When is the best time to kick off our Secret Santa signups?

[Daniel@R2R]

We're finally moving into a new season!! And as we enter Fall, the holidays are right around the corner. In the past, things like our Secret Santa gift exchange kind of sneaks up on us, but this year, we're doing our best to be proactive and get things going in a way that allows for larger margins for signups and shopping. That said, I thought it would be a good idea to get feedback for what you guys think are good timelines for signups, shopping, and sending gifts. Feel free to throw in any other ideas as well! I always enjoy our gift exchange!

#R2RSecretSanta

 

[JoJosReef]

I said by Xmas, but obviously secret santas need to do some extra coordinating if live goods are involved.

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

I like a little earlier so I said mid October. That gives more time to research your secret santa and order items for them that may be customized.

Christmas comes fast and I would rather have more time.

 

[Mhamilton0911]

I picked a little earlier, last year I felt a little rushed.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Traditionally we have always started his around early November, with matchups starting the 2nd week of November, and assuring gifts are sent by mid-December. It is a time when many get property tax bills and can get them out of the way and when many sales start with reef goods allowing the participants an opportunity to get what a recipient really wants.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I think if it was early it may get more people to participate

 

[Reefer Matt]

 

[KrisReef]

Just as soon as I collect all my candies.

 

[Fish Fan]

Last year, I included something for my recipient that I personally made for them. Nothing too special, but I was right at the last day to get my packaged shipped out to them without being considered late. A little more time would be helpful for custom or hand made items, and I think we'd see more people participating. So I vote for opening it up a bit earlier this year.

I'm looking forward to it this year, I had a lot of fun last year!

 

[Kellie in CA]

EARLY! I like to do a lot to make it special for my recipient. Usually means several different shipments, etc...

 

[Reef By Steele]

I agree with early. I know @Ocean_Queenie is excited for it this year. Was so much fun last year.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

first time for me, would like the know the guide lines and rules if there are

 

[danreef55]

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

first time for me, would like the know the guide lines and rules if there are

They haven't posted the 2024 thread yet so I'm not sure if the rules will change. But I would check out last year's thread for an idea of how it works. I have done it a few years in a row now and it's a ton of fun!

Here is the link to last year's secret santa

*** R2R Secret Santa 2023 is HERE!! Get registered!! ***

Ho! Ho! Ho!! It's our 2023 Secret Santa for Reef2Reef!! This is going to be a great time to spread Christmas joy!! To those who have been part of our Secret Santa before, you know the drill...but read through this anyhow... :) Here is how it will work: Requirements to participate: At least...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

They haven't posted the 2024 thread yet so I'm not sure if the rules will change. But I would check out last year's thread for an idea of how it works. I have done it a few years in a row now and it's a ton of fun!

Here is the link to last year's secret santa

*** R2R Secret Santa 2023 is HERE!! Get registered!! ***

Ho! Ho! Ho!! It's our 2023 Secret Santa for Reef2Reef!! This is going to be a great time to spread Christmas joy!! To those who have been part of our Secret Santa before, you know the drill...but read through this anyhow... :) Here is how it will work: Requirements to participate: At least...

www.reef2reef.com

sounds good, receiving is ok, I really like making someone's day

 

[luis angel]

How can I participate? It's my first time since I started in R2R last October or November but I didn't know about this.

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

How can I participate? It's my first time since I started in R2R last October or November but I didn't know about this.

They will post a sign up thread much like the one I linked a few posts ago from 2023.

Once you sign up and get paired you will get a message from Santa with your secret Santa's name and you can look at the sign up thread for the form they filled out with lots of info to help pick a gift.

They have also used elfster in the past that let's you make a shopping list for your secret santa to pick from if they need help.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Still my first year on r2r, how does this event work?

 

[KrisReef]

sounds good, receiving is ok, I really like making someone's day

I'm ok if you want to send some stuff?

 

[braaap]

Sooner the better. I felt rushed last year. And lots of vendors and shippers had issues. Some of my gifts to my recipient took weeks to even ship which was frustrating. So I’d rather have time to get everything to me and shipped out.