Who doesn’t like gifts, eh?
I was snuggled up in my cozy sweater right in front of the fireplace, thinking about how blissful December nights are! That’s when my phone pinged- a message from my Secret Santa! Of course, it’s also the time for you to be someone’s Santa!
But here’s the thing—how do you find the perfect gift when you have no idea what they want?
Don’t worry! It’s the season of giving, and I have come up with the perfect set of Secret Santa Questions to solve that!
If you are in a hurry, skip ahead to the questions. (I have also added a free template as a Christmas gift! Ho ho ho!)
Cheer up! Let’s jingle all the way…
Oh! Before we get into the questions…there might at least be a few of you who might be thinking…
What is a Secret Santa?
The origin of Secret Santa dates back to Scandinavian folklore, where the tradition was called “Julklapp.”
This involved the sweet gesture of knocking on a stranger’s door, leaving a small gift on the doorstep, and running away before they opened! The present could be simple: a straw or wooden ornament with a riddle attached. It’s the thought that matters, right?
The idea is also associated with St Nicolas, who is known to have secretly helped those in need. Over time, the tradition spread all over the world. Now, it is practiced not just in homes but also in workplaces, schools, and even online communities. Again, choosing the right gift is a herculean task! But with the right questions in hand, it is possible.
Here’s a free sample template made with SurveySparrow that you can use! Feel free to customize it with any of the questions you find interesting. I’ll add a step-by-step guide on how to do it at the end of the blog.
Secret Santa Form Template
Preview Template
How about we get started with the list of questions?
Best Secret Santa Questions to Ask
Now, a plain old listing of basic questions isn’t that fun. You’ll get them anywhere (Hey, I’ll add them, too) But why don’t we make this a thing of joy?
I sat and thought about all the questions that can cover every aspect possible! But it’s never-ending. So I decided to section the questions based on a few categories:
- General Secret Santa Questions for Adults
- Secret Santa Questions Based on Bonds
- Secret Santa Questions Based on Lifestyle and Preferences
Let’s start with the first category…
General Secret Santa Questions for Adults
The questions here will be a mix of light-hearted and to-the-point ones.
1. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
People tend to unwind in different ways. By understanding their preferences, you can get them gifts that bring them comfort.
Do they enjoy a soothing bath, reading a good book, or indulging in a hobby? It can guide you towards gifts that promote relaxation, like bath bombs, a comfy blanket, or a subscription to a streaming service.
2. Are there any hobbies you’ve been wanting to explore lately?
This gives you an idea of what they are currently interested in. Now, say they like pottery or gardening. You can either give them a voucher for a workshop or a set of garden tools. Think about the smiles on their faces when they receive the gifts!
3. Do you prefer funny, sentimental, or practical gifts?
This has to do with the personality of the receiver. Someone who is sentimental would love something that reminds them of a cherished memory.
Knowing what they are like will align your gift-searching process with what they will appreciate.
Other Questions
4. Are there any experiences you’d love to have?
Some people would prefer to enjoy an experience rather than physical gifts. Maybe they’ve been waiting to attend the concert of their favorite bands or visit a museum exhibit. In such cases get them passes and tickets for the same.
5. Do you prefer handmade or store-bought gifts? or What’s your favorite comfort food?
By asking them what makes them happy, you can tailor the gift to their specific interests. You see, I would love to get a bowl of chilly garlic noodles on a chilly December night. Similarly, effort counts more than the gift. Handmade notes can make me smile ear to ear!
Now, since that’s done and dusted…let’s dive in deeper
Secret Santa Questions Based on Bonds
This set is more like the How well do you know me questions.
1. Questions for Family Members
Close family members know you inside out. so the questions can be a bit personal if you wish.
- Are you interested in a cozy gift for the upcoming colder months?
- Are there any family traditions or inside jokes we share that could inspire a gift?
- Would you be interested in tickets to a show or event you’d enjoy?
- Remember that time you were obsessed with [celebrity/trend]? Is that phase still going strong?
- Is there anything you don’t want for Secret Santa this year? I’m just kidding (or maybe not)
2. Questions for Close Friends
Your close friends are just an extension of your immediate family.
- Spill the tea! What’s the latest binge-worthy show you’ve been raving about? Maybe we can get some matching merch!
- Is there any fancy equipment you need to take your new hobbies to the next level?
- Is there anything from our last shopping trip you secretly coveted but didn’t get?
- We all know you secretly love a good pampering session. Bath bombs, face masks, the works? Take a pick!
- Movie night at my place, interested? (It’s the effort that counts for some)
3. Questions for Coworkers
Here, maybe you might need to put a little more effort and a bit of help.
- What’s your go-to desk snack?
- Do you have any favorite winter beverages you enjoy during the holidays?
- Do you have a sweet or savory tooth when it comes to holiday treats?
- Are there any festive scents you particularly enjoy during the holidays (e.g., cinnamon, pine)?
- Do you enjoy listening to holiday music? They would appreciate a festive playlist or a gift card to a music streaming service.
