Although the holidays are a wonderful time of the year, they can also be quite stressful. Decorating, cooking and gift giving can often add additional financial burdens on many families.
This holiday season, why not do something different this year and exchange presents with friends, family and co-workers by using a free online gift exchange service? Often called Secret Santa, White Elephant or Yankee Swaps, these popular party pleasers are now available online.
Whether the presents are thoughtful and heartfelt or silly gag gifts, gift exchanges are loads of fun and are sure to be a big hit at any party. Gift exchanges also provide excellent opportunities to recycle unwanted and unused items, like that brown and green plaid sweater Aunt Rita knitted many years ago.
This holiday season, save time and money by using one of the free online gift exchange service listed below.
Sneaky Santa – In 2001, web developer Michael Jones encouraged his family to participate in a gift exchange for the holidays. He developed his idea and made it available online, and Sneaky Santa was born.
- To begin, registration is required in order to participate.
- Registration is simple and quick.
- Once registration is complete, create a new group or join an existing one.
- Create a wish list for others in the group to view and view other participant’s lists.
- After all participants have joined, names will be drawn by the service.
- Email notifications will then be sent out to group participants.
- Users can also share photos with others.
- Send anonymous messages to gift recipients.
Elfster – This fun online service began in 2004 and currently has over 500,000 “elves.”
- Registration is required.
- Once registration is complete, create a wish list.
- Participants can ask anonymous questions of group.
- There are three different ways to invite friends, family and loved ones to participate in the exchange
Secret Santa - This service allows participants to play three different ways; Secret Santa, White Elephant or Yankee Swap exchange.
- Registration with email confirmation is required.
- There are several ad-supported pages to view once registration is complete.
- To personalize, select from a wide variety of holiday background design themes.
- Besides Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza exchanges are also available.
- Includes customized email invitations and reminders.
- Participants can add wish list items.
- Secret Santa also includes annual gift exchanges with records of past exchanges.
- The website will select names out of the “virtual” hat for the exchange.
Save even more money with free postal supplies. The United States Postal Service Postal Store is offering a wide variety of postal envelopes and boxes at no cost. Registration is required.
This holiday season, save time and money by using one of the online gift exchange services lsited above.
For more Christmas fun, read:
Free Christmas Activites for Kids
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