# SDMB Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2014 \[signup closed\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 11, 2014, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314 "2014-11-11T06:00:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/321 "2014-12-23T20:47:49Z")
I am so excited! I just came home after running errands, and a package from ChickaPicosa was waiting for me. Now, if it had come yesterday, I would have opened it. But it’s just close enough to Christmas that I will wait. We have a tradition of opening one Christmas present on Christmas Eve, and this one is my choice! Thank you!! ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/322 "2014-12-23T20:59:25Z")
> [@Baker](#): > > Still no package.☹ Yours has a pretty long trip to make. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/323 "2014-12-23T21:56:57Z")
> [@KinkiNipponTourist](#): > > HO HO HO HO! > > I got my wonderful gift today! An awesome pair of holiday boxers with THE GRINCH on them! And a copy of that bastion of hard-hitting serious journalism, the National Enquirer, which has already been placed next to the commode for later perusal. > > BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! TWO king-size packs of Double Stuf Oreos, a copy of Time magazine’s Year in Review (either impossible to find here, or just outrageously expensive, given how they mark up foreign magazines and the horrid jump the yen/dollar exchange rate has taken) AND beautifully-written notes describing each gift. And of course the perfect size box for my fat cats to curl up in. > > **Slow Moving Vehicle** , thank you for a most amazing Christmas gift!! I was so moved by the wonderful notes accompanying each gift that next year I am totally sneaking notes in with my present when I send it. > > Thank you again, **SMV** , and thank you **Silvorange**!! Oh, thank heaven! I was starting to get really worried about it - especially as your giftee had reported that your Secret Santa gift had arrived. I’m glad you like the boxers and the Oreos! I am really sorry I couldn’t find the cake, though. And don’t tell the Post Office about the letter or the notes! > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > The chocolate pudding \*\*peedin \*\*sent me is no more. I finished it with breakfast. Hush - it has milk in it, so it counts as a breakfast food!!! I see absolutely nothing wrong with this logic. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/324 "2014-12-23T22:13:05Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > more Christmas boxers! If you remind me next year, I’ll send you a pair. Of course, you’ll have to link to this thread, since otherwise I’ll be all, _who’s this perv who wants me to send him underwear?! … Okay, what the hell._ ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2014, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/325 "2014-12-24T00:04:07Z")
I’m at work, nearing 6pm, and what should appear but a parcel from the Royal Mail! I’m so excited, and it’s a gift from **Filbert**! A dark chocolate bar (yum!), a selection of Twining’s teas (super-yum!), a sampling of candies from a local shop (definitely haven’t had before, already tried a couple and - yum-yum!), and the most amazing things, a gorgeous handmade card (no one ever made me a card before) and handmade cat toys! [The toys and other items have been checked out](https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t35.0-12/10876518_761590600543296_194684112_o.jpg?oh=702a6804fcc7b95b3fe0051b34eec2e1&oe=549C46D5& __gda__ =1419532490_c14dbb56b7648e7d4cb5307d018323da) and have been [approved by my feline office assistant.](https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t35.0-12/10886119_761591260543230_247764234_o.jpg?oh=c6319dcc7f82db50bf641b3edb7dcda2&oe=549C5D99& __gda__ =1419550916_5646811274c618d09968b1fce795f32c) Let me know if the links don’t work. Thanks you so much **Filbert**! It’s been a busy, kinda crummy day, and this is a wonderful surprise! ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2014, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/326 "2014-12-24T00:38:07Z")
> [@Sarabellum1976](#): > > So glad you liked it! I gave a :dubious: to the FedEx guys when I saw their address was labelled with a different name, but I figured it’d get there okay so I didn’t give them a hard time. > > Did you try a chocolate bar yet? had one for dinner last night. soooooo good. ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2014, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/327 "2014-12-24T01:26:51Z")
I got my gift from **SeaDragonTattoo** a few days ago, I’ve just been completely out of it with the christmas plague. You know what helps when you have the cold? A really cool book about murders! I got this lovely gem: [http://www.amazon.com/The-Girls-Murder-City-Beautiful/dp/B008W304YY](http://www.amazon.com/The-Girls-Murder-City-Beautiful/dp/B008W304YY) It is just perfect for my collection, thank you so much. I also got caramel chocolate, and BACON caramel chocolate, and some really good coffee and a lovely soap. And also a sweet note, which my daughter almost ate :eek: Thank you again, SeaDragonTattoo. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/328 "2014-12-25T02:16:40Z")
