2008 Cellar Secret Santa
This year I volunteered to emcee the CSS. Since no one has objected, I'll go ahead and get the ball rolling.
Starting now, through Monday Nov 10th, if you would like to participate please PM me a name and address. I'll randomly distribute the names, and get them out ideally by the 12th.
Last year the theme was optional, and I think that went over well.
If you would like to suggest a theme for this year, please do so in *this* thread this week. Friday I will post a poll if there isn't a clear winner. I'll leave the voting open for 1 week, then the theme will be decided by that. Again, the theme will be optional.
The link doesn't seen to be working...?
Sorry, SG, I meant to emphasize to use this thread, as in, the one you are reading now, not indicate a link to a different thread. :blush:
Bad post, I fickts it.
The link doesn't seen to be working...?
here ya go.
remember, i promised not to rick roll anymore, so you can click that safely.
my theme suggestion:
christmas/holiday ornaments. of the non fragile variety
I think we should make our theme : glass or crystal objets d'art
here ya go.
remember, i promised not to rick roll anymore, so you can click that safely.
Fucker.
I wouldn't be for the Christmas ornaments theme. I'm not usually a nay-sayer, but purely from a personal point of view - I am not settled and do not have a home of my own. I would love something to display, but in that case I'd want to see it all year round. It would be a touchstone for me.
I'd prefer a theme similar to last year, which allows people to choose the
type of gift within the overall theme. Then again, I'm pretty much in the Get-Along Gang, so I'd simply ask that anyone buying for me didn't go along with the theme if it was Christmas.
The people outside of the US didn't participate much last year. Since we have this up and running early, maybe they should drop their names in the hat, ay? :) I'm willing to post international mail. It will just take awhile to get there.
Actually I think as far as regular posters go, us furriners were over-represented :)
And you can spank me and call me Susan if I'm wrong.
I've thrown my hat in the ring already.
Or my slip in the hat.
Or my ring in the slip.
Whatever.
Yes, I will have to spank you and call you Susan. People specifically said they would not participate because they were outside of the US and it would be too difficult. I don't just make this stuff up.... :)
yeah, ali and sundae were both in last year....I actually still have pressies for both of them from last year that i never sent cuz i am a tool.
maybe i'll get them to you this year....
Ali wasn't in (due to posting times), although I sent her a cock because I didn't want her left out.
I think Ducks and Limey were in.
Zen & Dana were out due to finances, but again Dana got a present because a Dwellar wanted her included.
CycleFrance doesn't do the frivolous threads... Isn't that pretty much all of us?! (Regulars I mean)
SEND ME MY PRIZE!
GODDAMNIT!
I mean, hello LJ, so lovely to see you xxx
remind me wednesday morning~!
I'll make a special video reminder for you [lascivious wink smilie]
Oh yea...Here it is...one boob trying to ruin it for everybody last year. :) Heh. Grenchy.
"I think we need to get this under way for those of us who want to participate but might have trouble paying higher postage costs. Alternatively, perhaps it should just be for US and Canadian Cellarites and leave the rest of us out of it."
I must have thought people actually agreed with this or something. I'm still going to spank you though. ;)
if you're too cheap to pay postage to the UK, let me know, I'll take up a collection for you. Let's not start excluding people here.
Cicero that's over and done with.
The person in question wanted the time to buy a suitable present, not to upset anyone. What's your reason to bring this up now?
I just said that I thought people went with that idea!! Arrgh! And I was bringing it up, to let people know that it is ok if you are international!! jfc. I am bringing it up to say that there is even, enough time, to get things shipped internationally this year since we started early this year. There should be no problems.
k?
why are you trying to start a fight in this thread? this should be a happy occasion. maybe you've had too much coffee?
Just letting people know, not to hesitate if they are feeling too international. Done. [email]done@done.com[/email].
i was just playin cic.....
ya bug eyed cockpuncher
Sounds cool. I like the ornament idea ...
Arrrgh! Alright Lab. Gimme Jim...*crossing fingers*..pls.pls.pls...
I want my santa to be the same person. Bring on more of that kick ass homemade fudgey chocolate....Awesome...I don't even like sweets, but me and my husband couldn't keep our sticky little fingers out of the chocolate cock jar.
I haven't seen my santa around much. I better point out this thread just in case.... ;)
Just letting people know, not to hesitate if they are feeling too international. Done. [email]done@done.com[/email].
I tried to email you at that link but it didn't work?
j/k
I think Ducks and Limey were in.
They sure were--Ducks was my SS, and I was Limey's. My 2007 holiday season was very international.
For this year's theme, how about edibles? That way if I get Cicero as my Secret Santa, she might send me chiles (dried red or frozen green are fine, I'm not picky). :D
YAY! I'm so totally in this year! Now. Don't complicate it for me. Is there a theme or not?
The trouble with edibles is the international senders.
I might be wrong, but I think you'd have to be very careful.
I'd be happy to be wrong - what better way to celebrate than to eat the evidence?! At least that way no-one's gift would end up in landfill.
Who's going to take charge and say what's what here? food, nonfood, theme, nontheme....just tell me what we're doing! I'm ready to shop!
Who's going to take charge and say what's what here? food, nonfood, theme, nontheme....just tell me what we're doing! I'm ready to shop!
If you would like to suggest a theme for this year, please do so in *this* thread this week. Friday I will post a poll if there isn't a clear winner. I'll leave the voting open for 1 week, then the theme will be decided by that. Again, the theme will be optional.
If I awarded you marks at the end, would you pay attention :)
Random thing, the price range last year was ~$15 including shipping. I'm assuming that's still valid for this year?
SG is quite right. I was the one that had something to say about starting late which excluded some of us from getting out our pressies in time. As it turned out, I ended up sending a number of gifts to people on here and I recieved one in return from all bar Jimbo who has already admitted he's a slack bastard and really should be more considerate of people who are tender and emotional...and btw in case he feels he should make amends by sending the gift a year later, he'll need to remember that my address has changed.
There you go. All sorted now?
I'll be in SS this year, but I am pretty sure the postage alone from here to another country is going to be at least $15 AU. How bout an empty box theme this year? :)
Actually, I like the food theme, and it's generally fine to send food via the post, especially if you lie about what you're sending.
Actually, I like the food theme, and it's generally fine to send food via the post, especially if you lie about what you're sending.
Absolutely! They are also totally fine with firearms, drugs, and explosives... as long as you lie about what you're sending. :)
Exactly. lol
Actually, in all honesty, there's no problem sending food international generally if it's commercially manufactured and seeled (sealed? I can't spell for shit lately).
I'd probably try and send something I've made myself though if the theme ends up being food.
I'd jump into this one. How do I join?
Merc, if you read the first post you'll know. ;)
Alternatively, just PM your details to LabRat. :)
Thanks will, things seemed a bit disjointed as I read through it, and there seemed to be some angst going on, but I could never really put my finger on it. I will PM Labster Rat.
Thanks will, things seemed a bit disjointed as I read through it, and there seemed to be some angst going on, but I could never really put my finger on it. I will PM Labster Rat.
Yea. F'in Jim. :p
PM Labber your name and addy.
Done, I'm in.
stupid question deleted
all bar Jimbo who has already admitted he's a slack bastard and really should be more considerate of people who are tender and emotional...and btw in case he feels he should make amends by sending the gift a year later, he'll need to remember that my address has changed.
noted.
btw, i get pangs of guilt every time i use the kangaroo testicle bottle opener you sent me. ...which is 6-8 times a night if I have bottles instead of cans....
Done, I'm in.
Question, because of where I live you would have a hard time guessing who I am. I wonder if I will have the same difficulty.
