290 replies to this topic

[pogiporkchop]

It's that time of year again... and a new North Pole elf is hosting this year's festivities! Want to join in on the fun? Read the rules first, then email me at [email protected] using "Secret Santa 2013" in the subject line. (You can also PM me if you like.) If you have any questions feel free to ask.

This is not an official GottaDeal.com event, so participate at your own risk. GottaDeal cannot be held responsible if you do not receive anything. While I hope we won't be needing any please specify if you are willing to be an elf to someone in the event he/she does not receive a gift/ornament.


Please include in your email:
1. Your forum username, your name and address
2. The exchanges you would like to take part in (Secret Santa, Ornament and/or Card)
3. The answers to the questions below if you are going to be in Secret Santa/Ornament exchange
(Got suggestions for additional questions? Send them to me!)
4. Anything else you'd like your Secret Santa to know about you

The Questions...

Are you male or female?
Are you married?
Do you have kids? If so, gender and age
Do you have pets?
Are you allergic to anything?
Would you accept homemade food (such as cookies)?
Any absolute dislikes?
Do you have any hobbies?
Do you collect anything?
Favorite Fast Food Establishment?
Do you have a favorite candy?
What is your favorite drink?
What is your favorite color?
Do you like lotions? If so what kinds?
Do you like scented candles? What scent?
Any favorite sports teams or Nascar drivers?
What’s your favorite flower?
What's your favorite music/artist?
What's your favorite movie?
What's your favorite holiday movie?
What's your favorite author?
What's your favorite thing to do during your ‘me time’?
What is your favorite winter activity?
Something that you wouldn’t buy yourself but have always wanted?
Anything else?

The Rules:
1. Secret Santa is just like it sounds - a secret exchange of gifts! There's a MINIMUM of $10 before shipping. If you choose to spend more, please don't be disappointed if your partner doesn't.

2. Ornament Exchange is also just like it sounds - an exchange of ornaments! There's a MINIMUM of $5 before shipping. If you choose to spend more, please don't be disappointed if your partner doesn't.

3. Card Exchange is also as it sounds - an exchange of holiday greeting cards. Unlike the other two, however, you send (a card) to everyone who signs up and you get (a card) from everyone who signs up! If you have a favorite holiday recipe feel free to include it with the cards you send out. There is no minimum or delivery confirmation but please understand that you send a card to everyone on the list so if 50 people join the exchange you will be spending $23.00 for postage. (The current cost for a first class stamp as of the time of this posting is 46 cents).  13 have signed up so your cost for stamps will be $5.98

4. Delivery confirmation is a MUST. Please PM/email me the tracking number and how it is being shipped (USPS or UPS) so I can keep track of everything.

5. Insurance from the USPS is also a MUST. Cost begins at $1.95 as of time of posting.

6. Make sure your item(s) is/are properly packed and with plenty of padding.

7. No junk. Everything must be new/unused within reason. Used books, CDs, and DVDs are okay as long as they are in a like new condition that you would be okay with receiving.

8. The last day to sign up is Wednesday, October 30th (you have until midnight ET). (I will have names out by no later than Monday, November 4th.)  Sign up is now closed.

9. The last day to ship is Tuesday, December 3rd. If for some reason you cannot ship by this date you must let me know ASAP and then ship priority.

10. If you are participating in the Card Exchange please feel free to ship any time but make sure to keep holiday mail delivery times in mind.

11. You must have been a member since May 1, with some posting activity, in order to participate. This helps to make sure that only dedicated GottaDealers are participating and we have less of a chance of people flaking out. Also, if you have flaked on any of the 2012 events or the 2013 summer event, you will not be allowed to participate.

 

12.  Any decisions made by the exchange host are final.  Each case or question will be given fair treatment and consideration; if you plead a case or ask a question and don't get a reply you like please don't complain. 

Remember, this is all about having fun. Now ready, set.... GO!


Secret Santa (33)
pogiporkchop

chrisjuvers

tyreejames

Illinoismom

momlori
jendeere

msyves

queenkishaa

nafcmf

Bopeep

ytmomof4

Hockeyfanamo

Gator Pam

gatorburg

racerfan

Katyloveshockey

stevierocks

Reinholt1

RBWilliams

Hillbillyswife

Frugalnotcheap

jstluvem

SuggaD

whynot0224

arf110106

npg

princez916

mgmckny

Spice9195

lilquiet

raven20_79

Tara3117

ladybug0506

 

Ornament (19)
pogiporkchop

chrisjuvers

nafcmf

Bopeep

Hockeyfanamo

Swampbaby

racerfan

Katyloveshockey

RBWilliams

Hillbillyswife

Frugalnotcheap

jstluvem

SuggaD

Mandy4Matt

bfaddict716

princez916

mgmckny

lilquiet

ladybug0506

 

Card Exchange (13)
chrisjuvers

queenkishaa

Hockeyfanamo

Swampbaby

stevierocks

Frugalnotcheap

Katyloveshockey

jstluvem

SuggaD

whynot0224

bfaddict716

princez916

ladybug0506

Edited by pogiporkchop, Oct 30, 2013 - 8:46 pm.

