secret quonsar 2016: signups are open

October 31, 2016 9:41 PM

It's secret quonsar time again! Participants will find out who they have drawn on Friday, November 11, and the gift send by (or on) date is Friday, December 2*. Please sign up by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, November 9. The spending guideline: $10-20.

secret quonsar (wiki) is the MeFi holiday-adjacent gift swap. Each participant sends a gift to an awesome Mefite; each participant receives a gift from an awesome Mefite. Awesomeness and gifts abound.

Signing Up
There will be a link at the end of this post. Follow it. We need an actual MeFi username, an email address you check, your name & mailing address, and some good guidance for the person who draws your name.

You will get a confirmation email within 36 hours of signing up that will show you the information you submitted. Please check your spam/junk mail folder. If you do not get this confirmation within 48 hours, send me a memail. If you have not gotten a confirmation email, you may not be signed up or you entered the wrong email address. We can fix that.

Fun Fact: Every year, several people accidentally typo their own email addresses, which leads to confusion and consternation, and sometimes no gift for someone until late in the season.

You will get your draw via email. It will contain key information about the person you will be gifting: MeFi username, a real world name, mailing address, and hopefully helpful guidance from the person you drew. It should allow you get off to a running start.

If you are having trouble putting together your guidance section, ocherdraco put together a list of questions a few years ago to help you focus. You don't have to answer all (or any of) the questions, but this is a good place to start if you are stumped by the Guidance section.

We will not share, abuse, sell, or spindle your email address. The person who draws your name will not get your email address. We will delete all emails sent and received at the end of the sq season.

The Rules
If you failed to send your giftee a gift last year (without working it out with us), don't even bother signing up. You've been banned from this year's festivities. If you do try to sign up, your name will be yoinked from the swap. You can try again next year, but two strikes and you will be out. If you don't send a gift this year, you will be banned next year. You will get only one second chance. If you sign up anyway, you will be removed from the list and you will hear from me.

If you find that you can't participate after signing up but before the draw, after all, then send me a MeMail or an email to the address below. I'll remove your entry. If you find that you can't participate after all after the draw, please send an email to that same gmail account as soon as possible so we can contact the folks who drew you and whom you drew and redirect or reassign as appropriate.

If you do not think you can mail a gift in a reasonable amount of time, please do not participate. It's not OK to plan now on finding and sending your gift after your life calms down in January or late December or on Valentines Day.

Hey! You have a question!
We're happy to serve as anonymizing middlemen if you have a question for your recipient, to send messages to your recipient on your behalf, to find out if a package has been sent or has been received. Send us an email at our gmail address (see below), and we'll see what we can find out for you.

A Note About the Swap Groups
If we do not get enough people to do a swap in a group, I will contact folks in the underpopulated swap groups to see what can be done before the swap.

A Note about International Swapping
We STRONGLY recommend mailing as early as possible if you are going to send anything internationally, especially if the US is involved. Customs holds up lots of packages for varying amounts of time (with some, it seems forever.) If you sign up for the International/Anywhere option, please be aware that shipping times may stretch out longer than you'd prefer.

Signing up for the international swap does not guarantee that you will get a gift from and/or will send a gift to someone outside of the country in which you live (particularly if you live in the USA).

Communicating with us
Unless you need to contact us specifically about one of the organizers, please use our gmail account secretquonsarswap. This will help us make sure we don't overlook anything and can be as efficient as possible.

Who we are
This year, the quonczars are arcticseal, phunniemee, and me. If you drew one of our names and need to contact us anonymously about your quonsee, contact one of the other quonczars to get your answers.

*Send Date
We have set the send by date to be December 2. This is one day more than last year. We do expect folks to have their gifts in the mail or on their way to the post office at the very beginning of December. This is not a free pass to mailing it out the next weekend.

Opera Users
For some reason, many versions of Opera are still not handling the form correctly; if you can't use another browser, email or memail us.

The signup link
Sign Up Here.

posted by julen to MetaFilter Gatherings at 9:41 PM (336 comments total)

Woooooo! From Hallowe'en to secret quonsar! it's the most wonderful time of the year!
posted by Sophie1 at 9:57 PM on October 31, 2016 [3 favorites]

What could make this ridiculous election season feel a bit better? Maybe the anticipation of Quonsmas! Whee!
posted by RedOrGreen at 9:57 PM on October 31, 2016 [2 favorites]

I am 100% OK with this year's Quonsmas Qreep.
posted by rhiannonstone at 9:58 PM on October 31, 2016 [6 favorites]

AKA that time of year where we all start to get a leeeedle bit nervous about our posting history!

Dear future SQ, I can explain...
posted by mochapickle at 10:01 PM on October 31, 2016 [11 favorites]

Yippee! Now to think about what I want before I sign up. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 10:06 PM on October 31, 2016

All signed up! Also, sign me up for the second-chancer list, too, please.
posted by easily confused at 10:14 PM on October 31, 2016

Signed up! Can't wait!
posted by ian1977 at 10:18 PM on October 31, 2016

Yay, I love this so much !!! - All signed up.
posted by seawallrunner at 10:19 PM on October 31, 2016

The antidote for 2016's insanity is December Quonsarity. Yay for anonymous acts of kindness!
posted by Hardcore Poser at 10:26 PM on October 31, 2016 [3 favorites]

Recommendations for a service that will deliver customized fish directly to peoples' pants, please. Thanks!
posted by not_on_display at 10:28 PM on October 31, 2016 [3 favorites]

Happy, wonderful quonsmas! I don't think I've posted much at all this year, but I love love love being an active member of the community through this medium :)

And hear hear for the second-chancer list! It was thanks to one of those kind souls that my own quonsmas experience was saved last year! (I was one of the few whose gift got lost in the USPS shuffle, apparently)
posted by idealist at 10:33 PM on October 31, 2016 [2 favorites]

Everyone should have received the email notification that signups are open. If you think you signed up, but haven't seen it, check your junk/spam folders! Also, make sure you mark our email address as OK/not spam.

easily confused, I've added you to the second chancer list. Thank you!
posted by julen at 10:53 PM on October 31, 2016 [1 favorite]

Thanks for doing this, as always. I put this in my note to my quonsar, but I think it's worth repeating. Somehow, my box has always, always arrived at a point where things are pretty tough. It's always showed up on a day when everything is, or has been remarkably shitty, and it has never once failed to totally brighten my day, and usually a week or more after just feels better. This is a good thing that happens here, and it's kept running through the hard work of good people, and the generosity and creativity of the people participating. Thanks for that, seriously. You all rock.
posted by Ghidorah at 11:34 PM on October 31, 2016 [19 favorites]

Last year I somehow completely missed signing up because I panicked whenever I tried to give help via the former but this year I didn't, and I'm already SO EXCITED!
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:20 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

In! Yay! Also put me down as a second chancer please julen. I haven't done that before as I was afraid I wouldn't get it together to send one thing let alone two, but I think I can do it this year.
posted by billiebee at 1:27 AM on November 1, 2016

All signed up.
Spin up the hamsters!
posted by Mister Moofoo at 1:50 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

Last year I got not one, but two awesome gift packages, because the first one was held up in customs so long that it was presumed missing. Please let me make up for it this year and add me to the second chancers list!
posted by Skybly at 2:16 AM on November 1, 2016 [5 favorites]

I'm down. 2016 has been a truly astoundingly shit year (in general) and for me (in particular) and I'm looking forward to making someone happy through the magical gift of consumerism tempered with thoughtfulness.
posted by longbaugh at 2:54 AM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

Signed up! A couple of clarifying notes on my wishlist (I think they got cut off by the 4MB text limit):

• For the item beginning "a date with my Quonsar <3", I think you'll find a note vis a vis my heterosexuality, but in all honesty at age 49 I probably shouldn't be very fussy.
• To avoid any confusion on another item, I want my body to be like Peter Hale's, not Peter Hale's actual body.
• I realize I was being a bit greedy when I asked for a sub-critical mass of U-235, deuterium and plastique; any one of the three will help me with my project!

posted by maxwelton at 2:56 AM on November 1, 2016 [32 favorites]

That makes my request for illegal Class-A drugs via the Dark Web look tame. Can I get a do-over?
posted by longbaugh at 2:58 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Signed up, thank you quonczars! With my kids grown it's nice to have a bit of the seasonal magic again. Please add me to the second chancers list, international edition.
posted by headnsouth at 3:13 AM on November 1, 2016

Alas, I think I'm sitting this year out. It will be the first one I've missed, but I've got too many other things going on.
posted by IndigoRain at 3:20 AM on November 1, 2016

What an awesome thing to wake up to! I'm signed up, yay.

I am so done with this year, but SQ will make it better. (I love sending and receiving mail, so hey!)

