Elfster vs Drawnames: accounts, emails and price
Both are established Secret Santa tools. If you do not want another account or an inbox full of invitations, there is a third option.
Upload a photo + a few interests for each person → we draw names and hand every Santa gift picks they're more likely to love.
Start with photos →Side by side
| Question | Elfster | Drawnames | Secret Santa Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free to use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Account required | Yes for participants; Draw Now exception for organizer-managed groups | Yes — sign in or create account | No account |
| Email invitations | Yes; link invites also supported | Email, text, Facebook or link; no-email option | No emails collected |
| Exclusion rules | Yes — Draw Restrictions | Yes — couples, siblings, household members | Yes — both directions |
| Ads | Not stated | Not stated | No ads |
| Price | Free | Free | Free |
Checked on 2026-10-29 against Elfster and Drawnames official pages linked in the two brand pages. “Not stated” means we could not find a public statement; it does not mean the opposite.
Which one fits your group?
- Choose Elfster if you want a full gift-exchange platform with wishlists, reminders, shipping addresses and a year-round account.
- Choose Drawnames if you want a mature invitation flow with email, text and link options, and you are happy for participants to have an account.
- Choose this site if you want the draw, exclusions and private links without accounts or an email list.
Upload a photo + a few interests for each person → we draw names and hand every Santa gift picks they're more likely to love.
Start with photos →Why switch to a no-signup draw
- One link per person. No participant account, no app, no password.
- No email collection. Share links in the family group chat or by text.
- Pairings hidden by default. The organizer page lists links; revealing all results is a deliberate, recorded click.
What this comparison is not
It is not a claim that Elfster or Drawnames are bad. Both are established tools with features this site does not have. The table is here so you can choose the right shape for your exchange, not to talk you out of a tool that fits.
Related: Elfster alternative · Drawnames alternative · All alternatives
Elfster and Drawnames are trademarks of their owners; this site is not affiliated with either. Comparison checked 2026-10-29.
Questions
Is Elfster or Drawnames better?
It depends on the job. Elfster is the fuller gift-exchange platform; Drawnames has a mature invitation flow with email, text and link options. Both are free. This site is the no-account option.
Do Elfster and Drawnames require accounts?
Elfster’s help center says participants need an account, with a Draw Now exception; Drawnames presents sign in or create account. This site does not require an account.
Do they send emails?
Both support email invitations. Drawnames also supports text, Facebook and link invitations. This site does not collect participant emails.
Can I keep couples apart?
Yes — both Elfster and Drawnames support exclusions, and so does this site.
Are you affiliated with either brand?
No. Both names are trademarks of their owners; this is an independent comparison.
Upload a photo + a few interests for each person → we draw names and hand every Santa gift picks they're more likely to love.
Start with photos →Updated October 28, 2026