Search forums

Forums

Export thread

Halforums Secret Santa 2022

Nov 8, 2022#1

GasBandit

Due to real life developments, it looks like Emrys is not going to be able to run the Secret Santa this year, so if nobody objects, I'll step up and take over this year.

What is it?

It's a Secret Santa gift exchange between your fellow Halforumites. Everyone who signs up will be randomly assigned another participant. You are then tasked to buy that person a gift. As a recipient, you should leave a few hints in a post to this thread (or PM me the information) as to what sort of interests you have.

Who can sign up?

Those who joined the forum on or before January 1, 2021 with more than a handful of posts will be allowed to participate.

To sign up, send me a PM. As this is my first year running this, I will need:

your email address
shipping address
any gift rules/restrictions
whether or not you would be willing to ship internationally (including USA to Canada).
Be sure to specify whether or not you would accept NSFW or "adult" gifts (such as alcohol/sex themed gifts).

The deadline for signing up will be Monday, November 21, 2022. We're getting a little bit of a late start of it this year, so I'm trying to allow a little later deadline than usual. The following day, you will be randomly assigned to a Secret Santa recipient and will be sent a PM with the information on your giftee. Final deadline for sending the gift is Monday, December 12, 2022.

Price range is whatever you are comfortable with giving. Feel free to spend as much as you want; just be aware that the more you spend, the less likely you will receive a gift of equal value. Homemade/handmade gifts are allowed, and even encouraged (no homemade food, please).

Try to send something you think the other person will like. As much as I can, I will be getting gift ideas/wish lists from the participants so you can send them something suitable.

Once you received your gift, post pictures. Share the joy. But if you don’t like your gift, don’t complain in the forums (especially if you didn’t supply any suggestions). Remember, it’s something somebody picked out for you in particular so don't be a butt about it.

Unless specified by the giftee, do not send NSFW. If I can restrain myself from sending normies something sticky and unsettling, so can you.

Please note that many states/nations have rules about shipping alcohol. When in doubt, choose another gift.

Finally, ship well in advance. Be kind to yourself and the postal workers and ship your stuff by Dec 13th to make sure it arrives before the crazy Christmas rush that always happens at the latter half of December.

If I missed anything or if you have questions, please let me know.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS:
GasBandit (Got Info)
evilmike (Got Info)
Bubble181 (Got Info)
Tress (Got Info)
Celt Z (Got Info)
Dave (Got Info)
Dirona (Got Info)
Tinwhistler (Got Info)
Dei (Got Info)
Bert (Got Info)
General Specific (Got Info)
Bhamv3 (Got Info)
Wahad (Got Info)

Nov 8, 2022#2

evilmike

I'm in.

Nov 8, 2022#3

Bubble181

Sure. But I reserve the right to complain if I don't get anything

even if it turns out there's a very good reason for my Santa not to be able to send something afterwards, I understand and accept but I still get to be at least a little bit salty dammit, at least let me have that

Nov 8, 2022#4

Tress

Count me in!

Nov 8, 2022#5

Celt Z

I'm in!

Nov 8, 2022#6

Dave

I’m in!

Nov 8, 2022#7

Dirona

I'll send you the relevant info! I'm in!

Nov 9, 2022#8

Tinwhistler

I'm in

Nov 9, 2022#9

Dei

I forgot last year but I'm in again this year

Nov 11, 2022#10

BErt

Let's roll

Nov 11, 2022#11

General Specific

I was just thinking about this the other day, I’m in!

Nov 14, 2022#12

Sparhawk

I wish I could, but I just can’t afford it this year. Have fun guys!

Nov 16, 2022#13

Wahad

Crawling out of my hiatus hole to join in.

Nov 16, 2022#14

Ravenpoe

I normally love secret Santa but medical bills mean I'm in a tight financial situation and simply can't. But I look forward to seeing what other people send each other

Nov 16, 2022#15

jwhouk

As much as I'd like to join this year, I've curtailed my online presence to the point where I really am not feeling it this year. Sorry.

Nov 23, 2022#16

GasBandit

Alright, sorry for the delay folks, I will be getting you your assignments tonight. @Tinwhistler and @Dei , I still need your info!

Nov 23, 2022#17

General Specific

Well that's easy, just give them each other and tell them to figure it out.

