How to use it
- Type the names in Names, one per line.
- Add any couples in Pairs who must not give to each other, one per line, as Ayşe ! Mehmet. Leave it empty if there are none.
- Press Calculate for the draw. Press it again for a new one.
- Copy the List to share and send each person only their own line, in a private message.
How the draw works
Each person gives to exactly one other person and receives from exactly one other person. Nobody gives to themselves, and a pair written with ! never gives to each other. The draw picks the receivers at random, using the browser's cryptographic random generator, and when a choice leads to a dead end it goes back and tries another.
- Four people with no pairs: there are 9 possible draws, and the page picks one of them at random.
- Four people with Alex ! Ben: 4 of those 9 draws keep Alex and Ben apart, and the page picks one of those 4.
- If no draw can satisfy every pair, the page says so instead of showing a partial list.
Sharing the results privately
This page sends nothing and stores nothing. The list is shown only in your browser. To share it, copy each person's line into a private message to that person, or hand it to them on paper. Do not post the full list in a group chat where everyone can read it.
What this tool does not cover
- Budgets, wish lists and reminders. Those are for your own planning.
- Pairs of more than two people, such as a family of three that must not give within itself. Write each pair on its own line.
Worked example: four people and one couple
Four people, Ayla, Bora, Ceren and Deniz, with no pairs: the draw has 9 possible outcomes, all with each person giving once and none to themselves.
Add the couple Ayla ! Bora. Now Ayla cannot give to Bora and Bora cannot give to Ayla, which leaves 4 of the 9 outcomes. The page picks one of those 4 at random, and every person still gives to exactly one other.
| Situation | Possible draws |
|---|---|
| Four people, no pairs | 9 |
| Four people, Ayla ! Bora | 4 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the draw fair?
Yes. The receivers are picked at random from the browser's cryptographic generator, which gives every possible draw the same chance. The page does not favour anyone.
Does the page send emails to everyone?
No. Nothing is sent. You share each match yourself, in a private message or on paper, so you control who sees what.
What if a couple has no possible match left?
The page checks the rules before it draws. If no valid list exists, it says so, and you can remove a pair or add a name to make a draw possible.
Can someone draw themselves?
No. A name is never matched with itself, and a pair written with ! is never matched with each other.
Can I draw again?
Yes. Press Calculate for a new draw. Each press gives a new random list that respects the same rules.
Sources
Figures and text last checked on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.