I opened my wonderful gift from ChickaPicosa this evening. First, the card. Just the right amount of glitter, with Santa and reindeer . Then, the chocolate dogs and fire hydrant. My daughter, the vet, and I really got a kick out of that. Maple truffles, made in Canada, which I will taste shortly, and A Test of Wills, the first Ian Rutledge mystery, which I will curl up with tonight, so that my daughter can read it next. Thank you! A wonderful start to Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/329 "2014-12-25T02:59:17Z")
The night before Christmas, and we are at 88% delivered. Tomorrow is, of course, only the _first_ day of Christmas, so do not despair if Santa has not come yet! Ok, I admit I am freaking out a bit since my tracking number got lost. Have a wonderful Christmas! I’ll be working, but when I get home, I’m going to watch a movie called “The Great Rupert” about a kilt-wearing, dancing squirrel who saves Christmas for a down-on-their-luck vaudeville family headed by Jimmy Durante. There’s no way that won’t be awesome. \*\*Sent: 42/42 Received: 37/42 FloatyGimpy -\> Tread Aspenglow -\> Hockey Monkey romansperson -\> FloatyGimpy carnut -\> MsRobyn peedin -\> FairyChatMom EmilyG -\> Helena330 FairyChatMom -\> OneCentStamp OneCentStamp -\> romansperson twickster -\> Nayna Helena330 -\> purplehorseshoe Baker -\> JoseB Filbert -\> SeaDragonTattoo jsgoddess -\> Anaglyph SeaDragonTattoo -\> Septima freckafree -\> EmilyG MissTake -\>brainstall Hockey Monkey -\> slightly askew Anaamika -\> freckafree Slow Moving Vehicle -\> KinkiNipponTourist Silvorange rocking chair -\> Sir T-Cups Infovore -\> peedin KinkiNipponTourist -\> jsgoddess brainstall -\> twickster purplehorseshoe -\> Silvorange IvoryTowerDenizen -\> Grrlbrarian Sir T-Cups -\> Reepicheep Atomic Mama -\> Filbert Grrlbrarian -\> MissTake Pai325 -\> TubaDiva Sarabellum1976 -\>rocking chair Reepicheep -\> Aspenglow JoseB Septima Rhiannon8404 -\> carnut Tread -\> Infovore slightly askew -\> Anaamika Nayna -\> Sarabellum1976 ChickaPicosa -\> Pai325 MsRobyn -\> Rhiannon8404 Anaglyph TubaDiva \*\* ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/330 "2014-12-25T06:40:35Z")
**Septima** gets it in under the wire! Just got home from my family’s annual Christmas Eve blowout to find a package from far-off Norway, home of beautiful fjords and beautiful people. (A moose bit my cousin there, once). I’m consumed with curiosity to find out what **Septima** thought might be illegal here - a gram of Maui Wowee? An eightball and a forty? Hand-blown glass bong? The mind boggles - but since it’s 1:30 on Christmas morning, and I’ve been up since 5:00 yesterday morning, I’m just adding it to the pile under the tree. Further updates after a good night’s sleep. Merry Christmas, all! ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/331 "2014-12-25T14:01:40Z")
Merry Christmas, Dopers! I opened my package this morning and found a lovely card and not one, not two, but THREE [beautiful handmade bracelets](https://flic.kr/p/qfvxL8) from Anaamika! I am going to enjoy wearing them immensely. Thank you so much! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/332 "2014-12-25T14:25:17Z")
I opened my package from **Infovore** this morning and WHEEEE!! This is what the card read: Peedin, you said you like cookies and mild chocolate and popcorn and London, so I combined them. **Infovore** , you done good. I got assorted Cadbury chocolate (including my fave, buttons), shortbread cookies, a decorated gingerbread man cookie, a gingerbread house ornament, and a writing pad and pen decorated with cookies. AND gourmet chocolate popcorn. Thank you for my wonderful gifties! ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/333 "2014-12-25T14:27:17Z")
P.S. since I missed the edit window. I also got a psychedelic California butterfly sticker/decal. ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/334 "2014-12-25T14:41:43Z")
It’s not that exciting; I just found my brochure from my trip to America, and the list of stuff you’re not allowed to import is _daunting_. Glad it made it! ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/335 "2014-12-25T14:42:59Z")