Nov 23, 2022#18

Tinwhistler

GasBandit said:
Alright, sorry for the delay folks, I will be getting you your assignments tonight. @Tinwhistler and @Dei , I still need your info!

sent

Nov 23, 2022#19

GasBandit

Now I just need @Dei

Nov 23, 2022#20

GasBandit

Ok, everybody should have gotten a message from me with the identity and information of their victim. If you did not, PM me.

Remember to please get your item in the mail by Dec 12th. Happy hunting, yous guys.

Nov 24, 2022#21

Secret Santa

@bhamv3 - any particular requests or things to avoid?

Nov 24, 2022#22

bhamv3

Secret Santa said:
@bhamv3 - any particular requests or things to avoid?

None at all, feel free to get me anything. I realize that you are likely shipping internationally so it's fine if it's just a small thing.

Nov 25, 2022#23

BErt

Dropping this if you need some ideas but I will be happy with literally anything

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

Nov 26, 2022#24

Secret Santa

bhamv3 said:
None at all, feel free to get me anything. I realize that you are likely shipping internationally so it's fine if it's just a small thing.

I had to get the reindeer some premium feed to get them to your place, but you should be receiving a small package by Dec. 9.

Paperwork to follow.

Nov 27, 2022#25

Dave

What’s the Secret Santa login info again?

Nov 27, 2022#26

General Specific

Well, a present arrived for me today from my Super Secret Santa

It looks very interesting, I will be sure to bring it to my gaming group and we will have a go. Thank you so much, still mystery Santa!

Nov 27, 2022#27

Bubble181

I'm not your secret Santa, but I do have to say I've heard lots of good about Everdell. Very neat!

Nov 27, 2022#28

Secret Santa

@Dirona
Your Santa would like to know if you have a wishlist, or any interests that you would like to share?

Nov 27, 2022#29

Secret Satan

@GasBandit , I sense that not one, but two offerings are even now wending their way to your location.

Further charity will, of course, require negotiation.

Secret Santa said:
@Dirona
Your Santa would like to know if you have a wishlist, or any interests that you would like to share?

As I recall, blasphemy has been favorably received in the past.

Nov 27, 2022#30

Dirona

Secret Santa said:
@Dirona
Your Santa would like to know if you have a wishlist, or any interests that you would like to share?

I do not have a wishlist, but blasphemy is indeed always appreciated. I've been getting into embroidery and cross stitch also, so kits (small ones) are a good choice too. As are any local delicacies that can be shipped to Canada.

Nov 27, 2022#31

Secret Santa

@Dei the first of 3 things has arrived. The other two should get there tomorrow.

Nov 29, 2022#32

Secret Santa

Secret Santa said:
@Dei the first of 3 things has arrived. The other two should get there tomorrow.

Well, apparently driving 25 miles takes an unknowable number of days. Don't ask me.

The first two things should be there now, it's just this third one being a butt.

Nov 30, 2022#33

Secret Santa

@Celt Z
Gifts are supposed to arrive tomorrow by 10pm, but tracking is being problematic, so I'll let you know if things change.

Nov 30, 2022#34

Secret Santa

@Dei
You should have all 3 items now.

Dec 1, 2022#35

Celt Z

Secret Santa arrived, and he did not disappoint! Thank you, @Tinwhistler for the great gifts!

And I know exactly where to put them!

Wondy will be keeping company with some of my other Wonder Woman ornaments! (Left and upper right)

And Sailor Moon herself will go perfectly with the beautiful and thoughtful gifts from previous Secret Santas, @Dei and @LittleSin.

Dec 1, 2022#36

Tinwhistler

Celt Z said:
Secret Santa arrived, and he did not disappoint! Thank you, @Tinwhistler for the great gifts!
View attachment 43067
And I know exactly where to put them!

View attachment 43068
Wondy will be keeping company with some of my other Wonder Woman ornaments! (Left and upper right)

View attachment 43069
And Sailor Moon herself will go perfectly with the beautiful and thoughtful gifts from previous Secret Santas, @Dei and @LittleSin.

I'm glad you like them! I was ---><--- this close to sending you my latest crochet stuffie (stiffie? lol) but I second guessed myself because while I thought it was hilarious, I didn't want to send the wrong or an inappropriate message.

Edit: I really love how the figure and the cross stitch Sailor Moons are in the same basic pose, too!

