Kris Kringle gift exchange
"Kris Kringle" is the name used in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland (and by some US families, especially in Pennsylvania) for what others call Secret Santa.
Same game, different name
In a Kris Kringle each person secretly draws one other person and buys them a gift within a set budget. The name comes from the German "Christkindl" (the Christ Child), who brings gifts in parts of Germany and Austria.
Running a Kris Kringle online
- Enter everyone on the generator.
- Add exclusions for couples.
- Set the budget (in Australia, $20–$30 AUD is common for workplaces).
- Share each private link by WhatsApp, text or email.
Variations
- Kris Kringle week: small anonymous gifts every day, then a final reveal.
- Kids' Kris Kringle: a separate draw with a lower budget.
Example: an Australian office Kris Kringle
A team of 12 agrees on a A$25 limit in mid-November. The organizer enters everyone, adds two exclusions (a manager and her direct report, and two housemates), and posts each private link in a direct message. The gifts are opened at the end-of-year lunch in mid-December, and people guess their Kris Kringle before the reveal.
Questions
Is Kris Kringle the same as Secret Santa?
Yes. The rules are the same; the name is regional.
Where is it called Kris Kringle?
Mainly in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. In the US the name more often refers to Santa Claus himself, although some families, especially in Pennsylvania, use it for the gift exchange.
What is a typical Kris Kringle budget in Australia?
Workplaces commonly set A$20–A$30. Families often go higher.
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Updated October 27, 2026