And thankfully for my SQ, my best friend has offered to be the guinea pig for the plastic carrier pigeon post experiment, so unless someone specifically requests carrier pigeon post...
posted by needlegrrl at 3:32 AM on November 1, 2016

I so love SQ! Please add me to the second chancers list. And thank you for doing this again!
posted by darsh at 3:33 AM on November 1, 2016

Happy birthday to me! Thank you for doing this every year, it never fails to delight me.
posted by bibliogrrl at 4:41 AM on November 1, 2016

I'm in!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:12 AM on November 1, 2016

Yay! I've signed up.
posted by thomas j wise at 5:29 AM on November 1, 2016

Sitting this one out, too, I'm afraid. I don't want that much of my data in Google. I really would have loved to join in again, but... no. Sorry!
posted by Too-Ticky at 5:40 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

All signed up and ready to Quonse!

Last year my (very first!) Quonsmas was saved by a lovely Second Chancer, so I'd like the opportunity to do the same for someone this year. Please add me to the Second Chancers list!

...and May the Force be with the Hamsters.
posted by Dorinda at 5:42 AM on November 1, 2016

Dammit; I never thought to keep the 18 pounds of cheese for secret quonsar use. Ah well.

Great to see a UK-only option (I have to take smelling salts with me every time I go to the post office to pay for sending stuff internationally nowadays) so I may well do it this year.
posted by Wordshore at 5:43 AM on November 1, 2016 [5 favorites]

I think sometimes, based on how much people love Secret Quonsar, there is pressure to make sure you give the absolute best, most personalized, funny and yet sincere, lovely and yet under-budget gift possible and there is an accompanying expectation that the gift you will receive will be the most touching, lovingly-crafted, deeply significant thing you have ever received. To that I say: Meh. I've given some good-to-great gifts and some that I didn't feel particularly inspired by. I've received some excellent gifts and some perfectly decent, yet not particularly meaningful gifts.

That said: Even at it's most meh, Secret Quonsar is cool and fun and one of the best things about my holidays every year, and if you have any doubts about doing it, you should do it.

Also, this is your yearly reminder that if you want to cut-n-paste your gift guidance from last year, just search your email for "quonsar" and you will find your confirmation email from last year that includes the full text you submitted.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:43 AM on November 1, 2016 [37 favorites]

I'm still wearing semi-summery things - it seems insane that it's time for Secret Quonsar already! But I am SO EXCITED! I'll get to work on my form sometime within the next day or two or three (life's pretty hectic this week).

For anyone contemplating joining the swap for the first time - just do it! I'm not a terribly active poster, but Secret Quonsar is a little bit of magic that really makes me feel like a part of something special. I look forward to this more than Christmas itself. On preview, what Rock Steady said.
posted by MsVader at 5:49 AM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

OK, I'm in. Thank you for organizing this!
posted by lazuli at 5:54 AM on November 1, 2016

I want to chime in on sending some big-time appreciation to the quonczar team. This is a job-and-a-half and at a potentially crazy-buzy time of year too. Cheers muchly quonczar team!

I did this for the first time last year and I'm a little sad that I didn't start sooner. So, I'd like to be a second chancer too this year.
posted by Juso No Thankyou at 6:01 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

I just filled out the survey and regret one of my choices. If you can, take me out of the USA only bucket, and let me go international. Just in case I need to establish contacts in foreign countries in about a week's time. (but seriously, I don't mind paying more in postage at all.)
posted by DigDoug at 6:26 AM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

Thank you for doing this. I am signed up!
posted by bondcliff at 6:29 AM on November 1, 2016

I went back and checked last years quonsmas text and discovered it is eerily similar to this years that I've just done, right down to the mention of the TV show "Space: Above and Beyond" and my hatred of roses.
I am consistent across the time span of 1 year.

Anyway I am all signed up. sadly UK only this year. I liked being international last year but the cost of sending stuff was astronomical!
But to make up for my postal cowardice can you add me to the second chancers list please!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 6:34 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Signed up! First time doing this and I'm looking forward to it.

I was feeling adventurous and went international.

Thanks to the organizers for making this happen!!!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 6:34 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

I will officially sign up when I get to a device larger than a phone, but sign me up as a 2nd chance again! I've never been called to serve but I'm always happy to offer.

SQ Bonus: I was recently gift a bunch of Barry Manilow swag, so if my SQ happens to mention they are a fan I will throw in Manilow's M Fragrance so they can smell like Barry!
posted by Room 641-A at 6:37 AM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

I'm in, thank you! Thank you, Quonsczars!
posted by kimberussell at 6:37 AM on November 1, 2016

Signed up. Much excitement! It's just really cheering at this time of the year to recieve a random gift from the Internet. :D

Thank you quonczars! May your sorting Hamster wheels be well oiled!
posted by halcyonday at 6:45 AM on November 1, 2016

I've been around for a while mostly lurking occasionally posting and am excite to take my first plunge into quansarmas!!
posted by ephemerista at 7:02 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

Oooooh, yay! Someone's getting a tiny Eiffel Tower! Because I bought 10 in Paris.
posted by maryr at 7:03 AM on November 1, 2016 [11 favorites]

All signed up, yay!
posted by cozenedindigo at 7:08 AM on November 1, 2016

SQ Bonus: I was recently gift a bunch of Barry Manilow swag, so if my SQ happens to mention they are a fan I will throw in Manilow's M Fragrance so they can smell like Barry!

BRB updating my request
posted by MCMikeNamara at 7:15 AM on November 1, 2016 [9 favorites]

My first Secret Quonsar! This is kind of thrilling.
posted by PearlRose at 7:16 AM on November 1, 2016 [6 favorites]

PS: Buying 10 Eiffel Towers your first day in Paris is a great excuse for the street hawkers with giant keychains full of Eiffel Towers.

"Trois euros. Deux pour cinq euros. Pour la petite."
"Non, merci, j'en ai dix."
posted by maryr at 7:16 AM on November 1, 2016 [5 favorites]

Signed up in a huge rush so I hope my guidelines make sense. Otherwise I promise I will enjoy whatever gift it seems like I said I would enjoy.
posted by easternblot at 7:30 AM on November 1, 2016

Signed up for my first SQ!
posted by jillithd at 7:41 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

My first year! I am so excited for this!
posted by modernhypatia at 7:50 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

Yay! I'd be happy to be a second chancer!
posted by ChuraChura at 7:58 AM on November 1, 2016

Yaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Fig at 8:07 AM on November 1, 2016

I think this is my 4th year, and after the year ive had i need it. lol.
Can't wait.
posted by ShawnString at 8:14 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Yaaaay I'm so excited! Definitely needed it this year.
posted by brilliantine at 8:15 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Longtime reader, first-time quonser.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:24 AM on November 1, 2016 [5 favorites]

*sings a quonsmas dirge of cheer*
posted by introp at 8:26 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

I was so cheered to receive my Quonsar notification email this morning. It was sorely needed!
posted by meggan at 8:54 AM on November 1, 2016

Yay! Yay yay yay! USA only for me this year, and I am extremely excited. Thanks, quonczars!
posted by minsies at 8:57 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Ah what the heck, I guess it's time I did this. I hope somebody likes Pogs.
posted by selfnoise at 9:01 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

I am looking forward to the MeFi store.
posted by terrapin at 9:07 AM on November 1, 2016

Signed up!
And this was good timing, because it reminded me of a several things I received last year from my secret quonsar, that I can finally dig out and deploy next week! :

A big “IF I WERE 21 I’D VOTE FOR KENNEDY” button, I’m guessing from 1960, which I will wear along with the flag of the District of Columbia button, as I watch the madness of US Election Day this November, safe in a sunny haze up here in Canada, drinking from my Map of D.C. pint glass.

I had no idea what an understatement "madness" would turn out to be...
posted by Kabanos at 9:12 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

I have never done secret quonsar before. I'm trying to decide if it's a worse transgression to write a novel in the guidance box, or leave it too empty, especially with a minimal posting history here. I think this is a manifestation of my own anxiety over finding the perfect gift to send!

But I went to some previous-year thank you posts, and it looks like the magic of Quonsmas ensures that nearly all recipients are appropriately matched with their gifts. So I will have faith. I'm so excited!
posted by Kortney at 9:14 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

I vote for novel length response.

It's a nice extra mode of communication. It's nice knowing more about who you're sending something to (I think)
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 9:26 AM on November 1, 2016 [4 favorites]

I'm in.
posted by ColdChef at 9:34 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Also, this is your yearly reminder that if you want to cut-n-paste your gift guidance from last year, just search your email for "quonsar" and you will find your confirmation email from last year that includes the full text you submitted.

Wikileaks will also have a copy.
posted by maxwelton at 9:51 AM on November 1, 2016 [19 favorites]

I heard James Comey is demanding to know if HRC likes tchotchkes, geegaws, or knickknacks, or does she prefer things that are primarily functional?
posted by Rock Steady at 9:54 AM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

The SQ email this morning already cheered me up. I'm so in! It's been a great time every year.
posted by gemmy at 9:57 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

I'm trying to persuade my +1, a fairly recent addition to the roles of Mefites, to quonse this year, but he's decided that he'll help me with my quonsing. if anyone would like to give him a little pep talk, to encourage him to do his own quonsening, that would be lovely.
posted by sciencegeek at 9:58 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

sciencegeek, my experience with a quonse-curious partner is that even his indirect participation adds to the fun - he enjoys the giving and anticipates the mail just as much as I do.