Dec 3, 2022#37

Secret Santa

@Tress Your gifts are winding their way towards you and may arrive sometime around Monday, Dec 12th! Keep an eye out!

Dec 3, 2022#38

GasBandit

@Dave your secret santa has informed me your gift is enroute and should arrive 12/15.

Dec 7, 2022#39

Secret Santa

@Bubble181 Be prepared! Forecast for Saturday, Dec 10th in your area shows imminent precipitation of presents!

Dec 7, 2022#40

evilmike

Thank you, Santa @Celt Z !

Dec 7, 2022#41

Secret Santa

@Tinwhistler

A little something is now winding its way to you across the wide waters of the world.

Dec 8, 2022#42

Secret Santa

@bhamv3 - The reindeer have gone off course and have contacted their elves to help them get back on track. There will be a delay in delivery, and an elf (@GasBandit ) will be contacting you shortly.

Dec 8, 2022#43

Bubble181

Secret Santa said:
an elf (@GasBandit )

Dec 8, 2022#44

bhamv3

Secret Santa said:
@bhamv3 - The reindeer have gone off course and have contacted their elves to help them get back on track. There will be a delay in delivery, and an elf (@GasBandit ) will be contacting you shortly.

I called up the reindeer company and they dispatched a reindeer motivational expert.

They said the issue with reindeer getting distracted by shiny things and wandering off has been addressed, and deliveries should be proceeding normally after the weekend. Thanks!

Dec 9, 2022#45

Secret Santa

bhamv3 said:
I called up the reindeer company and they dispatched a reindeer motivational expert.

They said the issue with reindeer getting distracted by shiny things and wandering off has been addressed, and deliveries should be proceeding normally after the weekend. Thanks!

According to local elves, the reindeer have successfully located you, and delivered the package.

Dec 9, 2022#46

bhamv3

Secret Santa said:
According to local elves, the reindeer have successfully located you, and delivered the package.

Indeed they have! Ahead of schedule!

Let this be a lesson to you all, whipping works.

I received a delightful Halforums decorative ornament!

Now, we don't actually have a Christmas tree, but have no worry, I found another good use for it:

Unfortunately, there was no indication of who the sender was, so my secret Santa remains secret. So please, reveal yourself! I'd really like to know who to thank!

Dec 9, 2022#47

GasBandit

I got packages! First, there's this pixeltastic hawaiian shirt festooned with sprites from Galaga, Gorf, and more. Very nice.

Also I got this incredibly complex lego set which claims it takes at least 6 years to build, but I'm thinking with my ample brainpower, I should be able to handle it in 3 or less.

Thanks, Santa!

Dec 9, 2022#48

BErt

GasBandit said:
I got packages! First, there's this pixeltastic hawaiian shirt festooned with sprites from Galaga, Gorf, and more. Very nice.

View attachment 43152

Also I got this incredibly complex lego set which claims it takes at least 6 years to build, but I'm thinking with my ample brainpower, I should be able to handle it in 3 or less.

View attachment 43153

Thanks, Santa!

After you build the robit we get a video of it freestyle rapping right?

Dec 9, 2022#49

GasBandit

BErt said:
After you build the robit we get a video of it freestyle rapping right?

He will physically fight you.

Dec 9, 2022#50

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
View attachment 43153

Unwrappin' Robots

--Patrick

Dec 10, 2022#51

Secret Santa

@Bubble181 There was some difficulty during delivery, but you should have received your present; or it may have been handed to neighbors in your absence.

Dec 10, 2022#52

Bubble181

No, I got it

thanks! Was just waiting to have time to make a post with pictures.

Dec 10, 2022#53

Dirona

bhamv3 said:
Indeed they have! Ahead of schedule!

Let this be a lesson to you all, whipping works.

I received a delightful Halforums decorative ornament!

View attachment 43146

Now, we don't actually have a Christmas tree, but have no worry, I found another good use for it:

View attachment 43147

Unfortunately, there was no indication of who the sender was, so my secret Santa remains secret. So please, reveal yourself! I'd really like to know who to thank!

It was I!

I'm glad it arrived safely!

Dec 11, 2022#54

GasBandit

Just a reminder to please get your secret santa gifts in the mail by tomorrow, if you haven't already! Thanks.

