A note on fairness
We make GishFy, so read this with that in mind. We've tried to be straight about where other products do better. Details about other products come from their websites, app listings and published reviews, checked October 31, 2026. They can change, so check before you decide.
Choose GishFy if you want
- No accounts for the organizer or the group
- Names that stay in your browser and never reach a server
- To send matches over WhatsApp, or any chat app, instead of only email
- A quick one-off draw for a party or a small office
- Wishlists with group gift tracking for bigger presents
Stick with DrawNames if you want
- A dedicated iPhone or Android app
- Reminder emails and anonymous questions to your match
- A site available in several languages
- Gift choices hidden from the wishlist's owner
- Kids' wish lists linked to your email address
Side by side
| Feature | GishFy | DrawNames |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Where it works | Any browser, no app | Web, iPhone and Android |
| Exclusion rules | Yes | Yes |
| How matches are delivered | Private links by WhatsApp, email or any chat | Through DrawNames; check their current flow |
| Reminder emails | No | Yes |
| Anonymous questions | No | Yes |
| Wish lists | Yes, including a no-account quick list | Yes; create without an account, sign in to save |
| Marked gifts hidden from owner | No, the owner can see | Yes |
| Group gifts | Tracks pledges; you settle up outside the app | Check DrawNames' current features |
| Site languages | English; app also in Hindi and Malayalam | Several, including Spanish, French and Portuguese |
Why you might want an alternative
With GishFy, the draw happens entirely in your browser. Names aren't sent to our servers, and each match travels inside its own link. This keeps things simple and private, and it's why nobody needs to sign up, including the organizer.
It also suits groups who live on WhatsApp. In the UAE, India and many other places, a chat message is far more likely to be seen than an email. You can send each person's link in a single tap, or copy the message into Slack, Teams or a group text.
Where DrawNames is the better choice
DrawNames does more once the draw has happened. Its reminder emails nudge people who haven't looked at their match, and anonymous questions let you ask your person something without giving yourself away. GishFy doesn't do either: the link shows your match, the budget and the date.
It also offers its site in more languages and has dedicated apps. If those matter to your group, we'd suggest using DrawNames.
Fixing the "what do I buy?" problem
Whichever tool draws your names, the next question is what to buy. Our free questionnaire gives Santas some clues, and a wishlist shows them exactly what someone wants. Neither needs the group to use the same draw tool.
Common questions
Is GishFy's name draw free?
Yes. It's free, with no limit on group size and no accounts.
Are the names stored anywhere?
No. The draw runs in your browser, and names aren't sent to GishFy's servers. Your group is saved in that browser so a refresh doesn't lose your links, and each match travels in its own link.
Can I stop couples drawing each other?
Yes. Add an exclusion rule between two people and it works in both directions. If your rules make a fair draw impossible, you'll get a clear message.
Can I redo the draw?
Yes, but changing the group creates a new draw, and old links won't match it. Remember to send out the new links.
Does it work for occasions other than Christmas?
Yes. The name draw suits Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah, birthdays and office events. You can name the event, and it appears in each person's link.