It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the holidays are so close that we’ve started contemplating the gifts we’ll give, the feasts we’ll prepare, and the Holiday Swap gifts we’ll mail this year. The Food52 Holiday Swap is a super generous, mostly anonymous, 100% heartwarming gift exchange we’ve been facilitating since 2011. Here’s how it works: You sign up to send a small food-focused gift to a fellow Food52er, we’ll match you . with a community member who agrees to do the same, and then they mail each other a box of gifts. If you needed any proof that the world is still full of kind souls, this is the answer.
Cookies, preserves, kitchen utensils, lovely linens, cookbooks, delicious souvenirs from your travels or the farmer’s market are all valid items to include in your Swap gift; We just ask that your treats be unique and thoughtful (and within the $25 range). If you are sending edible gifts, also ensure that all food is handled and packaged following proper food safety guidelines and provide a detailed list of ingredients with your gift to help your Swapper avoid potential allergens. (Be sure to read our FAQ below before signing up!)
Originally organized by community member enbe, who came up with this brilliant idea, the Swap is now run by myself in partnership with our contributing editor, Nicole.
We’re going old school with this year’s Holiday Swap, as we ask Swappers to make a charitable donation before registering to participate, a feature of previous Swaps. Our charity partner this year is Action Against Hunger, and all you need to do to participate is donate a minimum of $5 and have your receipt ready when you sign up. This helps make the exchange much more meaningful and helps us know that you are real.
Just like last year, we’ll introduce you (via email) to your Swapper before it’s time to exchange gifts because we think it helps make the exchange easier – you can let your partner know when their gift is in the mail and hopefully make a lasting connection. It also adds another bit of responsibility to the exchange.
We can’t wait to see what this year’s Swap brings, literally. Be sure to post your boxing and unboxing with the hashtag #food52holidayswap). Read on to find out how to join.
By subscribing to this exchange, you promise to send a gift. You will also notify your Swap partner when your gift arrives in the mail (no later than December 11).
By signing up for this exchange, you also agree to donate to Action Against Hunger. Have your receipt ready BEFORE registering for the Swap. You’ll need it to verify that you’ve made a donation before we match you with a fellow Swapper!
Register here: The registration period runs from now until November 17. You’ll receive your Secret Swapper information by November 26, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (and maybe before). Be sure to check your spam/junk folders regularly for Swap-related emails, as our communications sometimes end up there!
Please use this form if you reside in the US.
Use this form if you live outside the US.
What gift should I give? We recommend that you spend or give a gift worth the equivalent of $25, not including shipping costs. These could include cookies, jams, nuts or granola; unique treats you buy at your farmers market, local store, or on your travels; anything special that can be easily sent by mail. (Here are some ideas.) Consider what your Swap partner likes and doesn’t like, take a look at your Food52 profile on the site if you have one to see what recipes you save, and then send what you think your Swap partner would love.
What about food allergies? When you sign up, you’ll be able to write down any allergies or restrictions, so your Swap partner knows what No to send. We will also do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and/or allergies, but we cannot guarantee this.*
*Disclaimer: By participating in the Food52 Holiday Swap, you acknowledge that Food52 is not responsible for any issues arising from the exchange, including but not limited to lost packages, foodborne illnesses, or allergic reactions.
Mail your package on or before Wednesday, December 11 and email your Swapper when you do. We hope everyone who registers keeps their promise to send a gift. Based on previous Holiday Swaps, most do. But if you don’t receive a gift, be patient (you may receive your gift later than expected) and compassionate (we are all human and not everything in life goes as planned). You’ll also have your Swapper’s contact information and can (kindly!) follow up with them. Most Swappers in the US choose to use USPS flat rate boxes, which cost between $16 and $25 and ship to and from anywhere in the United States.
Show us what you give away and what you get. Take photos or videos of your boxing and unboxing and share them on Instagram or TikTok with the hashtag #f52holidayswap.
Thank your Swapper by email. We can’t say enough about how essential this step is, so try not to forget it, please!
How did the Holiday Swap start? In 2011, F52er Noëlle (aka enbe) suggested a simple food-focused gift exchange on our Hotline. Our community seized the opportunity and a tradition was born. He then facilitated the exchange year after year, no small task for one person. In 2018 alone, it ensured that 1,107 people from 15 countries around the world participated in the fun. (It was a great feat, The New York Times We’ve got you covered!) Now we carry the torch and look forward to hearing about all your sweet gifts.
Are you excited for this year’s Swap? Do you have questions about how it works? Tell us below!
