How Gift Whisper Works
Whether you're organizing or participating, here's everything you need to know.
As the Circle Keeper, you're in charge of setting up and managing the exchange. Here's how to make it happen.
Step 1
Create Your Circle
Start by creating a new Circle for your gift exchange.
- Give your Circle a name (e.g., "Smith Family Christmas 2024")
- Pick an occasion type or create a custom one
- Set a budget range that works for everyone
- Choose the exchange date and time
- Optionally add a description with any special rules
You can start a Circle without signing in. We'll ask you to sign in when you're ready to save.
Step 2
Invite Your People
Get everyone into your Circle.
- Share your Whisper Link - anyone with the link can join
- Or share the Whisper Code for manual entry
- Add people directly by email if you prefer
- Bulk import a list of names and emails
- Choose if joining requires your approval
Participants don't need to download anything. The link works on any device with a browser.
Step 3
Set Up Exclusions (Optional)
Make sure the right people get matched.
- Add No-Match Pairs to prevent certain matches
- Common exclusions: couples, roommates, parent-child
- The matching will respect all your rules
- You can add as many exclusions as needed
Check the math! If you have too many exclusions, matching might become impossible.
Step 4
Cast The Whisper
Run the draw when everyone's ready.
- Wait for participants to join and add their wishes
- When ready, click "Cast The Whisper"
- Everyone gets assigned a secret match instantly
- Email notifications go out automatically
- Each person sees only their own match
There's no undo! Make sure everyone has joined before casting The Whisper.
Step 5
Celebrate Together
Enjoy the exchange and capture the memories.
- Everyone shops for their secret match
- Use Secret Notes for anonymous communication
- Exchange gifts on the big day
- Share photos in the Moments gallery
- Post thank-you notes with pictures
Remind people to upload photos! Moments make great memories.
Typical Timeline
Here's how a gift exchange usually unfolds. Adjust to fit your schedule.
Week 1
Setup
Create Circle, invite participants
Week 2
Prepare
Everyone joins and adds wishes
Week 3
Match
Cast The Whisper, get assignments
Week 4
Shop
Buy gifts, use Secret Notes
Week 5+
Exchange
Give gifts, share Moments
Ready to get started?
Create your Circle now or join one you've been invited to.