A DrawNames alternative you can start in a minute
Shuffleroo is a DrawNames alternative you can start in a minute: one link in the group chat, nothing to download, and nothing to learn. Like DrawNames, it is free, with no ads and no account. The difference is that nobody ever sees who got who, not even the host, and your person can answer your anonymous questions in private.
Free, with no ads and nothing to download.
How it works
Start a Shuffleroo. A name, a gift limit, and a gift day. It takes a minute.
Paste one link in the group chat. There is nothing to install.
Everyone pulls a name when they like. The hat opens when everyone is in.
At a glance
As of October 2026, from DrawNames’s own pages.
| Feature | Shuffleroo | DrawNames |
|---|---|---|
| App | Nothing to download. Works in any web browser. | Has apps to download. The website works too. |
| Who can see the matches | Nobody, ever. Not even the host. | The organizer, after the celebration date |
| Anonymous questions | Your person answers, and only you see it | Your person can only reply by editing their wish list |
| Gift ideas | Written by AI from your person’s wishes | A Gift Finder by category and price |
| Shopping links | None | Its privacy policy says it is in the Amazon Associates program |
| Gift bought | “I’ve got my gift”. The host sees only a count. | Mark a wish-list item as bought |
| Cost, ads, account | Free, no ads, no account | Free, no ads, no account |
Sources: DrawNames homepage, DrawNames: how to draw names, DrawNames: wish lists, DrawNames: never draw your own name, DrawNames: exclusions, DrawNames: large groups, DrawNames privacy policy. Things change, so check their site for the latest.
Fast, and nothing to learn
There is one screen to start. There is one link to share. People tap their name and tap “Pull a name”. Nobody has to find an app, make an account, or learn where things are.
It works on any phone, tablet, or computer with a web browser. Big groups join from the same link, and a search box helps people find their name.
Where Shuffleroo is different
- Nothing to download. Shuffleroo has no app, so there is never a “get the app” step.
- Nobody ever sees who got who. Matches are encrypted. Not the host, and not Shuffleroo, can read them, before or after gift day.
- Questions go both ways. Ask your person a short question, like a size. They answer without learning who asked, and only you see the answer. The host can’t read it.
- Gift ideas written for your person. AI reads their wishes and the gift limit, and you get one set made just for you.
- A gift-ready check. Tap “I’ve got my gift” once it is bought. The host sees only a count, like “14 of 20 have their gift”, and you skip the gift-day reminders.
- No shopping links. Shuffleroo earns nothing from what you buy.
What they have in common
Both are free, with no ads and no account. In both, people pull on their own time, late joiners fit in without a redo, and next year avoids last year’s matches.
When DrawNames might suit you better
Pick DrawNames if your group wants an app to download, or if it has more than 500 people. It also comes in other languages, and it has a live draw where everyone sees their name at the same moment.
Also in Shuffleroo
- Pairs who shouldn’t get each other, like couples.
- Plus-ones for people who join after everyone pulled. Nobody pulls again.
- “Approve new people”, so only people you OK get in.
- An optional shipping address, deleted 30 days after gift day.
- Reminder emails before gift day, for anyone who adds an email.
Questions
Is Shuffleroo free like DrawNames?
Yes. Shuffleroo is free, with no paid tier, no ads, and no account.
Do I need to install anything for Shuffleroo?
No. There is no Shuffleroo app. It works on any phone, tablet, or computer with a web browser.
Can the host see who got who after gift day?
No. In Shuffleroo, nobody can see who got who, at any time. Each person only sees the name they pulled.
Can my person answer my question?
Yes. They type a short answer without learning who asked. Only you see it. The host can’t read questions or answers.
Does it avoid last year’s matches?
Yes. “Run it again” gives everyone someone new when the rules allow it. Last year’s matches are kept only as a scrambled record that nobody can read, not even the host.
Ready when you are. It takes a minute.
Updated October 2026.