In a season with so much to be grateful for, I am grateful for all of you. But some a little more. Thanks to pai325 for the thoughtful and delicious gifts – the “On the Dot” game looks like tremendous fun and of course the chocolate (Man’s Perfect Food) is dark and wonderful. I somehow found the strength not to open the box until Christmas morning, which was tantalizing and great fun. For about 15 minutes I was 10 years old again and full of wonder. I could never have guessed but it was fun trying. I’m afraid my Secret Santa recipient is cursing me and the United States Postal Service, for which I apologize. I hope when it does arrive it is surprising and enjoyable. Going through some changes these days, most of which are, to be honest, difficult and sad. This is a very bright spot in a very bleak time, and I thank all of you for this bit of Christmas joy. You are all the best, the very best, and today I am reminded of it all over again. May your day be merry and bright, whatever your believe, however you spend your time. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/336 "2014-12-25T16:16:19Z")
Thank you, **Helena330**! I got chocolate and more choc’late! A solid bar, plus these lovely petite little salted caramels in both milk and dark, one of which was breakfast using FairyMom’s logic. Included was a very sweet card, and _personal note ahead_ are you serious about the name thing? If so, :eek: :eek: and also :). Best of all, though? Best of all? A PURPLE HORSESHOE. Did you read that, people? A friggin purple horseshoe. I’m so touched. Also, the previous tenant left a random nail in the wall in my bedroom so I promptly hung it up. Talk amongst yourselves. I’m verklempt. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/337 "2014-12-25T16:22:15Z")
Now that I’ve wiped away the tears and missed the edit window: these salted chocolate caramels are delicious! You know how you daydream about being a rich famous movie star or rock god or whatever? These are what Milky Ways and their Dark siblings aspire to be. Holy crap it’s amazing what a judicious amount of salt can do. 'Mika, you made those? Wow, they’re pretty! Dammit, SlowMovingVehicle, wake up and open your gift so we can all find out. I’m sure it’s nothing as fascinating as what you listed (which gave me a LOL, thank you) but I’m kinda curious too. Or it’ll be against board rules for you to post it, which would be pretty cool too. Also, a purple horseshoe. I just can’t get over it. Merry Christmas to me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/338 "2014-12-25T17:03:59Z")
Opened my gift this morning! Just an incredibly thoughtful gift and I love it. **romansperson** went with an astronomy theme. There’s a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt, a tote bag with all the planets on it and a _planisphere_!! Thank you so much! ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/339 "2014-12-25T18:13:49Z")
> [@Septima](#): > > It’s not that exciting; I just found my brochure from my trip to America, and the list of stuff you’re not allowed to import is _daunting_. Glad it made it! > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Dammit, SlowMovingVehicle, wake up and open your gift so we can all find out. I’m sure it’s nothing as fascinating as what you listed (which gave me a LOL, thank you) but I’m kinda curious too. Or it’ll be against board rules for you to post it, which would be pretty cool too. You’re both wrong. **Septima** might just have won the “coolest present” award for 2014. After a good night’s sleep (in which I dreamed of my mysterious Norwegian package), Mrs. SMV and I awoke, fed and pooped various animals, made ourselves a pot of tea, and started the Santa drill. **Septima** ’s package was the first thing I opened: [What a pretty wrapping job!](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205958660310731&set=pcb.10205958723472310&type=1&theater) And what did I find inside? A wonderland! [A map magnet of the Faroe Islands! European (which means, much superior to American) chocolate! A licorice bar!](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205958663990823&set=pcb.10205958723472310&type=1&theater) And the gift that brings **Septima** the mega cool points (and the one I think she was afraid might be illegal to import into the US)? [A handmade Christmas ornament, made of cured salmon skin! Here it is hanging on our tree, next to a lost ornament from my childhood that my mom found and gave me last night.](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205958667310906&set=pcb.10205958723472310&type=1&theater) I almost don’t want to open any of the candy, because, being a language nerd, the fact that the wrappers are in Danish and Norwegian and Icelandic - **Septima** thought that I’d find the Icelandic “California Raisins” funny, and I do - is almost as cool as the chocolate. Scandinavian languages fascinate me. Seriously, **Septima** , this is one of the coolest, most thoughtful, awesome gifts I’ve ever gotten! Thank you so very very much! Mrs. SMV even said that it was the neatest thing under our tree. You may be sure that the heart will be on our tree for years. **Silvorange** , thank you so much for organizing this - it’s been super super fun! ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314/340 "2014-12-25T18:30:12Z")
You totally should frame the wrappers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2014-signup-closed/704314.md?page=18)