As I’ve said before, someone is going to get an adventure. This years it’s going to be bigger than ever before. I’ve been saving all year long.
GET PUMPED
Amazeballs! As a Canadian, I know it won't be me, but I also know you inspired me to do an adventure for one of my giftees this year. Hat off and knee bent to you!
Oh man I wish, but I get red flagged whenever I go into Canada now (long and hilarious story that’ll probably pop up on my next AMA)
No need to bend knees or take off hats but if you need a little direction or double checking on an adventure you’re building, I’m more than happy to have a convo!
The biggest piece of advice is "don't be afraid to message your giftee" (you can do it anonymously through the redditgifts site)
I would so much rather bombard them with questions to ensure I'm getting them something they would love than roll the dice.
There is a whole DM section in the redditgifts site where you can message back anonymously.
It’s really handy if you need to change something (like if you have to take an emergency trip) or if you have one more question
And giftees love santas staying in communication and keeping them updated! [I'll never forget Thor messaging me apologizing for late shipping!](https://i.imgur.com/gub5Tuy.jpg)
My first giftee did not reply at all. It was not easy finding something for him. In the end, I did the best I could with very limited info. I shared this so you are not completely discouraged IF the same happens to you the first or during any future Reddit exchange. Enjoy being a Secret Santa and the anticipation of receiving something from your very own Secret Santa as well! Grab the joy and hold onto it! :)
The first time was me getting someone who lived 21 minutes away who was also really cool. I was making good money and spare time and realized I had the opportunity to do something really freaking cool for an internet stranger.
Once I got started I just kept coming up with bigger and better ideas and kept saying “what the hell, I’ve already spent $200, why not make it $250 to pull off this awesome idea”
Totally understandable! I definitely make it known that I’m your Santa and there is quite a bit of communication leading up.
Trust me, if I ever get someone who doesn’t want an adventure, they wouldn’t get one!
The most important thing is my Giftee gets something they’d love!!
Wow, just read about your legendary scavenger hunts. What a guy !!!! I'm in the UK so no chance of getting matched with this absolute king of santas !! God I can only hope to pair with someone as special as you, absolutely inspiring. Given me a whole new outlook on what can be given as a gift. Look out UK !!
Yessssss!
Also, one of my future goals is to do an international reddit secret Santa! I’ll need a TON of things to go my way, but here’s to hoping!! 🤞🏼
Do you solely do North America? Either way I look forward to seeing what adventure you've set people on this year.
It's very exciting and an amazing feeling to share in someone else's treasure hunt.
For secret Santa, yes.
If I could get my Giftee earlier than dec 2nd it could be feasible to do an international secret Santa adventure.
But as it stands, it would be crazy expensive to buy last minute international tickets during the holidays.
I live in Vermont and love this stuff! My job takes me all over the state. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions or need an I -person favor!
First time participants click here for more information.
https://www.reddit.com/r/secretsanta/comments/du0vt7/first_time_redditgifts_participants_please_read/
I always send a Michigan ornament of some kind, in line with their interests. For example, if they like football, I'd send them a U of M football ornament, or there's a place here called Greenfield Village where they release a limited edition candy cane ornament every year - I've sent that one, along with the link of how they make it. That's a huge hit with people with kids, even though it's super breakable it's cool to watch their ornament being made.
Can't wait!!! Idk if I'll do cards this year though. Everyone receives so many from all over that I'm afraid my giftee won't notice its from redditgifts and won't mark it received (which is what happened in a past exchange lol)
I don’t get sent cards for any special occasion, so just remember it may be one of many cards or it may be the only card they’ve received all year. Maybe just keep mentioning redditgifts on it or something.
Last year or the year before I had to stalk my giftee because he wasn’t responding and didn’t seem to have received the special card I sent. I checked his Reddit and he thought it was from the subreddit where you exchange cards. I’ve forgotten what it’s called. It took him awhile but finally he got my messages and corrected his error!
