much of?
- Things you definitely don't want (e.g. mugs, candles, novelty items)?
Lifestyle questions
Helps your Santa picture your day-to-day.
- Do you work from home, at an office, or on the go?
- How do you get around: commute, drive, cycle, walk?
- Do you have pets? What kind?
- Are you a morning person or a night owl?
- Indoor homebody or outdoor adventurer?
- What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
- How would you describe your style: minimal, cozy, colorful, classic?
- Any upcoming trips or big life moments?
Wishlist & wildcards questions
The easy shortcut, plus a little fun.
- Three things you'd love to receive, at any price within the budget?
- A link to an online wishlist, if you have one?
- Something small that would make your week better?
- A small luxury you'd never buy for yourself?
- Something you've been meaning to replace or upgrade?
- An experience you'd love (a class, a treat, a day out)?
- Describe your ideal gift in three words.
- Anything else your Santa should know?
How to use the answers
Answers only help if they reach the right person, privately. In our Secret Santa generator, open each participant's gift icon in the “People” step and paste their answers (and wishlist link) there. When their Santa opens their private link, the answers appear right under the recipient's name, and nobody else sees them.
When reading answers as a Santa:
- Look for overlaps. “Loves tea” + “works from home” = a nice tea set for the desk.
- Respect the no-list. If they said “no more mugs,” believe them.
- Use it as a starting point, not a shopping list. A little surprise is still welcome.
Need inspiration once you have answers? Browse gift ideas by budget and personality.
Frequently asked questions
What questions should I ask for Secret Santa?
Cover four areas: favorites (colors, snacks, scents), hobbies and interests, practical details (allergies, sizes, things they don't want), and a short wishlist of two or three ideas within the budget. Ten to fifteen questions is plenty.
How many questions should a Secret Santa questionnaire have?
Keep it short: about 10–15 questions. Longer forms get skipped or rushed. Mark a few as optional and always include 'anything you definitely don't want' and 'three things you'd love.'
How do I share the questionnaire answers with the right Santa?
The simplest way is to ask each person to put their answers in the wishlist field when you set up the draw, so only their Secret Santa sees them when they open their private link. Alternatively, collect answers in a form and forward each one privately.
Is it OK to just ask for a wishlist instead?
Yes. A wishlist link is the most direct option. Many people find it awkward to list exact items, though, so a few light questions about favorites and hobbies often lead to better, more personal gifts.