Have you ever gotten something you really wanted in a Secret Santa exchange? No? Me either… and yet still, people insist on having these events every year.
Secret Santas, White Elephants, and Pollyanas are all types of secret gift exchanges that happen during the holiday season. The only problem is that they don’t usually have the best results. Oftentimes, you’re given a gifting minimum and maximum. But unless the person who pulls your name knows you well, you’re probably just going to get some random junk. For example, you might end up with some expired cookies, or some bubble bath when you only have a shower, or a shirt that’s 3 sizes too big. It often ends up regifted, or even just given back for next year’s Secret Santa exchange!
I think these things have fallen out of fashion a bit, probably because you can buy very highly customizable stuff online. Giving someone a generic gift just because is a bit wasteful. And in today’s day and age, who has money to waste on gifts that won’t be appreciated anyway?
Not to mention that some people will take the exchange seriously, putting thought and effort into their present choices, while others just whiff on the whole thing and give joke presents. Like, is a bottle of car cleaner really a hilarious joke, or are you just cleaning out your garage and feeling lazy?
Some people were kind enough to share the wild and crazy “gifts” they got in their own gift exchanges. I mean, does bubble wrap count as a gift? I think not. But that’s not even the worst thing someone received from a coworker or friend, as you can read all about down below.
