Hello and Welcome! My name is Chris (Guardian-of-4) and I am the moderator for the Secret Santa Holiday Gift Exchange. I have moderated this gift exchange since 2003.
If you have never participated previously and are wondering exactly what Secret Santa is...
Every year a few of us from the various boards do a small gift exchange during the holidays. (Please note that the gift exchange is completely separate from the card exchange, which has its own page.)
Basically, the way it works is -- after everyone who is interested signs up, everyone gets matched up with their own Secret Santa. Someone will be your Secret Santa and you will be Secret Santa to someone else.
FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS: Please read through everything up to the "Got It! Now How Do I Sign Up?" section BEFORE signing up. You are responsible for understanding how the exchange works and what is expected of all participants.
Everything you need to know can be found on this page. These initial bullets are updated yearly, so even veteran Santas should read through the highlights.
ESSENTIALS AND HIGHTLIGHTS:
https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-flat-rate-boxes-variety-pack-variety-frb-P_VARIETY_FRBV
1) Please Introduce Yourself / Say Hello when you first sign up.
2) Please Post when you mail out your package, with the expected delivery date, if known.
3) Please Post on the day you receive your package (even if you are not opening it right away); this lets your Secret Santa know the package has arrived and was not lost or stolen.
4) Please Post after you open your presents. Photos are always welcome but not required. Some people are better at making pictures with words than with technology.
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL NOTE
For those concerned about standing in long lines at the Post Office this holiday season: If your gift(s) are small enough, you can mail them First Class (package or large envelope) and drop directly into any mailbox, but ONLY if the package is 13.0 ounces or less. This requirement has been around at least since 9/11.
GOLDEN RULE (Okay, not “The” Golden Rule) There is only one rule that Every Participant agrees to adhere to: The presents get sent on time to arrive before Christmas.
Yes, there are extenuating circumstances. People do get sick or injured. People do have family (human or furry) emergencies. Sometimes, something totally unforeseeable really does happen. And should this happen, please email me ASAP. Maybe I can help (or at least let your recipient know what is happening).
However, as you may have already guessed, unforeseen circumstances are NOT what I am talking about. I am talking about all those other, preventable cases.
Your recipient will find out who you are, as I release all Secret Santa identities after the 28th (see FAQs). Don't be that person!
Delinquent Santas without a valid reason will not be allowed to participate again.
GOT IT! NOW HOW DO I SIGN UP? You can sign up by sending me an email at Secret-Santa@catlover.com
NOTE: Please email *this* address to ensure that I receive your information.
Please sign up no later than the end of day, Saturday, November 21st. That will give me time to get all assignments out before Black Friday. (Even if COVID-19 keeps us from going out to the mall, there will no doubt be plenty of virtual Black Fridays over the holiday weekend.)
In that email, please send me the information requested on the Sign-Up Form/Questionnaire.
The Sign-Up Form/Questionnaire is located at the bottom of this page. Simply copy and paste it into an email with your answers.
While only Questions 1-7 on the Sign-Up Form/Questionnaire are required, I encourage you the fill out and share as much information as you are comfortable with. Many times Secret Santas come to me with questions like size, favorite colors, and so forth, and then I end up having to send an email out to you forwarding the same types of questions as were on the Sign-Up Form/Questionnaire to begin with.
If you choose to re-send an old form from years past, please be absolutely sure that *everything* is still current - especially your contact and mailing information!
HOW MUCH TO SPEND ON PRESENTS? To be as inclusive as possible, I would like to keep the price range modest at $10-$20, excluding shipping costs and sales taxes. (To clarify, the price range is meant as a total amount for all presents combined and *not* $10-$20 for each present!)
If you're light in the cash department but well stocked in creativity/handiwork department, home-made presents are always welcome. After all, home-made presents are a time-honored tradition during the holiday season and can be among the very best to receive.
Besides, it really is the thought that counts!
WHEN SHOULD I SEND THE PRESENTS OUT? The target date for all packages to arrive is no later than Thursday, December 24th. Even though this is called the "Holiday Gift Exchange" (since not everyone celebrates Christmas), having a single, target date avoids chaos and allows everyone to have the same expectation.
By participating in the Secret Santa Gift Exchange, you are agreeing to the Thursday, December 24th arrival.
In general, I would recommend getting your (domestic) packages in the mail by Thursday, December 17th to ensure delivery by the target date.
If shipping US to Canada/Canada to US or to/from Alaska, I would recommend mailing no later than Thursday, December 10th. Same with USPS Retail Ground (formerly known as Parcel Post) or UPS or FedEx Ground.
As Christmas draws nearer, the US Postal Service will have the actual mailing deadlines for various services on its web site.
