Hey all! Trying to set up a 2013 gift exchange. I've never used elfster but have poked around on the site and created an exchange, it was easy to join:

http://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/9214118/60167d/

I set the dates so they're not around Halloween/Thanksgiving and early enough for international bees to get their stuff, and so everyone can post what they got before the holiday rush hits in full force.

Sign up date: October 17 2013
Gift exchange date (so, mail by date): November 17 2013
Max $: $20 (that seemed fair?)

I set the privacy settings to:
"Only allow members to send anonymous questions to the person they drew in a gift exchange
Only allow members to view contact information of the person they drew in a gift exchange
Do not send birthday alerts to group members"

It is my understanding that you create your own profile (at the top under 'wishlist) that dictates wants, dislikes, etc. There is a 'secret q & a' where I think everyone who participates could ask the same questions of their "giftee".

This is what I think would be helpful to know - chime in if you have any other ideas, thoughts, etc. I don't intend to make myself ms. bossypants of the hellobee holidays but just wanted to get it started!

So, these would be posted as 'secret questions' by each gifter to the giftee once names were swapped on the site:

Hobbies/Likes:
Dislikes/don't want:
Favorite color:
Share links to pinterest boards or anything else relevant/fun that would help gifter "know" you:

I personally think edibles should be ruled out, homemade should be fine, and gifts should be for parent/adults only so everyone can be included regardless of their spot in the TTC continuum. I'd be happy for a second, baby/kid exchange as well (but mostly only because I like making baby/kid toys and clothes haha!)

If you're signing up
Feel free to put your username for now since it is shown publicly (instead of real name). Also, your 'wishlist' where info will go, like the above questions, can be made so only hellobee gift exchange members can see it (see picture)