November 5, 2015

Sign up for the 2nd annual Vintage Secret Santa gift exchange


Whether you're joining us for round two of this super fun online present swap for the first time or took part last year, welcome!!!

Those who took part in the inaugural Vintage Secret Santa gift exchange here last year may recognize a lot of the same points in today's post, but that's simply because they worked so well and completely apply this time around, too.

The premise of this wintertime gift exchange is very simple. One signs up, is partnered with a randomly assigned partner, your name is likewise teamed with a random match, you send out a gift (or gifts) using the details that your VSS match provided when they signed up, and you in turn receive a gift from your own "Secret Santa." That's it, easy-peasy and fun as all get out!!!

Last year's Vintage Secret Santa was a roaring success with over 270 people taking part. At least 99% of all those participated received a gift, either from their original Secret Santa or, in a small number of cases, from one of the very kind "Angel Santas" who volunteered to send a second gift out to one of the people who had failed to receive their’s from their original match (or because it was lost in the mail). Again though, for just about everybody, the VSS went smoothly and very positive experience.

I'd love to not only meet, but exceed the same number of VSS participants this time around and can't stress enough how much I encourage you to share about this awesome holiday season gift exchange anywhere and everywhere online (your blog, social media, by email, etc).






If you'd like to participate in the 2015 Vintage Secret Santa Gift exchange, here are the guidelines:

Please sign up using this quick and easy participation form (your information will be kept strictly confidential, with only myself and the person who will be sending you your Secret Santa gift being privy to it).

Participants may sign up to take part in this Vintage Secret Santa until Wednesday November 25, 2015. On this date, I will begin assigning swap partners and will email everyone involved with their gift recipient's name by no later than December 2, 2015 (*edit* originally we had said by Dec. 1st here in this post, but Tony's extremely busy work travel schedule, including a trip for the last several days of November has moved the final match date up a day).

This Vintage Secret Santa is open to participants from around the globe. You may be assigned a recipient in your own country or elsewhere in the world, just depending on the random Vintage Secret Santa recipient that you are matched with (each participant will receive one randomly selected recipient).

You do not have to observe Christmas to take part. This festive Secret Santa exchange is open to everyone regardless of their personal beliefs, faith, or any other factor. You are welcome to think of it as a nondenominational wintertime vintage gift swap, if you would prefer.

Gifts (or the combined value of the gifts in your Vintage Secret Santa parcel) are encouraged to be of a value of at least $15.00 USA. There is no cap on how much you can spend, but do keep in mind that shipping costs can quickly add up when sending larger items and/or heavier parcels, especially outside of your own country, so you may want to opt for smaller sized presents if such is the case.

You may mail gifts to your Vintage Secret Santa recipient from your own home or order them online and have them sent directly to the person you're giving to. This can be a great way to help cut down on shipping costs.

Gifts can be handmade, store bought, or a combination of the two.

Gifts are encouraged to be vintage, vintage reproduction, vintage inspired, vintage appropriate (for example, a new, unused tube of your favourite red lipstick), handmade or similar, but ultimately so long as the present(s) given is/are thoughtful and abide by the rules in the next point below, the sky is the limit.

Please do not send anything live, perishable, dangerous, illegal, of an explicit nature, or which could easily be perceived as racist, sexist, frightening, or otherwise offensive.

Giftees are encouraged to send their presents out before Monday, December 9, 2015 in the hope that by doing so, they will arrive by, or right around, Christmas Day. Please keep in mind that parcels sent to international destinations will most likely take longer to arrive, so posting them out ASAP is always a very good idea.

By signing up to take part you acknowledge that you will do everything in your power to send out a gift to the Secret Santa name that you are partnered with. If for some reason you do not believe you will be able to do so before the deadline to mail out gifts arrives (December 9th), please contact me immediately.

Use the hashtag #vintagesecretsanta when sharing about this festive gift exchange and/or the present(s) you received on your blog and/or social media.  festive

If you have not received your VSS gift by January 15, 2016, please contact me on, or after, that date so that I can look into the matter for you.

And last, but not least, please keep in mind that I have no control over the how quickly your VSS match mails out their present to you, if they do so at all, or the postal system itself.

Should you run into issues, I'm here to help via email in any way that I possibly can, but ultimately it is up to those taking part in the VSS to live up to their commitment to send out a present and then for the postal system to ensure that said gifts reach their destinations.

