/mlp/ Secret Santa Info and FAQ

Welcome to /mlp/ Secret Santa!

How’s this thing work?
It’s Christmas ya dingus.
If you would like to participate (whether you want to exchange just cards, a package, or both) fill out the google doc form linked in the thread! The form is pretty self-explanatory.
After signups you will be randomly assigned both a gifter and a giftee. Remember, you’ll need to send a gift to get one back. Failure to do so bars you from future events.

Each anon is allowed to sign up for multiple greeting card exchanges, but only 1 gift exchange. Packages are expected to have a price range of $20-25. This is a minimum and some generous anons may plan to go over that amount. It is not necessary for you to do that unless you want to, and know if you decide to splurge you aren’t guaranteed that the person gifting you will do the same. If you only want to exchange cards and not gifts you can do that as well.


I live outside the US can I still participate?
The exchange is open to international participants. Be prepared for shipping costs and customs fees! On the form, you will see an option asking whether you prefer to exchange internationally. If you say no but there are no other participants from your home country I will alert you before assignments go out.

What if I never get my gift?
Unfortunately people can be dicks and it’s possible your gifter may flake on you. In the event that happens I am always taking names of kind anons willing to donate extra gifts to participants. If you want to be on reserve to give gifts and don’t want any in return feel free to skip the google form and email me directly.

There is a list of known Grinches from past events. I screen for them before assignments as best as I can.

Schedule of events and deadlines are posted in each thread's OP. Please be sure to pay attention to them!

F.A.Q.

How do gifts work?
Gifts are exchanged round-robin style. Imagine anons sitting in a circle with each one passing a gift to the person on their right. A gives to B gives to C gives to A. The person assigned to gift you is not the same person you will be shopping for.

When assignments go out you will receive all the info your anon filled out in the signup form, like their favorite ponies and preferences. You will also receive a unique Holiday ID for yourself, and one for your giftee so that you can use it when posting in thread during unboxings or to communicate if need be. Once you have your assignment it’s time to get shopping!

Please keep your receipt(s) and tracking information for any and all packages if you are exchanging a gift! Always be sure to alert me with the tracking information when you ship. I typically only need to know the tracking number and carrier/website to use it with when you send a package from you to your Santee or if you are mailing them items directly from the manufacturer. If sending items to your Santee directly from a website like Etsy or Amazon have the seller include a personalized note so that the recipient knows their gift is from Secret Santa!

Can I send food?
If your anon is okay with it! I suggest sticking to prepackaged items because >4chan but some anons like baking cookies or other treats. Be sure to thoroughly package anything you send to avoid crumbs or mess getting on to any other items. Avoid things that could melt or are easily crushed unless they are in well sealed containers.

Can I send alcohol?
Domestically, this is *technically* not supported through USPS but possible through other mail carriers, so do so at your discretion. Just be sure you wrap it securely and in a separate container in case of leaks or it breaking in transit.

Non-alcoholic liquids/drinks are fine to send through USPS but you should always package them with extreme care.
Internationally, I do not suggest it but always be sure to heavily research the customs laws for the country you are shipping to before sending any food or drink.

I do not encourage sending anything hazardous, medicinal, or outright illegal to posses. No special brownies or happy lollipops.

How do I write a good Wishlist?
Your wishlist is your way of telling your Santa a little about yourself so that they can pick out something nice for you! It helps them personalize your package. You can be as vague or descriptive as you like but if you are having trouble thinking of what to write here are a few things you can mention:

Types of items you really like (Plush, figures, pillows, t-shirts, comics)
Merch you already own
Shirt size
Powerlevel
Hobbies and interests outside of pony

Even if you truly don't care what you get, it's still nice to write up a little something instead of only saying 'anything is fine.' because it causes some anons to panic over whether what they get for you will truly be enjoyed or not.

How do cards work?
Cards are exchanged traditionally. You should receive a card back from each anon you send a card to. Some anons send small gifts alongside their cards but this is entirely optional.

How do I make a nice card?
Store-bought or homemade, it’s hard to go wrong with cards! Consider:
Drawing (no skill required)
Writing a poem or >greentext
Adding stickers or printouts
Modifying a store-bought card to be pony related
Photoshopping memes


Can I send drawings/poems/stories with my gift?
Absolutely, get creative!

Can I send a drawing/story AS my gift?
While any anon would be happy to receive these items it’s recommended to stick to exchanging cards if a drawing or story is the only thing you can send. However any type of fine art (paintings, sculpture, textile crafts) is eligible as a great gift. The minimum price bracket is not a hard rule, and more of a guideline as to what your gift's value should be.

What about lewd...?
Please respect your anon's preference when it comes to lewd. Also be aware of common sense when decorating the outside of your anon's envelopes or packages. The post office will not send your item if it has a giant horse cock plastered on it. Lewd is to be limited to the inside contents of cards and packages.

Can you explain the price limit more?

The $20-25 minimum is not a hard number exactly but more a guideline of the value a gift should have. It can be one big item or multiple small items. If your anon is okay with handmade goods, the perceived value of the handmade item should feel on-par with that amount. You don’t have to stress about hitting the exact number, just put heart and care into it!

Where do I get pony stuff?

If you’re in the states, everywhere. Especially with the movie’s release there are pony items in many places.

Major retailers such as:
Walmart
Target (Check the $1-$3 "Bullseye" bargain section for stocking stuffers! They frequently have stickers, socks, coloring books, etc.)
Barnes and Noble (They sell plush, funkos, stickers, and of course books.)
FYE
Hot Topic
Claires

Unique items and stocking stuffers can also be found randomly at:
Dollar Stores
Craft stores like Michaels, Joanns, and Hobby Lobby
Supermarkets may also carry comics, magazines, and activity books.

If you're not afraid of being a sperg McDonalds sometimes has pony toys (and some locations even offer discounts on Happy Meals for certain days of the week). You can also occasionally find figures and items at thrift stores/yard sales if your Anon doesn't mind secondhand stuff. Honestly I consider it like adopting a sad pony from the pound when I find pony toys at Goodwill.

If you are not in the US and Pone is hard to come by Amazon is one option as well as Etsy, Storenvy, Redbubble and other online storefronts. Local treats are fun to send as well if your anon likes food, or small trinkets that represent your country/region.

If you want to get creative try your hand at making your giftee’s waifu (the plush threads can assist with tips and resources) or use a second-party website like Aliexpress or ArtsCow to create a huge variety of custom items! Do note though that these websites ship from China and can take a long time to process and deliver your order so you usually have to act fast.

VistaPrint offers a wide selection of items to meme up and plaster ponies all over, plus much speedier shipping than Chinese sites! However they can be a little pricier.

If you're buying something from Glorious China please also be sure it isn't a bootleg of an independent artist's product. The Chinese plushies are usually a safe gift but Dakis and artwork are most likely theft so try to find the original artist! Similarly, do not use art you did not make or commission for gifts unless it is free-to-use! Nobody cares if you rip off Hasjew by using their vectors or free-to-enjoy meme images but be considerate of fan art and small artists' intellectual property.

Have other questions?
Post ‘em in the threads or email me!
Coordinator email for comments/concerns/general inquiries: mlpsantapone@gmail.com

Happy Hearthswarming!