Dec 11, 2022#55

Secret Santa

@Wahad Your gift is on its way. Because of the method if shipping, I was unfortunately unable to include a personalized note. The gift content is probably a pretty good give-away as to who sent it, though.
Delivery is usually 3-5 working days, but could be a bit slower during this season, so....End of this week, beginning of the next, I'd guess.

Dec 11, 2022#56

Wahad

Roger roger! If you do have a more detailed date of when it may arrive, please do let me know, so I can stay home if I need to.

Dec 12, 2022#57

Secret Santa

@Dirona
Two packages are winding their way to you! One should appear Dec.17th, and another should be there between Dec. 19th and Dec. 24th!

Dec 13, 2022#58

Secret Santa

Wahad said:
Roger roger! If you do have a more detailed date of when it may arrive, please do let me know, so I can stay home if I need to.

Those orangey little weasels over at PostNL have just informed me that your package should be delivered tomorrow between 11:00 and 13:30. Be sure to give the delivery-moose some nice green grass! He's earned it after that trek!

Dec 13, 2022#59

Tinwhistler

Secret Santa said:
@Tinwhistler

A little something is now winding its way to you across the wide waters of the world.

This sounds like it's coming over the ocean, so I expect it'll take time. But I've been checking diligently regardless, and just wanted to report no arrival as of yet.

Dec 13, 2022#60

Dave

I'm not certain if this was my Secret Santa gift or not. A package came in the mail and it wasn't marked. At all. No card, no return address. My wife said she didn't order it. So I'm posting the pictures. If this ISN'T from my Secret Santa, please let me know.

Dec 13, 2022#61

Bubble181

Not mine, but looking good!

Dec 13, 2022#62

PatrThom

A hooded sneetch!

--Patrick

Dec 13, 2022#63

BErt

Dave said:
I'm not certain if this was my Secret Santa gift or not. A package came in the mail and it wasn't marked. At all. No card, no return address. My wife said she didn't order it. So I'm posting the pictures. If this ISN'T from my Secret Santa, please let me know.

View attachment 43216 View attachment 43215

It is indeed your secret santa gift - glad it fits, I was a little worried after I ordered it and saw some people say it ran small. But it looks good on ya!

Merry Christmas Dave!!

Dec 13, 2022#64

Dave

BErt said:
It is indeed your secret santa gift - glad it fits, I was a little worried after I ordered it and saw some people say it ran small. But it looks good on ya!

Merry Christmas Dave!!

Yay! Thanks, man! It’s really soft and going to be my “sitting at the computer all bundled up” hoodie.

Merry Christmas back atcha!

Dec 13, 2022#65

Tress

Yesterday I got a package! (sorry it took a bit to post this)

Some delicious treats appeared!

Caramel corn, an always appreciated classic
Genuine South Carolina BBQ sauce (I’m excited to try it - I’ve always heard good things)
Cheese straws, weird yet tasty cheese crack/biscuit/cookie things.
And my personal fave, peanut brittle (I love all things peanuts)

See the stylish blue hat? That came with it too, but my daughter snatched it off the table and claimed it for herself.

Thank you @General Specific! This was awesome!

Dec 14, 2022#66

Secret Santa

Secret Santa said:
Those orangey little weasels over at PostNL have just informed me that your package should be delivered tomorrow between 11:00 and 13:30. Be sure to give the delivery-moose some nice green grass! He's earned it after that trek!

Apparently PostNL is as reliable in the Netherlands as UPS in the States, so New and Improved For Your Comfort delivery time is between 13:25 and 15:25. @Wahad

Dec 14, 2022#67

Wahad

Yeah, that tracks. Thanks for the heads-up!

Dec 14, 2022#68

Secret Santa

It should now have been delivered.
Cheers!

Dec 14, 2022#69

Wahad

A box!

...an open box!

There's beer in that there box...

A lot of beer in that there box!

Thanks @Bubble181 !

Dec 14, 2022#70

Bubble181

...How'd you guess? :-D

I was going to try and include some beers from other local breweries (this one is about 800m from my door), but getting a pack together myself proved much harder. Next year I'll choose a different brewery, we've got quite a few to go :-D

The whiskey infused one is one of my personal favorites, btw, though more suited for in-a-snow-storm-but-comfy-inside-by-the-fire than for on-a-sunny-deck-enjoying-the-heat

Dec 14, 2022#71

Wahad

Bubble181 said:
...How'd you guess? :-D

Well, the posting address is in Belgium, and you're the only Belgian participating, I'm pretty sure,

But I am well familiar with the Gouden Carolus, so these will find a good home!