Please also note that many shipping services, such as UPS, do NOT deliver on Saturdays and do NOT ship to Canada. So, if you are planning to use a shipping service other than the US Postal Service, please check your options ahead of time and plan accordingly.
WHAT IF I WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH MY SECRET SANTA OR GIFT RECIPIENT? You can leave a message on this message board. Please use *this* board. Messages elsewhere such as AHOC, BCC, Benny's and Facebook could easily scroll off or get missed by the intended audience. This board, on the other hand, is dedicated to all things Secret Santa and should be the first place everyone looks for updates, news, and messages.
If you are wearing your Secret Santa hat, you can post your name as "YYY's Secret Santa." If you are the recipient and you wish to communicate with your Secret Santa or post a general question or comment, then post as yourself.
In the "Subject or Title" field, I recommend the first word be the intended recipient's name, so that it gets your recipient's attention.
You can also email me and I can pass your message along.
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING WHEN I RECEIVE MY PRESENTS? Yes!
Please post on this board when you received the presents, even if you are going to wait until Christmas to open them. That way your Secret Santa knows the package arrived safe and sound.
Please definitely post on *this* board, since it dedicated to all things Secret Santa and should be the first place everyone looks for updates, news, and messages.
HOW SECRET IS THE SECRET SANTA? You can be as secret as you want it to be. There are a few options here, and what you choose is up to you.
No Secret -- Send directly to the recipient with full name on the return address.
Semi-Secret -- Then, they will have to do a little detective work if they really want to know who you are. To use this option, you will have to: 1) Send directly to the recipient, but without your name (return address only) or "Secret Santa" as your name.; or 2) Mail this directly, but use my return address (I will email my address upon request).
Whichever option you choose, however, you will not remain secret forever. Anyone who wants to know who their Secret Santa is can find out after the holidays by emailing me. I will answer identity requests on or after December 28th.
US POSTAL SERVICE RATES & SHIPPING TIPS "My USPS" has a lot of cool features, including track packages, request alerts, order free shipping supplies, buy stamps, print shipping labels, request a package pickup, shop, manage PO boxes, print custom forms online, and file domestic claims. And most of these features and services are free.
Registration is Free, and you do NOT have to give any credit card information just to register or order free shipping supplies.
https://reg.usps.com/login
No More Porch Pirates!
You can not only keep track of the packages you send (by saving the tracking numbers to your dashboard), but if you are registered, the dashboard also automatically gives you tracking information on any packages being mailed via USPS to the address with which you registered. So, if you have a My USPS account registered using your home address, for example, any packages sent via US Mail to your home (from anyone) automatically appears on your dashboard when you log in. From there, you can issue specific delivery instructions online for each package, including alternate delivery instructions (leave with neighbor, leave at side door, etc.). You can also request email or text alerts.
Free Boxes & Other Shipping Supplies Delivered Directly to Your Door - Order As Soon As Possible
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/subcategory.jsp?categoryId=free-shipping-supplies&categoryNavIds=shipping-supplies%3Afree-shipping-supplies
Tip: Order your free shipping supplies online NOW - even before you sign up. Then you won't have to make a special trip to the post office just to get boxes, and there are no worries that the local post office might run out of the box size you need during the holiday rush. Worst case for ordering early is that you have some extra shipping supplies laying around.
Not sure how big your package is going to be? You can order a Variety Pack of Flat Rate Boxes from the USPS web site and have it sent to your house - for Free! The variety pack has 4 boxes - one of each size.
https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-flat-rate-boxes-variety-pack-variety-frb-P_VARIETY_FRBV
https://store.usps.com/store/results/shipping-supplies-flat-rate/_/N-1bzu2g5?_requestid=180506
Best Value - Priority Flat Rate Boxes
I have found that the US Postal Service with its Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes to be fast and cost effective. They usually only take 2-3 business days to ship and the box ships anywhere in the US for one price regardless of weight or distance. Priority Mail also comes with tracking and insurance up to $50 included in the price.
Small Flat Rate Boxes: $9.20
Medium Flat Rate Boxes: $16.25
Large Flat Rate Boxes: $22.65
Even Cheaper for Early Birds - USPS Retail Ground
If you are an early bird, you can save even more by mailing using USPS Retail Ground (formerly known as US Standard Post and before that as US Parcel Post). The package will need more time to get there, but the cost can be significantly less than Priority Mail, especially if your presents won’t all fit in a large flat rate box. USPS Retail Ground packages must be mailed from a US Post Office, and Shipping Time can take up to 8 Business Days, depending on how far the package is going.
Additional information on all of the above can be found at the US Postal Service Web Site: http://www.usps.com
For current pricing, go to Notice 123: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm
SECRET SANTA FORM While only Questions 1-7 are required, I encourage you the fill out and share as much information as you are comfortable with. Many times Secret Santas come to me with questions like size, favorite colors, and so forth, and then I end up having to send an email out forwarding the same types of questions that were here to begin with.
