Secret Santa Discussion Thread

[dragoriana]

Originally Posted by snosrap5

I suck at trying to find a way to disguise my package and who I am. Normally I just sign the card with all my cats names.

I never give any hints as to who I have until the gift arrives and if my SS is looking to see who sent it.

Just remember this is fun, from the heart gift exchange. Enjoy it make it fun and most of all don't stress about it!

I've never done a SS before...you still have to keep it a secret it even when they get their gift/s? When can you tell them, or do they have to gues?? POOP!!!!

 

[starryeyedtiger]

I have a question!!

For those of you in the US who shipped to a SS in the US last year- about how much did it cost you to send your package? (i understand it goes by weight so it won't be an exact science until I get mine ready- but i was just curious!) Also who did you ship through? UPS, Fed EX, USPS??? Did you like their service/ policies and delivery time frame?

 

[kluchetta]

Originally Posted by Dragoriana

I've never done a SS before...you still have to keep it a secret it even when they get their gift/s? When can you tell them, or do they have to gues?? POOP!!!!

They usually guess, or you can put hints in the box. Last year, Renovia put a tag on each gift that said stuff like "I majoRed in music in college, too." And all the capitals had to be taken out of all the messages and rearranged to say "From Stoli, Luxor and me." It was quite clever!!!!

 

[dragoriana]

Originally Posted by valanhb

And be extra, super sure to check any restrictions on what can be sent to that country. I know someone sent some catnip toys to a friend in Australia and had it ALL confiscated and got a nasty letter about sending foreign plant materials into their country.

But, there are others in larger cities who have never had a problem getting catnip toys.

If in doubt, have a Snooping Santa ask.

That's what i've been freaking out about! lol

 

[dragoriana]

Originally Posted by kluchetta

They usually guess, or you can put hints in the box. Last year, Renovia put a tag on each gift that said stuff like "I majoRed in music in college, too." And all the capitals had to be taken out of all the messages and rearranged to say "From Stoli, Luxor and me." It was quite clever!!!!

that's cool!

 

[clixpix]

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

I have a question!!

For those of you in the US who shipped to a SS in the US last year- about how much did it cost you to send your package? (i understand it goes by weight so it won't be an exact science until I get mine ready- but i was just curious!) Also who did you ship through? UPS, Fed EX, USPS??? Did you like their service/ policies and delivery time frame?

USPS turned out to be the cheapest for me. A word of warning, though, go directly to the post office...the secondary mailing places are horribly expensive, especially overseas. They charged me 40% higher rates than the post office. I didn't find out until much later. For those shipping overseas, really watch your package weight if money is an issue. You might want to look online to find out how much it costs, and keep weighing your package. Package size, I think, matters too.

 

[AbbysMom]

Originally Posted by kluchetta

Ah, yes, I thought so. As for me, I can't wait to find out my person's favourite colours!

Another good one.

Originally Posted by Chester&Piper

For all of you that don't know your person very well; that just adds to the fun of it!

You need to start stalking their posts now.

Originally Posted by lnbandcats

Please feel free to move this thread if you want, but here is what I am wondering...What advice would you "veteren" SS's have for the "newbie" SS's?
Such as: when do you start sending gifts? do you send gifts to the "snoopers" and ask them to foward on? Things like that. Are we supposed to send hints along? or post them on the SS thread? Oh yeah, can we send vbPlaza gifts and points and doing it anonymously? Obviously, I don't want to be a "SS Dud"

and so any and all information that you can share with the "newbies" would be appreciated!
Oh, also, share any succesful and creative things that have been done before - it's not that I want to copy, but I have never been a long distance SS and so I would like to know how to dea, with that (distance) successfully.
I thank you and, ultimately, my Secret Santa giftee will thank you!

Heidi and Eva already answered most of your questions, but I'll add a little more if I can.

It depends on what country you send to when to send gifts. Check the shipping guidelines. Most SS's ship the first two weeks of December. You will get very excited and it will be hard to wait that long!

You do not ship gifts to the snoopers. You can send one gift or multiple gifts. Some people ship their gift to a friend and have them reship to help hide the identity, others have all their contact info on it. Last year I drove to another state to ship my package. If you are shipping overseas it is hard to avoid having contact info on the package due to customs.

Some people include very creative hints, some don't, and some put their name in the package. One of my favorite hints ever was when MoochNNoodles put a small cow with a piece of macaroni tied around its neck as a hint!

Originally Posted by AlleyGirl

I was wondering all the same questions you asked, since I've never done this before either!

