So anyone up for a Christmas exchange? [Archive]

cheval

10-09-2008, 07:29 PM

We did one at h.com a couple years ago, or maybe last year too. It was kind of fun.

Get a couple of people to organize and draw the names, have a date you have to mail your gift by, have a receipt so packages can be tracked. Might be fun!

cloedoll

10-09-2008, 07:32 PM

I would love to, darn my age!

cheval

10-09-2008, 07:33 PM

But maybe we wouldn't have to have an age restriction this time around. That was just that forum and the decision was made by the forumers running it. I've seen plenty of forums where everyone was involved.

zoel_222

10-09-2008, 07:37 PM

If we don't have an age restriction I'd sure like to play.

pandorasmom

10-09-2008, 07:37 PM

I don't really want to play right now for finanical reasons (saving up what I can), but if there's something I can do to help organize,arrange it,etc. I'll be happy to help in anyway. :)

vicklynn

10-09-2008, 07:42 PM

Im not trying to be mean. But IF I were to join in this, there would have to be an age restriction. Were talking about money, gifts and mailing things. I guess Ive not been to the sites where there are no age restrictions. Ive only been to the ones that have them.
But Im not able to join this yr, bad timing for me. Got to spend my money in WA this yr.

luv2show

10-09-2008, 07:44 PM

I'd play!
But then there's the age thing again... :(
How old do you have to be?

zoel_222

10-09-2008, 07:48 PM

But IF I were to join in this, there would have to be an age restriction. Were talking about money, gifts and mailing things. .

What's that got to do with age? So long as kids aren't stealing their parents' money to buy plastic santas for their forumer friends I don't see any reason for an age restriction.

cheval

10-09-2008, 07:49 PM

Hey Vicky - the one horse forum I can remember that did had some sort of parent permisson thing - the parents knew they'd have to help the younger members send the packages and get the receipts and get permission to give out the mailing address.

We could set it up to where the people in charge had to get an email or phone call from the younger members?? I don't know. I just hate they aren't included in this kind of stuff. If we could figure out a way...

alittleoffkey

10-09-2008, 07:54 PM

Or the younger gals could create one of their own via email and PM. ;) Caitlin could be in charge! You know - take up the 'underage' girls who want to be a part's names and addresses and stuff and then assign them all a number and randomly draw numbers out of a hat for everyone...? They could set their own spending limit and everything. A lot of the gals here already have each other's numbers anyway, so a lot of their parents would be alright with it, I'd imagine. :D

Edit to add: I'd love to be a part of one... if the spending limit's low enough. But be forewarned, I'm terrible at shopping. :rolleyes:

luv2show

10-09-2008, 07:55 PM

I as well don't see why there needs to be an age restriction! I completely agree with you, zoel. If we're talking along the lines of money... If I sent out a gift and didn't recieve one back, I really wouldn't care! :) Giving is better than receiving. And it's not like you'd be loosing out on a ton of money, we're not buying $50.00 presents here. If it's a $20.00 present, I'd really try hard to give something to that person that would mean a lot to them. And seeing a post about how much it ment to them, how much they like it or even just getting a thank you, is worth that $20.00 anyday. Hearing / seeing that is simply more than enough to me.

cloedoll

10-09-2008, 07:57 PM

Ashley, you said it perfectly!

cheval

10-09-2008, 07:58 PM

It could be a 15-20 limit - that's what they usually are I think.

Cat

10-09-2008, 07:59 PM

I would like to join, but it depends on what the spending limit is and what is going on at the time. I will have to wait and see. I don't have a problem with the younger ones joining and think it would be fun. I've been involved the last 2 years.

vicklynn

10-09-2008, 08:05 PM

zoel, it had nothing to do with stealing.

Hey Vicky - the one horse forum I can remember that did had some sort of parent permisson thing - the parents knew they'd have to help the younger members send the packages and get the receipts and get permission to give out the mailing address.

I get that Cheval, that would work.

mlle_beau

10-09-2008, 08:17 PM

I don't think I'll have the money this year, otherwise I'd love to

SedonaThunder

10-09-2008, 09:08 PM

I'm in - I had so much fun sending my gift last year... yikes - I can't remember her name... uhmmmm - she was in Florida... like Lin or something close???:doh: I LOVED the gift I got too - a beautiful Trail of the Painted Ponies horse from Trainer_Girlly!

All4Grace

10-09-2008, 09:15 PM

I'm in!
I have a blast with it last year! h.com had a $20 minimuim, I forgot the reasoning lol
I got an awesome! grooming hanger for the trailer, it's hanging in my closest waiting for out nw trailer! lol I won't put it in the tack room because I don't want it ruined lol.

Casperluff

10-09-2008, 09:22 PM

As long as there isn't an age restriction...

I would love to do it, and my mom would be fine with it.

I've sold things online, my parents don't mind that. As I remember I made a horse blanket for mom2rum's daughter.

I might not be able to stay within the $20 budget... My mom and I aren't good at that. Lol.

