It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the holidays are so close that we’ve begun to contemplate the gifts we’ll be giving, the feasts we’ll be making, and the Holiday Swap goodies we’ll be mailing this year. The Food52 Holiday Swap is a super generous, mostly anonymous, 100% heartwarming gift exchange that we’ve facilitated since 2011. Here’s how it works: You sign up to send a small, food-centric gift to a fellow Food52er, we match you with a community member who agrees to do the same, and then you mail each other a box of goodies. If you needed any proof that the world is still filled with kind souls, this is it.
Cookies, preserves, kitchen gadgets, lovely linens, cookbooks, tasty souvenirs from your travels or the farmers market are all fair game to put 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, please 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 any 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 managed by myself in partnership with our Contributing Editor, Nicole.
We are going old-school with this year’s Holiday Swap in that we’re asking Swappers to make a charitable donation before they sign up to participate, a feature of past Swaps. Our charitable partner this year is Action Against Hunger, and all you need to do to take part is donate a minimum of $5 and have your receipt ready when you sign up. This helps make the Swap that much more meaningful—and helps us know you’re for real.
Like last year, we will introduce you (via email) to your Swapper before it’s time to exchange gifts because we think it helps make Swapping easier—you can tell your partner when your gift is in the mail, and hopefully make a lasting connection. It also adds another bit of accountability to the exchange.
We can’t wait to see what this year’s Swap will bring—literally. Be sure to post your boxing and unboxing with the hashtag #food52holidayswap). Read on for how to join.
By signing up for this swap, you are promising to send a gift. You’ll also be notifying your Swap partner when your gift is in the mail (no later than December 11).
By signing up for this swap, you are also agreeing to donate to Action Against Hunger. Have your receipt ready BEFORE you sign up for the Swap. You’ll need it to verify that you’ve made a donation before we will match you with a fellow Swapper!
Sign up here: The sign up period runs from now until November 17. You’ll receive your Secret Swapper’s information by Nov. 26, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (and perhaps sooner). Please be sure to check your spam/junk folders regularly for emails related to the Swap as our communications sometimes end up there!
Use this form if you reside in the U.S.
Use this form if you live outside of the U.S.
What gift should I give? We encourage you to spend or make a gift equal in value to $25—not including the shipping costs. These could include cookies, jams, nuts, or granola; unique treats you purchase from your farmers market, a local store, or your travels; anything special that can be easily mailed. (Here are some ideas.) Consider what your Swap partner likes and dislikes, peek at their Food52 profile on the site if they have one to see what recipes they 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 note any allergies or restrictions, so your Swap partner will know what not to send. We will also do our best to match dietary restrictions and/or allergies like for like, but 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.
Drop your package in the mail before or by Wednesday, December 11 and send an email to your Swapper when you do. We hope everyone who signs up follows through with their promise to send a gift. Based upon past Holiday Swaps, most do. But if you do not receive a gift, be patient (you may just receive your gift later than you anticipated) and compassionate (we’re all human and not everything in life goes according to plan). You will 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 will ship to and from any location in the United States.
Show us what you gift—and get! Take pictures or videos of your boxing and unboxing and share them on Instagram or TikTok with the tag #f52holidayswap.
Thank your Swapper by email. We can’t say enough how essential this step is, so try not to forget, please!
How did the Holiday Swap begin? In 2011, F52er Noëlle (aka, enbe) suggested a simple, food-centered gift exchange on our Hotline. Our community jumped at the chance and a tradition was born. She then facilitated the swap year after year—no small endeavor for one person. In 2018 alone, she made sure 1,107 people from 15 countries around the globe took part in the fun. (It was such a feat, The New York Times covered it!) We’re now carrying the torch—and look forward to hearing about all your sweet gifts.
Excited for this year’s Swap? Have questions on how it works? Tell us below!
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