You’ve shared your Happy Thanksgiving wishes with your loved ones, given thanks over delicious food, packed up all the leftovers, and taken your post-turkey nap, which means it’s time for holiday gift exchanges with their friends or colleagues. The most popular choice is Secret Santa. Secret Santa is a gifting game where each “Santa” is randomly assigned a person to gift to. The gift giver remains a secret. When the person receives the gift, they try to guess who it’s from. 

This game is great for larger groups because instead of purchasing a budget-friendly gift for everyone, you can focus your energy (and money) on one thoughtful gift. However, if you aren’t close to the person you randomly pick, it can be difficult to come up with meaningful gift ideas. 

To help, we created Secret Santa questionnaire templates. Simply choose which theme best fits your group and have everyone fill out a questionnaire. This will give you a better idea of what the person’s interests are so you can spend more time sipping hot cocoa in your ugly Christmas sweater and singing along to holiday songs, and less time finding a gift.

Secret Santa Questionnaire Templates

When picking a Secret Santa questionnaire, consider how close you are to your group. How long have you known each other? How often do you spend time together? If you don’t know them that well, the basic questionnaire is best. If you already know the basics, use a questionnaire that digs a little deeper. 

This or That Questionnaire

If you know your group won’t want to spend time filling out a Secret Santa questionnaire, try using questions that allow them to quickly circle the answer. These questions are easy to answer and can be very telling. 

• Coffee or tea?
• Sweet or sour?
• Early mornings or late nights?
• Cats or dogs?
• Books or movies?
• Winter or summer?
• Bright colors or neutrals?
• Apple or Android? 
• Beer or wine?
• Dine-in or delivery?
• Paperback or audiobook?
• Antique or modern?
• City or country?
• Horror movie or comedy?
• Flying or driving?
• Introvert or extrovert?

Back to the Basics

Is your office planning on playing office Christmas party games? For a group you might not know as well, go back to the basics with these questions. Learning their favorite things can help you find a thoughtful present.

• My hobbies 
• Favorite candy
• Favorite team
• Favorite store
• Favorite color
• Favorite restaurant
• Favorite beverage 
• Favorite place

Quirky Queries

Sometimes closer friends can be harder to shop for. Use these unique Secret Santa questions to learn something new about someone close. Then use their answers to decide on a trendy holiday gift.

• My astrological sign is…
• The last TV show I binge-watched is…
• My guilty pleasure is…
• My cellphone wallpaper is…
• If I were a season I would be ____ because…
• 3 albums I’d take to a desert island…
• The title of my autobiography would be…
• If I had a family business, it would be…

Deep Questions

When playing Secret Santa with people you’re closest with, such as friends or family, don’t be afraid to ask them the deep questions. Their answers may surprise you and help you think of a present you hadn’t considered before. 

• What makes you nostalgic?
• What’s your favorite motivational quote?
• What is the perfect day for you?
• What’s a place that always cheers you up?
• Who is your hero?
• What’s your go-to comfort food?
• What is your goal for the new year?
• Who are you closest to?

Build Your Own Secret Santa Questionnaire

Want a combination of basic and advanced questions? Mix and match the questions above to build your own. This blank Secret Santa questionnaire template gives you space to create a personalized version. 

Participating in an office Secret Santa game can be stressful when you think about everything you have to do during the holidays, but remember that giving gifts isn’t just a nice thing to do — it can also help you build stronger relationships and instill a sense of gratitude.

These Secret Santa questions will help you pick out the perfect gift in no time. Be sure everyone playing fills out a Secret Santa questionnaire so they can receive a personal present. Want to add something unique to your gift? Customize the wrapping with stickers or attach a creative holiday card. 

Header image is Grumpy Christmas Cat by cartoonbeing.