Frequently asked questions

What is Secret Santa NZ?

Secret Santa NZ is the Bluesky version of the game, continuing in the tradition of NZ Twitter Secret Santa. At Christmas and Mid-Winter, Kikorangi/Bluesky Aotearoa, play a giant game of Secret Santa.

Just like Secret Santa in your office or book club, you anonymously buy a present for someone and in turn you receive a present from your own anonymous Secret Santa. The joy of Secret Santa is in sleuthing your Giftee, finding the perfect gift, and then watching with child-like glee and a full heart as they receive, then open their present and the post the experience on the #SecretSantaNZ hashtag.

Whether you play or watch from the sidelines, Secret Santa NZ brings a true joy that we need in this world.

Who is running Secret Santa NZ?

Secret Santa NZ is run by @foxylustygrover.bsky.social and her crack team of elves and a yule fairy:

The secretsanta.nz app is created and maintained by @orthanc.nz with support from @Phil_Tanner@mastodon.philtanner.com. With a lot of inspiration from the Twitter Secret Santa app created by @inabeek

What do I need to play?

  • An active Bluesky account.
  • To be based in Aotearoa and have a postal address.
  • Follow @secretsanta.nz so they can find you, match you, and send you messages
  • Make sure your DMs are set to allow messages from "Users I follow" or "Everyone". We will need to DM you your matches and other information.
  • Sign up for the game at https://secretsanta.nz.

Who else is playing?

While we can't share the list of who is playing, the game is chocked full of good people who love spreading a bit of cheer and a lot of joy in the world. Everyone with a Bluesky account in Aotearoa is invited to play (though we reserve the right to ban anyone we consider disruptive or not participating in the spirit of the game). Just make sure you hit all the points in "What do I need to play?"

What are the important dates?

  • 1st Apr: sign ups start!
  • 15th Apr: Last day for signing up.
  • 15th Apr: Also the last day to opt-out without causing the Elves overtime! We get that life throws forks sometimes. If you can, please let us know if you cannot play any longer.
  • 17th Apr: All matches will be announced. You'll get a DM when you're matched, or login to the App to find your Giftee's details!
  • 17th Apr to 1st May: Sleuthing and shopping time! Post hints for your Secret Santa and find out about your Giftee's favourite things. Send your gift!
  • 1st May: Last day for posting your presents.
  • 14th May: Opening Day! Giftees: open your gifts and post photos and videos to tell your Secret Santa how much joy they brought you. Use the hashtag #SecretSantaNZ.

What's the hashtag this time around?

#SecretSantaNZ

Who do I talk to with questions?

First, see if the answers are on this page, check the hashtag #SecretSantaNZ or posts by Santa and the Elves @secretsanta.nz. Couldn't find an answer? Please, send us a DM and we will get back to you ASAP.

I signed up but can no longer play, how do I remove myself?

If you need to opt-out, head over to About me and click the Opt out button. If you do this before 15th Apr then you don't need to do anything else. If it's after 15th Apr, the Elves really appreciate a heads-up via DM to @secretsanta.nz so that we can make sure your original Giftee gets a new Santa. We understand that life happens so please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you know circumstances have changed.

Are you the same as Twitter Secret Santa?

The most recent incarnation of the game, yes.

WebSam started the NZ Twitter Secret Santa in 2010 and ran it for 3 years. After that he handed it over to NZ Post who ran it until 2018.

Foxy and the crew picked up the baton in 2019 and ran @SecretSantaNZ until 2022.

Since most of us moved to Bluesky we're getting the band back together to carry on this Christmassy tradition.

What are the rules?

The rules are simple!

What kind of info do you need over the course of the game?

Your Bluesky handle (e.g. @secretsanta.nz), from which we grab your Bluesky account's DID.

A postal address where you can receive parcels (if you're a little nervous you can use your work postal address or one that you feel comfortable providing.)

Tracking details of parcels that you send.

What other information do you record?

We keep track of any nudges you have sent through the Secret Santa app. Nudges are public posts to your Giftee on Bluesky and are sent from the @robosanta.secretsanta.nz account, not from your own account.

What will you do with my Bluesky account?

We will only ever use your Bluesky account to get your Bluesky handle and DID. We do not have any permissions to send post, follow people or see any information other than what someone looking at your account can see.

What access do you have and what info will you share with other people?

Your Secret Santa will receive: Your Bluesky handle and the postal address you provide.

Your Giftee will receive: tracking details of the parcel you have sent.

We do not share your details with anyone else. We do not access, modify, or store any of your private information. We do not have any access to your Bluesky account, nor can we post on your behalf.

What's the budget?

There's no specific budget, put aroha into your gift and spend only what you can afford. It's the thought that counts is very much the foundation and spirit of Secret Santa.

Can I request a specific Giftee?

You cannot, part of the joy of Secret Santa is the sleuthing! Getting to know your Giftee and bringing joy to someone who is probably a complete stranger. It's pretty darn wholesome.

How do I avoid being matched with a Giftee I don't like?

The thrill of Secret Santa is that it's random, and for that reason we have a magical system set up to assign Santas. We hope the assignments are embraced and people are keen to bring joy to their Giftee. But we understand that sometimes the matches are not ideal, such as someone you have blocked or have a real life history with. If there is no way you can continue to play with your assigned Giftee, please DM @secretsanta.nz and let us know. We care about player safety and mental health.

Should I wrap the present I send?

Up to you! If you wrap the present in your style you can let your Giftee know this via a setting when you submit the tracking details. This is useful because Giftees like to know if they can take the outer packaging off or not.

Do I need to say if the present is "naked" on the packaging?

You don't have to, but if the present is unwrapped and you want to make absolutely sure that they don't lay eyes on it early by mistake just pop a note on the packaging somewhere, and make sure you let your Giftee know when you submit the tracking details.

Should I include a card with the present I send?

A note from Santa can be magical, so we will say: yes, if you can! For many players, getting a card with kind or wise words is one of the best parts of the game. But there is no pressure, it's entirely personal preference.

Do I reveal who I am at the end?

It's not really in the spirit of Secret Santa, is it? But some Giftees ask for their Santa to reveal themselves and it's totally ok to make a new friend this way. But we would recommend you let your Giftee be the one the request it, and then it is totally up to you to reveal or remain mysterious.

How can I update my delivery address?

You can do this under About me up until your address has been sent to your Santa. After that, you cannot change your address. If it's an absolute emergency, you can DM the Elves for help @secretsanta.nz.

Can I play from overseas?

No, we have to draw the line somewhere and part of what makes Secret Santa NZ work is that it's somewhat local. If you want Secret Santa game for your country this app is open source. Contact @orthanc.nz for details.