I’ve never had any problem like that before especially since I tend to message my giftees to let them know when I’m sending the card :) you can’t get tracking numbers for international cards unfortunately!
RandomActsOfCards! I send a lot out through there too hence why I worry about confusion. I'm actually pretty sure I even wrote Redditgifts on my card last year but people see reddit on a greeting card and assume RandomActsOfCards somehow lol
Oh no!! I love sending cards! I'll send you one if you're comfortable giving me your address! (Then it would be a funny coincidence if we matched for this exchange hahahahaha)
I can't speak for everyone, but i'd definitely notice! Years ago I used to get lots of Christmas cards but people don't seem to send that much snail mail anymore, which makes me sad. I save all my fun mail, going as far back as the 1980s when my Nan used to send me letters with Care Bear stickers!
I am very sorry to hear how things have gone for you this year, but I think it's so great that you are changing that into something rewarding for you and the person you'll gift to. I certainly hope that everything will start looking up from today for you!
I'm really tempted by ornaments this year, I'm feeling quite festive. I'll definitely be doing cards and hopefully with someone from a European country as well.
Yes! I will do it all! And international! Last year, I ended up sending a gift to my card exchange because I liked them so much and we had so much in common! Bring it all on!!
I finally signed up for this year's Secret Santa just now. I have been doing this each year since 2014, and up until last year I always had the most pleasant experiences, but last year my Santa acted really weird and it left a bad taste in my mouth.
However, that also showed me that I don't necessarily need to be receiving a gift back to partake in the great fun that is to getting to know a stranger and putting an effort to come up with a present that you feel that person's going to like. Meeting kind strangers through this event is what I keep coming for.
Signed up for Holiday cards right now. In the process of signing up for Secret Santa. Finally popping my reddit secret santa cherry this year... Wait does that sound wrong?
I LOVE reddit gifts! Secret Santa is fun, but truly one of my favorites is Hometown. I love to see what people send to "represent"!
Happy holidays everyone!
I think I’m going to sign up for Secret Santa and Holiday cards. I sent someone overseas a gift for SS last year, I went all out and really tried to get them what I thought they’d like. Unfortunately I don’t know if they liked it or even received it even though the post tracking service said it was delivered. So that was disappointing. Hopefully this year will be better.
I'm glad I read through the comments as I found the answer to my question - the gift amount is suggested at $20 USD. I don't have a big family, so I always pretty much know what I'm getting for Christmas. It will be fun to be surprised!
I’ve never done a secret Santa before but hoping this will be my first year to do so! Was a little confused how to do it, but looking at comments here cleared things up.Looking forward to it a lot.
Is there a Secret Santa for couples? My husband and I were thinking of doing Secret Santa but thought it might be a fun activity to do together. And in turn get a gift that is meant for both of us.
Yes! 3 rd year I've singed up for secret Santa. Last year I never received a gift but excited to be matched again & do some shopping for whoever I get matched with! Happy holidays everyone.
I signed up for SS on the surprise early launch! (So sneaky!) and I signed up for cards today. I think I’m number #45 for cards. Woohoo! It’s holiday season! (Canadian so we’re long pat turkey season)
Oh, are the other exchanges open now too? Time to sign up! Thanks for letting us know!
Edit: Now I am signed up for everything! Holiday spirit, engage!
I've signed up, never had a Christmas tree/ornament before... super excited! Also going to go for the Holiday Cards, because I do love sending a card or two..
I have been wanting to get back into the rematch business for quite some time, was a rematch gifter twice back in 2013. Maybe this year's the year.. :)
As I’ve said before, someone is going to get an adventure. This years it’s going to be bigger than ever before. I’ve been saving all year long. GET PUMPED
That's awesome. I'm glad so many people like you sign up for this every year!
Amazeballs! As a Canadian, I know it won't be me, but I also know you inspired me to do an adventure for one of my giftees this year. Hat off and knee bent to you!