If you email me with a concern, I ask that you please be courteous and polite. Belligerence and/or abuse will not be tolerated towards myself or anyone taking part in the VSS. Thank you very much for your understanding on this front.


 



That's all there is to it, my dears. It's very straightforward and tons of fun! (And of course I’ll be taking part in it myself!)

The Vintage Secret Santa is naturally open to both male and female participants and it was great to see a small handful of chaps take part last year.

If you would like to send your Vintage Secret Santa partner something from my Etsy shop, I'd be thrilled about that and will provide complimentary gift wrapping and a holiday card for your recipient (please email or Etsy private message me to let me know and I'll do just that before posting your order out).

To help you get the most bang for your shopping buck at my Etsy shop, please use the coupon code VSS25 to save 25% off on all orders (be they for the VSS or otherwise) between today and December 10, 2015.

If you're taking part, I urge you to share the link to this post (and use the cute vintage festive image above) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, your blog, or absolutely anywhere else you'd like (remember to use the hashtag #vintagesecretsanta when you do).

There's no cap on the number of people who can take part in this Secret Santa, so the more folks who hear about it, the better!

It was such a blast to unite many in the vintage community last year and I feel so honoured to get the opportunity to do so again this winter. We're a close knit group and I just love it when we can come together and brighten one another's day - or, in this case, holiday season - with kind, generous acts like sending out a festive gift to one of our peers.

I highly encourage you to sign up, send out a delightful gift, receive one in return from someone else, and have a wonderful time swapping vintage Secret Santa presents while sharing your passion for the past this holiday season!

60 comments:

  1. This time I'm in! So pleased to see you doing this again and I don't know what took me so long... x

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    1. Three huge cheers!!! Thank you very much, sweet CiCi. I'm pleased as punch that you're taking part this time and hope the experience is a terrific one for you.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Yay! I didn't do this last year but will definitely sign up for this years fun!

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    1. Awesome, Lorie! Thank you very much for doing so. It's wonderful to have you on board for VSS 2015.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Count me in too this time around! How exciting. xx

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  4. Count me in too this time around! How exciting xx

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    1. Giant yay!!! That's fantastic, dear Porcelina. Thank you so much for taking part. I'm thrilled to that you're doing so and hope that whole experience is a blast for you.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Goody Goody!! Even though I did not receive anything from anyone last year, I 100% enjoyed sending my gift out and hearing that my gift was warmly received. So I'm in for this year again!

    Thanks again for doing this Jessica :)

    Liz

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    1. It still - and will always - genuinely pains me that you were amongst the teeny, tiny group of folks whose VSS gift never arrived. I'm very sorry that was the case and hope to no end that you have far better luck this time around. Thank you so much for taking part again, my dear friend! On the very unlikely chance that your assigned Santa fails to deliver again this year, I will personally send you a gift to makeup for it.

      Tons of hugs & happy early holiday season wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. I've just signed up, it's becoming my favourite festive tradition! ❤️

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    1. That just made my whole day, lovely Freya. Thank you so much - both for your awesome comment and for taking part this year, too. You rock!

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. How fun! I'm so excited to participate!

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    1. Awesome, Kirsten! Thank you very much for participating. It's wonderful to have you aboard for this year's exciting VSS.

      Happy (early) holiday season wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Count me in as well! So excited already!

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  9. It was just lovely last year so will be signing up again. Thanks for organising!

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    1. It's my absolute pleasure and joy, Jen. Huge thanks to you for taking part now for both years. I really appreciate it and hope this time around is a blast for you as well!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I'm so in, I was gutted to miss it last year. So excited to give a fantastic gift to someone. It is my superhero power- best gift giver! Sharing and giving fills me with happiness!

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    1. Likewise, my sweet friend. I have always madly adored giving and sharing, and I'm sure that helped contribute to the launch of this exciting annual gift swap.

      I'm thrilled that you're taking part this year. Thank you so much!!!!!