Mandzanita

10-09-2008, 09:39 PM

I'm in, I'm in! I love Christmas :)

AUEquine

10-09-2008, 10:51 PM

Wow... you read my mind, I was just thinking about posting something like this yesterday! We need to go ahead and get it started so we all have time to shop and ship before christmas!

So definatly count me in!

Chavhorse

10-10-2008, 01:34 AM

I would love to join in.....I still wear the bracelet I got from H.com Santa Christmas 2006.

Only problem I can see is I live in europe so the postage my be a bit more for a registered letter for me.

No problem with the young uns joining in at all

AUEquine

10-10-2008, 02:23 AM

Just now made it back to reread and noticed the Age restriction debate! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the reason for the age restriction on Happy Mail and Secret Santa was for safety. Yes we all feel comfortable in a 'horsie' forum, but you have to remember this is still the internet and nothings always as it seems. So the safety aspect comes in with minors sending out their contact info to strangers.
It doesn't have anything to do with money... In fact I'm pretty sure most of the minors have more money than us adults by the fact that they still live under their parents!
The rule was set in place at h.com by the h.com people because if something were to happen they could be held liable by hosting/encouraging information swap. So the decsion on age here should rest soley on WBay and WBoy.

FatSpottedAppy

10-10-2008, 03:55 AM

If there's no age restriction I'd love to join in. :) Sounds like fun.

Toodlestoo

10-10-2008, 05:16 AM

Well, I certainly don't need to worry about the age restriction:( so I would be interested!!

Lakota's Pet

10-10-2008, 06:22 AM

I would join in. I think it's a really great idea. I can understand the age thing because of fear of internet predators. But I also think someone setting one up for the minors to do among themselves would be a good idea if an age restriction gets imposed.

rums_mom

10-10-2008, 06:43 AM

I love exchanges, so yep, sign me up!

We did one last year for members and then BrokenA had a drive for the marines we adopted. That was a lot of fun......I bet she would post some picts of the things she got, all kinds of goodies and stockings stuffed with lots of stuff!

Steelhorserider

10-10-2008, 10:52 AM

Sounds like fun....I got some cool stuff for my kitchen and had a ball getting my stuff to send to my secret santa.

sugarsgirl

10-10-2008, 10:58 AM

I'd love to if there isn't an age restriction!

Gliderider

10-10-2008, 01:07 PM

I Would join in. I love Christmas..

horselvr2478

11-01-2008, 08:54 PM

Hey cheval sorry started a secret santa thread. But not being on in a while you kinda lose track. And I'm still getting use to a new forum. But now that I'm playin a game of catch up Id like to do this.. Count me in...

SedonaThunder

11-01-2008, 09:11 PM

Good timing to bring this back up... I was thinking about it today as I was cleaning house! It's just about that time of year again, huh? Sheesh time flies faster the older I get. :(

MyHorseBiggs

11-01-2008, 09:39 PM

I'll do it if there's no age restriction :) I love christmas!! (I'll start saving some money. :))

MyHorseBiggs

11-01-2008, 09:41 PM

Oh and what might the presents be like because if I were to give a kitchen item for a teen then they don't really have much to do with it?

MyHorseBiggs

11-01-2008, 09:42 PM

Oh and I'm not being picky/spoiled on what I get, if I were to get something... Oh this has kinda come out a little different than I thought... I think I'll shut up now... :p

SedonaThunder

11-01-2008, 09:43 PM

MyHorseBiggs

11-01-2008, 09:45 PM

Oh ok. What I was trying to say, I didn't want to give someone something they didn't like or they already have. :)

Country Girl 43

11-01-2008, 09:57 PM

As far as the age thing.....if there was one trust worthy person that everyone could send the address's to for the minors I think it would be OK.

Kinda like what I did with Patriots. Since she was laid up, and her Dreamer was in another location, it was just safer to have everyone mail/contact me, then I forwarded everything to her. Took a bit more work on my end, but saved Patriots from having to make several trips to the bank and Post Office and it kept her address confidential.

MyHorseBiggs

11-01-2008, 09:58 PM

Yeah good idea CG43. :)

dustys_girlly

11-01-2008, 10:42 PM

When we did it on h.com everyone that participated posted with information about what they like, collect, favorite colors... that way you had an idea of what to shop for. My Secret Santa was wonderful to me - I got a beautiful horse from the Trail of the Painted Ponies collection!

it makes me so happy to hear that you likes your gift!! and i still am so sorry that it broke in the mail...darn mail people being mean to boxes. lol

i want to be in but i have to wait and see want is going to happen with hubby before i can do anything with money. hopefully next week i will know for sure one way or the other.

SedonaThunder

11-01-2008, 11:19 PM

it makes me so happy to hear that you likes your gift!! and i still am so sorry that it broke in the mail...darn mail people being mean to boxes. lol

i want to be in but i have to wait and see want is going to happen with hubby before i can do anything with money. hopefully next week i will know for sure one way or the other.

I LOVE my gift! As for her being broken - you can't even tell... Super Glue does wonders and she's as good as new!

I sure hope everything turns out good for your hubby and that things are back to normal real soon... I've been thinking of you.

cyb

11-02-2008, 09:26 AM

Count me in for the gift exchange, I wanted to do it last year but I hadn't made enough posts.