I think it's pretty easy for some particularly if you get one of us aussies or poms. There aren't that many of us and if you post regularly, you'd have a fair idea where we live.
For us on the other hand, it could be difficult.
Question, because of where I live you would have a hard time guessing who I am. I wonder if I will have the same difficulty.
I guess you don't live in Georgia like your profile says? Most people were cool with their gift-sender knowing which user they were, but it can be anonymous if you want. Personally, I think it's better to know who you're buying a gift for, because then you can get something appropriate to the person.
I guess you don't live in Georgia like your profile says? Most people were cool with their gift-sender knowing which user they were, but it can be anonymous if you want. Personally, I think it's better to know who you're buying a gift for, because then you can get something appropriate to the person.
yea, I guess I don't care that much and yes I would like to personalize the gift a bit, but then would it be a secret santa. The sender should know, that is how I thought it should work, Santa knows who you are, the receiver does not know his/her Santa.
Duhhhhhhh, it's freaking Santa don't-cha-know! He knows EVERYTHING about you already. Sheeeeeeesh.... :D
I guess you don't live in Georgia like your profile says? Most people were cool with their gift-sender knowing which user they were, but it can be anonymous if you want. Personally, I think it's better to know who you're buying a gift for, because then you can get something appropriate to the person.
I live right here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Savannah+GA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=50.823846,84.287109&ie=UTF8&ll=31.931186,-81.110344&spn=0.208623,0.329247&t=h&z=12Merc, check out last year's thread. Some people ordered stuff and it was delivered from a distrubution hub. I sent mine from the UK and Rich still had a 50/50 chance to get it right, and I had no idea til I started looking where my sender came from. You'd be surprised how little people pick up. I thought Be-Bop was a woman until the RFN thread and Shawnee was Australian until I got to know her better.
You are welcome to send the gift to a relative, friend, colleague etc to post, if you want to disguise your location. The fun ended up being in the opening and photoing rather than the guessing. But the guessing is always there if that's what you like. PS - send it to me if you like... I just might decide to keep it though ;)
Oh, I see what you're saying.
Ultimately most of the Santas revealed who they were after the gift was received. But yeah, if Santa wants to stay anonymous that's cool, although you'll still probably be figured out by process of elimination.
Oh, I see what you're saying.
Ultimately most of the Santas revealed who they were after the gift was received. But yeah, if Santa wants to stay anonymous that's cool, although you'll still probably be figured out by process of elimination.
I don't care that much if anyone finds out. I was just wondering how it went down here.
I do remember some of it last year.
There was some rooster thingy, some art, and some WTF? I will have to dig around and see if I can find that old thread.
Mac_tire and I are in, too. I think we will just do it together, so no need for us to have 2 Santas. I will send the info to Lab right away.
Last year I sent to Ducks and Lookout was my Santa. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have kept up with the Fact or Crap game, switching between my husband and I for who gets to answer. Also, we still use the rooster salt and pepper shakers.
If I awarded you marks at the end, would you pay attention :)
Yes, ma'am.
just for some extra info... last year there were a few (regular and trusted) posters who wanted to be santas but weren't comfortable giving out their home addreses inorder to receive gifts for several different and valid reasons. there were also a few (regular and trusted) posters who wanted to be part of it, but couldn't for financial, emotional or in their perception, practical reasons. Santa's elves dilligently hunted down they addresses of such worthies and added an equal number of shy santas into the mix, and almost everyone was happy :)
Against popular demand..... I'm in.
and I want to get radar or tw :) Just in the spirit of giving and all.
I'm so excited I can be in on Secret Santa this year!
I'll PM my info, labrat. Thanks for doing this. :)
Yeah!! 19 peeps so far have PM'd me, including several international ones. For now, I am going to keep the list of participants silent.
Regarding the value of the gift, it's all relative I suppose. If I can get a $30 gift for $10 should I give it if the limit is $10? Technically, I did only spend 10, but
blah blah blah. Spend within your budget. If you are worried about not getting something of equal value in return for your gift, that isn't in the true spirit of giving IMHO. This is for fun, not business. Besides, isn't the saying one man's trash is another's treasure? ;)
FYI: As of Oct 27th One American Dollar =
Australian Dollar 1.64663
British Pound 0.646329
Canadian Dollar 1.2935
Euro 0.803471
Japanese Yen 93.28
Mexican Peso 13.2743
New Zealand Dollar 1.84843
FEDEX shipping link
UPS shipping Link
USPS shipping link
DHL shipping link Thanks Labster, you're the bomb diggity.
Ok I'm in, I'll pm details to you later :P
I will try not to suck at posting stuff out.
I'm in. I PM'd just now. :-)
Ok at some point is there going to be a post with all the rules, regulations and/or guidelines.... ?
Thye're pretty much self explantory.
LabRat will PM you with your Secret Santa recipient.
She/ we will have decided on a theme, although adherence to the theme is not mandatory.
Spend $10 on purchase and shipping for your giftee.
Send in good time to arrive before Christmas - the ideal time last year seemed to be the week before.
Be as open or as anonymous as you want when sending, it's up to you.
When you receive your gift, ideally document the process. If it's not obvious who sent it, it's customary to guess in your post.
Is the $10.00 limit strict? I was looking at Electric Cars as gifts. :-)
thanks SG - as the commissioner of the 2008 Secret Santa I thought she would like to do that once and for all of us. That way there is no confusion. Oh and she gets to wield her mighty powers.
Sorry, was trying to make it easier on her.
I know - its your British nature ;)
The real fun was waiting for 4 months for folks to post the photos. YES you!!
Lost your address, but am making candy when it gets a little cooler. Right. (29 tonight)
I want in! Lack of finances notwithstanding, I will MAKE this work :D Will PM LabRat in a moment, once the ex gets off the damn phone... grr.
Update: 26 willing to send and receive, one who would like to send, but not recieve.
ETA: Gifts. Gifts people. Get your minds up here in the daylight.
Update: 26 willing to send and receive, one who would like to send, but not recieve.
ETA: Gifts. Gifts people. Get your minds up here in the daylight.
26 exchangers and one Dom in the bunch.
I was tempted to PM LabRat with this, but then I felt that made it too sneaky.
Much as I appreciate Treasenuak wanting to take part in Secret Santa, we did say we would only accept long term Dwellars this year because of a problem last year. This is nothing personal, I am simply repeating something previously discussed.
Any opinions on this?
Everybody in! If you aren't gonna send a gift after agreeing to do so. We will send Merc & Reg Joe to your house and they will take care of it. Problem solved. Well that or Sheldon - depends on the situation.
Any opinions on this?
I think Treasenuak should be in!
Everybody in who wants to be. Eh, if your such a dick that you commit and then don't send a gift then Santa will pox you and your household for the next ten years.
i bought you a giant cucumber, sir.
I was the one who indirectly whined, having had the Secret Santa dud last year... My snarking notwithstanding, I'm not actually in favor of excluding people. Trease is completely welcome in my book. Just remember this is a real community made up of real people, and we run the duds out of town with pitchforks. :)
In that case I bow out gracefully. I just wanted to make sure we were all in agreement. And anyway, what's the odds of you getting a dud Santa two years running :)
what do you mean, 'bow out'?
SG is not going to play? To bad, if I got you I was going to send you the BEST gift ever. Come on SG.
I think she just meant she's dropping the issue of newbs.
CF as Audrey Hepburn once again.
Yes, I just mean that I will drop any objection as it was raised on behalf of other Dwellars' stated wishes.
Everybody in who wants to be. Eh, if your such a dick that you commit and then don't send a gift then Santa will pox you and your household for the next ten years.
So how are the pox going Jimbo?