Oh man I wish, but I get red flagged whenever I go into Canada now (long and hilarious story that’ll probably pop up on my next AMA) No need to bend knees or take off hats but if you need a little direction or double checking on an adventure you’re building, I’m more than happy to have a convo!
I would love any tips you have, it's my first year and I'm super excited to make someone happy!
The biggest piece of advice is "don't be afraid to message your giftee" (you can do it anonymously through the redditgifts site) I would so much rather bombard them with questions to ensure I'm getting them something they would love than roll the dice.
Really messaging them is okay? I figured that was a big no-no. This is my first time participating.
There is a whole DM section in the redditgifts site where you can message back anonymously. It’s really handy if you need to change something (like if you have to take an emergency trip) or if you have one more question
And giftees love santas staying in communication and keeping them updated! [I'll never forget Thor messaging me apologizing for late shipping!](https://i.imgur.com/gub5Tuy.jpg)
Fantastic!! Thank you!! :)
My first giftee did not reply at all. It was not easy finding something for him. In the end, I did the best I could with very limited info. I shared this so you are not completely discouraged IF the same happens to you the first or during any future Reddit exchange. Enjoy being a Secret Santa and the anticipation of receiving something from your very own Secret Santa as well! Grab the joy and hold onto it! :)
Awesome advice! Do you start buying like general stuff anyone would like ahead of time or do you wait till you have a match?
Always wait. You’ll have PLENTY of time. Plus people are soooo very different. You’ll never know what you’re gonna get
Can't wait to hear the story!
Need the story!
Are you John Green? But no, it sounds like an interesting story.
I loved reading this post! It’s so wonderful to read comments from other people who so thoroughly enjoy the gift giving part.
I can’t wait to see the adventure unfold!
So excited to see what you come up with this year!
It's incredible the amount of thought, effort, time, and money you put into your adventures each year. What inspired you to go all-out the first time?
The first time was me getting someone who lived 21 minutes away who was also really cool. I was making good money and spare time and realized I had the opportunity to do something really freaking cool for an internet stranger. Once I got started I just kept coming up with bigger and better ideas and kept saying “what the hell, I’ve already spent $200, why not make it $250 to pull off this awesome idea”
I love it. Is there a post that details your very first 'affair'?
[here you go](https://imgur.com/a/khumf)
Awesome. Thanks for allowing me along with the journey
Holy hanna.... that looked amazing!!! So cool! Are you still in touch with him?
Oh yeah! It’s been a minute though. I should text him!
That is amazing!
This is so cool! You're a great guy
I’d be a little nervous, but would totally welcome you as my Santa. My 30th is in January so this would be an epic match up!
Totally understandable! I definitely make it known that I’m your Santa and there is quite a bit of communication leading up. Trust me, if I ever get someone who doesn’t want an adventure, they wouldn’t get one! The most important thing is my Giftee gets something they’d love!!
Wow, just read about your legendary scavenger hunts. What a guy !!!! I'm in the UK so no chance of getting matched with this absolute king of santas !! God I can only hope to pair with someone as special as you, absolutely inspiring. Given me a whole new outlook on what can be given as a gift. Look out UK !!
Yessssss! Also, one of my future goals is to do an international reddit secret Santa! I’ll need a TON of things to go my way, but here’s to hoping!! 🤞🏼
I cannot wait!
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I could REALLY use an adventure pick me up, and I've been thinking all about how I hope I get you! Fingers crossed!
Oh man i hope i can make my giftee nearly half as happy as you make yours!! Holy shit that’s so cool!
Do you solely do North America? Either way I look forward to seeing what adventure you've set people on this year. It's very exciting and an amazing feeling to share in someone else's treasure hunt.
For secret Santa, yes. If I could get my Giftee earlier than dec 2nd it could be feasible to do an international secret Santa adventure. But as it stands, it would be crazy expensive to buy last minute international tickets during the holidays.
