It’s essentially the most great time of the yr—the vacations are so shut that we’ve begun to ponder the items we’ll be giving, the feasts we’ll be making, and the Vacation Swap goodies we’ll be mailing this yr. The Food52 Vacation Swap is a brilliant beneficiant, principally nameless, 100% heartwarming reward change that we’ve facilitated since 2011. Right here’s the way it works: You signal as much as ship a small, food-centric reward to a fellow Food52er, we match you with a group member who agrees to do the identical, and then you definitely mail one another a field of goodies. In the event you wanted any proof that the world remains to be crammed with form souls, that is it.

Cookies, preserves, kitchen devices, pretty linens, cookbooks, tasty souvenirs out of your travels or the farmers market are all truthful sport to place in your Swap reward—we simply ask that your treats be distinctive and considerate (and throughout the $25 vary). In case you are sending edible items, please additionally be certain that all meals is dealt with and packaged following correct meals security tips and supply an in depth record of elements together with your reward to assist your Swapper keep away from any potential allergens. (You’ll want to learn our FAQ under earlier than signing up!)

Initially organized by group member enbe, who got here up with this good thought, the Swap is now managed on my own in partnership with our Contributing Editor, Nicole.

We’re going old-school with this yr’s Vacation Swap in that we’re asking Swappers to make a charitable donation earlier than they signal as much as take part, a function of previous Swaps. Our charitable companion this yr is Motion In opposition to Starvation, and all you could do to participate is donate a minimal of $5 and have your receipt prepared whenever you join. This helps make the Swap that rather more significant—and helps us know you’re for actual.

Like final yr, we are going to introduce you (through e mail) to your Swapper earlier than it’s time to change items as a result of we predict it helps make Swapping simpler—you possibly can inform your companion when your reward is within the mail, and hopefully make a long-lasting connection. It additionally provides one other little bit of accountability to the change.

We are able to’t wait to see what this yr’s Swap will convey—actually. You’ll want to put up your boxing and unboxing with the hashtag #food52holidayswap). Learn on for easy methods to be a part of.

By signing up for this swap, you might be promising to ship a present. You’ll even be notifying your Swap companion when your reward is within the mail (no later than December 11).

By signing up for this swap, you might be additionally agreeing to donate to Motion In opposition to Starvation. Have your receipt prepared BEFORE you join the Swap. You may want it to confirm that you just’ve made a donation earlier than we are going to match you with a fellow Swapper!

Enroll right here: The join interval runs from now till November 17. You may obtain your Secret Swapper’s data by Nov. 26, the Wednesday earlier than Thanksgiving (and maybe sooner). Please make sure you verify your spam/junk folders frequently for emails associated to the Swap as our communications generally find yourself there!

Use this manner when you reside within the U.S.

Use this manner when you stay exterior of the U.S.

What reward ought to I give? We encourage you to spend or make a present equal in worth to $25—not together with the delivery prices. These may embody cookies, jams, nuts, or granola; distinctive treats you buy out of your farmers market, an area retailer, or your travels; something particular that may be simply mailed. (Listed here are some concepts.) Take into account what your Swap companion likes and dislikes, peek at their Food52 profile on the positioning if they’ve one to see what recipes they save, after which ship what you assume your Swap companion would love.

What about meals allergy symptoms? If you join, you’ll be capable to notice any allergy symptoms or restrictions, so your Swap companion will know what not to ship. We may even do our greatest to match dietary restrictions and/or allergy symptoms like for like, however can not assure this.*

*Disclaimer: By taking part within the Food52 Vacation Swap, you acknowledge that Food52 will not be accountable for any points arising from the change, together with however not restricted to misplaced packages, foodborne sicknesses, or allergic reactions.

Drop your bundle within the mail earlier than or by Wednesday, December 11 and ship an e mail to your Swapper whenever you do. We hope everybody who indicators up follows by means of with their promise to ship a present. Primarily based upon previous Vacation Swaps, most do. But when you don’t obtain a present, be affected person (chances are you’ll simply obtain your reward later than you anticipated) and compassionate (we’re all human and never all the things in life goes in keeping with plan). Additionally, you will have your Swapper’s contact data and might (kindly!) observe up with them. Most Swappers within the US select to make use of USPS flat price bins, which value between $16 and $25 and can ship to and from any location in the USA.

Present us what you reward—and get! Take footage or movies of your boxing and unboxing and share them on Instagram or TikTok with the tag #f52holidayswap.

Thank your Swapper by e mail. We won’t say sufficient how important this step is, so strive to not overlook, please!

How did the Vacation Swap start? In 2011, F52er Noëlle (aka, enbe) advised a easy, food-centered reward change on our Hotline. Our group jumped on the likelihood and a practice was born. She then facilitated the swap yr after yr—no small endeavor for one individual. In 2018 alone, she made positive 1,107 individuals from 15 international locations across the globe took half within the enjoyable. (It was such a feat, The New York Occasions coated it!) We’re now carrying the torch—and look ahead to listening to about all of your candy items.