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Organizing a gift exchange is a fun, thoughtful way to celebrate the holidays with family, friends, or colleagues. By planning the details, such as the participants, the rules, the budget and selecting the gifts, you can make this festive event a success that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a guide to organizing a memorable holiday gift exchange:

Step 1: Determine Participants and Type of Exchange

First, confirm who will participate. For large groups, using an online platform such as Facebook or Google to send out invites, manage names, gift exchange details, and reminders can help. Once the participants are set, choose the type of exchange that suits your group best:

• Secret Santa: Classic and simple, Secret Santa involves randomly drawing names prior to the exchange so that each person buys for the name they drew. After the exchange, the recipient tries to guess who the gift is from.
• White Elephant: In this version, participants buy a general gift within a set price range. Gifts are drawn randomly, and participants can ‘steal’ previously drawn gifts. White Elephant adds humour and is a great fit for family or office gatherings.
• Themed Exchange: Pick a fun theme like “Cozy Night In” or “Holiday Snacks” to add a twist to your gift exchange. A theme encourages creativity and ensures all gifts fit the holiday vibe.
• Gift Card Swap: Each participant brings a gift card of equal value, which they swap or pick randomly from a collection. This is ideal if you're looking for ease of participation, even gift values, and a great chance for everyone to enjoy their present.

Step 2: Set a Budget

To keep things fair and manageable, set a spending limit that everyone can agree on. A lower budget may work better for less intimate groups, while smaller family gatherings could allow for higher price points. Make sure to communicate this limit clearly so everyone feels comfortable.

Step 3: Choose and Bundle Gift Cards

Gift cards from FundScrip participating retailers make fantastic holiday gifts because they’re practical, versatile, and appeal to all ages and interests. Here are ten top gift card choices available through FundScrip, with creative ideas for presenting them:

• Simons
  
  • Why It’s Great: A Canadian favourite, Simons offers stylish clothing, accessories, and home décor.
  • Presentation Idea: Attach the card to a small plush ornament or tuck it in a cozy scarf.
• TJX Canada (WINNERS, HomeSense, Marshalls)
  
  • Why It’s Great: WINNERS, HomeSense and Marshalls have something for everyone, from fashion to home goods.
  • Presentation Idea: Wrap the card with a holiday-themed candle, hand towel, or kitchenware. For a touch of elegance, you could also put the card in a small decorative box, wrapped in a ribbon.
• Indigo, Chapters and Coles
  
  • Why It’s Great: Perfect for book lovers, Indigo also has home goods, games, and gifts.
  • Presentation Idea: Pair with a cute bookmark or wrap it inside a notebook.
• Cineplex
  
  • Why It’s Great: For movie enthusiasts, a Cineplex gift card promises an entertaining night out or in with Cineplex’s rental options.
  • Presentation Idea: Place it in a popcorn bucket or wrap it with a candy box.
• Petro-Canada™
  
  • Why It’s Great: A Petro-Canada™ gift card is practical gift that’s always appreciated.
  • Presentation Idea: Attach it to a car air freshener or mini travel accessory kit.
• Canadian Tire
  
  • Why It’s Great: Known for home, auto, and sports needs, Canadian Tire appeals to many interests.
  • Presentation Idea: Place it in a mini toolbox or wrap it with a cozy winter blanket.
• Uber/Uber Eats
  
  • Why It’s Great: An Uber gift card is both convenient and useful for those who love food delivery or might need a ride during the holidays.
  • Presentation Idea: Uber: Pair the card with a keychain or attach it to a mini luggage tag. Uber Eats: Wrap it in restaurant flyers or within a to-go container with cute reusable napkins.
• Walmart
  
  • Why It’s Great: A versatile present like a Walmart gift card is ideal for everyday essentials, holiday treats, and more.
  • Presentation Idea: Place it in a reusable holiday-themed shopping bag for a practical touch.
• Foodtastic
  
  • Why It’s Great: The Foodtastic dining gift card offers access to a variety of popular restaurant brands, making it a tasty choice.
  • Presentation Idea: Place the card inside a mini menu booklet or a small, customized "Foodie Passport" that lists participating Foodtastic restaurants.
• AnyCard
  
  • Why It’s Great: AnyCard provides flexibility, allowing the recipient to choose from multiple retailers.
  • Presentation Idea: Include it with a “Things To Do Scratch Off” Poster that emphasizes some of the experiences that can be made possible with AnyCard.

Step 4: Make It Festive

Once your gifts are set, add some holiday flair. A decorated area with festive music and a comfortable seating arrangement can make the exchange extra special. Add holiday candles, ornaments, or snacks to create a fun and cozy atmosphere.

By planning your holiday gift exchange with these details in mind, you’ll create an event that is both organized and memorable. Giving FundScrip gift cards with a festive presentation can offer a personalized touch, ensuring everyone leaves with a gift they'll love, all while supporting a worthy cause through gift card fundraising. The team at FundScrip would like to wish you a holiday season filled with cheer and thoughtful giving.