But Mr. sciencegeek, the free ride only takes you so far. At some point you're gonna have to decide: are you on the quonse or off the quonse?
posted by headnsouth at 10:17 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

So in the guidance section on the form, I mentioned that my FPP history might be an indicator of some of my areas of interest.

I just realized that a recent FPP I made was about books bound with human skin.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:18 AM on November 1, 2016 [24 favorites]

Hooray for Quonsmas!
posted by capricorn at 10:22 AM on November 1, 2016

Thanks to julien, arcticseal, phunniemee and whatever other volunteers for organizing this this year and all past years. I'm a big grinch mostly around the holidays but it's nice to break the mould and get a stranger a present.

Random mefite, prepare yourself.
posted by GuyZero at 10:26 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

books bound with human skin

(hoping to be mandolin conspiracy's quonser so I can clean out the closet)
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 10:28 AM on November 1, 2016 [5 favorites]

I threw this on the sidebar - and yes, as always, three cheers for the quonczars! Thanks for everything you do to organize this whole party.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 10:34 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

sciencegeek, my experience with a quonse-curious partner is that even his indirect participation adds to the fun - he enjoys the giving and anticipates the mail just as much as I do.

Oh, absolutely. My non-MeFite wife and daughter get almost as involved in choosing and receiving SQ gifts as I do.
posted by Rock Steady at 10:41 AM on November 1, 2016

I've sent confirmations to roughly the first 90 people who signed up (we're at about 135 right now), and will send out more tonight. Please read the confirmation - we've already had several folks find things they want to fix!

Thank you: billiebee, skybly, headnsouth, darsh, dorinda, juso no thankyou, room 641-A, churachura -- I've added you to the second chancer list.
posted by julen at 10:42 AM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Thanks to all of you who make this happen every year! I'm IN. Also happy to join the second chancer list this year.
posted by bearwife at 10:52 AM on November 1, 2016

Woohoo! I'm signed up. One of the things that has been most interesting to me over the past few years is how my changing life circumstances have changed my quonsar guidance. Two years ago, it boiled down to "I have too much time on my hands and I need to be distracted while I'm applying to med school!" Last year, it was "I'm a first year med student! I have no time for anything, just give me office supplies!" This year, I'm somewhere in between.
posted by ocherdraco at 11:10 AM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

(hoping to be mandolin conspiracy's quonser so I can clean out the closet)

Pls moisturize before sending as we're heading into winter.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 1:19 PM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

Oh my gosh its Quonsmas season already?! I'm deeply excited!

Also count me in as a second chancer please!
posted by firei at 1:57 PM on November 1, 2016

Just want to say how this year, more than most, I have been needing to feel like part of a community and looking for places to find it, and I appreciate how Quonsmas is so welcoming and open to anybody who wants to participate. It's such a fun thing to be part of. If you're hesitating, you should go for it!
posted by thetortoise at 3:27 PM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

Yay! I loved last year. Excited for my 2nd year.
posted by Stynxno at 3:40 PM on November 1, 2016

And for anyone on the fence, go read last year's thank you thread - it is full of so much happy. You should join in the Quonsing!
posted by firei at 4:13 PM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

I'm happy to be a second chancer, but is it possible to be Aus- (or Pacific) only? Mail speed makes it tricky otherwise.
posted by quercus23 at 4:29 PM on November 1, 2016

Best time of the year, I am in again!
posted by Nackt at 4:37 PM on November 1, 2016

Last year's Quonsar swap was amazing. It's one of the only times I ever cried upon receiving a gift. My gift-giver was atropos, and someone she tracked down a poem I posted an Ask about years ago and sent me a collection of that poem and similar ones.

It was a mic drop.

I don't expect that level of awesome to be repeated, but like others have said, I always get the SQ package when things are terrible and it's such a beacon of love and amazingness and reminds me why I love this awful, messed-up, terrible world.

Thanks to everyone who organises this - and thanks for being so kind when I've had questions and issues.
posted by guster4lovers at 4:53 PM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

Thank you for volunteering to be a second chancer, firei and quercus23 (yes! We will mark you Australia/stretch to Pacific locales if necessary)

We generally try to have the Second Chancers send to their own country or a nearby country if necessary, anyway, to increase the chances of speediness.

Confirmation messages have been sent out to everyone who signed up at or before noon today. That means there are about 73 folks who signed up at or later than 12:10 EST who have not gotten their confirmation messages yet.

(Fun fact: Google only lets us send out 100 messages from spreadsheets every 24 hours but MeFites sign up at a faster pace the first few days, so I do a bunch of confirmations manually on Day 1 and 2 so people don't wait 2 days - or more - for their confirmation. This is one of our biggest impetuses for finding a better mechanism for quonsaring in the future because doing it manually is not as much fun as playing in the hamster wheel.)
posted by julen at 5:08 PM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

I just signed up. This is my first time participating --woohoo!!!
posted by katie at 5:08 PM on November 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

yes yes yes yes yes yes secret quonsar! apologies to whoever gets me because i wrote a novel in the "things you like" section while i was trying to get out of doing work.
posted by kerning at 5:11 PM on November 1, 2016

smock smock smock secret quonsar!
(Note: not a request. I just like saying smock.)
posted by not_on_display at 5:26 PM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

Normally I really lean into being a Scrooge at this time of year (pre-visions), but so many Mefites I know and love are so excited about SQ that I am signing up! Hooray presents! Hooray shopping! Hooray awesome communities!
posted by leesh at 7:17 PM on November 1, 2016 [4 favorites]

I have not had a chance to fill in the form yet but I'm so excited for Quonsar and I'm also ready and willing to serve as a second chancer again if you need me!
posted by jessypie at 8:21 PM on November 1, 2016

With my love for tchotchkes, geegaws, knickknacks, tea, gin, cooking, fancy preserves, and scented soaps, I'm beginning to realize I've slid right past "you know you've turned into your mother when" and landed square on "you know you've turned into your grandma when..."
posted by drlith at 8:36 PM on November 1, 2016 [17 favorites]

God you guys are persuasive; ok I'm in.
posted by soakimbo at 9:44 PM on November 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

Man, I need some happy stuff. I am IN.
posted by sarcasticah at 10:16 PM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]

I got my confirmation! Woo! (I don't have to reply to it if everything is correct, right?)
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:03 PM on November 1, 2016

C'est la saison de Quoël !

Already sent an email for it, but – sign me up for second-chancer too, merci.

"Trois euros. Deux pour cinq euros. Pour la petite."

Quoi !! Ça vaut 50 centimes la pièce... on peut même en trouver à 20 centimes pièce...
(ah merde j'ai divulgué mon budget porte-clés tour Eiffel oups)
posted by fraula at 6:40 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]

If everything looks good on your confirmation, yep, no need to reply.

When looking over your confirmation, please make sure your zip code is correct. We typically have 3-5 incorrect zips a year, which the post office often "solves" by returning to sender.

It's great having so many 2nd Chance volunteers so early! Thanks, jessypie & fraula!

Everyone who has signed up so far should have a confirmation message - if you haven't gotten one and it hasn't been consigned to the junk/spam mailbox, drop us a note and we'll see what's up.

If you got two confirmation messages you may have signed up twice. Drop us a note if that's the case, too.
posted by julen at 7:15 AM on November 2, 2016

ohmigodohmigodohmigodyouguyzIluuuuuveQuonsmas.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:47 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

ZOMG I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS
posted by holborne at 10:22 AM on November 2, 2016

fraula: Les porte-clés que j'ai acheté, oui, ~0,50Euros, mais les Tours plus grands, en tous coulours et avec des strass/bijoux, ils sont un peu plus chers.
posted by maryr at 10:50 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

So I'm having a giant health paperwork headache right now and taking a break to sign up for QUONSMAS means that I am able to write emails and fill out forms without any swear words or snark. QUONSMAS miracles are real, ya'll.

I can't wait!
posted by congen at 11:33 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Hooray! Last year was my first year and it was SO fun getting mystery mail from a MeFite. I can't wait to quons again! It's a big thing in the bowtiesarecool household - my spouse is on Gamers With Jobs, and GWJ-ers do a "Secret Stan" with a similar bent, so we like to compare notes and plan together.

Also, I'm going to be in Japan over the Christmas season this year, so I am committed to sending my quonsee not only an (on-time) quonsmas gift, but also mailing them a postcard, because YAY MAIL!
posted by bowtiesarecool at 1:25 PM on November 2, 2016

Oh goody, I am in!!
posted by initapplette at 2:04 PM on November 2, 2016

Yes! Today everyone at work was busy celebrating Day of the Dead but I had Quonsmas on my mind... Can't wait!

I was lucky enough to have a second chance Quonsar save my Quonsmas from ruin last year and I would love to do that for someone this year - please sign me up!
posted by amelliferae at 2:35 PM on November 2, 2016

Signed up, with all the same guidance as last year with the addition of The Right Honourable Ada Kitty. (Last year, I had no pets.)

