Secret Santa Swap 2015 - Sign Up Info

So, I haven't hosted a swap since 2014.  And I miss it -- the ideas flowing with the theme, the scheming, the shopping, the anticipation of a box received and loved, and the surprises that arrive.  I want it all back.  Plus, it's something for me - we all do so much for everyone else, but a swap package is made with just YOU in mind.  Of course, there was that weird "secret gift exchange" hoax on Facebook that really gave swapping a bad name.  BUT, we know the true joy of a secret swap.  So, even though it's later than usual, what do you say -- let's do this thing!

Register by: December 6

Mail ON: December 14

Your Secret Santa Swap package should be a minimum of $20 in value before postage (use USPS priority, flat rate recommended), and include at least the following (no dollar store junk this swap):

Something for the Tree (garland, ornament, topper, skirt)
Something to Read (book, magazine, poem, pattern, recipe)

Holiday Goody (candy, cocoa, tea, coffee, chocolate, nuts)
Something Handmade (by you, from craft fair, or Etsy)

Challenge: Include one gift for each letter needed to spell out a word from the season (SNOW, JOY, FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, GIFT, TREE, JESUS, STAR, SANTA, etc). We've done this last the three santa swaps and it was SO MUCH FUN! Of course, the perfect gift for an "A" is an APRON.

Then, make this a special box -- gift wrapping, bows, the whole nine yards! Include a note identifying yourself with your email and blog address/instagram account #secretsantaswaap so your partner can contact you with her grateful thanks.  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Once again, I would like you to please copy the following questionnaire and post the answers on your blog for all other participants to see.  Include the badge picture with your post.  This is a great way to add traffic to your blog and make new friends!  If you don't have a personal blog, you can post in the Facebook group (ask for an invite) or on Instagram (tag with #secretsantaswap) just send me the link.

Shawnee's Secret Santa Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your hobbies?
2. Favorite colors?
3. Do you collect anything?
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? Food allergies?
5. Do you have any pets?
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate?
7. What do you like to read?
8. What is your favorite holiday treat?
9. Does your tree have a theme?
10. Describe your favorite Christmas/seasonal tradition.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO BRIGHTEN UP SOMEONE ELSE'S HOLIDAY, let me know.  I have a small list of gals who cannot participate that I would like to bless with a package this season.  Or, I encourage you to send an extra Secret Santa box to someone you know that needs some cheer this season and then tell us about your experience.

P.S. Those people who have signed up for swaps and HAVE NOT completed them are not invited back. There are some exceptions to this rule (I mean, I've had a pro make my aprons before when I got overwhelmed, so I get it), such as the person contacting both me and her partner with their extenuating circumstances or someone dropping out early and my ability to fill their spot in time. I understand that things come up but I don't want anyone disappointed, especially at this time of year.  If you owe someone a package and REALLY want to participate, you would need to send me your overdue package to forward in order to be eligible to sign up this year.

IDEAS FROM YEARS PAST:

S - Christmas Socks
A - Advent Calendar (I filled each little box, with crafty bits and bobs)
N - Christmas Napkins and Christmas Nail Files
T - Tasty Assorted Sachets of Hot Chocolate and some Christmas Tissues
A - Assorted Rolls of Ribbon and an Apron that I made.
Her ornaments were the letters I made that spelled out SANTA, and I included a craft magazine for some reading fun.

SNOW was the word and this is how it was spelled out:
S is for sew cute sewing case
N is for apron and pattern
O is for owls
W is for Wishing you a Merry Christmas

 

/ 

 C for crocheted cowl (in one of her favorite colors and can be worn in different ways)
H for hot mug of cocoa and candy (impulse buy but I couldn't resist and she does like hot cocoa)
R for really sweet lamb ornament (Jesus is the lamb of God)
I for individual box of junior mints (she loves mint)
S for snowman coffee cozy ( it fits a Starbucks grande)
T for tissue worthy Christmas story (Christian novel)

 

C: Chocolate
H: Holiday Card Holders
R: Reusable Gift Bag Pattern
I: Inspiring Quotes (bookmarks)
S: Snowman napkins
T: Thread
M: Mint Tea
A: Attic Treasures Basket
S: Squares by Moda