Secret Santa this year?

[LadyP]

Count me in. I can help out as well. Need to keep busy so that I dont impulsively start buying for the wedding. Trying to wait until Jan. to start.

 

Again IM IN

[LCBride2007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lissah I haven't read through everything yet so I don't know if this has been mentioned at all, but what if only one person is given ALL the addresses (the same person who picks the SS's) and then they just distribute the addresses accordingly. Then at max only 2 people will ever have to see it.

that's what we did on here last year - we had 1 person (it was Janet) who collected all of the addresses, and then did the name drawing. once she did that, she sent a PM to your SS and gave them your address.

we also had everyone who was participating post some ideas that they like/don't like so their SS would know.

[Alyssa]

I just checked out the site that Lizz posted earlier (Secret Santa Online Gift Exchange Organizer) and think it might be the perfect solution!

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Here are the FAQ

 

1. What is a Secret Santa Gift Exchange?

A Secret Santa gift exchange is a way of exchanging gifts for the holidays that helps add a sense of surprise and anticipation while cutting down on stess and expenses.

Here's how it works.

Rather than eveyone buying everyone else a gift, the group "draws names from a hat". Each person in the exchange is reponsible for buying only one gift. When you only have to buy one gift, you can find a thoughtful gift while experiencing less stress and saving money.

 

2. How does Elfster help a Secret Santa Exchange?

 

Elfster helps with both organizing an exchange and participating in an exchange.

For organizers, Elfster helps with the logistics of determining who wants to participate, drawing names, and communicating the names that were drawn. All this is done while at the same time maintaining the secrecy of who drew whom.

For participants, Elfster helps find the right gift for the person whose name you drew. For example, you can ask your person questions (such as "What's your shoe size?") that will help you get the right fit. But you are able to ask these questions in a way that will not give away your identity. In addition, participants can keep a wishlist to give their Secret Santa ideas of what might be good gifts.

3. How can I get started?

Getting started is easy. Simply navigate to Elfster's home page. Click on the "Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange" button in the center of the home page. If you aren't already registered, you will be asked to register. You will then begin creating your first gift exchange! Anyone can use the site and it is available free of charge.

 

4. Why is Elfster offering this service?

Our family has been enjoying Secret Santa exchanges for years. Some inventive sorts in the family have tinkered with the process using a little bit of imagination and some computing power. In 2004, we decided to let anyone use Elfster because, well, why not?!! Today over 100,000 elves are enjoying Elfster. We hope you have fun, too!

 

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Quote:

Originally Posted by akh that's what we did on here last year - we had 1 person (it was Janet) who collected all of the addresses, and then did the name drawing. once she did that, she sent a PM to your SS and gave them your address.   we also had everyone who was participating post some ideas that they like/don't like so their SS would know.

[MelissaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by akh that's what we did on here last year - we had 1 person (it was Janet) who collected all of the addresses, and then did the name drawing. once she did that, she sent a PM to your SS and gave them your address. we also had everyone who was participating post some ideas that they like/don't like so their SS would know.

Did it work OK last year, Ann? To me it makes the most sense...

[LCBride2007]

it did work last year - at least i thought so. but it was a much smaller group too!

[DreaW]

i think we should do it if we can

[Jenn]

I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but what Allyssa posted about Elfster looks good.

[AmyInMI]

I am interested in doing this also.

 

Once we get one person who is in charge, everyone who wants to participate can just PM the person organizing everything our info and then they distribute the info.

[starfish kate]

I'm in, just tell me what I need to do.

[foxytv]

I'm game, and I can help with some of the organizing as well if need be. Just let me know!