The usual Secret Santa rules assume everyone wants to and can take part. At an office that isn't always true: some people don't celebrate Christmas, some can't afford gifts, some have only just joined the team. A good office exchange accounts for that from the start.
The rules a workplace draw needs
The budget is a maximum
Set a limit the lowest-paid person on the team can afford, and make clear that spending less is fine. A low limit protects interns and contractors, and stops a well-meaning colleague from spending far more and making everyone else uncomfortable.
No alcohol, personal care or inside jokes
Alcohol can be a problem for health or religious reasons. Personal care products are too intimate. Inside jokes leave out anyone who doesn't get them. Write down before the draw which gifts are off limits.
Two more details
Share the rules in writing before the draw, not after. And if people are remote or on leave, give gift day a two-day window instead of a ten-minute meeting.
An office draw nobody can peek at
Create a Cuchumbo for the team and share the link in the chat. The organizer doesn't see the result. Taking part needs no account and nothing to install, and it's free.
