Now is the season for local Christmas craft fairs out this way. It’s wonderful to have such a great “excuse” for spending an hour looking at the clever and creative things people do.
I’m in!
I definitely like getting things specific to the shipper’s area. One of my favorite mugs came from a Santa in Montreal. Any local foodstuffs would be great too! Thinking of things that aren’t available anywhere else, or that your area my be known for. There are no dietary restrictions or allergies; however, I do not like coconut or raspberry. I’m a runner and a Philly Eagles fan. I am also weirdly captivated by dinosaurs and Rocky Balboa 
Hurray and welcome! I love buying locally made crafts and this gives me an other reason to indulge myself!
What’s the polite way to say “I want something practical”?
Whoever winds up with your name will want guidance. After all, we are buying for perfect strangers and we hope they will like the presents we give them. How is simply saying, “I want something practical,” not “polite”?
I guess it is possible to state that preference IM-politely, thus: “Don’t sent me any dumb, useless frou-frou crap! It’s going straight in the trash!” But the same thought can be expressed helpfully, “I love practical things that I can use like small kitchen gadgets, gardening items, things for my desk, dog leashes. I’d love a box of 5,000 paperclips, as I can never find any in my house. Not so much into jewelry, bubble bath, or romance novels.” By all means, get specific.
It’s good that you’re wanting clarification. Others are probably wondering the same things.
Mainly, I don’t want craft items that are just for looking pretty. I have zero space for anything like that, and that is really my only objection. I also have no space for clothing that is highly occasion-specific. Ditto gadgets. I can find a space for a small book, especially one that I will actually, and might live in my backpack for a week, and then get lent around to other people until I forget where it is, and the giver wouldn’t care, as long as I enjoyed it once-- that is in contrast to, say, a coffee table-type book I’m meant to display.
I mean it when I say space around here is at a premium. It’s like a Mumbai slum. I took in a bunch of stuff of my mother’s, put what would fit into my storage space, where all the things like my books are, that had their own room back when I had a house, and now a lot of my mother’s stuff is gathering dust. I have sold everything possible, and given to extended family anything they wanted, and I have what is left. It’s stuff she accumulated over her life, and I don’t have the heart to cart to the dumpster-- although I’m sure that’s what happens when I die. Until then, unless we can afford a bigger place, every corner is crammed full.
My house is like that, too (to some extent). I downsized from a 2,200 sq ft house to 1,200 sq ft. I know a lot of treasures (especially books) collected over a lifetime (70-ish years) wound up in a dumpster somewhere. 
I can’t bring one new thing in the front door of this house unless I take something out the back door. That said, if you get something you don’t like and/or don’t have room for you can always re-gift (i.e., pass it on to someone else).
This is just an exercise we do for no particular reason except for the fun of it. Not a serious, heavy-duty thing.
I am in a similar mode. Though I’ve been here 3 years, I’m still downsizing stuff. A friend was horrified that I was willing to live in a warehouse, but I knew I had to figure out what I needed, and what I don’t. I just recycled/trashed three boxes of stuff. My space is slowly becoming livable. I have learned the art of enjoying things and then passing them on. I still like prezzies and I really like shopping for an unknown person at the other end.
I’m in.
I have provided a U.S. mailing address as I expect to be in the U.S. for Christmas. Which means I’ll be mailing stuff late.
I have a sweet tooth that won’t quit, so marshmallow, peppermint, caramel, are all good. And I like sweet and salty things mixed together, think salted caramel, for example. I even like Necco wafers, but not circus peanuts. 
Quirkly local stuff is good. I could use a warm scarf or knitted gloves/mittens are also good. Jewel tones are good.
Please, no magnets. Our fridge is built-in, so it means we use far fewer magnets than most people.
I’ve been wavering back and forth trying to decide and the balance finally tipped in favour of “to hell with it, do it!” I’ve participated in a couple of exchanges before and had a lot of fun (and cool presents). About me: Lampworker and beader. Make my own clothes and jewelry. Reader. Lover of dark chocolate. No food-related allergies. Slave to a pair of Maine Coon sisters.
Willing to ship internationally.
Looking forward to this!
das Glas’
I’m in! Love gardening, pierced earrings, stationery and stickers, chocolate. All colors are cool. Really appreciate anything handmade.
Thanks for putting this together! It’s one of my favorite things to do every year.
Welcome both of you, I’m glad you are here! Pet owners are so easy, we are suckers for new toys!
And sometimes we even let our pets play with the toys! 
Speak for yourself. That catnip mousie is mine, ALL MINE!
Wow, you guys manage to play with the toys? Imma gunna have to have a lil talk with my feline overlords!
I’m getting excited! I’m getting excited! 
I like our emojis. So sue me.
Oh, I guess American Thanksgiving hasn’t come yet, so there’s still time to sign up.
Yes, and I’m sorry for not remembering that other folks celebrate Thanksgiving at different times.
It’s okay. The deadline date is right in your original post.
Sorry, I’ve just been a bit out of it lately.
I can be very unclear at times so its all good. I will be giving out names on Thursday, so sign up fast!