Secret Santa Gift Exchange
- Thread starter PieSusan
- Start date
I'd like a few personal home addresses to send Christmas cards.
When the time comes, I'll ask for them.
When the time comes, I'll ask for them.
JoeV
Dough Boy
I'm not trying to be a party pooper, but what we have done is to stop sending cards and stop exchanging gifts with people who don't need another tea candle holder of wrought iron coffee cup holder, and we have donated that money to the food pantry at our church (St Vincent DePaul Society) where we know that 100% of our donation will go to helping people right in our community who really need it. This will also be my second year for donating my time and materials to put on a bread baking class as a fundraiser for the food pantry. I have raised over $1,800 for them with just two classes, and I hope to surpass that this year.
Exchange if you must, but consider the truly needy this year as the target of your giving. You can even check with a local church or synagogue and adopt a family to buy gifts for this year. Take the focus and put it on the truly needy this year. The rewards for this are heavenly.
Exchange if you must, but consider the truly needy this year as the target of your giving. You can even check with a local church or synagogue and adopt a family to buy gifts for this year. Take the focus and put it on the truly needy this year. The rewards for this are heavenly.
Joe, I agree.
I've been doing the thing for years through my church to support a needy family within our diocese, but I prefer to know it's someone local.
St. V's is BIG at my church.
Last year and the year before that, I targeted a specific family in this town who are really down, and I do mean DOWN.
They had a full, hot turkey dinner on Christmas day, the kids had prezzies to open and I slept very well knowing it went to something that mattered.
The most wonderful thing is, I see this family about town all the time, and they have no idea who's been doing this for them.
I'll be doing it again this year.
homecook
New member
I have to agree with you both. I've attended one of Joe's baking classes and it does give you a good feeling knowing that even though you're getting something out of the class you're giving back to the community.
I used to do the Clothe-A-Child program in our area for a few years and also worked with the elderly that are shut-ins.
I used to do the Clothe-A-Child program in our area for a few years and also worked with the elderly that are shut-ins.
JoeV
Dough Boy
There is no need to be sorry. I was simply presenting another option. Perhaps it is I who should apologize for raining on your parade. If I offended you, please accept my humble apology for highjacking your thread.
chowhound
New member
Susan, how dare you suggest something to bring our tight knit community closer together, much like the Touring Apron. You shouldn't feel sorry, you should feel ashamed 
Sorry, someone had to say it. Geez, from a simple gift exchange suggestion to a redneck flag hanging up at someone's picnic... Don't ya think we are becoming just a little too antagonistic here? Just an observation...
Maybe some of us so inclined could do both, help someone we don't know and also give a gift to someone we do...
Sorry, someone had to say it. Geez, from a simple gift exchange suggestion to a redneck flag hanging up at someone's picnic... Don't ya think we are becoming just a little too antagonistic here? Just an observation...
Maybe some of us so inclined could do both, help someone we don't know and also give a gift to someone we do...
Love2"Q"
New member
Susan, how dare you suggest something to bring our tight knit community closer together, much like the Touring Apron. You shouldn't feel sorry, you should feel ashamed
Sorry, someone had to say it. Geez, from a simple gift exchange suggestion to a redneck flag hanging up at someone's picnic... Don't ya think we are becoming just a little too antagonistic here? Just an observation...
Maybe some of us so inclined could do both, help someone we don't know and also give a gift to someone we do...
lifesaver91958
Queen of the Jungle
I'd love to participate And I also love sending out Christmas cards! 
Keltin
New member
I’m all up for an exchange. To me, it would be great because we are exchanging with our NCT family and with those we know.
Nothing at all against the churches and what-not doing the deed for the “needy”.
Again, nothing at all against the churches and what-not doing the deed for the “needy”.
But, in my area, I’ve seen too many times that the Church or organization didn’t do the research (as if they should!) and you get stupid idiots using the church just because they can. There is a lady 2 blocks down, and we watch her, (often with binoculars) and the churches come in hand over foot and give her food, toys, clothes, etc.
A week later…….there are tons of can goods and clothing in the ditch waiting to be picked up by waste disposal! I am NOT kidding. We actually stopped at that ditch once and dug out a BUNCH of good canned foods and boxed items that DW used to feed all the strays here that she takes care of. We live way out in the country, so we’ll make use of what we can.
This lady gets van loads every year, and every year, they throw 95% of it away. It’s sad.
So nothing against the churches, but they are gullible and they are being played. I know it’s not the way of the church to grill you, make you fill out forms, check your references, etc……but since they don’t, there are many abusing the system.
