Is the Secret Sister Gift Exchange Legit?

If you are on Facebook, chances are you have seen the posts about the holiday secret sister. Since I friend I trust posted it, I figured I would give it a go. Worse case, I figured I would bless someone with a gift and not receive anything, which I was fine with. Best case, I would get a few surprises in the mail.

I posted it on December 1 and  ended up having ten friends say they wanted to do it. As instructed, I sent one gift to the #1 person on the letter I received. I selected a hardback book that I loved in 2017 (This is How It Always Is) and my favorite measuring spoons (I love gadgets!) I also included a note about why I love them and that I hoped she would too.

In my letter I listed for my likes: scarves, fiction books, candles, bath bombs/bubble bath, anything that smells good. I think listing a few likes was helpful and I was glad that the person who connected me with this had done the same.

If your secret sister doesn’t share likes, I think you can’t go wrong giving something you genuinely love. Think Oprah’s favorite things style. A favorite book, kitchen item, body product, gadget you can’t live without, etc.

I found that most people spent $15-$25 on the gifts they sent.

Secret Sister gifts

I thought it would be fun to share some of what I received through the Secret Sister Gift Exchange. I found that most of my gifts were sent from Amazon, which makes sense since Prime makes things so easy to buy and ship for free.

I will add to this post as gifts are received. Maybe it will inspire you if you are shopping for a Secret Sister or Secret Santa gift. Of course, participating in Secret Sister is an individual decision because people you don’t know will get your address. Everyone I have received a gift from has been a friend or friend of friend, so I felt safe doing it.

Home gifts

Himalayan Glow 1002 Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp

Jonathan Adler Pop Candle

Anjou Aromatherapy Candle

Gratitude Pur Soy Candle

Soy Candle 8 OZ Scented Glass Jar Candle Night Jasmine

Willow Tree 2017 Angel Ornament

Every Day I’m Hustlin journal

Bath and Body

Dionis Original Goat Milk Skincare Blue Ridge Wildflower Lotion

Anjou Bath Bombs

BRUBAKER Cosmetics 6 Handmade “Chocolate Love” Spa Bath Bombs

Bath Bomb Gift Set

Lavender Shower Bath Melts

Scarves and Wraps

Women’s Stylish Warm Blanket Long Scarves Grid Winter Large Scarf

ShungFun Warm Fashion Long Plaid Scarves Cashmere Feel Pashmina Neck Wrap Lattice Scarf

Stylish Warm Blanket Scarf Gorgeous Wrap Shawl

Womens Rich Solid Color Long Soft Winter Scarf

Plaid Nordstrom scarf

Scarfand Romantic Rose brush stroke scarf

Is it a scam?

I did see some chatter about this being a scam (courtesy of Snopes and a few news sites), but here’s what one friend said, “Life is a scam, if you let it be. I’m still going to send my gifts. If you still want to send some joy to someone, go ahead and comment below.”

Another person said, “I’ve done this 3 years in a row and been blessed with connecting with new ladies from all over the US.”

Still another said, “I don’t understand the math, but I think it’s like life, the more you show up and try things and give back, the more you unexpectedly receive (but also like in life, nothing is promised, no guarantees) … I am not expecting anything. IF anything comes in, that will be interesting. Again, my motto on this: Give a gift. Expect nothing in return. See what happens.” 

As of 12/10, I have received 25 gifts.

Say thank you

I have been blown away by the thoughtfulness of the gifts. Literally, I have squealed with delight opening the packages. People are so kind, and as the primary gift buyer for our family, it has been such a blessing for people t to so kindly give to this mama.

When possible (some didn’t sign their names), I was sure to say or send a thank you. Some gifts came with return addresses, so I hand wrote thank yous for those. Others had an option from Amazon to say thanks by typing in a URL and sending a email note. Still others, I knew personally and was able to text or Facebook message. Be sure to take a minute to show gratitude!

Have you done the Secret Sister Gift Exchange? What was your experience?