# SDMB Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2018 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 2, 2018, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869 "2018-11-02T00:42:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2018, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/241 "2018-12-15T23:31:31Z")
I got my box of goodies today from the lovely and charming **Rhiannon8404**!!! YAY!! She enclosed a card explaining all the goodies, which are all local to her area. From where she grew up: Olive oil (plain and basil) and balsamic vinegar (my daughter were eyeing these…) Chocolates!! An Apple Hill candle - it smells yummy! Placerville Hardware fridge magnet (from a store going back to the Gold rush! Very cool!) From where she is now: Sacramento magnet (in lieu of a politician, and I do appreciate that) And almonds (grown and processed in Sacramento) The magnets are already at work on my fridge, and I don’t expect the chocolates to last till midnight. 😃 I’m going to share the almonds with my spousal unit, because I’m nice, dammit, and when I burn the candle, I’ll allow everyone to enjoy the scent. Just hope I don’t have to fight my daughter over the oils and vinegar. Thanks so much, **Rhiannon8404**! You’re a super gifter! ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2018, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/242 "2018-12-15T23:49:03Z")
**FairyChatMom** , I’m so glad it got there. I had so much fun shopping for everything, and I’m so very happy you like it all! ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2018, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/243 "2018-12-15T23:54:14Z")
Yay! My prezzies are through Customs and making their way Southward! Check your PMs Y’all. I sent my recipient the tracking number to you so you can see its progress! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/244 "2018-12-16T00:04:08Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > … > Now, just gotta get to the USPS on Monday or Tuesday. It’ll head eastward, from California. > … Just a note: you don’t have to go to the post office and stand in line. You can go to [USPS.gov](http://USPS.gov), enter your information (including a credit card for payment) and print a label just like they would at the post office. If you have any kind of scale (I use a coffee scale) you can weigh the package. The form will also ask you if any dimension of the box is longer than 12 inches. It will ask you all the questions the post office clerk would ask you, including the value of the contents (suggest you keep it low-- under $25). Pay, print label, tape to box, and then take to the post office any time, including when it’s closed, and deposit in the big package dropoff chute thingie. No standing in line. If you don’t have a printer (some people don’t) you might be able to do this at an automated station in the always-open part of the post office (the lobby where people can always check their boxes). It will have a scale, a way to accept payment, and will print you a label. ---
**Author:** ![smokey78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@smokey78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smokey78)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/245 "2018-12-16T00:30:22Z")
So today I didn’t see any packages in my po box again, so alas my next trip will be 12.29 Saturday. I’m cool with that cuz I’m working so much and it’s simply the only day off I have to pick up any packages. (I mailed my parcel earlier in month so hopefully carnut got it) I’m really patient: I once waited 5 months for an Etsy item. I subscribe to a comic and it takes roughly 21 days to travel from New York across 7 states to me! ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/246 "2018-12-16T01:09:15Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Just a note: you don’t have to go to the post office and stand in line. You can go to [USPS.gov](http://USPS.gov), enter your information (including a credit card for payment) and print a label just like they would at the post office. If you have any kind of scale (I use a coffee scale) you can weigh the package. The form will also ask you if any dimension of the box is longer than 12 inches. It will ask you all the questions the post office clerk would ask you, including the value of the contents (suggest you keep it low-- under $25). Pay, print label, tape to box, and then take to the post office any time, including when it’s closed, and deposit in the big package dropoff chute thingie. No standing in line. > > If you don’t have a printer (some people don’t) you might be able to do this at an automated station in the always-open part of the post office (the lobby where people can always check their boxes). It will have a scale, a way to accept payment, and will print you a label. **ThelmaLou**! I could hug you! I never knew there was such a thing! (I guess I don’t “get out much”, do I?) Label is paid for and printed (I even looked up the Zip+4 because I’m a former USPS employee), and I’m taking the box to the chute thing-a-ma-bob doo-hickie right now. Thank you, **ThelmaLou**! ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/247 "2018-12-16T01:33:21Z")
Aw honey, you made my day. I just discovered this myself and it’s so cool. I hate standing in line in the post office. It started when that mini post office wanted to charge me $22 to mail my SDMB Christmas box. I came home and printed an $11 label at [USPS.gov](http://USPS.gov). I had a small box to mail last week and just as I put the label on it, my mailman came to the door. (I live in an old house with a mail slot, so the mail comes into the house.) I opened the door and asked him if he would take the package, and he did! I didn’t even have to step outside. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/248 "2018-12-16T02:49:26Z")
I am a slacker no longer! I shipped my gifts out this morning which means they’re heading north (but not TOO far north) and should be there by midweek! ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/249 "2018-12-16T03:12:05Z")