It was mentioned earlier in this thread. I swapped gifts with a few people after having a whine about the official start date because I wouldn't have been able to get my gift to my sendee before Christmas. Jimbo was one of the people who said he'd like to swap gifts so I duly sent his off but have never recieved one in return. :)
Isn't he a cock?
(btw, I wasn't the only one he didn't send a gift to)
they're all boxed up and sitting there ready to go.....somewhere...
sundae was supposed to remind me wednesday, but i forgot again.
Maybe you could just use my gift for whoever you get on your SS this year? At least then you don't have to worry about going to get a gift. You just have to put the right address on it. That should make it easy for you. :)
i don't think so. I'll be reopening it and updating it with a couple extra things, I think.....
why don't you PM me your new address?
srsly.
oops.
^^uh, yeah...what he said ^^
Oh hell, I just saw the period. Doh. :D
And should I send it to retarded tw. or lumberjim? lol
I am completely fucking confused.
sO wHATS THE THEAM fOLKS ?????
I'll be happy to take full advantage of the present confusion, and confirm the theme of edibles.
there's confusion over presents?
I'm not sending potables through the post....
Nah. Merkins ruin tea!
:p
We'll force them into doing it properly - PG Tips a go go!
Tea would be cool. We have a great shop here.
If by tea, you mean tequila, I'm all for it! ;)
Merkins don't ruin tequila. Well, some do, but I'm a minimalist: no wheels.
We'll force them into doing it properly - PG Tips a go go!
My wife fell in love with PG Tips while on her first Buxton trip. I'm not a big tea drinker, when I do have some, I prefer that to the US stuff. (Do they have Earl Grey? Or is that considered an abomination in the UK?)
One of my college profs said her first job out of school was editing music for one of the British university presses. By tradition, as the newest employee, she was in charge of making tea for the office. However, as a Yank, her tea-making skills were repugnant to all right-thinking Britons. She said it took her several weeks to get completely up to standard in that area.
I work in an office of Earl Grey drinkers. It's not all that common in the UK, but it is an acceptable alternative. Just don't go in a greasy spoon and ask for it (translation: truck rest stop?)
Steve if you would like some PG Tips just PM your address. We have stacks of tea left over from the work we did with the British Chinese Community earlier this year, so I'm happy to send it on.
NB - I had no intention of sending work tea as my Secret Santa gift!
[SIZE="6"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]D[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkRed"]A[/COLOR] [COLOR="DarkGreen"]R[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkRed"]U[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkGreen"]L[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkRed"]Z[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkGreen"]:[/COLOR][/SIZE]
PM me a name and address if you would like to participate. If I have a surplus of givers who don't wish to receive, I might suggest to them to hit the tip mug, unless someone has a better idea.
On Nov 10th I will PM everyone their randomly selected recipient.
The optional themes of this year's SS gift exchange are holiday ornaments and edibles. May I suggest for the edibles category something that is unique to you or your local area. A ballpark for gift values is around $15 US.
You can let your recipient know who you are when you send the gift, just give a clue and make them guess, or be totally anonymous. It's up to you.
Please be sure that the gift arrives at its destination by Dec 14th.
When you receive your gift, try to get a few pictures of it to post. It's fun to see what others received! In early December, I will create a new thread for the posting of gift pictures and guessing of senders. At that time I can make a list of who participated available if you want.
I hope that covers it. Happy shopping!!!
[B]PM me a name and address if you would like to participate. If I have a surplus of givers who don't wish to receive, I might suggest to them to hit the tip mug, unless someone has a better idea.
Great idea.
May I suggest for the edibles category something that is unique to you or your local area.
Can you send Chittlins by mail???:smack:
I'll try this again this year. Last year I never got an acknowledgment that my gift was received.
Teabags?
Not sure how you can send that without a lot of pain. Besides, teabagging is overrated.
;)
I'll try this again this year. Last year I never got an acknowledgment that my gift was received.
I think your recipient was the same one who failed to send a gift, and hasn't been back to the board since (Mockingbird)
that's funny. our cmep exchange was the end of
jeepngeorge. it was a big pain in the ass.
cellar music exchange project
if i told you, i'd have to kill you
doh! jinx!
Alright, my pm box is empty.
[SIZE="6"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]D[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkRed"]A[/COLOR] [COLOR="DarkGreen"]R[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkRed"]U[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkGreen"]L[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkRed"]Z[/COLOR][COLOR="DarkGreen"]:[/COLOR][/SIZE]
On Nov 10th I will PM everyone their randomly selected recipient.
Alright, my pms box is empty.
Good to know. :D
that's funny. our cmep exchange was the end of jeepngeorge. it was a big pain in the ass.
I think I screwed that up, too. I ended up with 2 or 3 discs at the end. I still have SteveDallas'. Who should I send it to?
Okay, then. The next time I get to the post office it will be on its way :)
I was pretty bad about it too. (I forget what I put on the disc even...)
It's been a while since I have listened to it. I think it had something from Phantom of the Opera on it or something.
it was mainly political satire and comedy crap like that. I didnt make it all the way through when i had it.
I promise there was no Phantom of the Opera. (Let's just say I'm not Andrew Lloyd Webber's biggest fan.)
"Not everyone in New York would pay to see Andrew Lloyd Webber..."
Maybe I should listen to that one again.
BUMP
30 dwellars and counting. Can we make it 35??
Last call for addresses!! I'm gonna mix up the names and PM them out tomorrow. Still sitting at 30.
It's already tomorrow here. Can I have mine now? ;)
No, it's today. It's always today everywhere, tomorrow never comes.:(
BTW, three cheers for Santarat;
Hip hip ______________
Hip hip ______________
Hip hip ______________
Yes, that's why the bar I used to frequent had a sign that said 'Free beer tomorrow' on the wall. Very disappointing.
Well, I picked up two gifts yesterday. One is suitable for ladies only and the other is electronic suitable for anyone.
I'll return the ladies gift if my giftee is not a woman, but I'm keeping the other gift in any case since I own one already, the product has been discontinued, and I could use a backup.
I canna wait! *excitedexcitedexcited!!!!*
Well, I picked up two gifts yesterday. One is suitable for ladies only and the other is electronic suitable for anyone.
I'll return the ladies gift if my giftee is not a woman, but I'm keeping the other gift in any case since I own one already, the product has been discontinued, and I could use a backup.
Are you sure it's not an electronic gift suitable for ladies only? hehehe
Are you sure it's not an electronic gift suitable for ladies only? hehehe
Y'know, I thought about making that joke myself but I decided that
I had too much class.
Thank you for being you.:D
Class? There's someone classy on the cellar?
Who woulda thunk it!
Geez...some people just have no patience!
In his defense, yesterday LabRat declared it would be "tomorrow." But that was on the 8th.
I decided on Friday to do it a day early, when I had more time, since a week had gone by and no one else seemed interested.
I'm working on it right now :)
Hurray! Got my SS recipient (and screwed up LR's system by changing my address, naughty naughty)
I don't know my recipient very well, so will be snooping and spying before I am buying.
Thanks again for organizing this, LabRat.
OK. Everyone who sent me an address should have recieved a recipient via PM tonight.
[COLOR="Red"]Please PM me when you have sent your gift.[/COLOR]
[COLOR="Green"]Please PM me when you have received your gift.[/COLOR]
I will create a new thread in a few weeks for us to post pics of our gifts and make guesses about our senders, if they were sneaky about it.
Thanks to everybody in advance, it's been a pleasure serving you!! Have fun!!
If you don't send a gift to your recipient, I have your name and address, and lots of time to think about what nasty things I can do with it ;).
Oh darn -- too late.
I'm a newb anyway, guess I wouldn't have qualified. I'd still like to send a little something if anyone needs matching up. No need nothin' in return.
Yeah, yeah, I know...hit the tip jar.
