Manually draw or let Elfster draw your names
Names are drawn on the Draw Date you scheduled, or you can accept invites now and draw immediately. If you prefer NOT to have Elfster automatically draw names —whether you want to review who signed up, set up draw restrictions, or you know who you want everyone to get — as the Organizer, you can handle the draw manually! Simply follow the instructions 👇
How the Organizer Can Change Settings to Manually Draw Names
Click on Exchanges located in the menu bar
Select the Gift Exchange
Click ⚙️Manage Exchange under the Exchange title and image
Select Privacy Settings
Toggle Do not draw names automatically on the Draw Date to the right to turn ON
Select the Draw Names Early button when you’re ready
⚠️ Anyone who has not RSVP’d by the time names are drawn will not be included in the draw.
✨ Elf Tip: You can manually draw names up to the draw names date without changing the settings, just by selecting the Draw Names Early button
How to Redo the Draw
If you’ve received RSVPs to join your Eflster Gift Exchange (even after names have been drawn) or some participants can no longer partake in your Eflster Gift Exchange, you do NOT have to re-draw names! You can add a latecomer, or remove someone any time within the Gift Exchange without changing everyone's draw 🎉
If you would still like to re-draw names anyway, simply follow the instructions 👇
How to Re-Draw Names 🎩
If you forgot to set Draw Restrictions or need to undraw names for any reason - No sweat! Follow the directions below, and you’ll be all set. 👇
Click on Exchanges located in the menu bar
Select the Gift Exchange you want to undo the draw
Click ⚙️Manage Exchange under the Exchange title and image
View the Gift Exchange Details page and scroll to the bottom
Select Undo Everyone's Draw in red
Determine if you'd like to manually draw next or set a future automatic draw
You will be guided on the path you choose to finalize the draw undo
⚠️ Once you’ve un-drawn names, previous matches will be permanently deleted.
✨ Elf Tip: With an Elfster Draw Now Exchange, participants’ names are drawn immediately by the organizer, making it quick and easy to get started! You can even add participants without needing their emails, making this perfect for groups like classrooms or offices.
Note: Since participants won’t have accounts, they won’t be able to create Wishlists or view their draw themselves. The organizer will handle everything, including managing the draws! Ideal for when you want to keep things simple and fun! 🪄 You will always have the option to send out invites and allow participants to create an account.
✨WARNING: If you undraw names for any reason, you will have to enter emails before redrawing!