If you are setting up a Secret Sister program for a women's group, we are here to help you have a successful experience.  First of all, please understand that the way a legitimate Secret Sister program was designed to operate was as a one-on-one surprise gifting experience.  This is meant to be done among a group of friends where each person does special things for one other person.

Here's how you do it.  Each person in the group should fill out a questionnaire/survey, telling a little bit about themselves. (Find a printable questionnaire below!) The completed surveys can be folded, and even placed into an envelope for added secrecy.  Every person in the group randomly selects a completed survey, no one knowing who anyone else selected (especially not knowing who picked theirs). Some people may have to reselect if they chose their own survey. (A leader could figure out how to correct this.)  Another idea is to have surveys completed from two sides of the room, each side taking a survey from a pile of completed surveys on the other side. One person can be in charge, and keep a record of who each person selects, or can determine their own match-ups and distribute the surveys accordingly. *

Whoever you picked is your Secret Sister - the one you will bless with random gifts, cards, or notes for a set duration of time. (A few weeks or months.)  Tip: Have a group rule for the secret-gifting frequency and a set price range for gifts.   If the rule for your group is that you should secretly encourage your Secret Sister once a week, do that! If everyone agrees to follow through with the rules, then you will also receive one encouragement a week from whoever chose your questionnaire.  Remember to keep it a secret, because that makes it more fun! 

To keep your identity a secret, here are some tips.  1.) Leave a gift or card somewhere that the person will find it, but not see you leaving it.  (Church foyer, front porch, distributed through an uninvolved friend, etc.)  2.)  Have something sent to her in the mail. (We specialize in doing this for you on our website!)  3.) The group leader could volunteer to hand out gifts from everyone.

After the designated length of time, your Secret Sister program will come to an end.  Someone (or the whole group) should plan a Secret Sister Reveal Party!  This will be a gathering for everyone who participated.  Make it a very special social event where everyone brings one last gift for their Secret Sister with a card that reveals their identity.  Find cards here.
Spend time reflecting on the experience together. Some women may even have stories to share about how encouragement reached them at a much needed time during the process.  It can be fun for everyone to guess who was their Secret Sister before the final gifts and cards are opened. Enjoy this time together, and make it a yearly event with a redistribution of names each year.  

 *Whoever is considered to be the person in charge with a master list of who-has-who should also be the contact person.  If there has been a length of time where a person has not participated, it should be addressed in order to make it fair for everyone involved.*

If you are looking for a creative activity to do, either by yourself or with a group of friends, we have some free coloring sheets you may print out!  These can even be added to a Secret Sister Card.  There is a wonderful inspirational coloring book that I would also suggest: Drawn from the Heart - It has forty devotions and encouraging scriptures included!

I really love giving beautiful gifts!  Wrapping and giving are my two favorite hobbies.  It brings me the biggest joy.   I don't need a reason.  I guess if there is a living person in my life, that is reason enough.  I don't always even know the person.  I can't really explain it, but I am so driven by bringing thoughtful beauty into someone's day!  Giving/Gifts - that's totally my love language, hands down. 

"It is too pretty to unwrap!"  Those are some of my favorite words.  And the people who unwrap a gift so carefully, smoothing out the paper and ribbon to reuse it - those are some of my favorite people.  The giving spirit is contagious.  It is the best feeling for me to know I just made someone's day brighter, and it is the best feeling for them to have a brightened day!  People need to know they are thought of, and thought of well.  It is a joyous celebration of loving others when we present a gift.  So we should present it well, as though we are creating a memory (for both of us) where someone knows they are loved.  Well loved.  With ALL of the extras.

The gift alone makes the person feel special.  The time and love put into making the gift look absolutely gorgeous makes her feel valuable.  Like, "You used your best paper and bow on a present for ME?"  That is priceless.  You are letting her know that she matters, she is loved and valued, and she is worth the best that you have to give!

May I encourage you to make the next gift, the best gift?  Make it fancy and glamorous. (It doesn't have to be expensive to be super beautiful.)  Be a little (or preferably a lot) "extra" for someone else.  I also hope someone does that for you.

Yes, it's the thought that counts.  I get that.  That's why I am very thoughtful in how beautifully I wrap something.  

Did you know that I would be honored to wrap any gift you order from the Secret Sister Gifts website?  There is an option for gift wrapping which you can add to your cart, and I would love to help you out with that.  (We are just sisters looking out for each other here.  Right, my friend?!)

Oh, and one more thing!  I just launched a Gift Wrapping Subscription Box through Priceless Handmade Gifts.  It makes it easy for you to wrap amazing gifts, by giving you the monthly supplies you need for stunning present-presentation.  I know you will love it!  (You're welcome.)

We are all blessed with God's amazing gifts, so let's bless others with amazing gifts, too!
Because she is priceless.  And so are you!
​-Alice 

What should I write in a card for my Secret Sister? You want her to feel important and special. Your gift to her should be inspirational, and the uplifting message with it should show that you care!  Here are some great card message ideas for encouragement!!!

Luke 1:45 "You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said."
Psalm 28:7 "For the Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger; I trust in him with all my heart."
Joshua 1:9 "I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
                            For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Proverbs 31:26 "When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions."
Psalm 139:14 "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!"
1 Peter 3:4 "You should be known for the beauty that comes from within,
                            the unfading beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."
Psalm 34:5 "Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy..."
Proverbs 31:10 "She is worth more than precious rubies."
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good
                               of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Or use one of your favorite verses!*

Other message ideas to write in your card:
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Have a blessed week! Praying for you.
I'm thankful for our friendship!
Someone is thinking of you today!
Lifting you up in prayer, Secret Sister!
My name is a secret, but you are very special to me.
God bless you, dear friend!
The Lord bless you and keep you.
I'm so excited that I picked you!
I'm praying for your family today.
You are an inspiration.
Love you, friend!
With love and prayers from your secret sister!
You are beautiful and valuable.
You matter to me.
Thinking of you and praying for you!
Here is a hug in a card!

Try to be thoughtful in your gifts, with messages that are a beautiful blessing to your secret sister!
Even if you don't know her well, this could be the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

*(These are NLT, but use your preferred version.)