Has this ever been done/attempted?

I do one on a softball forum every year and it's a pretty big success with over 300+ people participating.

Here is the FAQ we use, which obviously applies to a softball community, but i believe with a few modifications it could easily be adapted here.

Might be a little too late to do it this year, but if someone wants to run with it this would be a pretty good template to use for the "rules".

Well its that time of year again and to some this is the first time participating in a Secret Santa, this thread will hopefully answer most of the questions.

Q. What is a Secret Santa gift exchange?

A. Its a fun program that we have done the past 2 years and is something to do to with the members of the SBF community. What happens is you sign-up to participate, after everyone is signed up the names are passed out at random to other members. when a member gets your info they can choose to send a gift or gifts that you are interested in or they can pick something they think you would like. When they ship they include their name so you finally know who your Santa was.

Q. How do I know what to send?

A. When each member signs up they fill out a couple of questions about their likes, when you receive your person you can go off their form or improvise with another idea. You will get the info on who you have around November 5th

Q. How much should I spend?

A. That is up to your imagination there is a Minimum of $35 but there is no Maximum. Its not a matter of how much one person spends its just the fact that members can pull together and share gifts with each other so there is no right and wrong gift to send to someone.

Q. When should I send my gift?

A. The absolute last date to have a gift Shipped is Tuesday December 21st, this is to ensure that each member has their gift by Christmas Day. Before we had a deadline of shipping by Dec 25th and we had some still receiving items in January so to prevent that we have a this deadline.

Q. What happens if I don't receive a gift?

A. In the unfortunate circumstance that a member decides not to send a gift we will take every attempt to contact the member to get it resolved but if not the community of members usually pulls together and help ensure everyone is taken care of.

Q. What happens if I get a gift I cannot use?

A. If you get something you cant use or don't want its recommended that you try to use the item but since it is a gift it is yours to do as you please.

Q. How should I ship my package?

A. A majority will suggest USPS but it is up to you but I strongly urge to Insure and use delivery Confirmation or tracking for your package in case anything goes wrong with the carrier you choose.

Q. What are the requirements for someone to signup?

A.
1. You must be a SBF member
2. you must have at least 3 positive references from this forum (ebay refs not accepted)
3. If you have had a slow or bad deal in the past you will not be eligible (this includes alternate ID's)
3. You must have a valid address and phone number
4. If you participated last year you are automatically eligible
5. You must be able to ship your item by Dec 21st for it to be there by Dec 23rd

Q. Everything sounds good, where do I sign-up?

A. There will be a new thread that is stuck for members to sign-up if they meet the requirements. Signups are open now and will end Oct 31st 

I'd so be up for it! 

Not a bad idea... I wouldn't do it just because I wouldn't want my address and or phone number going out to most of the people on here. 

I'd so be up for it!

This year 342 people signed up and most have already received their gifts. Though that FAQ states it has been going for 2 years that is just because at the time the FAQ was written it had only been done twice. This is our 8th year doing it and those rules still apply so they work. 

Not a bad idea... I wouldn't do it just because I wouldn't want my address and or phone number going out to most of the people on here.

That is an issue that was brought up before on the one we do. Whoever runs the Secret Santa gets that info, the valid phone # is just to prevent fake accounts or people from trying to get a gift and not give one back. Providing a real phone # and address just helps to ensure the person participating is planning on following through with the Secret Santa.

The address is the only info your secret santa would receive to get your item to you. 

I wouldn't do it just because I wouldn't want my address and or phone number going out to most of the people on here.
I'd be willing to have everything dropped off and picked up at my house. I have enough space in my garage to do so. 

yeah if you are that paranoid about someone having your address on here then a Secret Santa probably wouldn't be for you...lol.

I think i am understanding why it's never been done on here now..lol.

No big deal i was just throwing the idea out there. 

I would so be down! But I have waaay too much going on this weekend to even think about buying and mailing a gift lol. 

I know a few people I would give coal to if I got their name. lol 

I would not personally participate but would be willing to help run it if needed. 

I know a few people I would give coal to if I got their name. lol 
that would be awesome! lol I did give the hubby coal the first year we met, but it was licorice flavor. 

Donny- I would buy you this. Lol. 

So does that mean we would have to by $35 worth of coal? 

jwow, get him what you linked and These. he'd be a happy camper:) 

Donny- I would buy you this. Lol.

OMG that's awesome! Alright someone run this Secret Santa and rig it so JWOW draws me please! hehe 

jwow, get him what you linked and These. he'd be a happy camper:)

Pure bliss! ;) 

hahaha i'm serious though i'll be a drop off point for everything. 

OMG that's awesome! Alright someone run this Secret Santa and rig it so JWOW draws me please! hehe 

Theyre sold out :-( 

Theyre sold out :-(

REALLY?

HAHA! Just sayin' ;) 

Haha well played sir, well played. 

This sounds really fun! I wonder how many people would give Scentsy....lol 

35 dollar minimum with no maximum. That sounds kinda greedy. Just saying. 

This sounds fun! =) 

Ohhh hush it! Maybe u can give me one for Christmas hahaha 

please people give her a dictionary- she is in dire need of one!

LOL...Aw, I woke up the baby. 

botulinum ????

What the f*ck is that??? 

Google dear :) 

Ahhaahaha Man you are going straight to hell... 

hahahaha funny... but makes no sense since the only dog here is you! 

Right..... well hell it is... But im not a dog either... yet hopefully i still go to heaven since im not mean like you!