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Oh my.. oh my...
    (fighting palpitations)
    You've re-started the game!
    You are a wonderful host.. and I'm glad that you got my gift last year - even though I was not your Secret Santa-gal. :) I have had so much fun last time, picking up items, giving them a special meaning.. yeah, sure, I did got a bit of a task and, there were some items I was somewhat ashamed about in my receiver's "wish list", so I had to find my way around it.. but I managed to pack up some nice things.
    And, I still smile every time I put on the lovely pearl earrings on, as they remind me that they have traveled far away, from my Secret Santa to my doorstep.
    Nothing beats the anticipation and joy of receiving a gift, and having NO idea what might be inside. Hands shaking, heart beating as I unwrap the packet... oh..
    Of course I rushed to sing in.
    ...I'd never leave this oportunity pass me by.
    This is the one true way to spread the holiday spirit; no matter weather you're celebrating on December 25th, on January 7th.. or not at all.. the joy of giving from your heart is all that counts.

    Bless you, dear Jess.
    You are an amazing organizer of a joyful game.. that I love being part of!

    Many frosty hugs
    Marija

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  12. Sounds like great fun. Im new to your blog and I think its just great! im off to sign up.

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    1. Warmest welcome to my blog, Charlotte. It's a joy to have you here! Thank you very much for taking part in this year's VSS. I really appreciate it and look forward to sharing in this super fun event with you!

      Happy (early) holiday season wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I have been waiting for this! Signing up:)

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    1. Awesome!!! Thank you so much, darling gal! It's fabulous to have some fellow canucks on board the VSS express! :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Looking foreward to participate this year aswell! Thank you so much for arranging this dear.

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  15. Oh, this sounds so fun! I'm signing up right now! :)

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  16. So very excited for this! I love the holiday season! Thank you for arranging this exchange, Jessica.

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  17. It was so much fun last year, I'm absolutely in!

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  18. I didn't join in last year, but I've signed p for this one!

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  19. I missed out last year, so I'll totally be joining!

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  20. You already know I am in for this! Very excited!

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  21. This may end up being the perfect opportunity to strategically de-stash! Thanks for organizing this Jessica!

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  22. What a fabulous idea, I'm definitely in! Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year and just love Christmas shopping. Ooo, my mind is running in overdrive now thinking of what to buy. xx

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  23. I've been waiting for this day since last Christmas :P Yay!!!

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  24. I'm so excited for this!! I can' wait to get paired up with my person, and figure something awesome for them! <3

    Carla, Tiny Angry Crafts

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  25. I'm so pleased that you are running this again. I enjoyed it so much last year. Signing up now!

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  26. I did this last year and really enjoyed shopping & searching for the gifts for my partner!!

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    1. That's awesome to hear! Thank you very much for participating last year. It would be fantastic to have you take part again this time around, too, dear lady!

      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Hey Jessica! This is such an amazing gift swap! I just submitted my details and I can't wait to get my match. I know it must take so much time and effort to organise a thing like this, so I just want to say that I really appreciate you doing this for all the vintage lovers out there! xoxo Gwen

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    1. That really means a lot to me, Gwen, thank you so much. It is a fair bit of work for sure, but it's beyond worth every minute of it to help unite so many in our wonderful little online community and help foster the holiday spirit all the more. Hopefully I can repeating it for as long as this blog is going strong.

      Many thanks again - I hope you have an awesome VSS experience!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Thanks for hosting this again Jessica! I'm really excited about this and cant wait to find out who I'll be gifting this year.

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    1. It's my absolute pleasure, dear Akram. Huge thanks for taking part again. It's awesome to have so many repeat VSSers this time around.

      Big hugs & happy holiday season countdown wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Oh, dearest Jess, I am beyond thrilled that you're hostings this festive and fun game again. I've just signed up and already look forward - both to receiving and to sending a gift. I love giving too, and hope to be able to find something perfect for my match. Count me in as extra VSS again, as mentioned I love giving, so although I'm not rich (I married for love, sigh), I am rich enough to make some one else happy if it is needed. I am behind with your blog. I have had a horrible back ache for over a week now, but started some treatment two days ago and feel a bit better. And we hosted Saint Martin's Day (duck day, as you saw on IG) yesterday. DH took the day off and spent all day in the kitchen, he is truly a fabulous cook. I spent all my Wednesday off cleaning and clearing the clutter today, sigh. Wishing you a lovely day, and thanks again, you Vintage Christmas Angel! XOXO

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    1. Huge thanks for taking part again, sweet Sanne. It's awesome to have you aboard the SS VSS! :D Thank you dearly as well for volunteering to be a "Second Santa", if need be. I truly appreciate that and hope that I won't have to call on you (because everyone got their intended gift), but if I do, it means a great deal to know that you're available to help out like that.

