It's the most wonderful time of the year: the Food52 Holiday Swap is back for 2021. And the best part? It's back in full swing.
If you haven't been involved in the Swap before, here's the backstory: 11 years ago, F52er Noëlle (aka, enbe) posted on the Hotline, suggesting a simple food-centered gift exchange between members of the community.
Each of those years, F52ers have sent the most incredible, thoughtful gifts to each other (to see all the joy, check out #f52holidayswap, plus the Swap's very own Instagram account here). Our community is also thoughtful in giving back: All participants donate to Food52's annual charity partner. This year, we're excited to support Feeding America®: For 40 years, Feeding America® has responded to the hunger crisis in America by providing food to people in need through a nationwide network of food banks.
In 2020, we made the most of a tricky situation. To keep our community safe—and to give back a little extra—we put on a virtual version of the Swap, and asked participants to either send their Swapee a different kind of gift: one from the Food52 Shop that we'd handle the fulfillment for, or a beloved family recipe via email. In addition to the donation required to enter the Swap, we donated all profits from the Shop gifts to No Kid Hungry—and thanks to your help and generosity, were able to raise over $23,353 (!!!).
This year, we're going back to the Swap in its original form: We're asking folks to mail a care package of their choosing to their Swap match directly (including at least one homemade item, if you're able!).
And since we're committed to raising as much as we can for Feeding America®, we are asking that Swap participants donate at least $10 in order to participate this year via this link. If this isn't possible for you, but you still want to join in the Swap, please email us at [email protected].
Holiday Swap Entry Donation
$10–$200
More Options
Shop Holiday Swap Entry Donation Now
1) Fill out your information in this form by November 16, 5pm ET. (You'll need to sign up for a Food52 account first if you don't already have one.)
2) Before you're able to submit your sign-up form, you'll need to contribute a donation of at least $10 to Feeding America®. Click here to access the donation link.
3) Receive an email with your Giftee's name and information by November 23. Make sure to add [email protected] to your address book so the email doesn't get sent to your spam folder. (And note that even though that we call it a "swap," you'll more than likely send to and receive a holiday surprise from different folks, getting a chance to interact with two F52ers instead of one!)
4) The best part: Prepare a holiday surprise for your Giftee! We ask that you send out your gift by December 6.
5) Get a surprise in the mail from your Secret Swapper and open with glee! Take pictures of your special token and share them on Instagram—tag us @food52holidayswap with #f52holidayswap.
If you cannot afford the $10 entry fee, please email us at [email protected]; if you can spare more, consider it an act of good faith for Feeding America® and other Swap participants.
We're sorry, but we cannot accept late sign-ups!
The swap is open world-wide! As it can be expensive to ship to other countries or outside of the continental U.S., if you are based in one of these areas, we will do our best to match you with someone nearby. If by some reason you are matched with someone too far away to send a timely/cost-effective gift, email us [email protected].
- Please make sure to use the email address associated with your Food52 account as you use to fill out sign-up form.
Please do not mail items in an envelope or a soft-sided box—packages have been crushed in the mail. One participant mentioned USPS flat rate boxes are a good option they remain the same price no matter the weight.
Click here to access the sign-up form.
Click here to access the donation link.
Reach out to [email protected] with any further questions.
Choose your holiday adventure! Our Automagic Menu Maker is here to help.
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Written by: Rebecca Firkser
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42 Comments
it was a severe disappointment.
It was as if no thought had been put into it, and felt like random remnants from their pantry. Nothing at all that indicated holiday in any way. My son said I should request a 'do over' but that isn't likely to happen. There was no way this could have been valued at approx $25.00 as suggested by Food 52.
This year was a bit different for me. I put a box together that I would love to receive, communicate it's shipping date, have a tracking number, and needed to check if the item was received (I waited a couple of days to ask as it's a busy time). Two days later my response was yes and "it was fun". A beautifully written thank you note makes my heart sing. This did not.
My sender sent a wonderful box, communicated all the shipping details to me, and we shared a few communications. However, sharing that she googled my address and proceeded to comment on my house, etc. seemed just a bit creepy to me. She called it nosy, I feel it a bit intrusive, and ended any further comments. Which may likely have happened as a natural course.
I hope many boxes of joy arrive at many doorsteps. It's a wonderful cause and a nice way to share kindnesses with others.
Happy Holidays!
I got a basic email thanks from my swapee.
The person who has me as the recipient hasn't sent anything. Sigh! It's discouraging.
Also,I think that's great advice even if you are a newbie: put together a box that you would want to open!
thank you
Michelle
But I got an email saying that they didn't see me and signed up. Please let me know if I need to reregister
Sign up form: https://forms.gle/9UX76jzJWkaxHD3S7
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