I am PSYCHED to quonse again.
posted by zorseshoes at 4:27 PM on November 2, 2016

@julen can I tentatively set myself as a back-up If you need a second chancer? This will be my first year doing it, and I am getting CRUSHED at work, so I don't want to over-extend myself. But, if there are second chances that need to be taken care of, I would like to help, if I can.

I am also seriously considering setting up a MeFi account for Mrs. a non mouse just to let her in all of the fun...
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 5:01 PM on November 2, 2016

Hi! I will add you to the list, a non mouse, a cow herd.

I mid-late-mid December, I'll send out an email to everyone who volunteered to second chance it asking a) if they were still interested and available (it's hard to predict life's vicissitudes a month out!), and b) explaining how it all works. If you can't second chance after all, that's more than OK. We appreciate the intention!
posted by julen at 5:10 PM on November 2, 2016

CONFIRMED.

Woo-hoo!
posted by Room 641-A at 5:12 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Yay! It was so great last year, I can't wait to see who I get to quonse this year!
posted by peppermind at 5:14 PM on November 2, 2016

I quonse committed!
posted by Oyéah at 10:15 PM on November 2, 2016

Oh, checking my email for my comments last year was a great idea. Thanks, Rock Steady. I haven't changed a bit; I still hate lollipops with bugs encased in them. Buggy lollipop dodged once again.
posted by sockermom at 12:11 AM on November 3, 2016 [2 favorites]

Julen, I'm also happy to act as a second chancer for the UK this time round. :)
posted by halcyonday at 2:38 AM on November 3, 2016

Thanks halcyonday!

winterhill - Yes! When you sign up, you can select region to swap within, and one of the choices is Europe only, and so far everyone who has selected that has lived in an EU country.
posted by julen at 5:51 AM on November 3, 2016

I'm in and I'm delighted to be a second chance person as well.
posted by firstdrop at 6:06 AM on November 3, 2016

last year I was gifted a pen which is currently in the bag immediately to my left. Quonsar is cool.
posted by rebent at 7:58 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

I gaze at my card from my Secret Quonsar every day I'm in my lab!
posted by ChuraChura at 8:23 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

ChuraChura, you are also friends with Kclashka??? is she on metafilter too?
posted by rebent at 8:42 AM on November 3, 2016

You know what I love about Quonsmas? It's you guys. I could never receive a present and still be happy. Reading through the messages we get from enthusiastic and thoughtful Quonsars never fails to make me happy.

It's been a crappy year generally work-wise, so I've been largely absent from MeFi, but I didn't hesitate to sign on for another spell in the hamster wheel when Julen asked me. It is a wonderful time of the year.
posted by arcticseal at 11:38 AM on November 3, 2016 [7 favorites]

I just remembered that last year I sent a present based entirely on puns and can only hope I have the chance to do so again.
posted by maryr at 11:40 AM on November 3, 2016 [2 favorites]

Yay! Last year was my first year participating and it was so awesome getting such thoughtful gifts from a fellow community member. Looking forward to this year!
posted by Twicketface at 11:59 AM on November 3, 2016

I missed last year's deadline, so I am happy to rejoin my SQ brethren.
posted by Julnyes at 2:10 PM on November 3, 2016

Done, done, and done! This is the third year I've joined in the fun and can't wait to see who I'm paired with. It's always so much fun to chose stuff to give (and the getting's a hoot, too). Thanks to all working so hard on coordinating The Swap!
posted by but no cigar at 2:16 PM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

Thanks, firstdrop -- I've added you to the list.

286 People have signed up so far, which is a slightly slower clip than last year, but we didn't have a contentious election or a seven game world series of my great-grandmother's dreams last year, so I'm making no predictions about what kind of numbers we'll end up with.

It's pretty great to see folks who have always done sq, folks who have done it on and off, and newbies all signing up ... and that you guys are reading your confirmations and making corrections to guidance, zip codes, mefi handles, and addresses. It makes everything so much easier after the swap!
posted by julen at 6:55 PM on November 3, 2016 [2 favorites]

I'm in! Yay! So glad that I am not too overwhelmed with work this year and can join in on the fun.
posted by gemutlichkeit at 8:45 PM on November 3, 2016

Last year was fabulous and I'm excited for this one!
posted by Gymnopedist at 8:48 PM on November 3, 2016

I'm really looking forward to this! I need some special holiday cheer this year and I look forward to stalking researching another MeFite to find them a Quonstastical gift!
posted by invokeuse at 9:03 PM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

Just signed up.

It. Is. ON.
posted by Faintdreams at 2:10 AM on November 4, 2016

YAY
posted by chaoticgood at 5:16 AM on November 4, 2016

Signed up!

I can be a second chance gifter this year for the USA group. Please add me to your list, quonczars!
posted by jeoc at 11:57 AM on November 4, 2016

Yes, I've missed this the past few times but did the cookie swap last year and had a blast. MeFi has been my absolute sanity this fall and I'm excited to say - count me in!
posted by miratime at 1:05 PM on November 4, 2016

Signed up. Let's do this thing!
posted by cellar door at 1:39 PM on November 4, 2016

Yay, I'm in for the first time! I loved the music swap so I'm pumped for this.

Also, sorry gifter - I wrote a novel of a description in my "Guidance" box. I didn't realize that was a faux pas. I'm really not that picky, I promise!
posted by Paper rabies at 5:44 PM on November 4, 2016

I'm in and happy to be a second chancer as well!
posted by Sweetie Darling at 6:37 PM on November 4, 2016

SQ: It's exactly what I need right now... both the giving and the getting. Thanks so much!
posted by carmicha at 6:55 PM on November 4, 2016

I wrote a novel of a description in my "Guidance" box. I didn't realize that was a faux pas.
It's really helpful, actually. I mean, I'll still stalk research you online to make sure I fully understand your need for a breadbox or a weird squid photo, but it'll help get me in the right direction to begin with. I tried to write more this year than I have in some of the previous ones, so that my quonsar can pick whatever direction they want to go in.
posted by Margalo Epps at 9:02 PM on November 4, 2016 [5 favorites]

Awesome, Jeoc & Sweetie Darling! I will add you to the second chance list!
posted by julen at 7:48 AM on November 5, 2016

Just signed up! I'm so excited for Friday to find out who I will be Quonsing! (bounces just a bit in chair with anticipation)
posted by bookmammal at 8:32 AM on November 5, 2016 [1 favorite]

Signed up, yay! Thanks julen, arcticseal and phunniemee for organizing again this year.
posted by une_heure_pleine at 12:45 PM on November 5, 2016

After 15 years on Metafilter, I'm signing up to Quonsar for the first time. I always felt like a bit of an outsider, but the one good outcome of this insane election has been bringing me closer to the World of the Blue. Time to give back!
posted by Superplin at 4:34 PM on November 5, 2016 [7 favorites]

It's the most quonsiest time of the year. Things are a bit better financially again so I don't have to do the "gift of art" thing again, but depending, I may just do it anyway.
posted by TrishaLynn at 6:14 PM on November 5, 2016 [2 favorites]

Also, I totally used some of last year's Quonsar yarn destash to make myself a hat and scarf last year, so it's almost like my quonsee got me a hat and scarf. That was totally rad.
posted by TrishaLynn at 6:24 PM on November 5, 2016 [2 favorites]

Signed up, yay!
posted by daybeforetheday at 1:13 AM on November 6, 2016

Signed up for my second year in a row. It was such a blast last time. If you're mostly a lurker, if you're new, if you've been here forever but never quonsed, it doesn't matter! Come join us for the fun!
posted by jet_pack_in_a_can at 5:36 PM on November 6, 2016

Absolutely!

It doesn't matter if you hang out on the blue and/or the green and/or the purple and/or the grey. It doesn't matter if you have been here since Matt hung out his shingle or just signed up last month; if you comment 100 times a day or once every 100 days; if you are in MeTa for every thunderdome moment or just for the baby announcements, desk pictures, and halloween costumes: EVERYONE is welcome and wonderful in the swap.

One of the best things about signing up for sq is that you get the chance to really get to know (by their internet footsteps) someone else in the community. You may just know them from the side they staked out so vigorously in the infamous Pumpkin v. Eggplant wars or for the curious amount of knowledge they have about work situations that involve spilled coffee and copiers or their unstinting dedication to murderously charming television characters, but this gives you the opportunity to get to know and to learn more about and from someone pretty awesome.
posted by julen at 6:41 PM on November 6, 2016 [10 favorites]

I've never done this before, but I used to do the MeFiSwap CD swaps carsonb organized and those made me really happy, so I'm in!
posted by limeonaire at 10:13 PM on November 6, 2016 [2 favorites]

Yay, Quonsmas! I participated for the first time last year and it was amazing!
posted by OntologicalPuppy at 7:09 AM on November 7, 2016

I'll always remember what my first draw, neda, said about the fortunes of Quonsmas:

Quonsar is an often gentle yet occasionally vengeful holiday god. If I get something that I find unappealing, then I happily accept that I did something to displease the mighty Quonsar. If I get something lovely*, then Quonsar has decided to smile upon me, making for an auspicious new year. Either way, no complaints from me. (Plus, I just like getting mail of any sort.)

