The team spans four time zones. The draw was easy; then someone asked when the gifts had to arrive, someone else asked who covers shipping abroad, and a third person went quiet because nobody had her address.
The conversation that should have happened before the draw happened after it, in three threads at once. In person, plenty sorts itself out without discussion: everyone arrives at the same time and exchanges gifts in the same place.
At a distance, everything has to be written down. These rules can be pasted into the group chat as they are before the draw.
The four rules
Rule 1: shipping is part of the budget
The limit includes shipping. If the limit is 30 and shipping costs 15, the gift can cost 15. That way people far away don't spend more than everyone else.
Rule 3: gift day lasts a day
Gift day lasts a whole day: everyone opens their gift when it arrives or when they can, and posts a photo in the chat. Nobody has to log on at a fixed time.
Rule 4: digital gifts count in full
An ebook, a subscription, an online class or a gift card count the same as a physical gift. Nobody has to apologize for sending one.
About addresses
Ask for addresses privately, never in the group chat. The giver can ask the recipient directly, or the organizer can coordinate them one by one.
Draw names remotely, no spreadsheets
Create a Cuchumbo and share the link. Each participant sees their result on their own page; nobody needs to meet up for the draw.
