I agree with most of the previous posts. Having tried both ways, I think purchasing things yourself and then selling them is a more efficient and cost-effective way. Last year we bought Christmas wreaths, table decorations, garlands, etc. from Oregon Evergreen & Willamette Evergreen and sold them for a good ROI.

I was reading through these post and noticed it's been a few years since there were any updates. Has anyone found new places to go through or any new ideas? This is my first year organizing the Secret Santa Shop at our elementary school and I am just looking for some direction. Thank you!

Hi! I've used Santa Shop in a box from 2 different companies (cannot remember if the listed one was one of the two). But both times we have made more money on our Santa Ships we purchase the items ourselves for. It is VERY profitable if you buy the year before for the coming year. For example, we purchased $200 worth of merchandise after Christmas and we will "sell" it for over $500. Then several parents have bought $50 or so worth of merchandise which we will gross $150 or more from. The kids seem to enjoy the ones where we buy the merchandise better becasue they can get a better gift for cheaper than they can in the Santa Shop in a box. I have found the merchandise to be overpriced and we had a lot of returns due to breakage. Hope this helps. Contact me if further info is needed. GOOD LUCK!

Fun services is handy when it comes to santa shop-- they have cash registers, merchandise-- and it's easy-- think they are a little high on the prices for the kids-- especially if you are trying to keep your prices to the kids reasonable-- we sell everything under $5.00-- buying everything from retail stores after holiday's is a great money saver and you get wonderful product to resell to the kids-- you just need the space to keep it.

Fun Services provides a fabulous Santa's Secret Shop and Holiday Gift Shop. You can't beat their personalized items that say "All Star Dad" or "My Mom Rocks" You can't go wrong, pick the price you want to sell the item for. For my school it's all about the children. We make some money but are most happy about providing a great service to instill the spirit of giving. I always get my reorder dropped to my home or the school the night before. We get more than we need so that our 5th graders that shop on Thurday have the same items that were in the shop Monday. This activity is always hectic, every night I go to bed exhausted but am raring to go the next a.m. because the kids just love having their own store.

We also shop for our own items instead of using a company. Many of our items come from the Mighty Dollar Store or from The Dollar Tree. I buy throughout the year as I find items I know will sell well. Also parents forget that they have seen the item their for a dollar, so do not fuss because they are paying $3- $4 for it. Many of their items change daily. At Christmas they have great gift mugs in gift boxes that sell really well.
Another great way to boost sales is, if you have the room, is to advertise early in the school year that you will be renting out table spots at the Santa Shop and crafters will pay $20.00 a table for the week to set up with their handmade crafts where even the teachers like to shop. Need to remind them that most craft items need to stay in a lower price range. What child has $50.00 to buy a basket for mom? Be sure to have them sign a release form that items left nightly is not the schools responsibility.