4. For Students
These could be teens or younger. So, probably, a teacher would ask these questions to students.
- Recess is the best! What’s your favorite game to play outside?
- What keeps you busy outside of class?
- Do you prefer drawing, painting, or something else creative? Maybe some new markers or a cool sketchbook would be inspiring!
- What’s the next book on your reading list?
- Do you have a favorite sweet or savory snack? A fun lunchbox accessory or a small container of their favorite treat would be a tasty surprise!
Read More: Top 50 Student Survey Questions
Next up…
Secret Santa Questions Based on Lifestyle and Preferences
Now, you’ll have relatives, friends, or colleagues who follow a particular style or have strict interests. In such cases, it is important to ask questions that are specific to their tastes. This will give them what they want and reduce your work all at the same time.
This list includes:
1. Questions for Foodies
- Are there any specific cuisines you’d love to try (e.g., Korean BBQ, Ethiopian)?
- Do you have any cookbooks you’ve been eyeing lately?
- Would you enjoy gourmet food items from a local shop?
- Do you prefer sweet or savory treats for a Secret Santa gift?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions?
2. Questions to ask Tech Enthusiasts
- What’s the latest tech gadget you’ve been wanting to get?
- Do you prefer practical or fun tech-related gifts?
- Do you have any favorite brands or stores?
- Are there any subscriptions (streaming services, software) you’d love to try?
- Do you enjoy playing retro video games?
3. Questions for Homebodies
I’m one, so I would love to be asked these questions!
- Do you enjoy board games or puzzles for a relaxing night in? What kind are you interested in?
- What’s your favorite way to create a calming atmosphere at home? Are there any aromatherapy products or scented candles you’d enjoy?
- Are there any houseplants you’ve been wanting to add to your indoor jungle?
- Do you like to curl up with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning? A new mug or a subscription to a specialty coffee or tea service could be a delightful gift.
- Do you enjoy crafting or other hobbies at home? Do you need any specific supplies or tools?
4. For the Creative People
- Do you prefer traditional art supplies, or are you interested in exploring digital art tools?
- Do you like to sketch or draw on the go? A portable sketchbook and a set of high-quality pencils or pens could be a handy gift.
- Do you get frustrated with cluttered art supplies? A stylish storage solution for their creative materials could be a game-changer.
- Are there any online workshops or tutorials related to your creative passion you’d love to take?
- What inspires you creatively? Maybe a museum or art gallery pass would be a great source of inspiration.
5. Ask the Minimalists
- Are there any experiences you’d prioritize over a physical gift (e.g., concert tickets, museum passes)?
- Do you have any favorite sustainable brands you support?
- Are there any space-saving storage solutions you’ve been eyeing lately?
- Do you prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to your possessions? A well-made, long-lasting item related to their interests could be a valuable gift.
- Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? A reusable water bottle or a subscription to a national park pass service could be a practical and eco-friendly option.
Bonus!
Consider these as icebreaker questions for Secret Santa.
- You win a free weekend getaway to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, and what would you do?
- What’s the most useless talent you have that surprisingly comes in handy sometimes?
- If you could have a soundtrack to your life, what five songs would be on it and why?
- What’s the one skill you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t gotten around to yet?
- What’s the board game from your childhood that brings back the best memories?
There you have it.
You can use any of these questions, customize and tailor-make a survey, and roll it out. The key is to keep things interesting. And SurveySparrow will ensure that the creation part is enjoyable for you!
How to Create A Secret Santa Form With SurveySparrow
Let me walk you through the process real quick.
Step 1: Sign in
Log in to your SurveySparrow account.
If you don’t have one, now is the time. The platform offers a free 14-day risk-free trial, which will allow you to get the hang of it.
Next up…
Step 2: Create
If you wish to create a form from scratch, click on (+) and get started.
Here’s a helpful article on How to Create a Survey with SurveySparrow
You can also customize any of the pre-designed templates by clicking on Browse Classic Templates and searching for one that suits your needs.
Right now, you can customize the free Mystery Santa Form Template I have attached above.
Step 3: Customize
This is fun!
You can have your way with the pre-populated fields and change themes, color, font, and logo!
- Add new ones from the array of Questions we discussed.
- Delete the ones that don’t fit the bill.
- Now, if you don’t like the existing structure of the question, use the Wing feature to edit it to your heart’s desire!
Here’s how you do it:
Next up…
Step 4: Integrate
Once that’s done, it’s time to connect the form to popular third-party tools. This will help you streamline the process. Google sheets or Smart Sheet might be a good choice.
Step 5: Share
Your Secret Santa Form is ready! Wasn’t that easy? You can share it via email or WhatsApp or embed it on your website. Your data will be safe with SurveySparrow.
There you go!
If you have any questions, I’ll be right here. The support team is also just a chat away!
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It’s time to…
Wrap Up!
Choosing the perfect Secret Santa gift can seem like a whodunnit! Personalize the questions, cater to their interests, Think a bit out of the box, and present them with a memorable experience!
Happy Gifting!