Whee! I'm so excited! This will get me in the Christmas spirit. Now I have to spend some time thinking about the right gift...
So does that mean you'll be answering some of my questions in my christmas countdown thread Clod? ;)
Yay! Got my person.
Hooray
Hooray
Hooray (filling in Bruce's blanks)
Thanks LabRat! :)
Yay... I has recipient. I shall go shopping!
Um, this may have been answered already so I apologize in advance, but did we come up with a theme?
I think it's foodstuffs or something, but you can be themey or not themey, your choice. :)
Ah, thank you much, Shawnee :)
Oh cool--I got an easy one of you!
are you saying that the person you got is easy? or easy to buy for.....or both?
got my person!!!!!
Is sooooooo cool!!!!!!
*happy dance!*
Now, if only knew some personal things about this person. This person tends to be tricky...must...t-h-i-n-k-k-k-k....
now having gift anxiety. what if person doesn't like gift? *biting nails*
is it uncool to have a 'stuff i might like' thread for this SS dealie-O? is it totally uncool?
For my money, part of the fun is the ambiguity of it. It's not about getting gift perfection; we can do that with our own RL friends and relatives. My advice: take your best shot, and send and receive your gifts in the spirit of the season.
For my money, part of the fun is the ambiguity of it. It's not about getting gift perfection; we can do that with our own RL friends and relatives. My advice: take your best shot, and send and receive your gifts in the spirit of the season.
You're quite right. As a matter of fact, I've already bought one thing for my SS! I thought of the perfect thing! :)
Well, I got my SS. My only thought is that I was sort of hoping for someone who lives farther away. I already picked out the gift myself, although it's 'wife approved'. It's possible that I'm just old-fashioned, but IMO it's just a tiny bit too intimate to give to a woman friend that I might actually meet or have already met.:blush:
Sorry Brianna, maybe next year.;)
Sorry Brianna, maybe next year.;)
Dammit!!! Does this mean that you don't want me to be your SS? Or that I won't get the wife-approved, tho intimate, gift?
Dammit!!! Does this mean that you don't want me to be your SS? Or that I won't get the wife-approved, tho intimate, gift?
You can be my SS anytime.:ggw::santa: But the gift is heading for Philly.
Ah, ha. Philly, eh? There are many dwellars in Philly..*wonderswonders*
Philly, hmmmmm?
I believe I'm one of the very few who are actually in Philly. :)
Nobody in their right mind... ask Wolf. :haha:
Huh...My person is really hard, to get! (for) But I think I got it........Maybe if they don't have it already. This sucks because if they have it already I am really going to suck, and if they do have it already I will be awesome.
Oh well, I 'm getting it. Toooday. I am going past budget but I always do. Don't care. It will be cool if they don't have it already. (I think) I don't know this one very well which makes this hard. They're cool, I just don't know them from here that well.
That actually makes this a bit more interesting.
Okay, so wait, do we have a theme or not?
The optional theme is edibles.
Oh just to let you know, I'm going a little past budget, and not with the theme.....Because I suck. ;)
The recipient of busterb will be quite happy I am sure, however. I am like so jealous and want to know who it is, if anyone? I suppose I will have a looong wait to find out who I am jealous of rfn....
*does the happy dance*
I got my recipient:)
I am very likely to a) go with the theme and b) stick within the advised limit :P
Okay, so wait, do we have a theme or not?
:band:
Here's a story.....
Of a man name Toad.....
Who was setting up three very slow modems.....
OK, maybe not.
To be honest, I'm thinking a lot of people haven't read this entire thread. If they had, I'm pretty sure everyone would be on the same page. lol
I'm on page 12, howabout youse?
Damn, Foot - if only you'd been my recipient, I would have tried my best to get you one...
Got my gift as SS for today. I hope the person likes it.
Not to worry, Merc. Like the Great Bearded one said earlier, it's the spirit of the thing and if your SS is going to be a butt-head about the gift then they aren't in the right frame of mind. Be brave!
I missed the boat, by not reading the whole tread. Sorry folks. So LR didn't get my details. My fault.
Someone will miss the redneck culinary delights this year. Sorry.
But I got a great review for last year.:bolt:
The recipient of busterb will be quite happy I am sure, however. I am like so jealous and want to know who it is, if anyone?
*counting the hours til payday*
Just all of you pray that squirell nutkin isn't your secret santa.
I am afraid my secret santa recipient is getting a less expensive gift than I'd hoped. I hadn't taken into account the cost of shipping even on small items!
That said...I think it's well chosen...I researched my vict...sorry, I mean my recipient.
catching up...
that thought about the thread to say what to get.. that's this thread doncha think?
great. I'll go first.
I love food. I'm an adventurous eater. I like new things and usually pick something from the menu that I haven't had before. Food good. I would especially like something that I can't get myself. Something local (unless my SS is from Seattle).
Of course, I like being thought of with any gift. It doesn't need to be food/edibles. I can see my wide open "what I like" hasn't been very specific. I hope it has been helpful in any event.
As for the rest of youse, one of you is my victim. I would love some guidance. I like to give a present that is something the receiver wants (duh). But I don't know much about what y'all want. So spill.
Well, if my SS reads this, I wouldn't mind an area specific decoration for my tree, but on the other hand, food is always good too.
I just like food *grins* but I have a peanut allergy, so no peanut butter please :P
I just like food *grins* but I have a peanut allergy, so no peanut butter please :P
But but but, you loved my Mr Peanut!
Can you even send food overseas, anyway?
All I want is Matt Damon.
So you want some big peanuts, too, huh Shel? :)
So you want some big peanuts, too, huh Shel? :)
Yes, but I want to put these nuts back INTO the Shel. ;-)
I would like anything that was local to the person. Something from "where they are"----food is always good (most agree!) but a local little something is good, too.
Sending food to the USA
[snip] this applies to any manufactured food or drink for either humans or animals but does not apply to homemade or manufactured foods being sent as a personal gift to individual people in the USA but you should clearly indicate this on the Customs form that this the case. If you don’t do this your parcels or packets containing food or drink may be returned to you or even destroyed.
This move by the US Government is to help protect the USA from the possibility of a bio-terrorist attack via food items sent in to the country by post and applies to all countries around the world.
If it's not likely to decompose en route you can send it.
Sending food to Australia:
Provided the food you want to send contains no meat, meat products, fish over 1kg or dairy products, a gift of a food parcel containing a few packets of snack foods should be allowed as a personal import.
Our best known local foods in Philly are cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, neither of which travel well.
If you were my SS giftee and I hadn't found the gift I am sending, Sundae,
this is what I would have sent you.
It's a bit of a stereotype, but I thought it was cool.
Our best known local foods in Philly are cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, neither of which travel well.
Add to that ... scrapple and Taylor's Pork Roll don't ship well either, Philadelphia Cream Cheese isn't made here, and Frank's Cherry Wishniak is a fond memory of the past, so my giftee also won't be getting actual food items.
How about a Philly Cheese Steak? :D
what? No Cherry Wishniak? What has become of youse people!?
Bit expensive for a meal.
I'm worth $89!
Well - I can give you $89 dollars worth... I might need some mouthwash though...
I once drove all the way to Nottingham and back (4 hour round trip) to get my evil ex a kebab from his favourite kebab shop. He was working and I wasn't, so I dropped him off at the station and drove up there to the place that used to be local to him, and he always raved about. However in order to make it a total surprise, I told him we'd probably just get take-away that night. So when I picked him up from the station he said he'd been starving, so had eaten on the train home.
He still manfully tried to eat his kebab, but it wasn't the same. There were quite a few situations where I tried to surprise him with something where it really didn't work out. I guess the universe knew we were a bad idea. Or I only remember the bad times - whichever works for your personal ideology.