Dec 14, 2022#72

General Specific

Tress said:
Yesterday I got a package! (sorry it took a bit to post this)
View attachment 43222
Some delicious treats appeared!

Caramel corn, an always appreciated classic

Genuine South Carolina BBQ sauce (I’m excited to try it - I’ve always heard good things)

Cheese straws, weird yet tasty cheese crack/biscuit/cookie things.

And my personal fave, peanut brittle (I love all things peanuts)

See the stylish blue hat? That came with it too, but my daughter snatched it off the table and claimed it for herself.

Thank you @General Specific! This was awesome!

I'm so happy it all arrived intact! We sent some stuff to our favorite streaming group, LoadingReadyRun, once and it did not go well. Their hat was also much worse, so glad you liked it all!

Dec 14, 2022#73

BErt

Sorry Santa! I'm a little late posting this. I didn't open it until now because I thought it was a book that I bought for someone else's gift lol - tis the season :rolleyes:

really happy to have this one again. I had lost my copy either in a move or to a borrower at some point and I never got to actually finish it!

Santa is still secret but the note indicates something else on the way? Regardless thank you so much I love it!!

Dec 14, 2022#74

Vrii

BErt said:
really happy to have this one again. I had lost my copy either in a move or to a borrower at some point and I never got to actually finish it!

Oh my lord that book. If you ever want another take on a similar idea, trending a bit more towards a fairy tale than an English major's dream project, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is excellent, too.

Dec 14, 2022#75

BErt

Vrii said:
Oh my lord that book. If you ever want another take on a similar idea, trending a bit more towards a fairy tale than an English major's dream project, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is excellent, too.

I'll check it out, thanks!

Dec 16, 2022#76

Dirona

A suspicious box has arrived upon my doorstep!

It contains a suspicious bag! With a less suspicious tag!

Inside the bag is another box. Oooh, embroidery starter kit!

And in the box the juicy (actually quite dry) goodies. A fabulous kit, and one I look forward to trying! There are new stitches that I haven't done before, so that will be interesting.

Thank you Santa! This will absolutely be used and enjoyed!

Dec 18, 2022#77

BErt

My second gift arrived! Peep the fancy bag by Amazon gift wrapping

Oh hell yes. The 3rd party Nemesis I had on my list - I'll post again once I get him set up but this is awesome. 99% of my transformer collection is still in a storage locker back up in Michigan so it will be nice having some representation down here lol

Dec 18, 2022#78

BErt

my santa was @Dei !! Thank you so much, you knocked it out of the park! Merry Christmas!!

Post automatically merged: Dec 18, 2022

...i don't know why that split into two messages

Dec 19, 2022#79

BErt

Don't talk to me or my son ever again

Dec 19, 2022#80

Tinwhistler

I had to sign for a box from Taiwan, so I immediately know not only is it my Secret Santa gift, but who it's from

No picture of the box, because it mostly has PII and homey don't dox

Inside was some very soft yarn from Highland cows, and it appears, at first glance, to be worsted weight (though overseas yarns tend to go by different measurement units) and thus ideal for the kinds of stuff I've been crocheting lately. It seems like very nice yarn, so your guy at the yarn store did not steer you wrong (yes, there's a pun in there).

Also included are a handful of snacks. I love trying snacks from other countries! I've tried a lot of Japanese and Korean stuff, because H-Mart carries them, but I've never had snacks from Taiwan! Very little English is on the packaging, so I'm just gonna have to be brave and put it in my mouth, even though I'm not 100% sure what it's gonna be like. Just like in my college years

Thanks @bhamv3 !

Dec 19, 2022#81

Sparhawk

Tinwhistler said:
I had to sign for a box from Taiwan, so I immediately know not only is it my Secret Santa gift, but who it's from

No picture of the box, because it mostly has PII and homey don't dox

View attachment 43278

Inside was some very soft yarn from Highland cows, and it appears, at first glance, to be worsted weight (though overseas yarns tend to go by different measurement units) and thus ideal for the kinds of stuff I've been crocheting lately. It seems like very nice yarn, so your guy at the yarn store did not steer you wrong (yes, there's a pun in there).