REQUIRED
1. Your Board Name
REQUIRED
2. Your Real Name
REQUIRED
3. Your Mailing Address
REQUIRED
4. Email Where You Can Be Reached By Me (Note: This information in # 4 stays with me and does NOT go out to your Secret Santa.)
REQUIRED
5. Phone # Where You Can Be Reached By Me (Note: This information in # 5 stays with me and does NOT go out to your Secret Santa. The phone number does not have to be a home phone number.)
REQUIRED
6. Another Email that CAN be shared with your Secret Santa/Recipient, as needed. If necessary, please get a web-based account (like Yahoo! or Hotmail or Gmail or Mail.Com) for this purpose. (And Please check your contact emails starting on the 27th.) Your Secret Santa/Recipient must have a way of contacting you directly on or after the 27th. If there are technical reasons (computer blew up, for example) why this is not feasible, please contact me to discuss this issue one-on-one.
REQUIRED
7. Anything folks should NOT send (i.e., human or cat allergies, dietary restrictions, etc.)?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS To help your Secret Santa pick something just right for you, here are some more detailed questions to get the ball rolling.
Please note that this information is strictly voluntary and you're free to answer as much or as little as you want (or not at all), but many Secret Santas like selecting gifts that are specific to the recipient and I am often asked by Secret Santas to write recipients back asking for additional information. So, if you could please fill out any information that you do not have a problem sharing up front, it would be a big help and time-saver.
Please also keep in mind that the information provided are suggestions only and are not intended to stifle or hinder a Secret Santa's creativity or gift- buying or gift-making choices. (Besides, it really is the thought that counts!)
***Even answering only A-F would be a big help to most Secret Santas.***
A. Favorite Kinds of Presents -- things you can never get enough of, etc.?
B. Your Fur Kids and Toys, Treats and/or Accessories do your Furry, Finned, Feathered, and/or Scaled ones like best?
C. Favorite Color(s)?
D. Favorite Motif(s)/Theme(s) -- i.e., Art Deco, Floral, Cats, Southwest, Dragons, Great North, Nautical, etc.?
E. Shirt Size -- for sweat shirts, t-shirts, etc.?
F. Shoe Size -- for slippers, socks, etc.?
G. Hobbies, Crafts, Activities, Collectibles and/or Knickknacks?
H. Favorite Kinds of Books, Magazines, Movies, TV Shows, Music (Specify Genres, etc.)?
I. Games, Puzzles, etc.?
J. Calendars, Stationery, Note Pads, Note Cards, Bookmarks, Scrapbooking, Origami Paper, Fancy Pens, Journals, Albums, etc.?
K. Holiday-Themed Items -- Specify Holiday(s)?
L. Handbags, Gloves, Hats, Belts, Scarves, Other Accessories (specify sizes, as needed)?
M. Jewelry? Earrings - Pierced or Clip? Ring Size? Other Jewelry (Pins, Necklaces, Bracelets, etc.)? Month of Birthday, Birthstone(s) and/or Favorite Gemstone(s)?
N. Earphones, Earbuds, Phone Cases, Chargers, Electronics, Electronics Accessories, Photography Accessories, etc.?
O. Teas, Coffees, Coco, Other Beverages?
P. Favorite Munchies? Favorite Flavor(s)? Jams, Preserves, Jellies, Syrups, Spreads, Honey, Cakes, Cookies, Dried Fruits, Nuts, Pretzels, Popcorn, Candies, Chocolate, Cheeses, Sausages? Cakes/Foods prepared with/containing alcohol (liqueur-filled chocolates, rum cake made with real rum, etc.)? Sugar-Free or other dietary restrictions?
Q. Cooking, Baking, and/or Barbecue?
R. Cups, Mugs, Coasters, Bottle Openers, Wine Glass Charms, Decorative Bottle Stoppers, Corkscrews, Bottle/Can Koozies (which can be used for soda pop, too), etc.?
S. Candles? Flameless (LED) Candles? Incense? Accessories for either? Favorite Scent(s) or Unscented Only?
T. Fine Soaps, Bath Salts/Oils, Bubble Bath, Lotions, Sachets, etc.? Favorite Scent(s) or Unscented Only?
U. Gardening, Plants, Bonsai, etc.?
V. Tools, Gadgets, Neat and Handy Stuff?
W. Hiking, Camping, Luggage Tags, Duffel Bags, Travel Kits, Mini Coolers, Automobile Accessories, and other items related to Outdoors, Travel, Vacation, or Leisure?
X. Favorite Sports Team(s) (Professional, College, High School, etc.)?
Y. Favorite Restaurants, Stores, Catalogs (for gift cards)?
Z. Anything Else (not covered above)?