A few weeks ago myself and a group of bloggy friends got together and decided to do a Christmas gift swap. A bit of a Secret Santa. Well, I say secret, we actually knew who each other had, but until today none of us have known what anyone else sent to each other. This is actually the first real Secret Santa I have ever been a part of (besides a little one we did with the kids last year) so I was completely flummoxed trying to decide what to buy, while staying in the £5 limit.
I wanted to get something that, not only had a meaning to me, but would also be of use to my giftee, which was the lovely Bonita who blogs over at Mama’s VIB. Here is what I sent:
1. A notepad. I love notepads and have them laying around EVERYWHERE! And besides Bonita is a fellow blogger who should always be prepared to jot down those fantastic ideas for her blog posts!
2. A tin of multi-coloured pens to match. Again, every good blogger needs a pen, or eight. There are occasions that I’d like to differentiate between the masses of scribbled notes in my multitude of notepads and different coloured ink allows me to do this. although I have to admit my colours are limited to blue, black and red at the moment. I may go back and get this same tin for myself!
3. A Welsh themed keyring. I am very proud to be Welsh (as are most Welsh folk) so I really wanted to include something to reflect that. If budget had allowed I would have bought a lovespoon but sadly Bonita will have to make do with the dinky one on this keyring. Heres a close up:
There aren’t any pictures of these but I also included a couple of tiny candy canes, a Welsh Christmas card. There was some Stained Glass Gingerbread too (I’ll link to the recipe when I post it) which I’m hoping survived the trip!
My not so secret Santa was Karen from Mini Travellers. Why not pop over to her blog to read the reasons behind her gifts. I am a real bookworm and have been desperate for something new to read for ages. So when these came through the door I was really pleased, even if I now have to fight with a teen over who gets to read them first!
Before I finish I’d like to thank Katie from Life on Vista Street. She came up with the idea of this little gift swap and arranged everything. I’m so glad she did as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed giving and receiving these presents and also loved reading what everyone else gave an the reasons behind buying them.
Have you been a part of a Christmas gift swap/secret Santa? Have you ever given or received a really funny or memorable gift?
Becky says
December 21, 2014 at 5:43 amThat s lovely and I adore what you sent…so thoughtful!
Becky recently posted…Things to do when the football is on
Everything Mummy says
December 21, 2014 at 7:26 amgreat gifts, love taking part in this secret santa with you all! Have a lovely christmas xx
Everything Mummy recently posted…Not so secret santa
Sarah Christie says
December 21, 2014 at 8:12 amGreat gifts Katie, a lovely that you wanted to put something Welsh in,working in different coloured pens is a great idea too x
Sarah Christie recently posted…My Christmas Sunday Photo
Katie LifeOnVista Haydock says
December 21, 2014 at 9:08 amOoooh pens! Total pen fetish… I have a baby pink Parker at the moment but it only writes in black *sigh*
Looks like you got some great gifts too. Thanks so much for joining in and a very merry Christmas to you xxx
Katie LifeOnVista Haydock recently posted…Not so secret Santa… #SundayStars
rachel says
December 21, 2014 at 9:45 amNo blogger can call themselves a blogger without notepads and pens! The more coloured pens the better for me to, as you say, distinguish between all the mass of ideas that I randomly jot down and need to find on another day!
Julia@rainbeaubelle says
December 21, 2014 at 7:26 pmGreat pressies, who doesn’t need a notebook and I love the stained glass gingerbread! Fab! Merry Xmas Katie xxx
Julia@rainbeaubelle recently posted…The Not-So-Secret Santa
mamasVIB says
December 21, 2014 at 8:44 pmKatie – THANK YOU so much for my lovely gifts! It’s like you knew the way to my hearst- a notepad and coloured pens (my weakness!) and loved the personal touches of the keyring and biscuits (which did make the journey!) Thank you so much it was so exciting to receive a little parcel in the post and have no idea what it could be! Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope your family spoil you! #sundaystars
mamasVIB recently posted…V. I. BUYS: Not so Secret Santa & some last minute buys under £8
mamasVIB says
December 21, 2014 at 8:45 pm#heart
mamasVIB recently posted…V. I. BUYS: Not so Secret Santa & some last minute buys under £8
Mini Travellers says
December 21, 2014 at 9:10 pmThank you lovely, I am really glad you liked the books! You just need to find some time to read them now hey! Happy Christmas to you all. #sundaystars
Mini Travellers recently posted…Santa Special Llangollen Railway
Jenna says
December 21, 2014 at 9:53 pmI love the pens – they are FAB!
I like that you included that represents you (and your pride in being welsh) with the keyring.
#sundaystars
Jenna at Tinyfootsteps xx
Jenna recently posted…Blogger Gift Swap
Caro AKA The Twinkles Momma says
December 22, 2014 at 6:41 pmI joined a Twitter club Secret Santa last year and it was really special to be part of something like that. This year, I haven’t had a Secret Santa to buy for anyone and I have felt a bit un-Christmassy as a result!! 🙂
Being a SAHM — and also working from home — can make you feel a little lonely sometimes at Christmas; especially when all my working friends are talking about their office parties and Secret Santa gifts.
This is a fantastic way to get into the Christmas spirit! #sundaystars
Caro AKA The Twinkles Momma recently posted…101 weeks and 2 days | A present for my friend | Papercut Art
mummyofboygirltwins says
December 23, 2014 at 5:48 pmAmazing gifts! Lovely idea wasn’t it? Very festive and thoughtful. Jess x #sundaystars
mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…My health scare
Mrs H says
December 28, 2014 at 10:55 pmNotebooks and pens are the perfect present for any blogger. That keyring is also the cutest. It was so much fun being involved in their ‘not-so-Secret’ Santa. I can’t wait to do it again next year. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Mrs H recently posted…Santa blog hop