Tips for A Successful Secret Santa!

Photo courtesy of Lionsgrove

So you and your family and friends have signed up on Elfster, and want to make sure this year's secret Santa is a hit? A few simple guidelines will guarantee that you'll have a smooth and stress-free gift exchange! Set Rules: Decide a limit so each person has an idea of what price range they will be spending, which will reduce the likelihood of competition or disappointment. If you're not able to exchange the gifts on the day of the holiday, it's a good idea to set a specific deadline so that everyone can enjoy their gifts at the same time! The clearer you are about these rules in advance, the more likely everyone will follow them and have a fun time! Gather Ideas: Shopping is a breeze when you have a couple ideas from each person. A list of gifts that fall in the assigned price range will help immensely and ensure that everyone loves their gift.  If children are involved, adults can help them come up with gift ideas. You can even designate a theme for this year's exchange...like candles, ornaments, sweatshirts, or gourmet treats! Have Fun: Part of the fun speculating who your Secret Santa is! You could extend the gift-giving period to the 12 days of Christmas, with one small gift each day, or one surprise for every week of the month! Have a party on the day of the gift exchange: The gift exchange  should be an occasion to eat, drink, dance, and be merry! If you are in an office, make it a potluck where people can share food as well as gifts!