I love shopping for other people more than I love shopping for myself. It's fun to get my CoTH match because the person I'm buying for is always a total stranger, and I enjoy the challenge of getting them something they'll love based off a few paragraphs about them. Sometimes their letters ask for specific things and other times they are more vague.
I always try to do something creative for them. This year I am painting a saddle pad. I also got her a few fun things at Equine Affaire, and then based off her likes and dislikes (silver jewelry, natural/low-key colours, horse-related bracelets), I bought this off Etsy for her:
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| Purchased from Beach Side Leathers on etsy.com |
The barn Secret Santa exchange is the best, though, because I actually get to see the person's face when they open my gift, and that is the greatest part! It's also cool because we all know each other in real life, so it's easier to figure out what to get the other person. Some boarders know one another better than others, so it's an opportunity to learn more about someone you may not talk to a lot. Our barn has two separate barns, rough board and full board, and so we don't all see each other all the time. Plus, everyone's schedule is different! I am pretty sure my barn giftee reads my blog so I will have to wait to disclose what I got for her, but don't you worry: IT. IS. AWESOME.
Of course it's also really fun to receive Secret Santa gifts, too! One year someone drew a portrait of Lucy for me and it still hangs in my kitchen. As an artist, I really appreciate and value other artists' work and it was such a sweet and thoughtful gift! I also usually mention my favourite Dark Horse Chocolates (peppermint ponies), and my favourite Stubben Coat Care spray that I can't find anywhere around here. I just ran out of it the other day and I was very sad! Last year at my barn Christmas party, my Secret Santa got me a beautiful Alex and Ani bracelet that I love. So it doesn't have to all be horse-related!
How many of you guys participate in a Secret Santa exchange? What is your favourite gift you've ever gotten?
I was so bummed I missed the COTH one, I wanted to partake!! Maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteHoping to get in on another one through blogs if possible this year :)
Sounds like you have gotten some great things and you get others great things!
should I set up a blog one here? I wouldn't participate (pretty maxed out) but I will do all the matches.
DeleteI think Tracy at Fly on Over is setting one up :)
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Like Karley, hoping to join a blog's SS bandwagon ;) You are a great gifter! Love that bracelet.
ReplyDeleteshould I set up a blog one here? I wouldn't participate but I will do all the matching!
DeleteSecret Santa at the barn sounds cool! That bracelet looks neat. is it just me, or does the metal part look like a bit?
ReplyDeleteYes it's a snaffle bit :)
DeleteI do an SS exchange every year with the bulletin board I'm on and we go ALL out. I try to keep my exchanges to one or two a year as I tend to get overwhelmed easily, but I'd be tempted to do a blog one if it ever popped up!
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE those bracelets and am resisting getting the bright blue one something fierce!!
Should I host a SS here?
DeleteI'm game if you're game to play host! I'm not organized enough to host it myself, otherwise I'd already be all over it!
DeleteI'm just glad I finally figured out what to get a girl who already has EVERYTHING! And no... It ain't you. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat bracelet is really pretty!
ReplyDeleteLove that bracelet...I would be down for a blogger SS!
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DeleteSuper excited for the blogger SS! It's awesome that Tracy thought to start it - I bet that she would love help though since she wants to participate but obviously can't know or it wouldn't be so secret! :) You are a great gift giver!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bracelet!
ReplyDeleteThe gifts I get in work SS's are unfailingly lame, but I did one through a horsey forum once and got a neat t-shirt and cap which I wear all the time :)
I love SS. We used to do one through another forum and I miss it. I would TOTES do a blogger one!!! I can't afford my own damn food this year b/c of house stuff, but I have some ideas of stuff I can make!!!!! :D
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