Back by popular demand, it’s the Rabbit Room Christmas Gift Exchange!
But wait, what is it?
It’s a “Secret Santa” program. Everyone who wants to participate signs up, then we pull names out of the virtual hat, and everyone gives a gift (or gifts) to the person whose name they receive. You can remain anonymous if you wish, or you’re welcome to be as open as you like.
How much should I spend on a gift? We’ve set a suggested gift value of $30. We’d love it if you bought your gifts in the Rabbit Room Store (this is a great time to share your Rabbit Room wishlist—click here and log in), but you don’t have to, and we encourage folks to give creative gifts, something handmade maybe, something you made maybe. Be creative! But please ensure that the gift you give is something you’d value at about $30. You’re welcome to lavish your recipient with more if you like. (And please feel free to disregard the wishlist and shopping options built into Elfster—see below.)
Where do I sign up? This link (also at the bottom of this post) will take you to the Elfster website where you can sign up for the exchange. The site is a little clunky (and we hate the ads) but the exchange has gotten so big in the last couple of years that we need to use a system like this to administrate it effectively.
What if I don’t get a gift? We urge everyone to be sure they mail or deliver their gifts well in advance of Christmas Day so that no one feels left out. However, should your Santa drop the ball, please let us know on or after January 1st. We’ll do our best to remind them and resolve the situation, and if necessary, we’ll make sure that person cannot participate again next year.
Can I be a backup Santa? Yes! You can! If you’d like to make yourself available in the event that someone doesn’t receive a gift, please let us know via email at team@rabbitroom.com. We hope you won’t be needed, but we’d love to have your help if the situation arises (put “Backup Santa” in the subject line of your email).
When will I find out who I’m giving a gift to? Sign-up starts right now. The sign-up deadline is Monday, November 22nd, and names will be drawn on Tuesday, November 23rd. NO LATE ENTRIES will be permitted. If you miss the sign-up window, you’ll need to wait until next year—this isn’t because we’re mean, it’s because it’s a closed system that cannot be amended once names are drawn. Everyone who enters will receive an email with their target’s name and address on Wednesday, November 24th, and you’ll need to mail your gifts by Friday, December 10th.
I have questions not covered by this blog post. Who do I ask?
Email your questions to team@rabbitroom.com and we’ll do our best to answer!
And please use the comments section to introduce yourself. You might also want to let folks know what your interests are and what books and music you like in order to give your Santa some hints to work with.
P. S. There’s also an online gift exchange for our friends who live in Europe, organized by the wonderful Michael Tinker! Click here to join the Europe gift exchange, and if you have any questions, reach out to Michael at michael.j.tinker@gmail.com.