Right - so I know three people who don't have me as their giftee (unless they're great bluffers...)
I've already sent my gift to my secret santa recipient. I hope I picked a good one. I strayed from the food theme based upon posts they made on the Cellar.
(unless they're great bluffers...)
Let's put it this way. If you played strip poker with any of the three of us, we'd end up naked.
Of course you'd get the same results with chess, checkers, lawn darts (ouch).....:rolleyes:
How come we aren't making our giftee's wait til Christmas to open their presents? It's just not right. No one should be allowed to open gifts before Christmas Day, Santa would not be happy.
Add to that ... scrapple and Taylor's Pork Roll don't ship well either, Philadelphia Cream Cheese isn't made here, and Frank's Cherry Wishniak is a fond memory of the past, so my giftee also won't be getting actual food items.
My victim is local anyway, damnit. :rolleyes:
My victim is local anyway, damnit. :rolleyes:
You got LJ? What rip off. :D
How come we aren't making our giftee's wait til Christmas to open their presents? It's just not right. No one should be allowed to open gifts before Christmas Day, Santa would not be happy.
Screw that. Chanukah starts the night of Dec 21st.
Screw that. Chanukah starts the night of Dec 21st.
Playing with a dreidel is not the same.
Playing with a dreidel is not the same.
It is if your dreidel's big enough.;)
BTW, my SS has asked what size bed I own.......HMMMMMMMM
Wow - Rich is getting a hooker!
Screw that. Chanukah starts the night of Dec 21st.
That's why, during Christmas time, I switch to Jewish! Earlier presents=much happiness!
And if rich is getting a hooker...I wonder what Lj and jinx are getting...
That's why, during Christmas time, I switch to Jewish! Earlier presents=much happiness!
IF YOU DON'T MIND SOCKS OR NOTEBOOKS!
And if rich is getting a hooker...I wonder what Lj and jinx are getting...
ANTIBIOTICS.
I am adding a more affordable alternative gift idea. This is about half the price of the other and much more funner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUADear Santa ...
anything I can eat
anything I can listen to
anything I can knit with
preferred colours purple, green, red, blue
yours expectantly (if it's not too late)
limey
All packed up and ready to go ...
I got my pressie today. Going to post it tomorrow. :)
You got yours already? Your SS is fast!
I thought I read somewhere that the target was to have them delivered in early December, around 2-3 weeks from now. Is that right?
Ali meant she bought her present, and she is going to get in in the mail to her recipient :)
Yes Glatt, ideally they should arrive by early Dec, so there is plenty of time for people to post pics of the gifts and guess before eveyone gets busy for the holiday at the end of the month.
[SIZE="4"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]Please don't forget to PM me when you mail (or 'post', ya weirdo furriners) your gifts so I can keep track!![/COLOR][/SIZE]
I have 1/3 of mine.
Or maybe a 1/4, depends on postal prices.
Not even thinking of posting (mailing for your furriners) until December though.
The fact that I have to list the contents on the customs form AND provide my name and address means I'd rather stay secret for as long as possible - it's the only surprise my recipient will get!
I had my gift shipped on Saturday. It should arrive at my SS in a few more days.
I have 1/3 of mine.
Or maybe a 1/4, depends on postal prices.
Not even thinking of posting (mailing for your furriners) until December though.
The fact that I have to list the contents on the customs form AND provide my name and address means I'd rather stay secret for as long as possible - it's the only surprise my recipient will get!
you don't have to be terribly specific. "novelty gift" works well.
Hey y'all! I didn't catch this thread til too late, but I remember someone requesting no noobs so I wouldn't have been able to participate anyways. But I love Secret Santa and y'all seem like a great bunch, so ya think I can join next year? :p
you don't have to be terribly specific. "novelty gift" works well.
Really? Okay then.
The first gift I received from the States was very specific on the Customs form, so being a very law abiding type, I've always done the same myself.
Actually, two parcels of books I sent to Kenya
were opened by Customs, so I was glad they had exactly what was stated on the form.
I may be a little less specific then. Reckon I'll get away with "recreational narcotics" for cocaine?
Tulip, if you're here next year you more than qualify!
yes, don't lie on the form, but you can be vague. they x-ray them before they go to the effort of opening them. obviously if you put the value at $200, "novelty gift" isn't going to ring true and if you're sending branston pickle that might be tough too -but put "souvenir condiment" for that..... etc. be creative :D (but truthful)
Reckon I'll get away with "recreational narcotics" for cocaine?
try "Nasal Cosmetics"
Nasal confections you mean...
I was thinking like a little anti-glare powder..... it's so embarrassing when you have shiny nostrils
crap! I bought loose tea, and need to ship internationally. Am I screwed?
Bought part of SS gift! Yay, I am so excited!
Ali meant she bought her present, and she is going to get in in the mail to her recipient :)
Yes Glatt, ideally they should arrive by early Dec, so there is plenty of time for people to post pics of the gifts and guess before eveyone gets busy for the holiday at the end of the month.
[SIZE="4"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]Please don't forget to PM me when you mail (or 'post', ya weirdo furriners) your gifts so I can keep track!![/COLOR][/SIZE]
Oh. Now the heat is on.
Bought it a week ago, still need to get in the mail. Don't worry Santa's little helper is on the way to the rescue.
I may be a little less specific then. Reckon I'll get away with "recreational narcotics" for cocaine?
Although the original use was for pain control, I think cocaine is a "recreational stimulant."
I think Bill Cosby used to do a bit where he mentioned that cocaine is supposed to enhance one's personality ... "But what if you're an asshole?"
Little Saturday Afternoon stream of consciousness there ... I've just finished wrapping up and addressing my SS-box ... just need to get off my lazy butt and take it to the Post Office. Won't be able to do it Monday because the car's being inspected that morning ... I'll get it there.
Bought and mailed mine today!
Argh! I'd really better get on with mine if so many people are sending them in their own country!
I finally got mine wrapped tonight and I intend to ship it on Monday. This morning I was humming "Felize Navidad" in the shower. This was wrong because:
a) Christmas is not for another 33 days.
b) I don't speak Spanish
c) I'm Jewish
I remember when Christmas decorations did not go up until Thanksgiving. I think that I've been hearing Christmas music for the past 2 weeks.
[youtube]tWa_W_jTqLs[/youtube]
I'm so glad you're all getting into the Christmas spirit nice and early. :)
I remember when Christmas decorations did not go up until Thanksgiving. I think that I've been hearing Christmas music for the past 2 weeks
Round here, I think the economy has them starting early. it's usually the day after thanksgiving, but the bells started this monday and the elevator-version xmas songs were irritating the f outta me today, but the decorations in the parking lots aren't yet up. usually the decorations go up and then IT starts.
Santa has been at our mall for about 2 weeks now...
Santa has been at our mall for about 2 weeks now...
Tell him to get off his fat ass. The Dwellers are suppose to get their gifts by 14 Dec.
Plenty of time.... although I was trying to buy mine today and failed. I might just make jim do it since he so thoughtfully signed me up for it in the first place... bah hamburger...
I finally got mine wrapped tonight and I intend to ship it on Monday. This morning I was humming "Felize Navidad" in the shower. This was wrong because:
a) Christmas is not for another 33 days.
b) I don't speak Spanish
c) I'm Jewish
No matter. It's just another way of saying "Dude! I hope the sun god comes back, I'm freezing my nads off!"
dropping in again for my weakly visit...
I'd still like to have some more helpful clues...
Novelty gifts? Ooookay. I can do that. Novelty edible gifts? With local flavor? Homemade?
Oh and delivered by 14 Dec? I missed that part of the contract. Are you serious?
