Question 1

Is Gift Whisper really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free. No trials, no premium tiers, no hidden costs, no ads. We built Gift Whisper because we love making gift exchanges easier for everyone.

Question 2

Do I need to download an app?

Accepted Answer

No app download needed. Gift Whisper works in any web browser on desktop, tablet, or phone. Just visit giftwhisper.app and you're ready to go.

Question 3

Do participants need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

Participants sign in with just their email address. We send a 6-digit code to verify - no passwords to create or remember. It takes about 30 seconds.

Question 4

Can I start creating a Circle without signing in?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can set up your entire Circle - name, date, budget, everything - before signing in. We'll only ask you to sign in when you're ready to save or share.

Question 5

How do I invite people to my Circle?

Accepted Answer

Share your Whisper Link (a URL they can click) or Whisper Code (a 10-character code they enter at giftwhisper.app/join). You can also add people directly by email.

Question 6

How many people can be in a Circle?

Accepted Answer

There's no hard limit. We've tested with groups of 50+ and it works great. For the matching to work, you need at least 2 participants.

Question 7

Can I have multiple Circles?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Create as many Circles as you need - one for family, one for work, one for friends. They're all managed separately.

Question 8

Can someone be a Circle Keeper and a participant?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. As the Circle Keeper, you're automatically a participant too. You'll get matched with someone just like everyone else.

Question 9

What if someone joins after The Whisper is cast?

Accepted Answer

Once The Whisper is cast, the Circle is closed to new members. Make sure everyone has joined before casting The Whisper.

Question 10

Can I remove someone from my Circle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Circle Keepers can remove participants at any time. If The Whisper hasn't been cast yet, they'll simply be removed. If matching has already happened, their match will need to be handled separately.

Question 11

Can I change the budget or date after creating a Circle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Circle Keepers can update Circle settings anytime before The Whisper is cast. After matching, some settings become locked.

Question 12

How does the matching work?

Accepted Answer

When the Circle Keeper casts The Whisper, our algorithm randomly assigns each person to give a gift to someone else. Everyone gives one gift and receives one gift.

Question 13

Can I prevent certain people from matching?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Use "No-Match Pairs" to prevent specific people from being matched. Common uses: couples, roommates, or immediate family members who already exchange gifts separately.

Question 14

What if the matching is mathematically impossible?

Accepted Answer

If you have too many exclusions, matching might become impossible. We'll let you know before you try to cast The Whisper so you can adjust your exclusions.

Question 15

Can I see who's giving to me?

Accepted Answer

No - that's the secret part! You'll only see who you're giving a gift to. Your Secret Santa remains a mystery until they choose to reveal themselves.

Question 16

Can I redo the matching if I don't like it?

Accepted Answer

No, there's no redo. The Whisper is cast once and the assignments are final. Make sure everyone has joined and your exclusions are set before casting.

Question 17

Will I ever be matched with myself?

Accepted Answer

Never. Our algorithm guarantees you won't be matched with yourself.

Question 18

How many wishes can I add?

Accepted Answer

As many as you'd like. We recommend adding at least 3-5 items to give your Secret Santa options. You can always add more later.

Question 19

Can I add links to items?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Adding links makes it easy for your gifter to find exactly what you want. They can click directly to the product page.

Question 20

What are "private notes" on wishes?

Accepted Answer

Private notes are visible only to your Secret Santa. Use them for details like sizes, color preferences, or alternatives you'd also enjoy.

Question 21

What does "claiming" a wish do?

Accepted Answer

When someone claims a wish, it's marked as taken so no one else buys the same thing. Any Circle member can claim items on any wishlist to help coordinate. Claims are anonymous - the owner doesn't see who claimed what or even that items are claimed.

Question 22

Can I unclaim something I claimed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can unclaim items anytime if your plans change. The item becomes available for others to claim again.

Question 23

What if someone forgets to add wishes?

Accepted Answer

Circle Keepers can send reminders. We also send gentle email nudges as the exchange date approaches. You can still match without wishes - it just makes gifting a bit trickier!

Question 24

Can I edit my wishes after The Whisper is cast?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can add, edit, or remove wishes at any time. Your Secret Santa will see the updated list.

Question 25

What are Secret Notes?

Accepted Answer

Secret Notes let you chat anonymously with your match. You can message your giftee (the person you're giving to) and receive messages from your gifter (your Secret Santa).

Question 26

Is my identity revealed in Secret Notes?

Accepted Answer

No, Secret Notes are completely anonymous. Your giftee doesn't know it's you sending the message, and you don't know who your gifter is when they message you.

Question 27

What should I use Secret Notes for?

Accepted Answer

Ask your giftee clarifying questions ("What size do you wear?"), give hints ("Start checking your mailbox..."), or just build excitement ("Can't wait for the exchange!").

Question 28

Can the Circle Keeper see Secret Notes?

Accepted Answer

No. Secret Notes are private between the matched pair. Not even Circle Keepers can read them.

Question 29

Is my data safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use modern security practices including encrypted connections, secure authentication, and protected databases. We don't sell your data or show ads.

Question 30

What data do you collect?

Accepted Answer

We collect only what's needed to run the service: your email (for sign-in and notifications), Circle information, wishes, and any photos you upload. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Question 31

Do you use cookies?

Accepted Answer

We use only essential cookies needed for the site to function (like keeping you signed in). No tracking cookies, no advertising cookies.

Question 32

Can I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contact us and we'll delete your account and associated data. Note that this won't remove you from Circles you've already joined - that data belongs to the Circle.

Question 33

Who can see my wishlist?

Accepted Answer

All Circle members can browse anyone's wishlist from the Wishlists page. This helps coordinate gift-giving and prevents duplicates. Private notes on wishes are only visible to your Secret Santa after The Whisper is cast.

Question 34

I didn't receive my verification code email

Accepted Answer

Check your spam folder first. If it's not there, try requesting a new code. Make sure you're entering the same email address each time. Codes expire after 10 minutes.

Question 35

The Whisper Link isn't working

Accepted Answer

Make sure you're using the complete link. If the Circle requires approval, you'll need to wait for the Circle Keeper to approve your request.

Question 36

I can't see my match

Accepted Answer

Matches are only visible after the Circle Keeper casts The Whisper. Check the Circle overview to see if matching has happened yet.

Question 37

My photos won't upload

Accepted Answer

Photos are limited in size and must be common image formats (JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF). Try using a smaller image or a different format.

Question 38

I have a question not listed here

Accepted Answer

Feel free to reach out! You can contact us through our support channels and we'll help you out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Managing Your Circle

The Whisper (Matching)

Wishes (Wishlists)

Secret Notes

Privacy & Security

Troubleshooting

Still have questions?

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