Kris Kringle on a Budget: Simple Rules for Aussie Families and Workplaces
Kris Kringle (also called Secret Santa) is one of the easiest ways to cut Christmas costs for adults. Instead of everyone buying for everyone, each person buys one gift. Here's how to run one smoothly.
Why it saves money
Example only: in a family of eight adults where everyone buys a A$30 gift for each other person, each adult spends A$210. With Kris Kringle at A$40 each, each adult spends A$40.
Simple rules
- Agree on a spending limit and stick to it.
- Draw names early, ideally by mid-November.
- Exclude partners from drawing each other.
- Ask each person for a short wish list of three ideas under the limit.
- Set a date and place for the swap.
Drawing names
You can draw names from a hat at a family event, or use a free online name-draw tool that emails each person their match. If you use one, check its privacy policy and only share first names and emails if you're comfortable.
Themes that make it fun
- Something to read, something to eat.
- Under A$20 and homemade.
- Summer theme: beach, picnic, garden.
- Op-shop challenge: everything second-hand.
Workplace Secret Santa
Keep it optional and the limit low so nobody feels pressured. Avoid joke gifts that could offend. A shared wish list doc can help people who don't know each other well.
For kids
Many families keep gifts for all the kids and do Kris Kringle only for adults, or run a separate kids' Kris Kringle with a lower limit.
Track it
Add your Kris Kringle gift to your Christmas budget so it's counted with everything else. Our Christmas gift list planner has a column for it.
Plan Christmas in one place
See the Christmas Budget Spreadsheet, the Christmas & Events Money Planner app, or our Christmas budget planner guide.
FAQ
What's a normal Kris Kringle limit?
It varies. Agree on a limit everyone is comfortable with; lower is often kinder.
Is Kris Kringle the same as Secret Santa?
Yes, they're two names for the same idea.
How do we draw names if we're not together?
Use a free online name-draw tool, or have one trusted person draw and message each match privately.
General information only, not financial or tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.