Novelty edible gifts? With local flavor? Homemade?
Nuke a gay baby seal for Christ?
dropping in again for my weakly visit...
I'd still like to have some more helpful clues...
Novelty gifts? Ooookay. I can do that. Novelty edible gifts? With local flavor? Homemade?
The gift I sent is made in AZ. I should have arrived by now. I hope so!
Novelty edible gifts? With local flavor? Homemade?
Pre-used edible condom?
Just purchased my gift today. will go out Monday or Tuesday.
Rest of gift is acquired. Will ship tomorrow!
My gift has been shipped.
Um, by telling when the gifts were shipped, aren't we giving big clues to the recipients?
Only if you're telling the truth about when you're shipping them, and putting legitimate return addresses on them.
Yeah I shipped mine a week ago /pokerface/
Only if you're telling the truth about when you're shipping them, and putting legitimate return addresses on them.
Ok, well, um, then I lied.:rolleyes:
I was going to send mine today, but had to pick up a sick kidlette from school, so it'll have to be tomorrow instead. (I've been meaning to send it for almost a week now but time keeps getting away from me when I'm out and about)
I'm sending mine on Monday. One part is here in London, one in Aylesbury.
Had I thought it through properly it would all be here of course.
Eejit.
Be sure to post when you RECEIVE your SS gift so the sender knows it arrived.
OK, according to the tracking info on the package I sent was delivered on he 24th. PRETTY PLEASE post when you receive your gift so we know you got it and it wasn't just stolen from your doorstep.
I received my gift in yesterday's mail! But it's not from Phoenix, AZ.
I'm going to wait until Hanukkah at least to open it, though--it's not even Thanksgiving yet for the love of god. Assuming it's not perishable, that is...
OK, since i see that gifts are arriving, i guess I will open the Gifts and guesses thread :).
For future reference, I think next year when we send our address to the SS organiser person, we should include maybe a few tidbits about what we like or something in case the sender doesn't know you very well. Just a thought.
Carry on :D...
OK, I finally got mine in the post today. They said it should take 7 to 10 days. I'll be looking in the gifts thread in a couple of weeks to see if it's arrived.
OK seriously, I mailed mine today and it should arrive within 5 days. Hope that doesn't give me away.
I finally got the last piece to my gift set that I am sending. I plan on mailing it Sat.
I'm mailing mine on Dec. 3.
Has NO ONE received their gift yet?
I'm definitely holding mine back until we're at least in the first week of December.
Even given the advice I received on creative writinng on the customs form, my postage will give me away, and I won't be a Secret Santa no more.
My recipient will get their gift during Advent, and I think that's reasonable.
I'm mailing mine on Dec. 3.
Has NO ONE received their gift yet?
I had tracking on mine and it has been received.
Okay, so are we ripping them open as soon as received, or are we pretending to be civilized and waiting with synchronized watches and all that ...
I had tracking on mine and it has been received.
So was mine, on Nov. 24th. But I STILL want to know that it wasn't stolen off the front porch or something.
Okay, so are we ripping them open as soon as received, or are we pretending to be civilized and waiting with synchronized watches and all that ...
Please, please, please can we at least wait until a week before Christmas, even if there are people who can't manage it on the day (family, travel reasons etc).
I mean it's not even December yet!
OK, since i see that gifts are arriving, i guess I will open the Gifts and guesses thread :).
For future reference, I think next year when we send our address to the SS organiser person, we should include maybe a few tidbits about what we like or something in case the sender doesn't know you very well. Just a thought.
Carry on :D...
What a lovely sentiment, LabRat!! And, it's not too late for those of us who haven't ... um committed to a specific gift.
If someone felt that they didn't know me well enough from my posts (which I can only assume would be from the tedium of reading them, as I tend to bare all) they can contact LR who can either ask me, or probably tell them from the top of her head.
Also it can't be too hard to work out who the Dwellar gets along with best - ask them too. Or post as Anonymous and ask for clues. Lotsa ways round it.
It's just my opinion, but I'd actually rather get something a little weird than create a wishlist. When I was a teen I did write a Christmas list every year (I bought red paper for it - it was The Big Cherry Christmas List!) but that was because grandparents, Aunts & Uncles and parents' friends were spending hard-earned money on me, and they really wanted to buy something I liked - and my Mum & Dad just didn't know!
For a $15 gift I say - surprise me! Show something of yourself!
Please, please, please can we at least wait until a week before Christmas
Wasn't the optional theme this year food? The food will be a month old for some people by then.
I did not send food, so it's safe not to open mine.
Oh, but you don't know which one is mine.
So I guess this is kind of pointless.
I received a brown box in the mail today.
It has no return address.
It is quite heavy.
It has a "MEDIA MAIL" stamp on it.
I am assuming that this is my Secret Santa gift.
Please PM LabRat who can them PM me to let me know if there are any perishables inside and I should open it right away, or at least store it on the bottom shelf of the fridge until the magic day.
If I was sending food, I would have checked the sell-by date.
Just sayin'.
Mine is off in the Post today. I expect the individual will get it by Wed of next week. Oh and please open it all immediately.
If I was sending food, I would have checked the sell-by date.
Just sayin'.
It does not matter about the sell by date, US customs will open food that is sent here from another country. I don't know if they have dogs that sniff all over it but they definitely open the containers.
Oh and please open it all immediately.
...otherwise the kill zone might not be big enough.;)
No, the person who got mine is a good egg. I believe letter bombs was tw's previous profession.
I received a brown box in the mail today.
It has no return address.
It is quite heavy.
It has a "MEDIA MAIL" stamp on it.
I am assuming that this is my Secret Santa gift.
Please PM LabRat who can them PM me to let me know if there are any perishables inside and I should open it right away, or at least store it on the bottom shelf of the fridge until the magic day.
My assumption was wrong.
This was not my CSS.
It was a load of books (thus the media mail stamp) from a commercial vendor that I've used before, and would have sworn put their return address on the box the last time.
Sorry for any confusion this has caused, including my own.
I'm about ready to break the Secret part of Secret Santa and PM my SS recipient and ask if they got the package!!!
LabRat could do that without breaking the secret. Except, well, you're the only one asking. :)
No he ain't:) I am thinking of making discreet enquiries myself...
I sealed mine up today and will try to get it out in the mail tomorrow.
Me too
me too ... posted 20th November, has it arrived?
OK my parent's had my present. Must have had it for a week or so. I finally got it from them today. I'll post pics soon, I didn't know it was present and opened it already. I'm kinda sad, I meant to wait until Christmas Eve when I open my other presents. Maybe I'll have someone wrap it back up for me, then put it with my other presents so I won't know which one it is...hmmm I'll let ya'll know what I decide.
Got Mine in the Mail Today
It does not matter about the sell by date, US customs will open food that is sent here from another country. I don't know if they have dogs that sniff all over it but they definitely open the containers.
Not according to the Royal Mail website. Still, we'll see. Posting mine today. I was feeling all behind-hand, then I read about people receiving theirs already and I just think too early, Too Early, TOO EARLY! I'd look sideways at a person who even sent me a CARD at the beginning of December!
I think mine is worth waiting for. But of course it's down to what my recipient thinks (bites fingernails)
I'm just glad the package I sent was received! WHEW!!!
@ Sundae: yeah...well...mine had to go out when I was paid, anything after payday and there's unlikely to be funds to cover it lol.
I am mailing my gift tomorrow!
I hope you like it! :)
:santa:
Be sure to post when you RECEIVE your SS gift so the sender knows it arrived.
This is done. It will remain UNOPENED in the refrigerator until Christmas.
Thank you!!!
:flycatch:
I sealed mine up today and will try to get it out in the mail tomorrow.