[ClosedAcct]

Sign me up for all 3! Thanks again for taking this off my list

[chrisjuvers]

Signed up for all 3, sent you PM. thank you

 

BTW- "Chris" I'm a female. You may want to add gender as a question.

Edited by chrisjuvers, Sep 23, 2013 - 5:31 am.

[pogiporkchop]

Signed up for all 3, sent you PM. thank you
 
BTW- "Chris" I'm a female. You may want to add gender as a question.

Good idea, thanks for the suggestion. I will add something right now.

[tyreejames]

I replied via email; looking forward to participating this year

[momlori]

Count me in on Secret Santa.  Wil PM you

[pogiporkchop]

Sign me up for all 3! Thanks again for taking this off my list

I'll gladly sign you up once I get your info

[ClosedAcct]

I'm very sick. Gonna be s few days but I'll get it together shortly

[jendeere]

sent my info

[pogiporkchop]

Thanks to everyone who has requested to join so far!  Please make sure I have you listed for the correct exchanges.

 

This thread has been a sleeper so far but I bet most people don't realize it's up yet.  Once people start their seasonal check-in I expect I will be quite busy.

 

On a separate note, I already have a good feel of how much work has gone into hosting this in the past.  A big THANK YOU goes out to our past hosts! 

[msyves]

Just sent my info.

[ClosedAcct]

Sent!

[racerfan]

I would like to sign up for the SS and the Ornament Exchange.  I will send my information once I get home

[nafcmf]

I would like to sign up for the SS and the ornament exchange. Sending my info now.

[pogiporkchop]

Wow, not quite two days and already ten down for SS!  Anyone want to guess what the total for SS will be this year?

[Bopeep]

Just sent my email. Can't wait to get my lists and start shopping! I'll admit I cyber-stalked my people a little last year, trying to make sure I bought just the right gifts .

 

Also, I will volunteer as an "elf" this year, if you find yourself needing one.

[Bopeep]

Wow, not quite two days and already ten down for SS!  Anyone want to guess what the total for SS will be this year?

 

48? 

 

I admit, I looked back in time to guess at that # .

 

Last year there were 46, and in 2011 there were 44.  I couldn't find the threads for 2010 or 2009 (I don't THINK we just started this in 2011, but I may be wrong because that IS the first year I participated).

[ytmomof4]

Just sent my info never knew about this in the past.sounds like fun!

[pogiporkchop]

It's a ton of fun, especially when people start posting pics of what they have received.

[Gator Pam]

Since I just started a job which I'll hopefully keep, put me down for Secret Santa this year.

Will get email sent.

[pogiporkchop]

We'll be glad to have you Gator Pam!

 

A friendly reminder to everyone who is wanting to sign up:  please make sure you include your username, mailing info and the exchanges you want to take part in with your answered questions.  To receive gifts or cards I need to know where they must go... unless you want me to get 'em.

[RBWilliams]

This is always so much fun.  Skip participating the last year, but always stay on Gottadeal.com just to see stuff.  Time to get back in on fun.

[Illinoismom]

48? 

 

I admit, I looked back in time to guess at that # .

 

Last year there were 46, and in 2011 there were 44.  I couldn't find the threads for 2010 or 2009 (I don't THINK we just started this in 2011, but I may be wrong because that IS the first year I participated).

nope this has been going on for several years way before 2010 

[gatorburg]

Sent my info in

[stevierocks]

sent info.

my guess would be ...53.

[pogiporkchop]

Now that we are about to hit October and the interest is sure to increase my computer has decided it needs a siesta... go figure.

 

Everyone who has sent info in so far... it's still here, don't worry.  I just need to type everything out myself into a new file due to program issues.  Is everyone on the lists that should be?  (stevierocks, you will be added once I get my piece of junk here to cooperate... thanks for your patience )

[Reinholt1]

I'll try the Secret Santa this year.  In fact, sign me up for 2 slots.  I'll spot my 83 year old mother one spot.  She'll enjoy the surprise.  (especially if it is dark chocolate)

[pogiporkchop]

I have added just one more rule (it appears above with the rest).  While common sense assumes everyone will assume this I figured it should be stated:

 

12.  Any decisions made by the exchange host are final.  Each case or question will be given fair treatment and consideration; if you plead a case or ask a question and don't get a reply you like please don't complain. 

 

All has gone well so far and I'm enjoying reading everyone's info and getting to know you better.

[stevierocks]

I'll try the Secret Santa this year.  In fact, sign me up for 2 slots.  I'll spot my 83 year old mother one spot.  She'll enjoy the surprise.  (especially if it is dark chocolate)

you are a sweet heart!! what a wonderful idea,and thing to do..God bless your mom,im sure she will very happy!

[pogiporkchop]

Reinholt1, I have your mom taken care of.