Secret Santa: A How-To

With the holidays right around the corner, many of your clubs and friends are probably planning gift swaps (Secret Santa, Secret Snowman, White Elephant, whatever your variant of choice is!). Here are some tips for making sure things go as smoothly as possible:

1. Set a budget everyone’s comfortable with. Even with your closest group of friends, keep in mind that some people may be doing multiple Secret Santas which can add up quickly!

2. Use Elfster to organize Secret Santa! It ensures that you won’t draw yourself, and if you end up getting someone you don’t know as well, you can just look at his or her wish list.

3. Everyone loves sweets. When you really have no idea, go with a cupcake/Burdick’s treat/hot cocoa.

4. Make a card! Homemade cards always seem really impressive, and adding a card to your gift is a sure way to make it feel 10 times more special.

5. Where to shop: If you don’t have time to go into Boston, there are plenty of places in the Square. Hidden Sweets is filled with random, cute things, and has a student discount. Bob Slate’s Stationer has nice notebooks and stationery. Get something sweet from L.A. Burdick or Finale. Black Ink and Urban Outfitters are good for the more offbeat personalities in your group.

6. Have fun with it! Remember, it’s the holidays—use Secret Santa as a time to relax and take a break from exam studying. Don’t stress too much, and just enjoy having an excuse to spend time with your friends.

Happy holidays!