One. Hundred. Exchanges.

Wow. What a journey. You guys have taken an idea and helped us turn redditgifts into something truly amazing. It makes us happy every single day to be a part of such a phenomenal community that spreads happiness all around the world.

A large part of what makes redditgifts so great is the connections people make all around the world. The world is a big place, and the internet is a big place. And sometimes it's really easy to feel really alone, even when you're surrounded by people. It's easy to get lost and disappear in the crowd. But these gift exchanges combat that. Suddenly you are a person who matters to at least one other person out there. And you have the opportunity to do the same for someone else--to pull them out from the crowd and set them apart as someone who is important to you.

One of our participants, /u/thanks_for_breakfast, summed it up best: "redditgifts is a group of total strangers from all over the world who have managed to form a community held together by one thing--being thoughtful and generous to one another. It's amazing that a group of people who have never met each other, and probably never will, can come together to form such a strong, connected community. Being a part of redditgifts is being a part of something huge and magical. If Santa were real, he'd be jealous."

And that, guys, is absolutely true, and we are so excited to celebrate this huge milestone with you. Today we decided to take some time to reflect on some of the highlights and magic and happiness we’ve enjoyed over the last few years.

November 11, 2009: /u/kickme444 first posts about his idea in /r/askreddit

Favorite Gifts That Gave Us the Feels

SS participant /u/mumzie has a severe condition that means she can’t go outside during the day, so her Secret Santa took her on a virtual field trip to Buffalo Bill’s gravesite. (More background information here.)

One exchange participant talked about his social anxieties and desire to learn how to get more friends and overcome his awkwardness, so his Santa put together an intricate social scavenger hunt (complete with supplies, levels, instructions, and motivation!) to help him break out of his shell and become more outgoing throughout the year.

Who knew a simple coffee mug could bring tears to someone’s eyes?

/u/Bananahs suddenly became very ill and found herself diagnosed with cancer and in the hospital, and her Santa's generous gift made all the difference during such a difficult time.

After recently ending a nine-year relationship and a terrible couple weeks, /u/Jnang says “the kindness of one person gave me enough hope to finally get off the couch and get down to business.”

Gifts That Made Us LOL

Favorite Gifts That Were Super Creative

One of our favorite gifts of all time, sent the very first year of Secret Santa: the gift that required surgery in order to get to the gifts. (And this year he outdid himself even more!)

8 secret envelopes that take the receiver on an adventure that includes eating the Flying Spaghetti Monster for dinner.

The ridiculously sophisticated and awesome portrait one participant received of himself.

An exchange participant has to answer riddles in order to get the GPS location of his present, then go find it!

Wow Very Much Generous Gifts

And tons of Kindles, tablets, home gaming systems, guitars, telescopes, charitable donations, and more!

Celebrities Who Like to Hang Out With Us

(To name just a few.)

Join in the fun now. Sign up for Secret Santa 2014!