Exclusions are useful when a group wants to prevent obvious or awkward matches. They also remove options from the assignment. A good rule set solves a real group need while leaving enough possible recipients for a complete one-to-one draw.
Add an exclusion only for a clear reason
Household members, partners, or a repeated pairing from an earlier exchange may justify a restriction. Preferences such as “someone new would be nice” are often better handled socially than converted into hard rules.
GiftDraw exclusions work in both directions
If Alex and Bo are excluded, Alex cannot draw Bo and Bo cannot draw Alex. This is easier for a group to explain, but it removes two directed possibilities from the assignment.
Small groups run out of valid options quickly
Every participant must give to exactly one other person and receive from exactly one person. Dense exclusions can make those conditions impossible even when each individual appears to have an option. GiftDraw validates the full set before saving the draw.
Do not encode sensitive relationships in the draw
An exclusion list can itself reveal private information. Use neutral names and add only rules the trusted organiser is already entitled to know. Keep the management URL and participant URLs out of public channels.
Check the final rules before creating assignments
Confirm unique names, remove outdated participants, review every pair, and ask whether each exclusion is required. After creation, GiftDraw does not edit the group because distributed results must remain stable.