We did this a few years ago — probably longer ago than I think — so I thought it was time to have another go:

To take part, send me an e-mail at (not in the Comments section below, please) with Secret Santa in the subject line. I’ll send you the names of three comic strip characters; you choose one of them (or more than one if you feel inspired), then pick the perfect gift for him/her/it.

It’s not mandatory, but if you let me know which one(s) you choose, I can put the others back into play; but please don’t send me your responses: December 16, I’ll put up a post asking for them.

(I’ve already been given my own assignment)

If you’re not familiar with any of the names I give you, you may exchange them for a new set.

Edited to add: In case anybody’s wondering –which is, granted, unlikely — I’m working with a long list of character names, and a Randomizer gives me three names for each person.

And a reminder: if you can, please return whichever names you’re not using — or else eventually I’ll be assigning somebody “That Girl in Pardon My Planet Who Wears the Tiara.”

(Though actually… that really isn’t a terrible idea)

Oh, and all you thousands of new visitors from American Samoa are welcome to participate!