*I'm sure it'll be lovely. You've got great gift-giving prowess in you, I can just tell. Merry Quonsmas!

That little asterisk about being a good gift-giver meant a lot to me. I have an enormous amount of gift-related anxiety, and signing up to get a gift for a complete stranger triggered a pretty strong bout of panic. But that little postscript really helped!

(Since then, I've included my own "you're going to be a great gift-giver" note in my request section before going into the litany of favorite fandoms and allergies and whatnot.)

So thanks, neda, for alleviating my holiday-related stress.

not going to lie, I totally internalized the "what you get for Quonsmas is an omen for the coming year" superstition too
posted by The demon that lives in the air at 12:02 PM on November 7, 2016 [2 favorites]

"One of the best things about signing up for sq is that you get the chance to really get to know (by their internet footsteps) someone else in the community."

I do the enjoy the detective work of digging into someone's Metafilter footprint and figuring out what kind of gift they might like. With some people it's easier than others.
posted by Kevin Street at 10:02 PM on November 7, 2016 [2 favorites]

Whelp, signed up. May god have mercy on whichever of you get my name. And double that for the lucky ducky that I draw.

[Seriously, I'm terrible at the whole gift thing but am also a sucker for semi-anonymous ones that are experiments of how the internet culture surrounding us can work wonders.]
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:21 AM on November 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

I just signed up under the wire. I loved shopping for my secret quonsar last year as a small bright spot in a bad Christmas, and I'm still using one of the notebooks I was sent in mine, with much fondness each time I pull it out of the pile. XOXOXO
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:24 AM on November 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

I'm all signed up. I love this so very much.

If there was a children's short film about my life quonsar would be the wounded migratory animal I befriended and then released back into the wild with a tearful goodbye but it always stops by every year on its path to distant lands. To close out the movie a montage of those returns is shown with our figures aging little by little until at last it returns one year and I'm not there, so it makes a soulful version of whatever animal sound it happens to make and then flies off into the distance. As the credits start to roll the the viewer leaves saddened by my passing but touched by the depth of our interspecies friendship.

Or maybe I'm the animal and quonsar's the old dude that dies, it's sort of a work in progress.
posted by Gygesringtone at 11:18 AM on November 8, 2016 [7 favorites]

I see a lot of volunteers for second chancers already - I'm happy to volunteer again as a small token of my appreciation for the Quonczars. You guys are amazing! (And the Quonsmas gifts I've received - just wow!)
posted by RedOrGreen at 2:21 PM on November 8, 2016

Eep. I've never done quonsar before, but MeFites have done an exceptional job of keeping me sane this year. Deal me in!
posted by nicodine at 5:40 PM on November 8, 2016

Excellent, RedOrGreen! I'm glad to add you to the list!
posted by julen at 6:35 PM on November 8, 2016

I've always watched/read about people quonsing, but on today of all days I needed something to cheer me up, so I signed up for the first time!
posted by Karmeliet at 2:09 AM on November 9, 2016 [3 favorites]

Thank goodness for Secret Quonsar.
posted by ChuraChura at 4:35 AM on November 9, 2016 [3 favorites]

Signing up for this based on a suggestion from chat, for a shred of goodness in the world.
posted by bobobox at 4:51 AM on November 9, 2016 [3 favorites]

Hi Everyone -

Signups will close tonight at midnight Eastern Time. That's in a little over 13 hours from now.

Thanks!
posted by julen at 7:55 AM on November 9, 2016

Whoop, signed up for the first time! I'm looking forward to the quonsening.
posted by rawrberry at 11:46 AM on November 9, 2016 [2 favorites]

After the last 36 hours, it's safe to say that this year I'm wounded animal that needs tending.

Thanks for reviving me (again) Quonsar.
posted by Gygesringtone at 12:46 PM on November 9, 2016 [2 favorites]

After last night? Yay!!!
posted by jrobin276 at 1:48 PM on November 9, 2016

And I'm in! : ) Yay for Quonsmus!
posted by SisterHavana at 5:20 PM on November 9, 2016

Oh dear, I just found out about this a couple of days ago and...nodded off last evening while filling out my form. I submitted, but it's clearly late. Let me know if that's bad and I'll totally bow out. I selected "US only" instead of "International" just because I wanted to be extra sensitive about timing in case it was an issue.
posted by spelunkingplato at 1:28 AM on November 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

Same; first-time (hopeful) participant who just noticed the deadline in the sidebar.
posted by Halloween Jack at 5:03 AM on November 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

Signups are now closed! Folks who signed up technically after the deadline are fine and good to go. My sleepiness is your bonus!

What happens next?
The Hamsters of Randomization are gearing up to do their magic. sq assignments will be sent out tomorrow.
posted by julen at 5:51 AM on November 10, 2016 [8 favorites]

Damn I totally missed this whole thing.
posted by chococat at 7:45 AM on November 10, 2016

I missed it too! If you need a second chancer, I would be glad to do it.
posted by areaperson at 12:25 PM on November 10, 2016

I blew it and missed the signup deadline. Between the World Series and the election I have managed to lose track of too many things! (e.g. Who am I and what does it all mean?) Please sign me up as a second-chancer if needed. And thanks once again to the wonderful organizers.
posted by slmorri at 12:59 PM on November 10, 2016

I already signed up but please add me as a second-chancer for the US if needed.
posted by skycrashesdown at 4:10 PM on November 10, 2016

Thanks, skycrashes down!

slmorri and areaperson should check their mail.
posted by julen at 4:56 PM on November 10, 2016 [2 favorites]

Me three! I participated last year for the first time & loved it, missed the deadline this year (durned election), and would be glad to be a second-chancer.
posted by homelystar at 6:35 PM on November 10, 2016

OK! Swaps have gone out. As always, hit up our email secretquonsarswap at gmail if you

• didn't get an assignment but think you should have
• got two assignments (I THINK I resolved all the double-signups)
• have questions you'd like us to ask your quonsee on your behalf
• have questions about the swap in general
• the assignment you got is literally gobblety gook and no living creature could possibly grok it

If you can't find the email, do a search for the return address: secretquonsarswap at [mymefihandle].net. If you still can't find it, email us and we'll either send you the info or figure out what is going on.
posted by julen at 9:45 PM on November 10, 2016 [3 favorites]

Hamsters have been busy! I just got a naaaaaaaame! Yay!
posted by mochapickle at 9:46 PM on November 10, 2016 [1 favorite]

OMG OMG OMG I just got home and saw the email and have a name and now let the stalking begin
posted by invokeuse at 9:49 PM on November 10, 2016 [7 favorites]

Yay!!!!!!! (Kermit flail)
posted by poxandplague at 9:52 PM on November 10, 2016

you ROCK julen
posted by chococat at 9:55 PM on November 10, 2016

Also, from the message, it sounds like angry marmosets in bubble wrap is a no-go again this year? Sigh.
posted by mochapickle at 10:36 PM on November 10, 2016 [4 favorites]

My person's request has made me feel better about life than I have all week.
posted by ilovewinter at 11:04 PM on November 10, 2016 [2 favorites]

Ooh the hamsters found me a good'un! Huzzah!
posted by miratime at 2:18 AM on November 11, 2016

I made a mistake in the footer of the notification email. If you create the Thank You tab, use the tag secretquonsar2016 and not secretquonsar2015. D'oh!
posted by julen at 5:47 AM on November 11, 2016

I promise to try.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:04 AM on November 11, 2016

Thanks a lot, Quonsee With Unrevealing Posting History Who Gave Me No Direction.

"Send me something you enjoy!" you say? Well I enjoy travel, and what you didn't realize when you left that big old barn door open is that you live in a place where people like to visit! So between now and Dec. 2 you can expect the USPS to deliver a festively wrapped reservation for next summer. Happy quonsmas!
posted by headnsouth at 6:08 AM on November 11, 2016 [7 favorites]

... thank you post. That should say thank you post. I'm having a morning, alright.
posted by julen at 6:09 AM on November 11, 2016 [2 favorites]

My Quonsee is someone who doesn't post a lot, but left a pretty great description. I am definitely looking forward to picking out and sending a gift!
posted by Fig at 6:24 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

Omg there are so many reasons why I am DELIGHTED with my Quonsee! I am flying home later today from what has been an amazing holiday (bar the results from Hell) but instead of usual last-day sads I am squeeing around the hotel room. My first day back at work on Monday shall not be spent moaning about being home, as is traditional, but rather I shall merrily be going a-stalking. Thank you so much julen & elves!
posted by billiebee at 6:48 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

I love my quonsee and I haven't even seen their posting history yet.
posted by TrishaLynn at 7:20 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

I woke up this morning and checked email, and found my Quonsee assignment sitting in my inbox! What a wonderfully lovely start to my day.

