Secret Santa is a lot more fun when you actually know what your coworker likes. A short questionnaire takes the guesswork out of it, so nobody ends up with a fifth mug or a candle scent they can’t stand.
This free printable Secret Santa questionnaire for coworkers has 22 simple questions on two pages. Print a copy for each person, collect them in a box or folder, and hand them out when names are drawn.
How To Use The Questionnaire At Work
- Print one copy per person on plain or cardstock paper. It prints on standard US letter size.
- Hand them out a week before the name draw, and set a deadline so everyone has time to fill them in.
- Collect the finished sheets in an envelope, then give each person the sheet for the coworker they drew.
- Share the budget on the same day. Most offices keep Secret Santa between $15 and $25.
The 22 Questions And Why They Help
1. Name
It sounds obvious, but a printed name makes it easy to match each sheet to the right person after the draw.
2. Department Or Team
This helps when your office is big, so your Secret Santa knows where to drop the gift.
3. Your Favorite Color
Color is the easiest way to pick a mug, notebook, scarf, or wrapping paper they’ll like.
4. Favorite Snack Or Treat
Snacks are one of the safest Secret Santa gifts, and this answer points straight to a winner.
5. Coffee, Tea, Or Hot Cocoa
A usual order makes a coffee shop gift card or a box of their favorite tea feel personal.
6. Favorite Candy Or Chocolate
Candy is a perfect filler for any gift bag, and this stops you guessing between dark and milk.
7. Food Allergies Or Things You Don’t Eat
This keeps everyone safe and avoids treats someone can’t enjoy, like nuts or gelatin.
8. Favorite Scent
Candles, hand cream, and soap are popular gifts, but scent is personal, so this question matters.
9. Hobbies Outside Of Work
Hobbies open up the best gift ideas, from gardening tools to a puzzle or a book light.
10. Favorite Store Or Online Shop
If you’re stuck, a gift card to their favorite store is always a good backup.
11. Favorite Restaurant Or Takeout Spot
A takeout gift card for a local favorite feels thoughtful and gets used quickly.
12. A Desk Upgrade They’d Love
Many people want a nicer pen, a desk plant, or a phone stand but never buy it for themselves.
13. Practical Or Fun Gifts
This one question tells you whether to go for something useful or something silly.
14. Cozy Or Self-Care Items
Socks, a throw blanket, or a bath set make easy winter gifts for anyone who says yes here.
15. Favorite Book, Movie, Or TV Show
Fan gifts, themed mugs, or a new book in the same genre are easy wins.
16. Favorite Sports Team Or Game
Sports fans love a small team item, and game lovers enjoy a deck of cards or a mini puzzle.
17. Pets And Their Names
A pet treat or a small toy is a sweet surprise for animal lovers.
18. Something They Collect
Collectors are easy to shop for, from enamel pins to mugs or ornaments.
19. Favorite Holiday Tradition
This can inspire a festive gift, like a cookie kit or a hot cocoa set.
20. Go-To Music Or Podcast
Earbuds, a playlist card, or merch from a favorite podcast all work here.
21. A Small Treat That Makes Their Day
This often reveals the perfect add-on, like a fancy lip balm or a favorite snack.
22. Anything They Do NOT Want
Just as useful as the likes. It saves you from buying something they’ll quietly regift.
Once you have the answers, our high protein office snacks list is a handy place to find small treats for the gift bag.