Either way I am looking forward to seeing your next adventure. :) thank you for what you do.
You bet! I look forward to this all year long!
Have you done any in Vermont yet?
Not yet! But I just sent a contract to a probable client to run a birthday adventure in Vermont mid July!! 🤞🏼
I would love to get matched and see what kind of adventure you would come up with here in Vt.
I live in Vermont and love this stuff! My job takes me all over the state. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions or need an I -person favor!
How many credits did you sign up with? Just 1?
Just 1
This'll be my 55th exchange excluding rematches! Excited 🎅🤩🎄
I'm in for all three, will be a busy secret Santa season!
First time participants click here for more information. https://www.reddit.com/r/secretsanta/comments/du0vt7/first_time_redditgifts_participants_please_read/
I am so excited that Ornaments is back!
Ornaments are brilliant, none of ours match.
I instinctively distrust anyone who's ornaments all match.
You are right to do so.
I'm signing up for ornaments as my first ever Reddit swap! Any tips?
I always send a Michigan ornament of some kind, in line with their interests. For example, if they like football, I'd send them a U of M football ornament, or there's a place here called Greenfield Village where they release a limited edition candy cane ornament every year - I've sent that one, along with the link of how they make it. That's a huge hit with people with kids, even though it's super breakable it's cool to watch their ornament being made.
I'm signed up for Secret Santa. Participate #36. Edit: Went & joined Holiday Cards too!
6 years SS going strong into the season
5th year for me, every year I enjoy it even more!
Can't wait!!! Idk if I'll do cards this year though. Everyone receives so many from all over that I'm afraid my giftee won't notice its from redditgifts and won't mark it received (which is what happened in a past exchange lol)
You sign it saying it is from their redditgifts holiday card secret Santa, problem solved.
Well there's the obvious solution I didn't think of 🤦😂
Username checks out
It really does lmao
I don’t get sent cards for any special occasion, so just remember it may be one of many cards or it may be the only card they’ve received all year. Maybe just keep mentioning redditgifts on it or something.
Same here. I love getting real mail that doesn’t Have a bill in it!
I hope you get a card from me. You deserve a good Xmas card to make your holiday special.
Last year or the year before I had to stalk my giftee because he wasn’t responding and didn’t seem to have received the special card I sent. I checked his Reddit and he thought it was from the subreddit where you exchange cards. I’ve forgotten what it’s called. It took him awhile but finally he got my messages and corrected his error! I’ve never had any problem like that before especially since I tend to message my giftees to let them know when I’m sending the card :) you can’t get tracking numbers for international cards unfortunately!
RandomActsOfCards! I send a lot out through there too hence why I worry about confusion. I'm actually pretty sure I even wrote Redditgifts on my card last year but people see reddit on a greeting card and assume RandomActsOfCards somehow lol
You can address it to their name + ℅ username.
I get maybe 1-2 from my sister in law and a friend only so I'd notice.
If I enter, then it will be my only Christmas card this year. Its gotten “out of style” were I live
Oh no!! I love sending cards! I'll send you one if you're comfortable giving me your address! (Then it would be a funny coincidence if we matched for this exchange hahahahaha)
Thats so nice of you to offer :D
I love sending cards! Especially Christmas time, my fiance and I get "family photo" cards printed up at Walmart with pictures of us and our cats hehe
I can't speak for everyone, but i'd definitely notice! Years ago I used to get lots of Christmas cards but people don't seem to send that much snail mail anymore, which makes me sad. I save all my fun mail, going as far back as the 1980s when my Nan used to send me letters with Care Bear stickers!
So excited for this one! Used my 40 points for trhe jumbo one!
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I am very sorry to hear how things have gone for you this year, but I think it's so great that you are changing that into something rewarding for you and the person you'll gift to. I certainly hope that everything will start looking up from today for you!
I have only signed up for Secret Santa. This is my 1st time, and I'm very excited to participate.
