3rd Annual TPL Secret Santa Gift Exchange

thebadgerpiper

I figured I'd get the ball rolling on this, and if a mod wants to take over, they're more than welcome to. Who here is interested in participating this year?

For those who haven't been involved before, for the past two years the members of TPL have participated in a forum Secret Santa gift exchange. Everyone who signs up is assigned another participating member, and you pick out a few items on their wish list (or things you think they'll like) totaling to at least $25. Usually this is for pipes/pipe tobacco, but its not limited to that based on their wish list (within reason of course). You can spend more if you wish, but that's not required at all, and no one should feel guilted into spending more than the $25 limit. If enough people are interested (I'm thinking at least six members or so), then I (or a mod if they jump in) will set the event up in Elfster and get this rolling.

The deadline for signing up will be the 12th, as to give people enough time to decide if they want to participate. Be sure to get a wish list and mailing address ready by then, so your secret Santa can start shopping. I'll announce when Elfster has been set up with the event.

So let's start the sign up.

1. TheBadgerPiper

Michael308

2. Michael308

Praider8

3. Praider8 

motie2

I'm still too sick to participate, but I wish (most of) y'all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

thebadgerpiper

No problem @motie2 , I completely understand. And I with you a Merry Christmas and Happy and better New Year as well!

So far, we have:

1. TheBadgerPiper

2. Michael308

3. Praider8

Fozzie

I would love to participate but since I will be on the road and away from home until after Christmas I am afraid I won’t be able to. 

Jayhawk422

I would like to participate. Jayhawk422

thebadgerpiper

Okay, so that's four people:

1. TheBadgerPiper

2. Michael308

3. Praider8

4. Jayhawk422

And totally understandable @Fozzie . If things should change, you're more than welcome to join.

thebadgerpiper

Update: I received the approval of the board admin both go forward with the secret Santa gift exchange and to oversee it. So I’ll have the Elfster stuff taken care of this weekend.

thebadgerpiper

Here is the official link to our Elfster Secret Santa page:

https://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/37872009/ymu5/

Even if you haven't placed your name down in the thread, you can go ahead and sign up if you plan on participating. Also, make sure you make a list for your Santa with different options! That way, your Santa can pick a few things without making it obvious with exactly what they're buying for you. This is my first time running one of these, so please be patient with me if I make any errors. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the exchange, too.

The official deadline for signing up is Tuesday the 18th. You should have a wish list created in Elfster by then. Each person will be randomly given a fellow participant for the exchange. Due to how late this was started, I don't expect people to send their gift out in time for Christmas. That being said, I think it's best if everyone at least has their stuff in the mail by Christmas, with everyone getting their gift around New Years at the latest.

If you are running into problems, just give me a holler and I'll do my best to help.

thebadgerpiper

Also, since I have the Elfster link up, this will happen, even if the four who have signed up are the only participants.

Michael308

@thebadgerpiper Iv'e signed up on elfster but I do have a question... I'm trying to make my wishlist up of a couple of tobaccos and it won't let me. it appears it can only be items from those certain stores. Is this true?

thebadgerpiper

It's not explained clearly, but you can add your own URLs to places outside of what they offer.

Go to Elfster and click on Wish List.

Click the button that says "Add to Wish List".

At the top of the page, copy and paste the URL of the pipe page with what you want in the search bar (under Add to Wish List) and hit search.

Doing that, it should add the tin or pipe you have your eye on. You can even add a special note to the item.

If that doesn't work, just let me know.

Londy3

I'd love to participate this year...however, with my move, new business and demands finance are strapped. I want to I have a little something for the family this year no budget left to participate. I hope that changes for next year. Tapped out ☹️

Michael308

Got it! Thanks for the instruction!

thebadgerpiper

Sorry to hear that @Londy3 . As long as the forum is here next year and I'm active, I'll make sure it happens again.

piperdave

Well, I have signed up since the deadline has been extended.  Unfortunately, I do not see the others who wanted to participate on elfster: @Praider8 @Jayhawk422 if you want to be in please go to the link that @thebadgerpiper created https://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/37872009/ymu5/ and sign up. Its very simple and it only requires limited details. I saw @Michael308 you had signed up.  It will also let you create a simple wish list too. It appears to me the names will be drawn on the 18th so the last day to RSVP is the 17th this coming Monday. Thanks again to @thebadgerpiperfor taking the initiative and keeping this going for the 3rd year it is a lot of fun.Merry Christmas everyone.

piperdave

Another plus with Elster once you sign up is that you can follow others from TPL who are signed up and message them if needed. 👍

Oddjob27

I know the deadline was past, but if I could participate, I would greatly appreciate it!

thebadgerpiper

@Oddjob27 You still have time. Go for it! I moved the original deadline, and might give it another few extra days.

Oddjob27

Thanks for setting this up brother!

piperdave

Glad you joined @Oddjob27 👍🎄

Praider8

Just joined. I apologize it took so long. I haven’t been on in a little while as I’ve been busy with work. Year end for a sales guy is crazy!

Excited to be a part of this and looking forward to seeing who I draw. 

thebadgerpiper

No problem @Praider8 !

The only one I'm not sure has signed up yet is @Jayhawk422 . I've sent a message to him, but haven't heard back. If worst comes to worst, I'll trade with him if he still wants to participate, but signing up on Elfster is the easiest way to do this.

For everyone else on the fence, you have until tomorrow at midnight to sign up. After that, it'll be too late, as we will be drawing names.

piperdave

TODAY IS THE DAY.

Don't forget to sign up for the 3rd Annual TPL Secret Santa. This has been a lot of fun the last 2 years. All you have to do is click the link and sign up at Elfster it will auto generate a match from others already signed up from TPL and then all you have to do is get your person some items from their wish list or pick something that you think will surprise them since you will be their Secret Santa.   

piperdave

I forgot to re-post the link:

https://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/37872009/ymu5/ 

Praider8

Everyone that wants to sign up do so quick!! Should be a lot of fun!!!

piperdave

Merry Christmas to everyone. 🎄☃️

Oddjob27

Ok, I just received my package. I need to know who sent me such a lavish package so that I may return the favor. Haha I was floored when I opened up the box. Also, I'm absolutely humbled and undeserving of such a gift. Whoever it was, please PM me so I may send you a token of my appreciation.

mustangii

need to pay more attention, maybe next year. :-)

thebadgerpiper

Don't worry @mustangii , I'll make sure that it happens again next year. With the current one going, I have a better idea of how to get it rolling for next year so people have more time to prepare.