For some, it is a source of stress, for others, a festive tradition: “Secret Santa”, or “Secret Santa”, is gaining ground in companies. The principle is simple: everyone draws the name of a colleague and gives them a small gift during the end-of-year party. But the exercise can quickly turn into a headache. Lack of inspiration, impersonal or useless gifts… some gifts sometimes end up straight in the trash. “Behind the lightness of the gifts drawn at random is often hidden ephemeral consumption : standardized objects, duplicates, forgotten gadgets”observes Tribee, a platform specializing in solidarity prize pools, with BFM Business.
The idea was born in the mind of Cécile Flament, founder of the company. “My children often received gifts that were duplicates or that they didn’t like. This was a lot of money spent on unnecessary items and a real waste»she explains. To remedy this, Tribee has therefore imagined an alternative: rather than buying unnecessary gifts, each participant pays their budget into a kitty intended for an association.
20% of French people play the game
This year, 16 prize pools were launched, allowing 3,000 euros to be raised so far for Make-a-Wishwho makes the dreams of sick children come true. From next year, each organizer will be able to designate the association of their choice from a proposed selection, indicate our colleagues. According to Tribee, 20% of French people participate in a Secret Santa each year, with a average budget of 10 euros. “This represents approximately 100 million euros which could be donated to associations and impact projects – without giving up the party”underlines the platform.
The magic of Christmas remains intact since the draw takes place directly on the platform. Participants are further encouraged to give gifts “zero € but 100% emotion”. And for those who lack ideas, the platform offers alternatives: homemade gifts (biscuits, jams, DIY candles, etc.), second-hand objects (books, mugs, decorations, etc.), or intangible touches such as a personalized card or a letter of encouragement. With this approach, Secret Santa becomes united while retaining the pleasure and surprise of Christmas.
