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Exclusion Rules

Secret Santa with Exclusions

Prevent couples, family members, or roommates from drawing each other. Set custom exclusion rules for fair and fun gift exchanges.

Create Event with Exclusions

Why Use Exclusion Rules?

Avoid Couples

Prevent partners from drawing each other. They already exchange gifts - let them surprise someone else!

Family Fairness

Keep siblings or family members from drawing each other when mixing families and friends.

Roommate Rules

Prevent roommates from drawing each other to make the exchange more interesting.

Custom Exclusions

Set any custom rules you need. Maybe someone already knows what another person wants!

How to Set Exclusion Rules

1

Add Participants

Enter all participant names, one per line.

2

Click "Add Exclusion Rules"

Expand the exclusion rules section in the generator form.

3

Define Your Rules

Use this format:

Alice: Bob
Bob: Alice, Charlie
Sarah: Mike

This means Alice can't draw Bob, Bob can't draw Alice or Charlie, and Sarah can't draw Mike.

4

Generate Matches

Our algorithm will create matches that respect all your exclusion rules.

Common Exclusion Scenarios

Office Party with Couples

Participants: Alice, Bob, Charlie, Diana, Eve, Frank

Couples: Alice & Bob, Charlie & Diana

Alice: Bob
Bob: Alice
Charlie: Diana
Diana: Charlie

Family & Friends Mix

Keep siblings from drawing each other

Sarah: Mike, Jenny
Mike: Sarah, Jenny
Jenny: Sarah, Mike

Sarah, Mike, and Jenny are siblings

Roommate Situation

Prevent roommates from drawing each other

Alex: Jordan
Jordan: Alex
Sam: Taylor
Taylor: Sam

Alex & Jordan share an apartment, Sam & Taylor share another

Exclusion Tips

Keep It Simple

Too many exclusions can make matching impossible. Stick to essential rules.

Mutual Exclusions

If Alice can't draw Bob, add both "Alice: Bob" and "Bob: Alice" for fairness.

Test First

If matching fails, you may have too many exclusions. Try reducing them.

Exact Names

Use the exact names from your participant list. Spelling matters!

Create Fair Matches with Exclusions

Set up your Secret Santa with custom exclusion rules in minutes. It's free and easy!

Start Your Secret Santa