I got my package earlier this week but since the person didn’t use their SD name, I’m not sure who to thank. That said, it contained two beauuuutieeful handmade roses (the purple is the color of my bedroom decor!) and chocolate and, yes, just for me, more chocolate. 😃 And, no, the chocolate didn’t melt. I’m saving it as it is “crunch time” on my work project and I’m sure that one day next week it will save my life because I will stuff it in my face and chew that chewwy cocoanut oooh rather than say something I’ll regret.:rolleyes: Thank you, thank you my forever secret santa, or perhaps you can PM me your SD name? And just a couple of posts above mine here is my Secret Santa, a secret no longer! Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/250 "2018-12-16T03:20:16Z")
My package went out this morning, will be a recipients door Tuesday, according to USPS. Nothing received as of yet. Note to the recipient: the book is from on of my favorite Minnesotan authors, not just randomly tossed in to take up space in the box. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/251 "2018-12-16T07:19:50Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Aw honey, you made my day. I just discovered this myself and it’s so cool. I hate standing in line in the post office. It started when that mini post office wanted to charge me $22 to mail my SDMB Christmas box. I came home and printed an $11 label at [USPS.gov](http://USPS.gov). > > I had a small box to mail last week and just as I put the label on it, my mailman came to the door. (I live in an old house with a mail slot, so the mail comes into the house.) I opened the door and asked him if he would take the package, and he did! I didn’t even have to step outside. Darlin’, you are the best! I thought my box would be too big, at 20” x 10” x 9”, but that chute do-hickie whatcha-ma-callit was exactly 20.25” wide — and the box fit like a glove, and that chute whos-a-ma-whatsit swallowed it whole. So my package is on its way! Yay, **ThelmaLou**! I was _ **NOT** _ looking forward to standing in that line at the post office. Now I don’t have to, and my Doper recipient should get their gift this week! Whoa, I am beat. Had to work the whole day today, and also tomorrow too — it’s 10 days before Christmas and we’re in crunch mode. I’ve had late nights all week, and even last week I pulled an all-nighter. So I will open my gift. The package is still sitting on the kitchen counter, still in its shipping box. A big hug of thanks goes out to **ThelmaLou**! I’ll open it when I can give it my full attention. ---
**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 16, 2018, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/252 "2018-12-16T07:55:55Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > A horseshoe in shades of purple, for **purplehorseshoe** — too cool! To me it begs the question, what does your user name mean, can you tell us? > > And, such a poignant description there — _wait to open ‘til you send your shit out_. But it fits! > > It’s not easy, this waiting. I can hear that package calling out to me, _Open me!_, _Open me!_ It’s almost like a — _Let me out!_ _Let me out!_ > > But I wait. I wait. It’s one of the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal, at least the original lineup. Pink hearts. Orange stars, yellow moons, green clovers, blue moons … Well, I couldn’t hold out any longer, so back into the box I dove. I found the yummies! There’s a big ol’ summer sausage (which pretty much requires a “that’s what she said!!” joke) and a bar of really delicious chocolate, dark, salted, with almonds (minus a piece, to verify the tastiness level, then another piece to confirm) and … what’s this? WHAT IS THIS? Vegemite. Y’all!!! I have never tasted it, always been curious, but it’s not exactly a thing in Texas so when would I get a chance? Now I have this little mini packet of the stuff in my hand. (I literally was like, “I don’t remember saying how much I wanna try it … how did she know?”) So I’m excited to get a chance to try it out! To round it out, there was a card, enclosing a lovely and very heartfelt letter. You may add me to the list of folks admiring their Santa’s handwriting, too. So much warmth and joy in one cardboard box! ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/253 "2018-12-16T08:52:53Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > It’s one of the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal, at least the original lineup. Pink hearts. Orange stars, yellow moons, green clovers, blue moons … Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/254 "2018-12-16T14:44:59Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Darlin’, you are the best! I thought my box would be too big, at 20” x 10” x 9”, but that **chute do-hickie whatcha-ma-callit** was exactly 20.25” wide — and the box fit like a glove, and that \*\*chute whos-a-ma-whatsit \*\*swallowed it whole. So my package is on its way!.. (My bold.) I gotta say I admire the heck out of your grasp and usage of highly technical terminology. A tip of the hat to you! 😃 I’m so happy my suggestion helped to fight entropy in your part of the world. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/255 "2018-12-16T14:52:46Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > (My bold.) > > I gotta say I admire the heck out of your grasp and usage of highly technical terminology. A tip of the hat to you! 😃 > > I’m so happy my suggestion helped to fight entropy in your part of the world. 