TheBadLands

11-02-2008, 09:31 AM

I am very interested and financially able to this year. so count me in!

FatSpottedAppy

11-02-2008, 09:32 AM

So who's organizing and are under 18 allowed to join in? I'm soo hoping you guys will let us (I'm 17 1/2), this'd be really fun.. :D

pandorasmom

11-02-2008, 12:25 PM

I don't mind organizing it if no one else wants to(I've help organize a few things like this on another forum). I don't want to step on any toes though. We'd have to figure it out on how everyone wants it done, and would need to get things figured out soon, so everyone could be getting things together to ship out in time for Christmas.

vicklynn

11-02-2008, 12:29 PM

Ya know, I would, but Im tapped right now. Got my Seattle plans and no more money to spend. Ill catch ya next yr for sure.

shelsnsaus

11-02-2008, 12:34 PM

I'd love to participate this year as well, although if you are going by post counts again, it will be awhile before I have enough here. Got plenty on h.com though. There I did the state exchange and both Christmas ones. Had tons of fun, I just don't have a huge amount of time for posting like I did. Back then my kids were very young and I was home alot with time to kill. Not so much anymore, but I have the funds and desire to participate in the exchange as well. In case it matters I'm over 18. Cheval has had some really good ideas that has allowed some of the younger members to participate in these sorts of activities.

pandorasmom

11-02-2008, 04:17 PM

I posted this on this thread: http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1456&page=2
But wanted to post again just incase.

Okay, unless someone else wants to, I'll organize it. If somebody else wants to, just let me know.

I was curious what suggestions y'all have on the age limit and post count?

My personal opinion is let anyone over 13 join in. My thing is if your old enough to be posting on a forum, I think your old enough to be joining in something like this as long as you can afford it. If we have a post count, I think we should have it like 50 or something. I'll need to know what y'all think though.
I'll work on this and then take what responses are posted here and make the rules. I know alot of people are probably wanting to go ahead and get started with getting things, and then getting it all sent out within another month or so.

TheBadLands

11-02-2008, 04:26 PM

Blue

11-02-2008, 04:30 PM

I would love to do it. I think the younger riders on here could have our own Secret Santa, that way adults can get stuff for adults and teens can get stuff for teens. :)

Whitedresswind

11-02-2008, 04:40 PM

I would love to, but yea, I need every penny for the horses, maybe next year =)

Mandzanita

11-02-2008, 05:50 PM

I'm definitely in!! I already have an idea for a present...kinda one that ANY of us would love :) So, count me and Biggs in :)

pandorasmom

11-02-2008, 06:10 PM

I think 13 and up is great..but maybe double checking with parents etc? Not to dis the younger crowd but some of you are well meaning but maybe cant really afford to do it.. and dont want to just say so. I want this to be positive for everyone :)

I would love to do it. I think the younger riders on here could have our own Secret Santa, that way adults can get stuff for adults and teens can get stuff for teens.

Both are awesome ideas!!!!

In regards to checking with parents I'm not 100% sure how we would do that. We could have them email me saying it was okay. Would that work? I know anything could happen (make up things,etc.) but not sure how to make sure it's definatel okay if you see what I mean. Any suggestions on it?

In regards to the younger ones having their own I think that's a great idea. What about the Secret Elves?

sugarsgirl

11-02-2008, 07:37 PM

About the younger ones having our own, what would the age limit be and would there be enough of us younger forumers interested to do it?

pandorasmom

11-02-2008, 07:45 PM

I was thinking 13 yrs. the youngest, and I believe there are quite a few younger members interested, but can't promise it.

pandorasmom

11-02-2008, 07:47 PM

I counted about 8 I think that are younger then 18 that wants to do it. There maybe more, or less.

livaward

11-02-2008, 07:57 PM

Maybe create a poll with yes or no and have it where it tracks the user that posted which answer that way you don't have to go through all the posts........and when you vote on the poll make a reply on what you want/need under the price limit that way when you know who you get you can find their post see what they want/need and get it for them

As for addresses........last year on one of the myspace groups they used a website that matched people and gave the addresses when matched

pandorasmom

11-03-2008, 06:48 AM

Okay, does anyone else have any thoughts,suggestions,ideas,etc.????

We need to be finalizing this so everyone has time to get there information in. As it is now we'll hhave a little less then 3 wks.

WashingtonBay

11-03-2008, 07:27 AM

Pandora, I thought I would paraphrase my answer to you here too, so everyone can see it, as an 'official policy' so far:

RE the gift exchange, I think it's fine and fun, though I may not participate, (no time!) I'm fine with the idea. I saw the thread on it, just haven't had time to look into it further.

And I think with this particular batch of kids, and this fairly small and well known group of adults, it's OK to let them participate. The email permission is a good attempt at making sure their parents are OK with it. If we grow and if we end up with a different mix of people in future years, we may want to re-evaluate that policy, but for now, I think it's OK. If you end up with anyone participating that you feel nervous about, either their authenticity or motives, let us know right away.

~the WBs

And that goes for anyone involved. :)