Also included are a handful of snacks. I love trying snacks from other countries! I've tried a lot of Japanese and Korean stuff, because H-Mart carries them, but I've never had snacks from Taiwan! Very little English is on the packaging, so I'm just gonna have to be brave and put it in my mouth, even though I'm not 100% sure what it's gonna be like. Just like in my college years

Thanks @bhamv3 !

Might want to give a translator program a shot to at least get an idea of what each item is. Not a replacement for bhamv3, but possibly faster than sending a message and waiting for him to get up in the morning.

Dec 19, 2022#82

bhamv3

Tinwhistler said:
I had to sign for a box from Taiwan, so I immediately know not only is it my Secret Santa gift, but who it's from

No picture of the box, because it mostly has PII and homey don't dox

View attachment 43278

Inside was some very soft yarn from Highland cows, and it appears, at first glance, to be worsted weight (though overseas yarns tend to go by different measurement units) and thus ideal for the kinds of stuff I've been crocheting lately. It seems like very nice yarn, so your guy at the yarn store did not steer you wrong (yes, there's a pun in there).

Also included are a handful of snacks. I love trying snacks from other countries! I've tried a lot of Japanese and Korean stuff, because H-Mart carries them, but I've never had snacks from Taiwan! Very little English is on the packaging, so I'm just gonna have to be brave and put it in my mouth, even though I'm not 100% sure what it's gonna be like. Just like in my college years

Thanks @bhamv3 !

Glad it finally showed up, I was actually expecting it to arrive last week, but I suspect the brown stuff might've triggered some alerts at customs.

And I actually wanted to send some *really* classic Taiwanese snacks... but they would definitely get stopped at customs.

Anyway, if you want to know what the snacks are without having to put them in your mouth, spoilers ahoy:

The small yellow box is actually a snack that originated in Japan, Morinaga Milk Candy, but it's been available in Taiwan for literally decades. It's a common childhood memory for basically everyone under the age of 70. It comprises small rectangular caramel-like candies that are made with milk.

The purple box is a more modern childhood candy called I-Mei Gummy Choco Balls, the grape flavored ones (which I've sent) are the oldest version they produced. It's a grape flavored gummy ball that's covered in chocolate.

The brown stuff is savory shacha flavored bean curd. It's a snack I like to get from local convenience stores when I'm stressed and in the mood to balefully munch something.

And finally, the green bag is a bag of coconut flavored crispy snacks, the texture's like Cheetos. As I mentioned in the note, the name of the snack is a pun on "well behaved", so if you have anything you want to behave, such as electronics, feel free to place the packaging on that piece of electronics as a sort of good luck charm. Or you could write the thing you want to behave on the white space on the front.

Dec 19, 2022#83

evilmike

Tinwhistler said:
I had to sign for a box from Taiwan, so I immediately know not only is it my Secret Santa gift, but who it's from

@Celt Z ?

Dec 19, 2022#84

Celt Z

evilmike said:
@Celt Z ?

No, but I love the dried bean curd and get it often around here.

Dec 19, 2022#85

Tinwhistler

bhamv3 said:
Glad it finally showed up, I was actually expecting it to arrive last week, but I suspect the brown stuff might've triggered some alerts at customs.

And I actually wanted to send some *really* classic Taiwanese snacks... but they would definitely get stopped at customs.

Anyway, if you want to know what the snacks are without having to put them in your mouth, spoilers ahoy:

The small yellow box is actually a snack that originated in Japan, Morinaga Milk Candy, but it's been available in Taiwan for literally decades. It's a common childhood memory for basically everyone under the age of 70. It comprises small rectangular caramel-like candies that are made with milk.

The purple box is a more modern childhood candy called I-Mei Gummy Choco Balls, the grape flavored ones (which I've sent) are the oldest version they produced. It's a grape flavored gummy ball that's covered in chocolate.

The brown stuff is savory shacha flavored bean curd. It's a snack I like to get from local convenience stores when I'm stressed and in the mood to balefully munch something.