I’d rather give to those that I KNOW need it and not let some other organization or church just give it to the junk lady that is going to throw it away.
Nothing at all against the churches and what-not doing the deed for the “needy”.
Again, nothing at all against the churches and what-not doing the deed for the “needy”.
But, in my area, I’ve seen too many times that the Church or organization didn’t do the research (as if they should!) and you get stupid idiots using the church just because they can. There is a lady 2 blocks down, and we watch her, (often with binoculars) and the churches come in hand over foot and give her food, toys, clothes, etc.
A week later…….there are tons of can goods and clothing in the ditch waiting to be picked up by waste disposal! I am NOT kidding. We actually stopped at that ditch once and dug out a BUNCH of good canned foods and boxed items that DW used to feed all the strays here that she takes care of. We live way out in the country, so we’ll make use of what we can.
This lady gets van loads every year, and every year, they throw 95% of it away. It’s sad.
So nothing against the churches, but they are gullible and they are being played. I know it’s not the way of the church to grill you, make you fill out forms, check your references, etc……but since they don’t, there are many abusing the system.
I’d rather give to those that I KNOW need it and not let some other organization or church just give it to the junk lady that is going to throw it away.
Bilby
New member
I think there are maybe a few people on NCT who would benefit (emotionally) from being included on a Secret Santa exchange so in that sense, those that participate will be helping others. Sometimes we have to think laterally, so I think it would be a good idea for those who wish to participate.
Due to distance, I think I will opt out however!
Due to distance, I think I will opt out however!
smoke king
Banned
Me too! And as far as the "Secret Santa" thing goes, I'd love to get in on it!!
heb1976
New member
i would be willing to do a secret santa.
i am looking into having myself and the kids volunteer at a homeless shelter or kitchen somewhere. not only will my oldest receive a badge for cub scouts - but he will see that there are people out there that have it far worse then him and maybe he will start to appreciate what he does have. they both love giving to the salvation army buckets around town.
i am looking into having myself and the kids volunteer at a homeless shelter or kitchen somewhere. not only will my oldest receive a badge for cub scouts - but he will see that there are people out there that have it far worse then him and maybe he will start to appreciate what he does have. they both love giving to the salvation army buckets around town.
Fred, I was relating to Joe about the things I've done through my church and community, as well. I wasn't at all knocking Susan's idea in this thread.Susan, how dare you suggest something to bring our tight knit community closer together, much like the Touring Apron. You shouldn't feel sorry, you should feel ashamed
Sorry, someone had to say it. Geez, from a simple gift exchange suggestion to a redneck flag hanging up at someone's picnic... Don't ya think we are becoming just a little too antagonistic here? Just an observation...
Maybe some of us so inclined could do both, help someone we don't know and also give a gift to someone we do...
In fact, I'd been thinking about the exchanging addresses for sending cards since the other day when we'd been talking about seasonal cooking, fall recipes etc.. it got me to thinking about the upcoming holidays.
Susan I think it's a grand idea.
suziquzie
New member
Thats a great idea heb, my 9 yr old seems to have attitude lately about how awful it is to live here and have rules......
PieSusan
Tortes Are Us
If people want me to do the pairing up for a secret santa gift exchange, I will be happy to do so. Folks can send me their snail mail addresses and I will do that part of the job.
We can then have another thread where we talk about our interests, likes or dislikes, food allergies etc.
We can also discuss a monetary limit or if like the one I use to belong to--without a limit. It is up to you all.
We will need a thread stickied where people can sign up and say that they want to take part in the gift exchange.
The card exchange was usually done by someone else separate from the gift exchange on my old board.
We can then have another thread where we talk about our interests, likes or dislikes, food allergies etc.
We can also discuss a monetary limit or if like the one I use to belong to--without a limit. It is up to you all.
We will need a thread stickied where people can sign up and say that they want to take part in the gift exchange.
The card exchange was usually done by someone else separate from the gift exchange on my old board.
dansdiamond
Food Sound Eng.
I am in for both- So funny, Lucky and I been sending each other stuff, for each others families for years now-Finally we said "Lets save money on postage, and donate to some agency in each other's name" Pretty good idea! He gives to Toy's to tots. I give to the Red Cross! But as far as saving postage. Plan did not work, We still send to each others families. I think a price limit would be appropriate!
I think another good idea, would be for some agency could get a donation from ""NCT" Donations perfectly anonymous from who of us wants to contribute.
I think another good idea, would be for some agency could get a donation from ""NCT" Donations perfectly anonymous from who of us wants to contribute.
