I have been in two great exchanges here that have resulted in two very beautiful quilts that hang on my walls. One is from an exchange that was make what you want, but agree ahead of time which I recieved a gorgeous burgundy and celery colored quilt that hangs in my dining room because the colors were a perfect match to the decor, and the other was a "quilts for quilters" exchange that I recieved the prettiest butterfly quilt in, that hangs in my sewing/family room. I love the exchanges here.
My family, years ago, decided that fun Christmas cards are enough remembrance to each other, instead of gifts, and no hurt feelings. I would rather be remembered in a card, on the phone, or online, than receive a gift someone thought I might like, and have less than a 50/50 chance of something I can really use. Who needs that kind of pressure?
Having said all of that, I will continue to be in the secret Santa exchange because I like the idea having a 'mostly stranger' find something from a 'mostly stranger' as a gift that is random, craft specific, and knowing that anything 'quilty' will get used or passed on. (I should also mention that being able to visit on the board and tease and amuse each other was a blast!)