Guides to thoughtful gifting
How to organize a traditional gift exchange without a draw
Not every gift exchange needs secret assignments. This mode brings the group and their wishlists together so each person can choose whom to give to according to your shared arrangements.
The quick answer
Choose Traditional gift exchange, agree on the rules and send a personal invitation to each participant. Confirmed participants can share one wishlist and browse the others. There are no automatic assignments: the group decides how gifts will be distributed.
1. Agree on how gifts will be distributed
Decide whether everyone gives to everyone, each person chooses someone, or the group coordinates recipients outside the site. Set a budget, currency and date, and decide how to avoid leaving anyone without a gift. In this mode, anything.gift does not assign recipients or guarantee an even distribution.
2. Create the exchange with the right mode
Sign in, choose an occasion and select Traditional gift exchange. Add the name, date, budget and group arrangements. If you want to take part as well as organize, add yourself as a participant. Check the mode before saving: it cannot be changed during the exchange.
3. Send each person their own invitation
Add people and open invitations. Use Share link beside each name to send that person their link through a private WhatsApp chat, copy it or share their QR code. These links are personal; use the group chat for general arrangements rather than individual access links.
4. Confirm and select your wishlist
Each person opens their invitation and accepts or declines. From their participation page they can create or select a wishlist and share it with the group. Participants choose which list to display; access to the exchange does not publish all of their wishlists.
5. Browse wishlists and reserve thoughtfully
Confirmed participants can browse the selected group lists when the exchange state allows it. Reserving helps avoid duplicate gifts and does not place an order. Reservations stay hidden from the list owner. If your plans change, release your own reservation through the access you used to make it.
6. Check the group and arrange delivery
Once there are no pending replies and the group is ready, the organizer can prepare the exchange without a draw. Review the agreements and date, purchase separately and arrange delivery. The organizer can mark the exchange as completed after the gathering.
Common questions
Can we run a draw later?
This mode does not run draws. If you need private assignments, create a Secret Santa exchange with that mode from the start.
Can everyone see all my wishlists?
No. The group can view the list you select for that participation, when the exchange state allows it.
Does reserving a gift buy it?
No. Reservations coordinate the intention to give; purchases, payments and delivery happen separately.