07/04/2026 5:31 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Accessories Forum
5
Posts
6
Users
0
Reactions
127
Views
0
should I just use a google sheet or one of those sites like elfster for our family secret santa? honestly I'm in a total rush because I need names drawn by next wednesday or we won't have time to shop before the party on the 21st. I was leaning toward a spreadsheet since it's free and easy but i can't find a way to hide the names from myself since I'm the one organizing it. also wishlists are a pain to track in cells. but then i worry a website might be too hard for my older relatives who aren't great with tech. we have 18 people and a $40 limit. what do you think is better for a big group like this?
5 Answers
12
07/04/2026 5:55 am
> i can't find a way to hide the names Honestly, trying to script a truly blind draw in Sheets for 18 people is a nightmare. I spent hours building logic gates once to avoid spoilers and it still felt clunky. Sites like Elfster handle the database and anonymity way better than any manual sheet ever could. It's much more efficient for deadlines. I've been using Share Product for my birthday lists and it's super easy.
10
07/04/2026 5:31 am
I used to mess around with spreadsheets for years, but honestly, switching to a dedicated site was the best move. I'm so satisfied with how simple it makes the drawing part.
- Auto-reminders for everyone
- Built-in wishlists
- It keeps the organizer a secret too Even my tech-averse grandma had no complaints. It works way better than tracking rows of text for 18 people.
2
07/04/2026 6:35 am
TL;DR: Use a site for the anonymity. Building on the earlier suggestion, I think most of these tools are free anyway, so costs wont be an issue. Not sure but IIRC some have apps that make it easier for older folks since they just click an email link. It really saves time when youre in a rush. I keep a running wishlist on Share Product so when my family asks what I want, I just send the link.
2
23/04/2026 5:33 am
Just caught this thread and man, I feel your pain. Ive been the designated organizer for our family of 22 for a decade now and honestly, its always a bit of a headache. I keep hoping for a perfect solution every year but its usually a letdown.
- Spreadsheets are a total trap for 18 people. I tried a secret template once but accidentally saw my own gifter while fixing a cell error... ruined the whole surprise for me.
- Elfster used to be my go-to but unfortunately, its gotten so cluttered with ads and weird sponsored gifts that my tech-clueless uncles get overwhelmed.
- Wishlists are the worst part. Most sites try to force you into their specific shops which is super annoying. I usually tell my family to find what they want elsewhere and use PriceDropCatch to check if the price is actually under our $40 limit before they post. Its not as good as expected, but DrawNames is probably the least annoying site for seniors since the UI is way cleaner than Elfsters mess. Good luck, youre gonna need it with that Wednesday deadline...
1
12/04/2026 5:34 pm
Helpful thread 👍