This is half done. That is I have sealed the shipping container AND shipped it. Look for it on Friday or Monday (UPS Ground). It will be hard to miss.
I just received my secret santa gift! Awesome, thanks!
this does create a bit of a worry for me though. It was my understanding that there were an odd number of participants so I was asked and volunteered to back out... I obviously messed up somehow. Organizers please let me know ASAP who I'm supposed to send to so I can fix my mistake. Sorry to whoever is waiting.
You ended up being the tip jar hitter, remember, since we had one sender who didn't want to be a reciever. One too many
headers lately, huh?
can never have excessive head, er... wait, what?
I've posted mine! And it was a long old wait in the Post Office I can tell you!
sounds like you opened it already lookout - you posting pics?
It was sitting on my desk when I opened up my office Monday. I assumed it was something sent by one of my vendors so opened it and found a gift inside. I saw the card made out to Lookout... and realized what it was. I promptly put it back the packing and will reopen it when I have my camera available so I can post pics. I'm not telling what it is until then, but it rocks.
Is mine there yet? Is it there yet?
The only thing that clams me is that mine isn't here yet.
I told my (new) hairdresser all about it on Tuesday, she wants to know what I get. She told the beaty shop next door, and when I went in to get a token for my niece they wanted to know all about it too.
I'm far more excited about sending than receiving - I hope that doesn't sound like a feeble joke when my recipient get's their gifts. $15 is really not much when you factor in postage. REALLY.
If you get a gidr from me (and you will know it), please be excited. Like, even if you're not.
Is sundae, perhaps, possibly, can we dream..?
Is she drinking?
*frowns* I don't think mine made it y'know. I arranged it weeks ago for a next day despatch.
Mine was received, but I have not gotten mine yet.
I remain on tenterhooks.
In the meantime, the office got a gift basket from the fancy hospital.
I'm munching on jerky (because the ambulance finished off the chocolate covered pretzels and left the empty box in the basket. Bastards.)
Is sundae, perhaps, possibly, can we dream..?
Is she drinking?
Ahem, just a little parent-sanctioned wine with dinner, you know :blush:
Anyway - is it there yet? Is it there yet? Anyone got lovely prizes from me yet?
For the record, I haven't even bought mine...took awhile to decide what to get. It will be bought this weekend and sent no later than Monday. My recipient is stateside, so should arrive in plenty of time.
I purchased mine last week, but it seemed incomplete somehow...so I'll be shopping for the rest of it this weekend. It entails going somewhere really cool, so I'm pretty excited!
Since we're being completely honest I bought mine a few weeks ago and it is sitting right here waiting to go to the post office. The problem is that the post office is nearly three blocks away and takes almost five minutes to walk to...
Heeheeee...I'm stuck in a strange city, afraid to leave at lunch because I (the direction dyslexic) get lost just going around the corner. The PO in my hometown closes when I get off work here...and last Saturday I slept way past noon. :blush:
Tomorrow, it goes in the mail!
Don't you guys have 24-hour automated post office kiosks?
I love that freakin' thing, and it's usually more courteous than the human.
I've never seen one. I'm dumb about shipping stuff, too, and will probably need my postman's help. :)
Don't you guys have 24-hour automated post office kiosks?
I love that freakin' thing, and it's usually more courteous than the human.
I though anything weighing more than 13 oz had to be handed to a postal clerk?
Don't you guys have 24-hour automated post office kiosks?
I love that freakin' thing, and it's usually more courteous than the human.
Yes, I like them a lot. Perhaps it just reflects my own psychosis, but I never thought it was any great thing to deal with a human clerk, teller, etc. for routine stuff. As long as the machine substitute is well-designed and works. As you say, much of the time they're rude and/or clueless anyway. (To this day Mrs. Dallas is amused/concerned/horrified by the degree to which chatty clerks or waiters put me off. What I say: "Oh, OK." What I think: "I decided to buy the book. I really couldn't give a flying fuck whether you read it, or whether you liked it.")
I though anything weighing more than 13 oz had to be handed to a postal clerk?
My understanding is that this only applies to STAMPED mail. If you're buying the postage at the kiosk, it's bar-coded and they have your credit or debit card info to track you down with if necessary.
Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce
I though anything weighing more than 13 oz had to be handed to a postal clerk?
Don't try it, she'll just slap you and call security Bruce.
Don't try it, she'll just slap you and call security Bruce.
:eyebrow: :D
Yes, I like them a lot. Perhaps it just reflects my own psychosis, but I never thought it was any great thing to deal with a human clerk, teller, etc. for routine stuff.
My issue is that anything I need to go into a post office for is not routine. For sending gifts by USPS, if I wanted tracking and reasonable delivery times, is it better to ship certified, parcel, priority, or first class? This is especially difficult because the post office only shows the priority rates overhead. The clerk told me which would be best and then let me fill out the correct label while he took the next customer. He did not send me back to end of the line.
These issues don't come up when I ship Fedex or UPS, mostly because there's only one form to fill out for ground and picking an option involves checking a box.
I've never encountered a rude clerk in the USPS.
I've never encountered a rude clerk in the USPS.
I can't recall any rude ones, but I've had to talk to several who were dumb as rocks, and fundamentally didn't know how to do their job. It's not very comforting to send a registered and insured package when you have to tell the clerk what that means and how to do it.
I love our usps clerks, both of them. They know me by name and PO box number, and are always super friendly. It reminds me of when I lived in a small town.
I though anything weighing more than 13 oz had to be handed to a postal clerk?
You just can't drop those in a standard post box. Anything that you've put through the magic kiosk is okay to drop in the big slot at post office. You just have to cross your heart and promise the machine that there aren't any animal parts, explosives, or radiological materials in your package.
Once again, a CSS gift has inspired me to web search.
This site seems familiar. I think that someone on the Cellar linked to it a while ago.
Just the catapults
http://www.mcphee.com/categories/catapults.html
The aptly named "Stupid Products". I like the Cold War unicorn play set.:p
http://www.mcphee.com/categories/stupidproducts.html
Does anyone here want to split a 'mystery box'?
http://www.mcphee.com/items/M5633.htmlI'm torn between the flying nuns and the flying monkeys.
What a delight.
I'm torn between the flying nuns and the flying monkeys.
What a delight.
I like the monkeys for style. But I'm a sucker for puns, so I also like the cats.
The only downside is that most of the 'extra ammo' comes in large tubs. I don't mind $5, but an extra $25 is a bit much for whimsy.
Once again, a CSS gift has inspired me to web search.
This site seems familiar. I think that someone on the Cellar linked to it a while ago.
Just the catapults
http://www.mcphee.com/categories/catapults.html
The aptly named "Stupid Products". I like the Cold War unicorn play set.:p
http://www.mcphee.com/categories/stupidproducts.html
Does anyone here want to split a 'mystery box'? http://www.mcphee.com/items/M5633.html
I'm torn between the flying nuns and the flying monkeys.
What a delight.
I like the monkeys for style. But I'm a sucker for puns, so I also like the cats.
The only downside is that most of the 'extra ammo' comes in large tubs. I don't mind $5, but an extra $25 is a bit much for whimsy.
It's down the street. :)
I'd be your hands and feet if you wish.
It is an *awesome* store!!
Living near the Harriet Carter warehouse pales in comparison. (Harriet Carter will take a phone order and if you tell them it's a "showroom" order they'll have your box ready for you and you don't have to pay S&H.)
I get chills just thinking about being able to go and play with the stuff at McPhee's before buying too much of it!
I got the Freud Bobblehead for the shrink's office at work from them. And a Magic Therapy 8-Ball. And some Crime Scene Bandaids. And well, a bunch of other stuff.