Susan, thanks for volunteering to organize! I hope it's not too much work for you!
I propose a $10-$20 window. That way those of us who are more monatarily-challenged won't be humiliated by those who are more well-heeled.
Are we going to limit the gifts to homemade edibles, or include cool stuff we have in our houses to pass along, or storebought things we think the giftee would like?
Lee
I propose a $10-$20 window. That way those of us who are more monatarily-challenged won't be humiliated by those who are more well-heeled.
Are we going to limit the gifts to homemade edibles, or include cool stuff we have in our houses to pass along, or storebought things we think the giftee would like?
Lee
UnConundrum
New member
I would like to suggest that each "santa" research the likes and dislikes of their target by reviewing posts on the forum. A chance to learn more about each other and a little bit of a challenge. I'm also fine with the $10 - $20 limit, but I think we should pick one, not a range.
Keltin
New member
If we really wanted to do the Santa thing, we could make a list such as:
1. Member 1
2. Member 2
3. Member 3
4. Member 4
5. Member 5
6. Member 6
7. Member 7
8. Member 8
9. Member 9
10. Member 10
Then using the random number generator like we do for Iron Chef, we start at the top and pick numbers.
For example:
1 = 6
2 = 5
3 = 4
Etc, etc, it will take a little work to keep the overlaps off, but it’s easy enough and I can do it.
From there, we have “pairs”. Two members that are paired for the exchange. So Member 1 and Member 6 are now paired to exchange with each other, and so on.
In the case we have an odd number, I’ll gladly pair up with the odd man to make it right.
We could do this if we wanted to!
Price limit – I say is up to you. Also remember that we are dealing with cross country exchanges. Someone may have a local, can’t get anywhere else cool item for 2 dollars that would make a perfect gift because it’s great, local, and you can’t get it anywhere else. In that case, it’s not the money, but the rarity of the item. Awesome!
Any thoughts?
1. Member 1
2. Member 2
3. Member 3
4. Member 4
5. Member 5
6. Member 6
7. Member 7
8. Member 8
9. Member 9
10. Member 10
Then using the random number generator like we do for Iron Chef, we start at the top and pick numbers.
For example:
1 = 6
2 = 5
3 = 4
Etc, etc, it will take a little work to keep the overlaps off, but it’s easy enough and I can do it.
From there, we have “pairs”. Two members that are paired for the exchange. So Member 1 and Member 6 are now paired to exchange with each other, and so on.
In the case we have an odd number, I’ll gladly pair up with the odd man to make it right.
We could do this if we wanted to!
Price limit – I say is up to you. Also remember that we are dealing with cross country exchanges. Someone may have a local, can’t get anywhere else cool item for 2 dollars that would make a perfect gift because it’s great, local, and you can’t get it anywhere else. In that case, it’s not the money, but the rarity of the item. Awesome!
Any thoughts?
chowhound
New member
PieSusan
Tortes Are Us
On my previous board, we had no price limit. People used their discretion.
There was one person who took a hat and paired people that way and sent email messages with the snail mail addresses. Sort of like the Harry Potter sorting hat--totally random.
Then, there was a wish list thread(so we knew what people liked and also people included if they wanted food or not due to allergies because one can send cookbooks and gadgets and the like besides food)
Lots of folks shared local fare as well.
As the presents started coming in, there was a thank you (received) thread--not only to share what we got from our santas andd to thank them but to also let folks know that the gifts were received. Lots of photos were included.
Unfortunately, a few people failed in their obligation and we had a couple extra secret santas who sent out gifts to make up for it but by and large it worked out very well. Everyone had a blast and it gave folks something to look forward to and we got to know each other better.
It really spread the holiday cheer! We can set a date by which presents need to be sent out, as well.
There was one person who took a hat and paired people that way and sent email messages with the snail mail addresses. Sort of like the Harry Potter sorting hat--totally random.
Then, there was a wish list thread(so we knew what people liked and also people included if they wanted food or not due to allergies because one can send cookbooks and gadgets and the like besides food)
Lots of folks shared local fare as well.
As the presents started coming in, there was a thank you (received) thread--not only to share what we got from our santas andd to thank them but to also let folks know that the gifts were received. Lots of photos were included.
Unfortunately, a few people failed in their obligation and we had a couple extra secret santas who sent out gifts to make up for it but by and large it worked out very well. Everyone had a blast and it gave folks something to look forward to and we got to know each other better.
It really spread the holiday cheer! We can set a date by which presents need to be sent out, as well.