The Trials of Secret Santa

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<rant>

Last Christmas I participated in my boyfriend's family's first Secret Santa with a limit of $50 and minimum $20; however, I received someone I had never met or heard of as my assigned person. Since she didn't upload a wishlist of any kind, unlike everyone else, I tried to purchase a "safe" gift by getting her a gift box from LUSH. Unfortunately, it seems like she didn't like it as this year she made a list of things NOT to get her which she only lists "bath soaps and lotions."

This year we're suppose to have a wishlist in different price categories (i.e., $10, $25, $50) to a maximum of $50, in addition I've been paired with someone I know a bit better; however, her entire wishlist was $50+. So I purchased one of the items last week but now she's changed her entire wishlist this week to include cheaper options. Unfortunately, the item I ordered is no longer on her list and I can't cancel the order as it's already been shipped. On top of that, my wishlist only includes items in the $15-$25 price range and I worry that I might get gypped this year by receiving a $15 item despite spending $50+.

Now I'm a bit miffed at myself for participating because I thought I would have the option to choose a present in a more affordable tier, considering that I have no income and was budgeting for a present my boyfriend really wanted.

</rant>

So, what has your experience been like with Secret Santa?
Note: you may substitute "Secret Santa" with any kind of anonymous gift exchange event you've participated in the past.

I've never participated in one of these, but the ones I've heard of were in the workplace and limited to £5.

I find it quite strange that a family would do it.

I have never been involved in one either. Someone at work tried to start one, two years ago I think, but it must not have got enough interest as it didn't go ahead.

I've actually organised a few Secret Santas at work in the past...this might sound "bad", but I just left out the name of the person I was closest to at the time and bought for them. That way, I knew what kind of gift(s) to buy them, and they were pretty much guaranteed to get something they would like.

I know it's technically cheating, but it worked well and people were grateful for me organising it.