Its going to be hard not to go over $20 though, since kitty toys alone will cost almost that much

As Heidi said, you need to get a bit creative. I tend to go over the limit a bit, but not nearly as much as it looks. Check the Clearance sections of all the stores you go into.

Originally Posted by Duchess15

What happens if we go over the $20? It will be hard not too!

You will be flogged.

Originally Posted by Dragoriana

I've never done a SS before...you still have to keep it a secret it even when they get their gift/s? When can you tell them, or do they have to gues?? POOP!!!!

No, you can have your name in the package or include a hint in the package.

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

I have a question!!

For those of you in the US who shipped to a SS in the US last year- about how much did it cost you to send your package? (i understand it goes by weight so it won't be an exact science until I get mine ready- but i was just curious!) Also who did you ship through? UPS, Fed EX, USPS??? Did you like their service/ policies and delivery time frame?

USPS is normally the cheapest. If you ship it Priority it will get there in 2-3 days. I think my package last year was 8-10 pounds and cost $12-16 to ship priority.

 

[dragoriana]

Omgomgomg i better start shopping today then

Oh i'm so picky when it comes to presentation. I hope my person likes what i get!! Ooooh so many hints so little time!

*falls over*

 

[taurus77]

Originally Posted by valanhb

If you're shipping anywhere outside of your own country, be sure to check and see what the general time frame is to ship there. And be extra, super sure to check any restrictions on what can be sent to that country. I know someone sent some catnip toys to a friend in Australia and had it ALL confiscated and got a nasty letter about sending foreign plant materials into their country.

But, there are others in larger cities who have never had a problem getting catnip toys.

If in doubt, have a Snooping Santa ask.

Also, from what I understand the slower ( by ship) way of shipping is no longer available from the US. You'll have to send via Airmail, which means less time but more cost.

Have fun and be creative! I hit clearance sales so that my $$ goes a lot farther. Remember - a lot of stores are preparing for Christmas now so they are clearing out shelves and marking down stuff. Our Petsmart has 2 huge bins of clearance cat toys - refillable catnip toys, sparkle balls, mice - marked down to $1-$3. Yankee Candle's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale starts in mid- to late-November, I think. I found some super cute things in Michaels' $1 bins, including 2008 calendars.

Here I come PetSmart! I have shopped Michael's too! I hope I can send my stuff because I'm awful tempted to keep what I already have.

 

[duchess15]

After doing some of my own snooping in past posts, I discovered that my SS and myself have a few similar interests!

 

[karmasmom]

Hi, This is just to keep you guys up to date.

Earlier tonight I posted that I needed vibes because of a finacial speedbump. I will get through it and all will be good.

To my SS(the person I have) do not worry, I will make sure you are taken care of. You will have a good SS package. I already heve tons of ideas that all fit within my budget so do not fret. It still is only September, I have time.

To the person who has me, I know I have not answered anything in the hints thread. I promise I will get to it in the next 24 hours. I just can not focus on that at the moment. Be patient, you will get your hints. Have a snoop PM me if you can not wait and need to know something now.

 

[lnbandcats]

I just got back from Target after doing my first SS shopping!

 

[starryeyedtiger]

I'm heading out tonight to do my shopping!

I can't wait!!!

When is everyone planning to mail theirs out? I'm thinking of mailing mine out soon so that i don't forget to, but i'm kinda worried it will get there WAY too soon (my person is in the US).

 

[snosrap5]

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

I'm heading out tonight to do my shopping!

I can't wait!!!

When is everyone planning to mail theirs out? I'm thinking of mailing mine out soon so that i don't forget to, but i'm kinda worried it will get there WAY too soon (my person is in the US).

If your SS is in the US and you are in the US I wouldn't mail it until December. I think I mailed mine last year two weeks before Christmas. You only need to mail early IF you are going overseas. IMO.

 

[kluchetta]

Originally Posted by lnbandcats

I just got back from Target after doing my first SS shopping!

What'd ya get me Ellyn?

 

[katspixiedust]

Figures I would come back to TCS just in time to miss Secret Santa! Bummer! It was such a good time a couple of years ago. Enjoy yourselves.

 

[gemlady]

Heaven forbid if they ever confiscate chocolate...

 

[lnbandcats]

Originally Posted by kluchetta

What'd ya get me Ellyn?

D you live in Texas?

 

[roxie225]

I just went through all 156 pages of last years recipient post

But now I know the ropes of TCS SS and have some fab. ideas

 

[AbbysMom]

Does anyone know if someone from the US can send loose catnip in a bag to Canada? Will it make it through customs?