And finally, the green bag is a bag of coconut flavored crispy snacks, the texture's like Cheetos. As I mentioned in the note, the name of the snack is a pun on "well behaved", so if you have anything you want to behave, such as electronics, feel free to place the packaging on that piece of electronics as a sort of good luck charm. Or you could write the thing you want to behave on the white space on the front.

They all sound amazing. The 'brown stuff' sounds much like the spicy/savory/sweet mexican candies you can get around these parts, though I'm sure the flavor profile is very different. I really like those snacks with complex flavors that mix savory or spicy notes along with the sweet.

Dec 30, 2022#86

Dirona

Suspicious box? Suspicious box?!?!

And inside, a fabulous and totally not blasphemous mug, which I very much look forward to using.

Seriously, I love it, and it may be featured on a local clergy facebook group as favourite work-related present of the season.

Thank you Secret Santa, whoever you are!

Dec 30, 2022#87

Tinwhistler

bhamv3 said:
Glad it finally showed up, I was actually expecting it to arrive last week, but I suspect the brown stuff might've triggered some alerts at customs.

And I actually wanted to send some *really* classic Taiwanese snacks... but they would definitely get stopped at customs.

Anyway, if you want to know what the snacks are without having to put them in your mouth, spoilers ahoy:

The small yellow box is actually a snack that originated in Japan, Morinaga Milk Candy, but it's been available in Taiwan for literally decades. It's a common childhood memory for basically everyone under the age of 70. It comprises small rectangular caramel-like candies that are made with milk.

The purple box is a more modern childhood candy called I-Mei Gummy Choco Balls, the grape flavored ones (which I've sent) are the oldest version they produced. It's a grape flavored gummy ball that's covered in chocolate.

The brown stuff is savory shacha flavored bean curd. It's a snack I like to get from local convenience stores when I'm stressed and in the mood to balefully munch something.

And finally, the green bag is a bag of coconut flavored crispy snacks, the texture's like Cheetos. As I mentioned in the note, the name of the snack is a pun on "well behaved", so if you have anything you want to behave, such as electronics, feel free to place the packaging on that piece of electronics as a sort of good luck charm. Or you could write the thing you want to behave on the white space on the front.

So far, I've had everything but the bean curd, and it's been delicious! I can't really munch out too hard on anything sweet, so I've been spacing out my enjoyment. I'm looking forward to cracking open the last one this weekend. Thanks again!

Dec 30, 2022#88

GasBandit

Alright, I lost track, but if anybody did not receive their Secret Santa gift, please PM me.

Dec 30, 2022#89

Dave

I know that @General Specific got theirs in time!

Dec 30, 2022#90

General Specific

Dave said:
I know that @General Specific got theirs in time!

Were you my Super Secret Santa, Dave? There was no name on the note

Dec 30, 2022#91

Dave

General Specific said:
Were you my Super Secret Santa, Dave? There was no name on the note

Yup! I sent your current game list(s) to some board game experts I know and told them to come up with some ideas. That’s the one they recommended.

Merry Christmas!

Dec 30, 2022#92

General Specific

Dave said:
Yup! I sent your current game list(s) to some board game experts I know and told them to come up with some ideas. That’s the one they recommended.

Merry Christmas!

Thanks! I may have to take some time to convince my regular gaming group to try it, we have a huge backlog of new games we have yet to play since we took a couple years off from in-person gaming due to the obvious reasons.

Dec 30, 2022#93

Dave

Experts, man! EXPERTS!

Dec 31, 2022#94

Bubble181

I know I'm horrible about it, still haven't posted pictures yet. I was going to wait till I had filled the flower pots but that doesn't seem very likely to happen any time soon so. ''

I am sure this army of miniature owls will serve me well!

Dec 31, 2022#95

Wahad

Glad you like 'em!

Sep 30, 2023#96

Dirona

Dirona said:
A suspicious box has arrived upon my doorstep!

It contains a suspicious bag! With a less suspicious tag!

View attachment 43243

Inside the bag is another box. Oooh, embroidery starter kit!

View attachment 43244

And in the box the juicy (actually quite dry) goodies. A fabulous kit, and one I look forward to trying! There are new stitches that I haven't done before, so that will be interesting.

View attachment 43245

Thank you Santa! This will absolutely be used and enjoyed!

I've been picking away at this for a few months, and just finished this morning! Now I just need to tidy up the frame and hang it up.

This was a lot of fun! Thank you!

Forums