A Secret Santa questionnaire for coworkers is a short form each participant fills in before names are drawn, so whoever picks their name knows what they like, what they already have too much of, and what to avoid. The best ones take two or three minutes to complete, stick to work-appropriate questions, and include a clear “please don’t buy me” line.
Below you will find ready-to-use questions grouped by topic, a copy-and-paste template, and tips for running the exchange smoothly at the office.
How a Coworker Secret Santa Questionnaire Works
The organizer sends the questionnaire out before the draw, usually as a shared form, a printed sheet or an email. Each person answers, and the organizer passes each completed questionnaire to the coworker who draws that name. Keep a few ground rules on the form itself:
- The spending limit. State one budget for everyone so nobody feels outdone or out of pocket.
- The deadline and the exchange date. When forms are due, when names are drawn and when gifts are opened.
- Who sees the answers. Only the organizer and the person’s Secret Santa should read them.
- Everything is optional. People can skip any question they do not want to answer.
The Basics
These questions give the gift-giver the essentials in a few lines.
- What name do you go by at work?
- Which team or floor are you on (so your gift reaches you)?
- Do you prefer practical gifts, fun gifts or treats?
- Would you rather have one nice item or a small bundle of little things?
- Is a gift card fine, or would you prefer something physical?
Favorites
Favorites are the quickest way to a gift that feels personal without being too personal.
- Favorite snack or sweet treat?
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate or none of the above? Any favorite flavor or roast?
- Favorite color?
- Favorite scent (or no scented products at all)?
- Favorite local shop, café or restaurant?
- Favorite type of book, podcast, film or TV show?
- Favorite season or holiday tradition?
Work and Desk Questions
A coworker exchange is a chance to give something that makes the workday nicer.
- Do you work mostly at the office, at home or a mix of both?
- Is there anything on your desk that needs replacing (mug, notebook, pens, plant)?
- Do you prefer paper planners and notebooks or everything digital?
- Pens: gel, ballpoint, felt tip or no preference?
- Do you like desk plants, and would a real one survive at your desk?
- What would make your commute or lunch break better?
Hobbies and Interests
- What do you like to do on weekends?
- Any hobbies you are currently into (baking, gaming, hiking, crafts, gardening, sport)?
- Do you follow a sports team?
- Do you have pets? Would a small pet gift make you happy?
- Is there something you have been meaning to try but have not got around to?
Things to Avoid
This section matters most. A clear answer here prevents the most common Secret Santa mistakes.
- Any food allergies or dietary needs (nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, halal, kosher, no alcohol)?
- Any scents or materials you are sensitive to?
- Anything you already have too much of (mugs, candles, socks)?
- Anything you would rather not receive at all?
Copy-and-Paste Questionnaire Template
Paste this into an email or a form tool and edit the first lines with your own details.
Office Secret Santa: tell your Santa about you!
Spending limit: [amount set by organizer] · Forms due: [date] · Gift exchange: [date]
All questions are optional. Only the organizer and your Secret Santa will read your answers.Name you go by:
Team or desk location:
Practical, fun or treats?
Gift card OK? Yes / No
Favorite snack or treat:
Coffee, tea or neither (and how you take it):
Favorite color:
Hobbies and interests:
Something that would make your workday better:
Allergies or dietary needs:
Please don’t buy me:
Anything else your Santa should know:
Replace the bracketed items with your real budget and dates before sending, and delete any lines that do not suit your workplace.
Tips for Running the Exchange
- Send the questionnaire early. Give people a few days to reply, then draw names once most forms are back.
- Keep it inclusive. Call it a “gift exchange” if not everyone celebrates Christmas, and make participation voluntary.
- Protect privacy. Do not share answers in a group chat or print them on a noticeboard.
- Have a backup plan. Keep one or two spare wrapped gifts in case someone’s Santa is out sick on exchange day.
- Remind people of the limit. A quick reminder a week before the exchange keeps gifts even.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many questions should a Secret Santa questionnaire have? Around ten to fifteen is enough. Longer forms often go unfinished.
- Should the questionnaire be anonymous? No. Your Santa needs to know whose answers they are reading. The Santa’s identity stays secret, not the recipient’s.
- What questions should I avoid asking coworkers? Anything about religion, politics, health beyond allergies, income or relationships. Keep it to tastes, hobbies and work life.
- What if someone doesn’t fill it in? Ask their teammates for safe ideas, then choose a neutral gift such as a quality notebook, a plant or a treat that suits common dietary needs.
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