So who wants to do a secret swap (aka Brownie Fairy)?

[slknight]

Thought this board could use a pick-me-up. I am shamelessly stealing this idea from another board I post on, where the Brownie Fairy idea has gone over with great success.

This is how it works. Everyone who is interested e-mails me with their name and address. I keep a master list. When you feel like doing something nice for someone, you request a name from my list. You can either request a specific name or someone random. (If the name you request has already been "taken," I assign you someone random so that no one gets "fairied" more than once.) I send you the name, and you anonymously send them a swap gift. The swap gift should be a small (no more than $15) pick-me-up. It can be food related (hence, the name), or something else fun like bubble bath or whatever. You could always do a search on the person to see what they like in terms of music, books, etc.

So who wants to play? If you've got questions, post them here. If you want to join, please e-mail me (don't PM because my box will fill up) at the address in my profile. Please put the words BROWNIE FAIRY in the subject so I don't lose your message.

[tbb113]

What a nice idea. I sent you an email

[slknight]

Yay! I've already gotten a few e-mails. I think I'll probably set a deadline to get on the master list and then people can get started. Of course if you miss signing up now, you can always get added later, since it's kind of an ongoing thing.

[slknight]

Oh, one more thing. Can you please make sure you put your screenname in your e-mail too so I don't get anyone mixed up? Thanks.

[tbb113]

Sue: I didn't put my screenname in my email, but since they are the same I'm betting you can match them up.

Tyra

[Gecko]

Thank you for posting such a wonderful idea. You are correct in saying that the boards could use a little pick-me-up. Don't get me wrong as I am all for free speech, but we need to remember that there is a real live person attached to the screen name. Politics is such a personal issue and tempers can easily flare. Then things are said in a mean spirit in the heat of the moment. But we can't take words back once they are said, we can appologize, but we cannot erase the memory of the "spoken" word.

[Molli526]

Thanks Susan. It sounds like fun

[jtoepfert100]

Thanks, Susan. Fantastic idea! I agree that this board is in need of some goodwill. I ususally stick to the Great Food Board and after a few threads I've seen here recently, now I know why! I think we are in desperate need of a few more "Horse walks into a bar. Bartender asks "Why the long face?" threads.

[slknight]

Keep those e-mails coming! Don't forget to send your mailing address or else the Brownie Fairy won't know where to find you.

Also, if you have any special requests or likes/dislikes (or allergies), please let me know.

[valchemist]

I have never participated in a swap thread before because I am so uncreative. but if it is annonymous, I guess I don't have to be too worried about how fancy or creative my gift is.

well, I am kind of kidding. but seriously, you guys always do such a great job with those swap gifts!

anyway, I will give this one a shot. sounds like fun.

[MrsReber]

One question- will the master list of names be shared with everyone? I'm just wondering if we'll all know who is on the list since you said we can request someone specific.

I love the idea, by the way. I think it's great.

[615bride]

Thanks for organizing this Susan! I just e-mailed you!

[MISSINDI]

Great idea - everyone loves getting fun mail, and this board DOES need a pick-me-up. Count me in - I'll send you an e-mail when I get home.

[cniles]

I emailed you Susan! Thanks!!!

[slknight]

Originally posted by MrsReber
One question- will the master list of names be shared with everyone? I'm just wondering if we'll all know who is on the list since you said we can request someone specific.

Hmmm. I hadn't thought of sharing the list of names. I think part of the fun is keeping it secret, so that you don't even no who could have sent the package. On the other board, I happened to request a name of someone who wasn't on the list, and was just told they weren't on the list and was assigned someone random.

But if you all really want the list, I could do it.

[kristalsnow7]

I am interested, too, and just sent you an email, Susan. Thanks so much for suggesting this. I think it's a great idea!

[MrsReber]

Originally posted by slknight


Hmmm. I hadn't thought of sharing the list of names. I think part of the fun is keeping it secret, so that you don't even no who could have sent the package. On the other board, I happened to request a name of someone who wasn't on the list, and was just told they weren't on the list and was assigned someone random.

But if you all really want the list, I could do it.

The original way is fine. I was just wondering what would happen if you requested someone who wasn't on the list. Sounds like you have it covered.

[slknight]

Originally posted by slknight


Hmmm. I hadn't thought of sharing the list of names. I think part of the fun is keeping it secret, so that you don't even no who could have sent the package. On the other board, I happened to request a name of someone who wasn't on the list, and was just told they weren't on the list and was assigned someone random.

But if you all really want the list, I could do it.

Um, yikes! That would be "know," not NO!! Sheesh.

[Julia1Pin]

You do realize that once the person recieves the package they'll know who it's from from the return address?

That being said, it sounds like fun. You never know if or when you'll recieve something nice from someone

[slknight]

Originally posted by Julia1Pin
You do realize that once the person recieves the package they'll know who it's from from the return address?

Most people on the other board have simply been putting "B. Fairy" as the return address. I suppose some people could figure out the sender from the post mark though.

[tbb113]

Originally posted by Julia1Pin
You do realize that once the person recieves the package they'll know who it's from from the return address?

That being said, it sounds like fun. You never know if or when you'll recieve something nice from someone

Only if they include their name. Otherwise it would be hard to know with 100% certainity who sent the package.

[LaraW]

This is a really nice idea, Susan.

[Peggy]

Great idea, Susan! Thanks for organizing this. I will e-mail you!

Peggy

[donleyk]

Can the item(s) be home made? I just want to make sure I understand. Thanks for doing this Susan.

[slknight]

Originally posted by donleyk
Can the item(s) be home made? I just want to make sure I understand. Thanks for doing this Susan.

It can be whatever you want it to be.

The other board is a parenting board. It started when some members started discussing the Ghiradelli brownie mix and how much they liked it. Since some people couldn't find it, some other members sent it (the boxed mix - not the baked brownies) to them as a surprise. Hence, the name "Brownie Fairy."

Some of the things that people have gotten are brownie mix, chocolate, bubble bath and other bath stuff, candles, and toys/special items for the children. It really can be anything you want - $15 to $20 limit.

I think one of the coolest things you can do is "research" the name you receive and see if there's anything they really want. For example, someone may have mentioned they want a silicone wisk or a particular cookbook. Or someone may have pets, so you might include a gift for them in the box. It can be one item, or small ones. Totally up to you!

[HRJ]

Thanks for doing this Susan -- what a cute idea. I just e-mailed you.

One more question -- will you now be sending us the name of someone we can "surprise," or do we have to contact you again in the future to get someone's name?

Helene

[KimE]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Kim E

[slknight]

Originally posted by HRJ
One more question -- will you now be sending us the name of someone we can "surprise," or do we have to contact you again in the future to get someone's name?

Hmm. Good question. My inclination is for you all to contact me again. Just because even if you want to do it, you might not want to do it today, kwim? On the other list, I submitted my name, but didn't request a name until a few weeks later when I had time. Of course, my package is still sitting here to mail.

Why don't we wait a week or so for people to keep submitting names, and then I'll post when I'm ready for requests (I need to make up a spreadsheet/database with everyone's info).

[pinky]

Playing to that insecure teenager inside of me:

What if no one picks you?

[Molli526]

Originally posted by Julia1Pin
You do realize that once the person recieves the package they'll know who it's from from the return address?

You can also send it from another city What fun it will be to try to figure out who was your fairy