🙂 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/256 "2018-12-16T14:53:55Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > …Vegemite. Y’all!!! I have never tasted it, always been curious, but it’s not exactly a thing in Texas so when would I get a chance? Now I have this little mini packet of the stuff in my hand. (I literally was like, “I don’t remember saying how much I wanna try it … how did she know?”) So I’m excited to get a chance to try it out! > … I, for one, will be waiting with great interest to see how you like it. There have been a LOT threads\* on this stuff on the board, and I’ve bought it, but never really… you know… I always wanted to. So do report. You may benefit from suggestions/coaching from Dopers who know [del]what the heck to do with it[/del] how best to appreciate it. - [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-330572.html](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-330572.html) [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-660921.html](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-660921.html) [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-576234.html](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-576234.html) [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-719822.html](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-719822.html) (“The Cat Likes Vegemite”) Lots of threads… [vegemite site:boards.straightdope.com - Google Search](https://tinyurl.com/ydeachkb) ---
**Author:** ![BludgeonMeSoftly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c89c15/32.png) [@BludgeonMeSoftly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BludgeonMeSoftly)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/257 "2018-12-16T16:49:10Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > It’s one of the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal, at least the original lineup. Pink hearts. Orange stars, yellow moons, green clovers, blue moons … > > Well, I couldn’t hold out any longer, so back into the box I dove. I found the yummies! There’s a big ol’ summer sausage (which pretty much requires a “that’s what she said!!” joke) and a bar of really delicious chocolate, dark, salted, with almonds (minus a piece, to verify the tastiness level, then another piece to confirm) and … what’s this? WHAT IS THIS? > > Vegemite. Y’all!!! I have never tasted it, always been curious, but it’s not exactly a thing in Texas so when would I get a chance? Now I have this little mini packet of the stuff in my hand. (I literally was like, “I don’t remember saying how much I wanna try it … how did she know?”) So I’m excited to get a chance to try it out! > > To round it out, there was a card, enclosing a lovely and very heartfelt letter. You may add me to the list of folks admiring their Santa’s handwriting, too. So much warmth and joy in one cardboard box! So many great things have happened here since I last checked in! Reading the reactions of all of the people receiving their gifts is so fun. But I think @purplehorseshoe was the most fun! (I might be a little biased, but y’all - she used the word verklempt, so…) Now that you have read the letter, you know that I did not make the Say Yes magnet, but got it from a local glass blowing shop. I so appreciate @bullitt asked about your name - a thing that I have been wondering about. I was trying to come up with a thing to make, and it struck me all at once. Of course! A purple horseshoe is the clear choice. It has been a while since I used my quilling supplies, so it was fun to dust off that box. Almost as much fun a gift wrapping lol 🙂 Funny story about the “packing peppermints”. I always top a Christmas parcel with a candy cane - it just feels more festive. And I looked everywhere for that dern box of extra canes, but it eluded me. So I threw in a handful or two from the giant container that those mints come in. Every recipient has enjoyed those, so I’m thinking they will be the go to from now on. @justanothermike and I sure do like them. I’m glad you liked your snacks, and I’m so glad you’re an adventurous type who is excited to try the vegemite! I’ve been enjoying it on things. I just attended a pizza making party and afterwards I got the idea to have tried vegemite on a pizza. She has another one in the spring, so I’ll definitely try it then! And the eternally helpful @ThelmaLou has provided some very interesting reading material that I’ll be perusing for ideas! Thank you! So much fun this is! Yay Christmas!! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2018, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/258 "2018-12-16T17:13:37Z")
Bonus! I can repurpose the box and tissue that my goodies came in to send my inlaws’ gifts to them! Ho Ho Ho!!! ---
**Author:** ![Nayna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ebca7d/32.png) [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/259 "2018-12-17T04:20:59Z")
EmilyG, thank you, thank you! We opened your gifts tonight, and loved every one. I really admire any kind of crafty and artistic ability, and you did not disappoint! Homemade ornaments, greeting card, pin, gift cards, magnet … all amazing. You’re so talented! Thank you for all of the wonderful things. My house is already displaying most of them. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2018, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869/260 "2018-12-17T12:31:02Z")
**Kimstu** — thank you! Your package arrived a couple of days ago, and I opened it last night. What fun inside! Thank you for your nice, handwritten note on a postcard of the pretty Hudson Athens Lighthouse in Hudson, NY (gImages, [https://goo.gl/z3Pc3e](https://goo.gl/z3Pc3e)) — not one hour south of my hometown and childhood house (gMap, [Google Maps](https://goo.gl/arxT89)). Next time I’m there I’ll have to find that lighthouse. Yes, I grew up there, when my dad was a professor at RPI (small engineering school also known for hockey). I hold good childhood memories of my time there in Troy and Latham and the Hudson River Valley. And yes, in Schenectady too. There were several gifts inside, nicely wrapped… and with Origami folded bows! I’d never seen them before, and it was a nice touch (images, [https://goo.gl/NMV1UU](https://goo.gl/NMV1UU)). My wife dove right in to the maple sugar-spun cotton candy — such a unique taste. And the maple sugar candies, still to be tried, brought back nice childhood memories. I always wanted those, they look delicious, and now I get to try them! (I might even share them with my wife. Maybe.) There were two tea infusers, one shaped like a frog and the other a monkey, and their arms hold onto the mug while they’re steeping. Very cute. The honey will come in handy because my wife has a cold and sore throat, for some nice tea and lemon. And the woven fabrics from your travels to India are very nice! Thank you, **Kimstu** , for the very nice and thoughtful gifts! Merry Christmas to you and yours! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869.md?page=14)