It is always sad to see the posts about those who are new to redditgifts and the first exchange doesn't work out. I wonder about how that experience impacts people's decision to try another one. Well, I wanted to share my thoughts as well as express my thanks to an awesome community! For me, the exchange is about the power of community and the capacity so many have to make others happy. It is so cool that there are so many people that can take a stranger's likes and wants to find, make, or buy a gift just for them. Over the years I have been the recipient of so much thoughtfulness. Not a day goes by that I don't come across a redditgift from a stranger. There is always at least one item close by reminding me that there are awesome folks doing awesome things! I have a scarf on today that I absolutely love. This morning I walked by a handdrawn picture of my dog drinking coffee and doing Sudoku(it is amazing). Last night it was freezing and I threw on a blanket with my dogs face on it. I drank coffee from a mug with Hamilton lyrics on it. I keep writing supplies in a wooden box that was made for a puzzle exchange which also included a wood-burned ornament of my dog's adorable face. I am at my desk at work and I see a traveling coffee mug I got from an exchange! And every day, I will spend a few seconds thinking "thanks again random Santa!" I hope that anyone reading this who has sent me a gift knows I am thanking them again. All this to say, it is about the long game and not one particular exchange. And you know what....I actually can't even think about any of the times I didn't get a gift or one that may not have matched anything about me!

Bring on the next round!!