Greetings, fellow Jewelry Group members! We're looking forward to a joyous holiday season this year! This thread will be the management point for the Secret Santa Project for 2019. 🎅 🎅 🎅
We would like make it possible for everyone in the Group to join in the fun, including members in the US, Canada, the UK, and anywhere else we may be. Our usual suggestion is a $10 (or less) gift value limit. The cost of shipping can become a problem, however, if you choose to ship a heavy gift. Keeping this in mind, we suggest that you make your gift selection appropriate to what you feel comfortable spending, including the cost to ship it. There are many possibilities for exchanging lightweight gifts – there is certainly no need to break the bank!
We're serious about including everyone. Your participation is much more important than monetary value.
Once you receive your giftee's address details, we urge you to check shipping costs before making final gift selections. For members in the US, one can go to the calculator at USPS.com to determine shipping rates for sending envelopes and packages to any destination both within and outside the US. These vary more than they used to because the postal service considers the recipient's "Zone" based on the shipper's location and the recipient's location. FedEx Ground (and other FedEx services) are also strong possibilities this year, as their rates are now in many cases significantly lower (believe it or not!!) than the postal service for packages one pound and over. Have a look at FedEx.com or call them for more information. For members outside the US we assume there are similar methods of determining costs in advance of going to the post office.
This year's exchange allows a choice of “White Elephant” or “Regular Santa” gifts. It would be very helpful to let your Secret Santa know if you'd prefer one or the other, or if it matters at all.
A Regular Santa gift might be something along the lines of jewelry, candy, something handmade, etc.
A White Elephant gift should be something amusing or entertaining – a gag gift of sorts.
Here's what we need to know:
Would you prefer to receive ---- ?
A Regular Santa gift _____
A White Elephant gift _____
Either type is ok _____
Please post a short wish list of ideas and suggestions for your Secret Santa! If any of your Santa ideas include food, please post allergy or dietary information (also include any other pertinent allergy information). For example, if chocolate is on your wish list, make sure your Secret Santa knows if it must be gluten-free or nut-free, etc.
Are there things you really don't want to find in your mailbox? A number of participants last year requested that they not receive certain things – scented candles, for instance. If there's something you're allergic to or simply loathe-and-detest, post it with your wish list so we can all steer clear.
NOW!
The next task is to send your address (and any other details you might like to include) to Group member Thirry, through the Ebay private messaging system with the subject line “Secret Santa.” Your information will be held in confidence, and your address will be disclosed only to your Secret Santa.
With best wishes and great anticipation of a joyful Secret Santa Project this year,
Thirry / Allison
