To be cross about this children's secret Santa ishoooo

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

I am hosting our annual NCT Christmas/birthday party this year. The DC's are 2. We are doing a secret Santa and, last night, DH drew the names.

So, I was just about to email everyone with the names this morning but we that we all have an email from another one of the mothers saying she is happy to set up an electronic name picker thing from a website. That has put my nose slightly out of joint but, meh, whatever

What I don't like though is apparently this site has a wish list So you can put on what your DC would like to receive. AIBU to think this is rather bad form?

Don't get me wrong, family members often ask me what the DC would like for Xmas and I do the same too. However, I think it's a bit much to expect someone to ensure that they have a gift that has been specifically specified by the parent for the purposes of a secret Santa?

I like the online things... if people pick the names, then someone knows who is buying for them (and also who is buying for each other person). The online thing means everyone can join in and no-one has to know! I don't think you have to follow the wish list. I'm doing the Elfster one in a group and have filled out the list but only as some examples.

They are 2, it's more than likely that the gift you have bought will be suitable whatever name comes out? I agree with the others, say it's too late for this year but what a good idea for next year... then as a group next year you can decide whether to use the online name-picker or not and whether to do the wish lists or not.

I would of though that it might be good to have a wish list so that any toys bought already for Christmas, from Family etc, isn't given as a Secret Santa.

I don't see the point of buying toys that have to be given away, so the child gets nothing, surely if you are spending £10, then you want the child to have a present they can enjoy.

I hate SS's, though and any unwanted/needed extra crap buying, in general.

OP, I think you're overthinking this. Just email back and say thanks, but you've already sorted it out this year, and she needs to buy for xxx. Let her host it next year and do it her way; but you're in charge of this one.

I know you're hosting the party but had it been agreed that you would also draw for ss? If not I can't see why your names out of a hat trumps her website. I actually prefer the website ones as it is truly secret then. If it's just the wish list element that you disagree with, then just email the group saying you won't use the wish list as you've already bought the present and your dc will appreciate anything. Makes the point and make others think twice about filling in the wish list too.