New Zealand just one-upped everyone else’s Secret Santa plans with a nationwide gift exchange.
The country, which began the yearly tradition in 2010, carried out the holiday exchange using Twitter and its national postal service. More than 3,600 people took part — including the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern.
READ MORE: ‘Secret sister’ gift exchange on Facebook likely to leave you empty handed
This is how it works: New Zealanders sign up to play through the country’s postal service, and are sent the Twitter handle of the person they have to send a present to. They can then either make, find or buy the person a $10 present. The gift exchange’s website tells buyers to creep their recipients on Twitter, to learn about their interest and hobbies.
WATCH: Ideas for Christmas gifts
While the deadline to send a gift was just days ago, many have already received and opened their presents. Photos of the gifts, and accompanying messages, have been popping up on social media using the hashtag #NZSecretSanta.
The gifts include socks, books, and mugs — to name a few.
The prime minister also shared the present she received, a homemade Christmas tree ornament, in a Twitter video. Because of a slight mixup, the recently elected leader also received artwork from school children.
Rebecca Terry, who received a gift sent by Ardern, also posted photos online.
Terry thanked the prime minister for the gift — a book called Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and body lotion.
READ MORE: 12 Secret Santa gifts under $30 that your co-workers will actually like
A note accompanying the present read: “I really hope your girls like this book, and that you get some time to yourself and some R&R (which the other gift for you is all about!).”
While the massive gift exchanges are mostly successful, there are some “Bad Santas.” According to The Guardian, eight per cent of those who signed up didn’t send a gift in 2016.
Comments