I am creating this thread so we can post important information and announcements regarding the Secret Santa.

I am going to ask Cindy to temporarily make this a feature thread until the Secret Santa is over.

Don't forget the deadline for shipping is December 10, 2006.

Also, I've PMd some of you with random questions so your SS can get more info on you. Please get back to me as soon as possible.

We can also use this thread later on to post what we received.

Thank you so much for featuring this thread, Cindy! I really appreciate it.

This was a wonderful idea Fryl and again thanks so much for undertaking such a project. We all appreciate it !!!

yes, thanks to Fryl, good idea, i cant wait to post after the holidays.

Thank YOU for thinking about it iliveatbbw!!!

Thanks Fryl!

Thanks everyone!


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I also want to mention that perhaps we should all get either delivery or a signature confirmation, or have the package insured. Please don't throw away your postal receipt either.

You've raised a good point Fryl - I personally always ship using Express Airmail which means my package gets to anywhere in the world in precisely 5 business days (most of the time even less). It gets to the United States in 3 business days 98% of the time. So the 5 business day window is the maximum.

The Express Airmail (EMS) Service in Israel that I use includes:
1) Expedited Shipping (as previously mentioned a max of 5 business days).

2) Automatic Insurance of up to $1,000 dollars.

3) Automatic Registration of package.

4) Accurate Step-By-Step International Tracking (You can track this from anywhere in the world through either your post office or your postal service website).

5) Personal Delivery (EMS delivers packages by hand meaning if you aren't home to sign for it they leave "attempted delivery" notification).

6) Attempted Delivery Notification (If you aren't home they notify you of attempted delivery and they will return to try again or you can pick up the package at the nearest PO).

7) Automatic Delivery Notification.

8) Automatic Signature Notification.

4a) I usually provide the recipient with the International Tracking serial number every time I ship, but considering the situation, am more than happy to provide you (Fryl) with it so someone else has it .

NOTE: I also always keep the receipt of shipment and of course the carbon copy of the EMS slip "just in case" anyone needs reassurance.

The service I use is very very efficient, accurate, and practically foolproof. I've been using this service for years. So absolutely no worries on my end .

aww thanks,
i have a few more ideas for the group
that i am thinking in my mind to do, but
i still need to think more on those.
that will wait for the new year.

Maybe some can post tips on wrapping gifts or how to package the items safely in this thread.

The deadline is fast approaching.
Is everyone having fun shopping for their elf?

Also, for the Secret Santas shipping to and from Canada, I don't know how long it usually takes but I've heard that it can take quite awhile longer sometimes so perhaps if you're both done shopping you could send your respective packages a little earlier than Dec 10.
Any thoughts on this?

Hi Fryl

I am shipping off my secret santa gift tomorrow just so i am POSITIVE that it gets there on time!

Fryl, you have a PM from me.

Becky, I sent you one back.

Also everyone, don't forget to send me a quick message to let me know when your elf's package has shipped, and the delivery confirmation number please. Also, a friendly reminder not to throw any postal receipts away.
And for the naughty elf, don't even think about opening the package before the date we agree to open it on.
Please use lots of bubble wrap on any fragile items.

This was a message from the Secret Santa police!

My package for my Elf is complete and I am shipping out on Wednesday!

The following link might help people with questions they have on how to wrap/ship something. Bottom line...common sense!!!

Shipping & Packing Tips - This notepad covers all the basics. For wrapping & shipping scroll down to the second box on the notepad.


Remember: Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and isolated wrapping, are our friends. At the end of the day I would choose 'well wrapped' over 'pretty' any day. Just my $0.02.

I shipped my Elf's package off today! I did it via Priority, so it should arrive anytime between Friday and Tuesday. So, my Elfie, don't you open your package early!

Speaking of, when is the date that we all agreed on to open our packages? I vote for Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Dec. 20 sounds good to me too.

The 20th of December sounds good to me too! I am so excited!!

Elfs, please let me know when your package to you arrives. Please don't post the name of your Secret Santa until the 20th of December, or at least until everyone has received their package, I'll let everyone know when that is.

That's a great date for me, because that way I can open it and post about it before I leave for my mom's house.