In Uruguay it's called amigo invisible. December is summer and year-end: office farewells, get-togethers with friends and Christmas Eve with the family. Choosing which of those dates is the exchange from the start decides when to draw.
Organizing it in Uruguay
Family Day
Since 1919, under the law that separated church and state, the December 25 holiday has been called Día de la Familia. In practice, families gather on the night of the 24th and open presents at midnight, with fireworks.
The aguinaldo and the limit
The aguinaldo is paid in December, the second of its two yearly installments. Set the limit in Uruguayan pesos, written in the invitation, and make it affordable even for anyone not yet paid.
The office year-end party
Many offices run amigo invisible at the year-end farewell in mid-December. Draw in late November so there are two weeks to shop.
Before heading to the coast
January is beach-holiday month. If your group of friends scatters to Punta del Este, La Paloma or Chuy, exchange gifts before the year ends.
With people abroad
If part of the group lives in Argentina or Spain, set the limit in one currency and let everyone convert. To get the gift there on time, it's easier to buy from a shop that delivers in the recipient's country.
Set up your amigo invisible
No account, nothing to install, free. Enter the names, the limit in pesos and the date, share one link, and each person sees only who they drew.