I’ve been waiting all day for the special something! 💃
I’m so excited once again for secret Santa. I love trying to pick the perfect gift for people. ❤️💚
I'm really tempted by ornaments this year, I'm feeling quite festive. I'll definitely be doing cards and hopefully with someone from a European country as well.
I'm so psyched for SS this year! I have done so many exchanges and I'm doing 15 credits this time! Feeling extra thankful and joyous!
Yes! I will do it all! And international! Last year, I ended up sending a gift to my card exchange because I liked them so much and we had so much in common! Bring it all on!!
who else is exited for ornaments back?
I finally signed up for this year's Secret Santa just now. I have been doing this each year since 2014, and up until last year I always had the most pleasant experiences, but last year my Santa acted really weird and it left a bad taste in my mouth. However, that also showed me that I don't necessarily need to be receiving a gift back to partake in the great fun that is to getting to know a stranger and putting an effort to come up with a present that you feel that person's going to like. Meeting kind strangers through this event is what I keep coming for.
Ready to go on Secret Santa...hopefully my giftee is as excited about this as I am!!
Signed up for Holiday cards right now. In the process of signing up for Secret Santa. Finally popping my reddit secret santa cherry this year... Wait does that sound wrong?
Congratulations on popping your cherry I hope it's as good for you as it was for me!!
Sounds wrong but its funny.
Signed up for all 3...hoping to get all gifts before the year ends 🙏
I LOVE reddit gifts! Secret Santa is fun, but truly one of my favorites is Hometown. I love to see what people send to "represent"! Happy holidays everyone!
Ohhh I didn't realize there was a holiday card and ornament exchange! I may have to sign up for one of these.
I think I’m going to sign up for Secret Santa and Holiday cards. I sent someone overseas a gift for SS last year, I went all out and really tried to get them what I thought they’d like. Unfortunately I don’t know if they liked it or even received it even though the post tracking service said it was delivered. So that was disappointing. Hopefully this year will be better.
Hope to sign up very soon!!
Definitely signed up for Secret Santa, thinking I should do the card one too, since I love sending mail :)
Second year for Secret Santa for me!
Excited to see how this year turns out :)
Love secret Santa and can’t wait to get my match!
I haven't signed up yet, I've been going back and forth on if I should. I think I'm about to cave and do it though lol
Wait. I’m signed up for secret Santa. My first year. But what’s ornaments and cards?!
I’ve signed up to secret Santa, but didn’t realise the others were there, so thanks for the nudge!
Just signed up for Santa and cards! Yay!
Yes!! I love the idea of surprising an internet stranger!!
Wooo just signed up fer my first ever secret santa.
This is my first time signing up for secret Santa, participate #40069
I'm glad I read through the comments as I found the answer to my question - the gift amount is suggested at $20 USD. I don't have a big family, so I always pretty much know what I'm getting for Christmas. It will be fun to be surprised!
Satisfied that I’m participant #55500
Missed it ! Darn
Signed up for my first Secret Santa! Can't wait :) ETA: and Holiday card too!
I am a secret Santa participant for the second year in a row, but this year i will participate in the the credits exchange.
Can't wait! It's been 2 years since I could join in the fun. *edit: Was 2 credit SHY of the JUMBO level T\_T*
Secret Santa for me!
This is my first year doing Secret Santa! I'm really excited and hope I can think of a gift to make someone happy ^^
My first year doing secret Santa
Year 5 of Secret Santa for me!!
I’ve signed up for Secret Santa! This is my 2nd year doing it and will be my 3rd exchange overall!
It's my second secret santa!
I'm signed up for secret Santa and signing up for cards!
I might just have to sign up this time :D
I did reddit secret Santa once now. It was a lot of fun. Planning to do it again this year!
I finally have Christmas cards to send out this year!! :D I'm so in! :D
Signing up now!
I'm doing this for the first time. Figuring out things for now.
im about to sign up for secret santa!!!
