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All About the Gift Exchange
Our members started the holiday gift exchange over a decade ago. It now runs twice a year, for summer anniversary celebrations and end-of-the-year festivities, and is one of the most beloved parts of our community. It’s a wonderful way to meet other players and make new friends.
How to use this guide
This guide has a lot of information because it is designed to be as in-depth as possible. Don’t worry, you don’t need to read it all in one go. You can use it as a reference for whatever part of the process you are currently in. You will see “gift exchange” abbreviated as “GE” throughout this guide.
What do the levels look like?
Level 1 is for first-time gifters, and those only wishing to gift a few things. At level 1 you are expected to send gifts worth 25,000 hbs.
Level 2 is for the average participant and it is expected to send gifts worth 250,000 hbs. Most players will gift at level 2.
Level 3 is for those who want to go super over-the-top extravagant. The expected amount is 2.5 million hbs but most level 3 gifters give gifts many times more valuable than that. Level 3 is by invitation only.
You must complete each prior level to move up to the next one.
The GE calendar
Each exchange lasts for 6 weeks:
May and November 15th: Entries open on the 15th and you have until the end of the month to sign up for the exchange and carefully fill out your wish list. More detailed wishlists are always preferable
June and December 1st: At the start of the month you will be randomly assigned someone from your participation level to give gifts to. (You will never be expected to give more than the level you signed up for.) You will be shown their wishlist and have two weeks to plan and shop for their gifts.
June and December 15th: You can give gifts anonymously during this week.
June and December 22nd: You should reveal yourself and give any remaining gifts openly this week. Please keep in mind, that you might not get any gifts before this.
July and January Post Exchange: You are REQUIRED to fill out the post-exchange feedback form, as it is how we rate the participation of all members. It only takes a few minutes, and not filling it out will result in penalties to your future exchange participation.
Signing Up
How to find the Gift Exchange
Who can sign up
Level 1 really is for you!
How to qualify for Level 1
How to qualify for other levels
Do I have to move up?
Creating Your Wishlist
Be specific
Example Level 1 Wishlists
What to ask for at Level 1
What not to ask for at Level 1
Level 2 Wishlists
Level 3 Wishlists
Random Acts of Gifting
Signing up on multiple accounts
After you sign up
During the Exchange
Once you have been assigned your recipient you can check out their wishlist and start making a shopping plan. Don’t worry if you don’t understand parts of the list. This guide will break down some common confusion points, and there are several ways to get help.
On the 1st you will be sent your assignment’s wish list. You can start planning and shopping now.
On the 15th the gift exchange page will have forms where you can send your gifts directly and secretly to your recipient. Any gift that can be sent via the exchange page should be. It tracks the gifts and lets your recipient know when you have sent something.
On the 22nd you should reveal yourself to your recipient. If you don’t do this the game will reveal you before the end of the exchange but it is always best to send a nice little note letting them know it was you. You can do this in your gift exchange chat with them or via a forum private message.
- Getting Help
- How to Be a Great Gifter
- Gift Exchange Etiquette
- How do I…
After the Exchange
- What if I receive no gifts?
- Feedback and the Exchange Audit