      I'm sincerely sorry that you've been battling a monster of a backache for several days now. They're such debilitating, horrible things. It's great that the treatment you started is helping a bit. I hope that you'll soon start to feel a lot better, especially with the winter holiday season right around the corner.

      You are in my heart and thoughts and I am sending countless healing vibes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. So excited to participate again! Thank you so much for organizing. I know it must be a lot of work for you (and Tony? I seem to recall he was involved last year) and I appreciate the effort!

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    1. Yay!!! Thank you very much for taking part again, sweet Amanda. It is a substantial amount of work indeed, but it's more than worth it to help bring so many in our lovely community together in the spirit of the season. Good memory! Tony definitely does his part on the programming side of things (he wrote a program that selects the winners and provides general technical support as needed, which I truly appreciate) and the VSS would not be the same without him.

      Big thanks again & happiest holiday season wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Hey, I just discovered your blog, and how fun! I'm excited for this!

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    1. Hi Kira, warmest welcome! It's awesome to have you here and taking part in the VSS. I'm delighted that you are and hope it's a blast for you!

      Happiest holiday season wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. I love,love,love this idea! I first heard of it last year due in part to your Instagram and few other ladies I follow on there. I looked like such fun.

    I just signed up and I can't wait until I receive my person so I can begin finding some treasures.

    Thank you for organizing this exchange! You're amazing! ^_^

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    1. *Blush* :) You're a dear, Melissa, thank you so much for your wonderfully nice comment and for taking part in this year's Vintage Secret Santa gift exchange. It's awesome to have you aboard!

      Happiest holiday season wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Thank you so much for hosting again this year, Jessica! Last year was so much fun!

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    1. It is my absolute pleasure, Karen. Thank you very much for taking part. It's fantastic to have you as part of the VSS and if you signup again this time around, I hope its every bit as fun for you as 2014's was.

      Big hugs & joyful holiday season wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. I have been so busy with school, that I haven't been on any of my favorite vintage blogs in forever! Then, a couple of days ago, I remembered this from last year and thought, "Oh no! I've missed it!" Thank goodness I got in a couple of days before the deadline! :D This should be a ton of fun, I can't wait.

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    1. Great timing for sure! I'm so happy that you remembered this year's VSS and are able to take part, sweet Hannah. Thank you so much for doing so and for your lovely message.

      Tons of hugs & happy holiday season wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. I cannot remember from last year...but when you send the gift do we tell the person who it's from? It's secret santa but I was not sure if that meant they never know who sent. I honestly cannot remember what I did last year hahaha

    Thanks

    Liz :)

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    1. Great question! The option is entirely up to each "Santa". You can reveal your true name, use a pen name, or keep everything a mystery (though do include a return address just in case something goes wrong en route and the package ends up needing to be sent back to you) - whatever you'd prefer/are most comfortable with.

      Oodles of hugs & happy holiday season wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. I had so much fun getting together the gift for my secret santa! I can't wait for them to receive it. What a fun tradition you have started Jessica. Thank You so much for your hard work!

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  37. You're super welcome! It's a pleasure to host and coordinate this event and I feel honoured to help bring so many in our wonderful online community together during this festive time of the year. Thank you very much for taking part and for posting your VSS match's gift out so speedily.

    Joyful holiday wishes to you and your loved ones!

    ♥ Jessica

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  38. Hi. I have yet to receive a gift or note from my Secret Santa. Makes me q little sad.
    I so enjoyed shopping for my partner & love seeing others post pictures of their goodies on Instagram.

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    1. Hi there, thank you very much for your comment and for taking part in the 2015 Vintage Secret Santa. As touched on in this post, I suggest that participants give their Santas until at least January 15th (between the super busy holiday season itself and the snail's pace the mail can crawl to at this time of the year, a fair number of gifts arrive after Christmas, that's quite normal for an online secret Santa like this). If you haven't received your present by then, please zip me an email (chronicallyvintage@gmail.com) and I will contact your Santa right away to see if what we can (hopefully) find out from them.

      Many thanks again & have a beautiful New Year!
      ♥ Jessica

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