I used to buy bits and bobs from Hawkins Bazaar when it was just a mail order catalogue. I knew they had shops now. I saw one in Bluewater (BIG shopping, although not as grand as American malls) when I had time to eat up and Uncle Ken's discount travel meant it was 90p to travel 3 hours on the bus (45p & 1.5 hours there and the same on the way back and a centre to wander round for a couple of hours) but I had no spare cash to spend.
Imagine my delight when I realised there is a Hawkins in Aylesbury! And our shopping centre is tiny. I spent nearly an hour in there, wanting to buy just about everything. Of course I didn't, couldn't, wouldn't. But I got my nephew's Christmas present there. A Mystery Stocking (Christmas, not fishnet) which is guaranteed to have £10 more in it than if you bought items separately. A blessing for me because sadly, apart from knowing he likes loud noises, smells and farts which combine both, I never know what to buy him. It doesn't help that he has a birthday on 15 December, so I have to come up with two in one month, selfish child.
A funny thing I learned about myself though. I like the exclusivity of buying from a catalogue. I was devastated when Cosmetics To Go went into receivership. I used to tout their catalogue round the office, and when we had a huge order - good stuff, very tempting and I gave user reviews - I'd send it off and keep the discounts and freebies to myself. Everyone knew I did, they saw it as the perk of collating the order, collecting the money and distributing the goods. Then Lush opened. Same people, similar products just different names and scents. But it was never quite the same. I have at least 3 Lush products in the bathroom/ bedroom still, but since they stopped doing the Ginger range our relationshoip has never been the same.
Same with Hawkins Bazaar. They sell weird and wacky things, and hit upon the device of showing a 50p piece to denote size on the smaller items. Again, I'd tout it round the office (different office) and reap the reward of zero postage and free gifts. It was so exciting! But hearing dull people in the shop, talking rubbish about the products they haven't properly read the POS cards for, or with children who whine, "Vem! Vem, iss vem ones I want!" it's just not the same.
Am I forever trying to recapture the exciting post (mail) of my childhood? Where any day in the summer holidays might bring the toy I saved up tokens for? Or photos, when the camera was only brought out for special occasions? Or the hamper at Christmas? Is that why this Secret Santa excites me?
Maybe I'm just lonely. Which is why I've written a long post about nothing. In the Cellar bar I'm the bore who tells you how to get the best from your nudges on your fruit machine.
Sundae, of all the wonderful things you are, a bore is not one of them. Evar.
Just a SS update: I have heard from all but one person that they have at the very least bought their present and are intending on sending it by this weekend. I hated to PM and ask, but just trying to keep things moving, not practice my nagging skillz. (I have those down pat ;))
Thanks again to all who are participating, it's been fun!
SG your tales keep me searching the board for your interesting posts.
Bore? Not hardly!
My SS gift is sent as of 15 minutes ago, priority mail. I took a before pic because I am curious to see what shape it arrives in after seeing some of the others... :eek:
I'm being a bit anxious as well.
I sent my present! i want it to arrive! Go go go!
I haven't got mine yet so if my santa hasn't mailed it off yet there is still time to get me this, my heart's newest desire:
http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/veyron-vmax#/uk/video-search?Phrase=veyronI haven't got mine yet so if my santa hasn't mailed it off yet there is still time to get me this, my heart's newest desire:
http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/veyron-vmax#/uk/video-search?Phrase=veyron
That was very cool.
I'm still waiting for my SS to send me Matt Damon. That's one male [COLOR="Blue"]I[/COLOR] want to come in.
My SS gift goes in the mail tomorrow---express! hang on! hang on! :)
AND, I recieved my SS gift----I"ve NO IDEA who it is from as I don't know who is in this city in New York...but thank you, Secret Santa! The hat is soooo cool and soft! I love it! :santa: a big kiss to you!
(My 17 year old son is coveting it, I just know it!)
I just saw this thread this morning. You all are the best S.S.Your gifts are thoughtful, creative and fun.
Had I known earlier and not bought a beautiful car I may have participated.
Still waiting. I had a false alarm when the CD's I ordered from someone here came in. I was wondering why they would put their real name on a CSS gift and it took a moment to sink in.:smack:
My Archie McPhee order is in the mail now, so I am expecting it and the CSS gift soon.
I just can't wait. I know how these guys feel......:D
.....and if it takes any longer, I'm going to start yodeling, too!
[youtube]Lz_r8qtmQZ8[/youtube]
Dear richlevy AKA my secret santa:
Your gift is going to be late, because all my bills ate all my paycheck last week.
Love,
Your secret santa
Dear richlevy AKA my secret santa:
Your gift is going to be late, because all my bills ate all my paycheck last week.
Love,
Your secret santa
If things are that tough, then please forget it. I've already bought myself a gift (the Archie McPhee box is coming). Knowing someone I like (which encompasses most of the active Cellar users) is taking care of themselves is a better gift than anything I could get in the mail.
Dear Mr Richlevy aka my Secret Santa,
If you don't let me give you your present (even if not on time) I shall feel like a horrible bum, so please hush and lemme have fun. :)
Love,
Your secret santa
(PS thanks for the optional out, it's appreciated but not necessary right now.)
If you don't let me give you your present (even if not on time) I shall feel like a horrible bum, so please hush and lemme have fun. :)
In that case, thanks. Please stay within the guideline amount. Some people appear to have been over generous, unless we have some amazing bargain hunters here.
Dear Secret Santa,
Thanks for your patience. I received your gift some time ago, but events conspired to prevent my posting of the opening ceremony. Thanks so much.
Lil Lookout helped me with the opening.
Like a well trained boy (we can pretend) he read the card. Lookout, Mrs Lookout, and Lil Lookout. Happy Holidays to you and yours! "Dad - who is Lookout...?" Nevermind, boy - get back to the gift.
Thanks, Secret Santa. Definitely a CLASSy gift.
You're very welcome - I hope you all get to enjoy it. Let me know what you think about the treats. Just PM me.
I've actually been saving it because our normal quiet Christmas Eve with just us and my parents and sister has turned into some sort of ill advised party. I now have an older aunt and uncle coming, my sister is bringing two yout's she has taken under her wing, and apparently I'm supposed to pick up my teenaged niece and nephew from the airport tomorrow.
We'll be loving the gift when we're all staring at eachother wondering what to say.
I got my gift yesterday!
Thanks Case! It's awesome.
I took some pics, but they're not very good, so I'm going to use the other camera and take a couple of the actual gifts themselves today, so you will only get blurry pics of the wrappers etc, but I really want to post a clear pic of one part of the gift in particular.
I love it!
xoxox
I am so glad you got it! And that you like it! I was going to pitch a fit if it didn't arrive before Christmas.
And the one gift is for your Christmas Cake, y'know. ;)
Mine got mailed out Priority last Friday--a week later than I had planned, but it should be just in time for Christmas. I hope. :worried:
As I had mentioned, I received mine earlier this month...and will finally be opening it tonight. Woo hoo!!!
[SIZE="1"][/SIZE]Case, if you are ever my Secret Santa, I'd like a Case-original. Uber-greedy I know. But I don't care if it's the size of a postage stamp - seeing your art in DucksNuts house amazes me once again. I'd be happy to paint a room around my painting for a start.
Actually, same goes for Rzz. Being all demanding and needy I mean. I want a clay sculpture from you.
There. I said it. I'll.... [SIZE="1"]write you a funny PM or something... mumble mumble...[/SIZE] Sigh, no marketable skills...
What happened to your pic of the cats that you commissioned? Did you have to leave it behind?
My SS gift came today and I LOVE them! (even if they're not attached to Matt Damon!) ;-)
It just so happens that I'm a nut addict. Once I start I can't stop.
Thank you SS from Central Illinois! :D