SIGN UPS NOW CLOSED! but you can head on to our instagram @pretapapier to get some great gifting ideas from our UAE small business participants.

When mid November rolls around I get into the mood of the season. To me this season is about giving, making plans to spend time with family and finding ways to make each one of them feel loved, appreciated and full of those warm and fuzzy feelings that come naturally with this time of the year.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m the biggest elf or Santa’s helper and go all out to bring in all the little traditions and make some new ones with my own family and friends.

One of my favourite part of the this season has to be the gift giving. All through the year I hunt for hidden gems, I love discovering little mom and pop shops and online handmade businesses and support them by sharing them with family and friends over the festive season.

This year I wanted to do MORE for these amazing businesses. Being part of the small business community, I know how hard we’ve hard we’ve been hit this year and how hard we’ve all had to work to get to this point.

This idea came about because we all need a little extra joy this year! Introducing SHOP SMALL SECRET SANTA SWAP 2020! We may not have a big fancy office to draw names out of a hat, but that doesn’t stop us from signing up and having all the festive fun! Let’s celebrate each other! Do you own a small business in the UAE? See how you can participate below

And for everyone else, You’ll be privee to some great gift ideas from all these awesome business to add to your shopping list this year. Stay tuned to our Instagram posts @pretapapier and tag some awesome small business who you think may want to participate ( UAE businesses only this year…Sorry! But hopefully this will become a lovely tradition we repeat every year)

If there’s one thing you can do this year…GIVE BIG and SHOP SMALL!!

XOXO, Reesha

Schedule

November 17: Sign ups open!

November 25:  Sign ups close

November 26-28: Partner matching! All partner information will be sent by November 29 at the latest.

December 2: Last day to ship your package to your Secret Santa partner. If your business offers a gift wrap service, here’s you chance to show it off. This is your opportunity to make someone’s day.

December 3-6 : Receive and share your special gifts on your social media with #shopsmallsecretsantaswap so that everyone knows about all your amazing small businesses just in time for their holiday shopping

All the details:
What is the Shop Small Secret Santa Swap? The Shop Small Secret Santa Swap is a little game we play at this time of year.  I hope it will be a yearly tradition that we can start within the Small Business Community. You will be matched with a small business partner, (see what we did there?) who you will send a package TO. You will also be matched with someone who will send a package to YOU!

Who can participate? All small businesses in the UAE! The Shop Small Secret Santa Swap is open to anyone who completes the SIGN UP FORM. However, please do take this seriously. If you tick the “I’m all in” check box in the form then you ARE ALL IN!, please make sure that you are committed to sending a package. Nobody wants to be left without a present under the tree, that can be so disappointing. Please take this chance to make someone’s day!

Does it cost anything to sign up?
No! Signing up is free. Once sign up you will receive all the social media share images so that you can spread the word and let everyone know you support Shopping Small this year!

What needs to be in our package? Here’s your chance to show off what you do best. It’s the perfect opportunity to give something special and showcase your brand. It has to be something you make, something you sell to your customers, something that can be purchased from your store or online site. There is no limit on the price of your gift, as all our lovely businesses are unique. Nothing is too big or too small… But take the time to make someone’s day. Remember, all small businesses work just as hard as you do to build their dream company.

Can I pick my partner? No – the surprise is half the fun! Once you have completed the SIGN UP FORM, you will be be secretly paired up and you will receive the Instagram handle and email address of your partner.

Will you share my address? No – in fact, I won’t even ask for your address! You will be added to a private group on Instagram messenger. When partner information gets sent out, I will share your name, e-mail address, and Instagram name with your partner so that only they know how to get in touch with you, but you will need to provide them with your address to ship your package, if it’s not clearly shared publicly on your social network contact details. To make it easier you could share it within the private group or you can contact me on the group @pretapapier if you have trouble finding addresses.

What about shipping? Do I have to ship internationally? Well, not this year. We are currently only accepting UAE small businesses. When you complete the SIGN UP FORM, you will be asked if you are a business based in the UAE. If you aren’t, then unfortunately, you cannot participate this year but hopefully we can go global someday.

The UAE deadline for shipping your package is December 2. That said, SHIP EARLIER IF YOU CAN! Prepare what you have decided to give your Secret Santa partner early on so that you can have it beautifully wrapped and ready to send out on December 2, 2020.

This will give everyone a chance to receive their presents nice and early and be able to share it on social media with all the relevant hashtags and get the word out about your awesome business and product. You will be on gift lists, wish lists and gift guides all over the UAE!!!

One last note –This event is meant to be fun and festive. I ask that if you complete the survey and agree to sign up for the Shop Small Secret Santa Swap, that you are committing to participate and send a package. 
In addition, you are required to be kind and respectful to both of your partners. Rude and inappropriate behavior towards any member within the group is unacceptable and not tolerated. If this behavior is reported, you will be banned from participating in all future events with Pret a Papier.