Thank you, julen!

I am super excited about my Quonsee, and think I already have ideas. yay!
posted by needlegrrl at 7:54 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

Just got my assignment. Thanks guys!

Off to the research machine thingy.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:36 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

happy to have something fun to focus on.
yay for the sekrit quonsaring.
posted by sciencegeek at 9:02 AM on November 11, 2016

Once again, happily loosing a day to researching how to best make a random internet person happy.
posted by Gygesringtone at 9:19 AM on November 11, 2016 [3 favorites]

Holy shit. I actually got matched with a mefit I know of. Wow.

The pressure is on.
posted by GuyZero at 9:24 AM on November 11, 2016 [2 favorites]

My biggest challenge is going to be showing restraint and not sending dozens of my own treasures along with my Quonsee's gift because apparently we are kindred spirits.
posted by atropos at 9:25 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

Holy crap my quonser has ALREADY MAILED THE GIFT. Do you people have a stockroom for this?! "Hmm, old vegetarian guy…hmmm… Right, item SQS42987 will be perfect. Off it goes!"
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:27 AM on November 11, 2016 [13 favorites]

I too know of and have irl interacted with my quonsee. I'm shopping. RIGHT NOW!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 10:01 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

Got my quonsee! Now to stalk all of their comments in search of inspiration...

Hey, are we doing the cookie swap this year? I don't have time to organize it, but I love it!
posted by Weeping_angel at 10:11 AM on November 11, 2016 [2 favorites]

Hm.

Metafilter: 0 posts, 0 comments
Ask Metafilter: 0 posts, 0 comments
FanFare: 0 posts, 0 comments
Projects: 0 posts, 0 comments
Music: 0 posts, 0 comments
MetaTalk: 0 posts, 0 comments

No stalking for me. Good thing they wrote a better blurb for their quonsmas submission than I did. :-)
posted by jferg at 11:10 AM on November 11, 2016 [2 favorites]

Yea! thanks Julen for squeezing me into quonsar!
posted by areaperson at 11:35 AM on November 11, 2016

Yay! I've had my quonsee revealed to me and I couldn't be more thrilled! I shall start scheming immediately......
posted by but no cigar at 12:13 PM on November 11, 2016

My pick was very helpful, is very stalkable, and has given me something to work on that isn't made of sadness. I think I have some good ideas and have drafted a PLAN. Thank you, quonsee. Thank you, quonczars. You're the best.
posted by Akhu at 1:59 PM on November 11, 2016 [4 favorites]

I read all of the lovely "yay I got my Quonsee and they are wonderful/difficult/the same person as me/superfamous/etcetcetcetc" comments and wonder if any of them are talking about me. And then feel incredibly narcissistic.

Has anyone ever correctly guessed before getting the gift who their Quonsar was?
posted by Fig at 2:11 PM on November 11, 2016 [5 favorites]

This is my first Quonsar experience and oh em gee is it fun! The stalking! The scheming! The shopping! Yesssssssss yessssss squeeeee!
posted by katie at 4:30 PM on November 11, 2016

I got loads of helpful ideas from my Quonsee. I'm so excited.

Also, they live in my neighbourhood, and their house is closer than Canada Post. Is it creepy to drop off a quonsar present in person?
posted by Banknote of the year at 4:54 PM on November 11, 2016

It has happened - rarely - that someone has dropped off a gift in person - or had an agent/representative drop off the gift. If you choose this root.... a) try not to be creepy or seem creepy (black 1930s robber-style masks are RIGHT OUT), and b) try to put your package in a safe place for them to find - we'll be happy to drop them a note to look behind the woodpile or the porch chair or with the neighbor.

It's been a real pleasure fielding questions and clarifications today and to see your collective delight in the process. Thank you.

First set of statistics should be coming this weekend!
posted by julen at 8:07 PM on November 11, 2016 [2 favorites]

IT'S MY QUONSEE'S FIRST QUONSMAS
I NEED TO MAKE IT SPECIAL
I NEED TO MAKE IT SO SPECIAL THAT HALLMARK MAKES A CHRISTMAS MOVIE ABOUT IT
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 2:19 AM on November 12, 2016 [8 favorites]

Hallmark presents A Fish For All Pants: A Story of the First Quonsmas starring Lacey Chabert, Casper Van Dien, and Richard Thomas.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:55 AM on November 12, 2016 [4 favorites]

I can't believe I spaced out and forgot this year! wahhhh! (I remembered because I am making myself a cup of tea from last year's exchange. )
posted by vespabelle at 9:31 AM on November 12, 2016

This is a friendly reminder to CHECK THE EMAIL YOU GAVE US periodically.

Hallmark presents A Fish For All Pants: A Story of the First Quonsmas starring Lacey Chabert, Casper Van Dien, and Richard Thomas.

I would watch this. It would inevitably also star an older familiar comedic actress as someone who is wisely and lovingly pushing Lacey and Casper together. The camera would occassionally slowly linger on the signs of the season: a large giant light-up fish in a red hat trimmed in ermine arm in arm, a inflatable marmoset in a holiday sweater in which someone has knitted a No Duct Tape symbol in the middle of the otherwise festive iconography, a jolly bearded cookie-filled mailman who remarks "I do not know who this s. quonsar fellow is, but he sure seems to be sending a lot of presents!"
posted by julen at 7:39 PM on November 12, 2016 [6 favorites]

It would inevitably also star an older familiar comedic actress as someone who is wisely and lovingly pushing Lacey and Casper together.

Margo Martindale imo
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 12:19 AM on November 13, 2016

Oh, are you trying to make this thing good?
posted by Etrigan at 8:21 AM on November 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

Hi, I don't think I got my notification but it's also possible I missed it in election horrible. Did these go out? Am I registered? Did anyone else miss theirs?
posted by corb at 8:53 AM on November 13, 2016

Have you checked your junk mail? Mine went there first even though my other sq emails have come through ok.
posted by billiebee at 8:55 AM on November 13, 2016

All that's left is for me to purchase some buckeyes, and we're off to the seasonal fish/unboxed marmoset races!
posted by ChuraChura at 9:18 AM on November 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

corb! resending your notification now!

the original mail came from secretquonsarswap at [myhandle] dot net -- That's to get around gmails restrictions on mail recipients.

Oh, are you trying to make this thing good?

Hah! With the Hallmark Channel, good is such a sliding scale ...
posted by julen at 9:57 AM on November 13, 2016

YES PREPARING TO QUONSINATE.
posted by corb at 11:43 AM on November 13, 2016 [2 favorites]

I missed it too! If you need a second chancer, I would be glad to do it.

[hangs head, shuffles feet, glances up, ahems, wonders if, at four days late ...]
posted by NorthernLite at 12:31 PM on November 13, 2016

I'm so sorry, but we won't be doing any post-swap missed-the-swap groups this year. I just have less emotional bandwidth this year. It's been a rough fall in expected and unexpected ways.

I do recommend the The Winter Wishes Gift Drive, where Mefites send deserving kids and seniors holiday gifts.
posted by julen at 2:52 PM on November 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

I want to circle back to the question "Is it OK to just drop off the gift if the address is nearby."

I've heard privately from some folks who raised other concerns about doing this. Among the concerns:

1. It can be awkward for the person receiving the gift who is caught between social niceties, social awkwardness, and/or the realities of not expecting a guest. Also, how do you measure the pre-thanks you would give?
2. They'd rather not explain MeFi/sq/internet-suddenly-in-person to coworkers/roommates/spouses/kids
3. They prefer USPS/UPS/Fedex because those packages are left in a lockable box and are therefore safe from theft/overly curious neighbors/neighborhood critters.

So if you do choose to take the route of delivering it in person, please think it through.
posted by julen at 6:30 PM on November 13, 2016 [2 favorites]

First Stats of the Season!

There are 420 participants hailing from 21 Countries including all 4 Scandinavian countries, 3 of the 4 countries in the UK, and 6 continents.

There are participants from 38 US States, 5 Canadian Provinces, 4 Australian States, and two capital districts.

46 guidance sections mention cats. 38 mention dogs. 14 mention birds.

45 of you advised your quonsar to "Go Nuts" but only one of you left it at just that. Most provided anywhere from a bit more guidance to a lot more guidance.

No one requested a marmoset.
posted by julen at 7:49 AM on November 14, 2016 [5 favorites]

Thanks a lot, Quonsee With Unrevealing Posting History Who Gave Me No Direction.

Last year, the quonczars were extremely helpful in forwarding requests for more detail, e.g. "what's your marmoset's t-shirt size?" or "Just fill out ocherdracho's questionnaire already OK??!"

So if Julen et al have bandwidth for facilitating that kind of communication this year, it might be better to ask for more guidance rather than beanplating or having to buy things that don't feel fun to send.

Happy Quonsmas, everyone!
posted by wonton endangerment at 8:58 AM on November 14, 2016 [2 favorites]

Just finished my Quonsmas shopping! (Good thing I was traveling this week; I think I would've struggled otherwise.)