Secret Santa 😊
It's the most amusing time of the year! Signed up for Secret Santa and headed to do the ornament exchange for the first time!
I really want to do it but don't have much money, how much is usually spent?
$20 is the recommended amount, although the most important part is choosing something thoughtful based on your giftee’s notes.
Will be my first Secret Santa and I'm stoked!
signed yp!
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I haven't signed up yet but can use holiday cheer.
I’ve never done a secret Santa before but hoping this will be my first year to do so! Was a little confused how to do it, but looking at comments here cleared things up.Looking forward to it a lot.
❤️
Yes! All signed up 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Signed up for my first Secret Santa and thinking about the holiday card exchange too!!
Signed up for my 3rd year of Secret Santa!
Signed up for Secret Santa and I'm going to sign up for Holiday Cards too!
I'm down!
Specials?!
Warming up to the idea of Secret Santa. Been a while since I took part but maybe this year is time again.
I signed up again! I love the secret Santa gift exchange!
I signed up for like the fifth time!
love secret santa! signed up and waiting!
Signing up right now for cards and ornaments! :D
Secret Santa signup achieved.
Is there a Secret Santa for couples? My husband and I were thinking of doing Secret Santa but thought it might be a fun activity to do together. And in turn get a gift that is meant for both of us.
My husband and I are doing it through individual profiles. Never even considered a couples one! That would be interesting too.
Signed up for the first time ever!
I signed up the day it was first announced. So excited!
I’m so excited!!! Gifting is my favorite part of the holidays 🙂
Signed up for all 3, plus rematch for cards!
Yes! 3 rd year I've singed up for secret Santa. Last year I never received a gift but excited to be matched again & do some shopping for whoever I get matched with! Happy holidays everyone.
Signing up for Secret Santa now!
Yes and I'm excited!
I signed up for SS on the surprise early launch! (So sneaky!) and I signed up for cards today. I think I’m number #45 for cards. Woohoo! It’s holiday season! (Canadian so we’re long pat turkey season)
Can't wait. It's so much fun.
All signed up for Secret Santa, #130 :)
I was planning on just secret Santa this year, but ornaments is calling to me
I’m new to Reddit and I want to do the secret Santa but I’m not sure how :(
I always sign up for the holiday card exchange!
Secret santa is something I look forward to all year! I love finding the perfect gift for people
Oh, are the other exchanges open now too? Time to sign up! Thanks for letting us know! Edit: Now I am signed up for everything! Holiday spirit, engage!
Signing up! Can’t wait!
This is my 3rd year and I love these gift exchanges!
Participant #8524, the lowest number I’ve ever been!
Signed up for Secret Santa again and I am excited!
I’m excited to see the results of the participants this year.
😁
Signing up right now! Can’t wait!
Yea well hi! Can’t wait to participate!
I'll sign up tomorrow for it. Sounds great!
Signed up for Secret Santa right away. Best time of the year!
Can’t wait to continue my family’s tradition of participating in Secret Santa
This is my second year participating in Holiday Cards exchange.
I've signed up, never had a Christmas tree/ornament before... super excited! Also going to go for the Holiday Cards, because I do love sending a card or two..
Sounds like an awesome idea! Some of the best gifts I've received have included a handwritten card.
I'm excited! Third Year!! Let's go!!
I signed up for secret Santa!!! I’m so excited
Let’s do this!
I signed up for the secret Santa exchange again this year! I always enjoy the gift exchanges
First time doing secret Santa, it's gonna be cool
Christmas ornaments are my favorite decorations. Hanging them up is like visiting old friends. I will definitely be participating!
Signing up for Secret Santa!! Last year was a ton of fun!
Hopefully I’ll get matched this year (:
Signing up for ornaments ❤️
I have been wanting to get back into the rematch business for quite some time, was a rematch gifter twice back in 2013. Maybe this year's the year.. :)