I took a wild stab with the main thing I'm sending, so hopefully I made the right choice. Yay, Quonsmas!
posted by minsies at 11:34 AM on November 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

I am so sad I neglected to include marmoset instructions.
posted by corb at 11:37 AM on November 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

Oh hey, we totally have bandwidth to anonymize questions and pass on news, tracking numbers, and useful info! I totally didn't mean to bum anyone out!

In fact if we didn't have such messages to pass around, I'd be forced to regale you with tales of my trip through the TSA airport security just now. I did not attempt to carry a marmoset on board, so there is no drama to the tale whatsoever.
posted by julen at 12:36 PM on November 14, 2016 [3 favorites]

I have an interesting (to me) tale of how the US Consulate lost my passport last month and I almost ended up playing for the Edmonton Oilers...

...Dear Reader, they wisely ended up signing the marmoset.
posted by arcticseal at 1:24 PM on November 14, 2016 [4 favorites]

So...everyone here has a marmoset, then?
posted by holborne at 2:01 PM on November 14, 2016

So...everyone here has a marmoset, then?
Yes, but communicating t-shirt sizing is problematic every year.

Nobody send requests quite yet -- I want to hear julen's TSA story!
posted by wonton endangerment at 2:10 PM on November 14, 2016

I've never worked with marmosets, but I've worked with tamarins and man, they're great monkeys. Marmosets are pretty much exactly like tamarins, except without hair that is quite as stylish, and with procumbent incisors so that they can gouge holes in trees to suck out the sap.

Take heart, marmoset. There'll be days like these.
posted by ChuraChura at 2:15 PM on November 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

My TSA Story.

I must admit I look exactly like my driver's license ... to such an extent that the initial agent checking my ticket did a double take and then held the gate open for me. I stood in line, waiting as the suitcases and carry-ons went through the machine to put mine on the conveyer taking mental bets on what exactly the dude in front of me was carrying in his small Williams Sonoma paper bag. His lunch? Overpriced whisks? A sleeping baby badger?

My curiosity was not to be assuaged. He moved it to the front of his bags and slid through the scanner. It was my turn. After last trip's buckle debacle (seriously, recalibrate those machines, dudes!), I was wary of the scanner, but I emerged free and clear and without a single ---

beeep!

Damnit! I thought. So Close!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I was randomly selected for some additional testing. They swabbed my hands, and put the swab into a machine which tested and sensed and thought about it. I feared that the the throbbing "Testing Sample" status would change into one giant blinking red "MARMOSET!!!!!!!" but inexplicably, it let me go on. It's like they didn't even know who I was.

As I watched the security agent running the luggage scanner pull EACH of the bags Mr. Williams Sonoma had sent through for further inspection, thereby foiling my chances for learning what was in that bag, the lady behind me in the queue gave me the side-eye for not being particularly upset. Them, while waiting for my bags to come through, I gained a valuable insight into how the TSA does randomization. They pick every other person in line to test.

And so I moved off from the security checkpoint, to claim my seat, check my email, and relax in the luxury of a mid-sized city airport. About 15 minutes later, the conveyer machine dude strolled past me and gave me a slow "Thank you for not packing any marmosets" nod. The world, my friends, felt right.
posted by julen at 5:37 PM on November 14, 2016 [6 favorites]

EVERY OTHER PERSON?

Maybe airline security should be a separate MeTa. I could go on for so long. And I have so many questions just about this one story. (Also, it feels like my blood pressure might not fully drop until I find out what was in that W-S bag.)
posted by wonton endangerment at 5:54 PM on November 14, 2016 [2 favorites]

what was in that W-S bag

Badger-bristle biscuit brushes. These make a great gifts & in fact work for brushing all sorts of baked goods, not just biscuits. (Dear Quonser: I already have two of these, thanks.)
posted by miles per flower at 6:34 PM on November 14, 2016 [2 favorites]

Well, Mr. Williams Sonoma didn't have the basic courtesy to take the same flight as me, so I'm afraid it will be a quonsmas mystery for the ages.

To be fair, there were only 9 of us in line when they were doing every other person; I assume that if volume increased the randomization would decrease, but then again, having a larger audience might add picquancy and suspense to the whole thing.
posted by julen at 6:43 PM on November 14, 2016 [3 favorites]

ChuraChura: ಠ_ಠ
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 6:43 PM on November 14, 2016

We've got our first report in the Secret Quonsar Thank-You thread!
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 10:48 PM on November 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

julen: Those are all good points about the in-person drop-off. I'd been imagining an anonymous leave-it-on-the-porch delivery, but I can see how that could still lead to awkwardness. Thanks for collecting the feedback from folks.
posted by Banknote of the year at 11:21 PM on November 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

I just had a dream where my apartment was full of interesting things, and I kept taking things off shelves and sticking them in a bag for my quonsee. I was so pleased with myself for being done with Secret Quonsar! Ah, well.
posted by ocherdraco at 4:11 AM on November 15, 2016 [1 favorite]

Maybe airline security should be a separate MeTa.

I follow TSA on instagram; the admin is rather clever. Recent examples:

"'There’s a bear in the air' is CB slang for a police helicopter. There are no actual bears in the air. This is a reminder that bear repellent is prohibited in the cabin of an aircraft. You can pack bear repellent in your checked bag if the volume is less than four ounces and if it has less than a two percent active ingredient of either CS or CN. Most bear repellents exceed these limitations."

"Holy prohibited items, Batman! Who knew that batarangs were so popular? Our officers have discovered quite a few this year. This time, the batarang was discovered in a carry-on bag at LaGuardia (LGA). Please pack your #batarangs in your checked baggage."

I have not seen a marmoset featured on their page. Yet.
posted by headnsouth at 4:57 AM on November 15, 2016 [2 favorites]

I have a question regarding books. I want to give mine a particular book, which is a bit hard to locate new and I have a copy I was previously going to give to a sibling but forgot, and am now wondering if including a previously owned book (thus free, allowing more bang for buck in q-budget) is bad etiquette or not. I love getting other people's books because I love second hand shops and books are sentient croutons, but I have friends who will only buy and give shrinkwrapped pristine books.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 10:11 PM on November 16, 2016 [2 favorites]

Also haha I have already found two perfect items for far cheaper than expected in weird shops and bonus a perfect warning sign my sister once sighed and wished she could have for her house buried under a pile next to the gift for my quonsor, so double holiday luck!
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 10:13 PM on November 16, 2016 [1 favorite]

My secret quonsar should have gotten the main gift. Now to finish up the second package.
posted by amapolaroja at 10:25 PM on November 16, 2016

I would not be insulted at all if I received a pre-owned book. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 11:25 PM on November 16, 2016 [7 favorites]

A second-hand book is fine with me, especially if it's been chosen with my tastes in mind!
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 11:43 PM on November 16, 2016 [7 favorites]

Happily this year some of my gifts ended up serving as packaging for the main gift. And thanks to my quonsee's epic name choice, I get to add special snowflakeyness into the mix too. I love it when a plan comes together!
posted by Juso No Thankyou at 3:54 AM on November 17, 2016

As long as the book is in good condition (i.e not covered in filth, not missing half its pages, and/or is readable), I think a second hand book is fine.
posted by julen at 6:32 AM on November 17, 2016 [3 favorites]

Sent mine off yesterday at the local post office to a serenade of rooster crowing. Actually two roosters crowing at 9am in a very suburban post office. They were awaiting pickup to their intended address. I very much wanted to know if it was to one address or two different addresses that the roosters were going to.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 9:09 AM on November 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

Oh, that was me! I sent one to my quonsee's workplace and one to my quonsee's metro area home. Godspeed, little SQoosters!
posted by mochapickle at 10:36 AM on November 17, 2016 [11 favorites]

Once I perfect the formula for the scratch-and-sniff parts of the 4chan-based role-playing game I'm sending my quonsee, it will be in the mail.
posted by maxwelton at 1:30 PM on November 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
the treats
that were in
the USPS priority flat rate box

and which
you were probably
saving
for Quonsmas.

Forgive me
they were delicious
so local
and so sustainable
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 1:15 AM on November 18, 2016 [12 favorites]

I have everything wrapped and in a padded envelope all ready to post. I'm probably going to the post office today or tomorrow, so hopefully it will be at my Quonsee's address before Thanksgiving!
posted by minsies at 7:51 AM on November 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

my quanstums are purchased! all i need is a quanx to pack them in and they will be ready for shipping!
posted by rebent at 4:05 PM on November 19, 2016 [3 favorites]

Went shopping for a portion of my s.q.'s gift and completely forgot an important allergy. I will now be forced to eat some delicious things.

Darn.

Will have to do more shopping and plotting.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:50 PM on November 19, 2016 [2 favorites]

I am getting closer to being ready to Quonse! A couple of things are bought, a couple are ordered, and one part looks like it might be leading me into a new hobby/time-sink which could be fun (or which could go the way of my crocheting/guitar playing/fudge-making i.e. I bore my long suffering partner with my glee and interest and processes and then abandon the project when I have crocheted half an octopus/learnt two songs/eaten three pans of failed fudge).
posted by billiebee at 6:22 AM on November 20, 2016 [4 favorites]

I'm just trying to wrap the marmosets and then I'll be taking the struggling package to the post office. I mean, the sedatives should kicking in soon but it's really hard to get sellotape to stick when it is coated in marmoset fur.
posted by halcyonday at 8:54 AM on November 20, 2016 [4 favorites]

Omg! I am at a charity pub quiz and one of the ballot prizes matched one of my Quonsee's guidance notes! And I said to my partner "you know if I win I'll be so torn between the box of sweets and The Thing for my Quonsee" and he gave me full permission to follow my conscience. And I won!! And I stood up at the table and looked at the sweets. And at The Thing. And at the sweets. And The Thing. And I finally chose The Thing so I could include it in my SQ gift. And as I sat down my partner laughed because he knows how much I love the sweets. So my dear Q I gave up a box of sugar because I love you so. Hope you enjoy!
posted by billiebee at 2:36 PM on November 20, 2016 [19 favorites]

Wrapped. Boxed. Time to go to the post office!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 6:20 AM on November 21, 2016 [1 favorite]

Just dropped mine at the post office! Enjoy!
posted by LizBoBiz at 9:42 AM on November 21, 2016

I've begun to put my SQ gift together, hopefully it will be ready to go out by the end of the week!!
posted by Julnyes at 9:52 AM on November 21, 2016

Quonsmas mission accomplished! The package is in the mail and should arrive before Thanksgiving according to the USPS elves.
posted by amelliferae at 4:10 PM on November 21, 2016

Just mailed my package! May the carrier pigeons be swift and the customs ferrets be kind.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:54 AM on November 22, 2016

If anyone's struggling with gift ideas, please feel free to memail me for some brainstorming help! Totally sincere offer! I can't guarantee I'll come up with the PERFECT thing(s), but I do have a bit of a knack -- and frankly I'm dying to prolong the high that came from plotting and shopping for my awesome quonsee. :)

Wishing everyone a wonderful Quonsmas, and sending out great hopes for 2017 ('cuz 2016 can officially bite me on its way out).
posted by argonauta at 10:39 AM on November 22, 2016 [3 favorites]

My quonsee asked for books, so I hunted around for three books on her goodreads "to read" list, and one that wasn't but I think she'd like. I got everything through Amazon so I wouldn't have to pay for international shipping and could afford more books. Now I'm having buyer's remorse. I should have ordered from a local shop or put something a bit more personal on the receipt...
posted by domo at 2:22 PM on November 22, 2016

My package went out today via USPS.

Unrelated: Does anyone know how long clams can stay fresh without water or refrigeration?
posted by bondcliff at 4:28 PM on November 22, 2016 [5 favorites]

my quanser sent me an early birthday card. HOW DID YOU KNOW???
posted by rebent at 6:25 PM on November 22, 2016 [3 favorites]

domo!

I think that you did well. First of all, it's books, which is awesome. Secondly, it is a thoughtful gift in which you not only got things you know she intends to read, but one that you think she will like that she might not know of. Thirdly, if you'd like us to pass along a more personal note, we'd be happy to do so before or after it arrives. You could also send a card separately if that pleases you.

Second guessing is natural, but often not the voice of reason, logic, and contentment.
posted by julen at 7:37 PM on November 22, 2016 [5 favorites]

Yay! Super obvious thing arrived a day early so I'll be able to get my gifts out before Thanksgiving.
posted by Room 641-A at 7:40 PM on November 22, 2016

I am just waiting on one more delivery, but that one delivery then means a thing I have to do and because of timings and being out of the country at the weekend it'll have to wait until Monday before I get my mitts on it and then Thursday before I can post it. So even though I feel I've been super organised this year I'll still be down to the wire. Plus ca change...
posted by billiebee at 5:59 AM on November 23, 2016

Almost done now. I have a box of fun things. I have finally perfected the playlist for the mix CD. Now just to convince the old computer that it knows how to burn discs. By which I mean mbrubeck is helping me quonse by arguing with a computer.
posted by Margalo Epps at 7:21 PM on November 23, 2016 [4 favorites]

Quons-away! I came thisclose to buying one for myself as well, but am feeling particularly virtuous today.
posted by orrnyereg at 10:13 AM on November 25, 2016

I just ordered my Quonsee's gift! It should arrive between 11/29-12/3, per the site. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 8:05 PM on November 25, 2016

So my husband told me I have a mysterious package! I really should have mentioned that packages don't come to my home; they go to a UPS store where we receive packages (apartment but no doorman). So apologies if it's been sitting there for a while causing you to fret, Quonsee! I'll get it tonight.

In my usual style, I'm going to get mine out on the last day. Yeek.
posted by holborne at 11:58 AM on November 28, 2016

Mine will go in the post tomorrow. I hope my quonsee will forgive the messy wrapping - it was all I had in the house, and I was determined not to delay posting any longer or it might never happen!
posted by une_heure_pleine at 6:39 PM on November 28, 2016

It's OK that I was only able to get two things before I reached the cost limit, right? And I'm being kind of hand-wavy about a few extra dollars and also not counting shipping. Still hoping I'll have time to complete a handmade addition but the amazing lists of things I see coming out of the thank-you thread makes me wonder if some of you are magic shopping elves, and feel mildly insecure. I am reading the threads here and reassuring myself that my quonsee will probably be pleased nonetheless...I've definitely had a blast planning and plotting and shopping.
posted by spelunkingplato at 9:25 PM on November 28, 2016 [4 favorites]

spelunkingplato--: it's definitely the thought that counts, rather than quantity! I'm actually sending my Quonsee one gift--it's something that I think matches up with their likes/preferences pretty well and it ended up being exactly at the cost limit (I chose not to count shipping and gift wrapping). As several folks have said upthread, as long as you're Quonsing in good faith, there's really no way to Quonse incorrectly!
And--I'll be shipping my gift on Tuesday! I love Quonsmas!
posted by bookmammal at 10:22 PM on November 28, 2016 [4 favorites]

This year I bought a single, mass-marketed thing and was happily planning on sending that single thing until I realized I happened to have a little something else mass-marketed on hand to add to it, but that's just an extra bonus. Just the fact that youre worried means you probably put a lot of thought into your gift!
posted by Room 641-A at 11:08 PM on November 28, 2016

I shipped! Well, Amazon did but I'll send more after the first package arrives so, yea, that.
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:52 AM on November 29, 2016

I am going down to the wire because I am waiting for one more thing to be delivered to me, but it should go out by the deadline (crosses fingers)
posted by Julnyes at 9:00 AM on November 29, 2016 [1 favorite]

Same here. Waiting on the final component to be delivered, and then I'll be sending out my package, hopefully by the deadline (or very shortly thereafter).
posted by MsVader at 11:25 AM on November 29, 2016

I am sadly one of the down-to-the wire folks but I think I have picked something that my Quonsee will really like so hopefully it all comes right!
posted by corb at 11:27 AM on November 29, 2016

Gah, don't say "down-to-the-wire" when there are still 3 working days left!!!

*frantically rips out three rows of crochet because I somehow lost 15 stitches*
posted by jillithd at 11:53 AM on November 29, 2016 [4 favorites]

I'm still working on one last bit on mine and will send by Saturday! I'm excited because everything is color coordinated this year with the bonus of one marvelously bright, glittery thing.
posted by mochapickle at 11:56 AM on November 29, 2016 [1 favorite]

Sent and sent. Now it's a race between Amazon and the really friendly guy at my local post office who is willing to extoll the virtues of Jimi Hendrix stamps over Ray Charles stamps.
posted by Etrigan at 12:00 PM on November 29, 2016 [2 favorites]

Did I say Saturday? I meant Friday! Friday!
posted by mochapickle at 12:02 PM on November 29, 2016 [2 favorites]

Shipped my package to my Quonsee today and it's scheduled to be delivered on Monday!
(But maybe it will arrive a little earlier? Don't they always give the latest possible date for delivery? Will need to try to refrain from endlessly checking the tracking status...)
I love Quonsmas!!!
posted by bookmammal at 12:05 PM on November 29, 2016

Popped mine in the mail today! Hurray!

I was plagued with some last-minute gift anxiety, especially after reading the Thank-You thread, and having moved internationally fairly recently (to Hawai'i, from Canada) I had a hard time figuring out where to shop, and due to complete and utter emotional devastation from the election (damn, did I ever have bad timing to move to the U.S.), I didn't have it in me to craft a homemade gift, which was my original plan.

I still put lots of time and thought into the gift though, so I hope you like it, quonsee! I'm really, really happy to be a part of this community.
posted by Paper rabies at 7:45 PM on November 29, 2016 [4 favorites]

Welcome to the US, and take comfort that you're as far away from the White House as you can possibly be in this country.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 10:05 PM on November 29, 2016 [4 favorites]

I have one little thing arriving today and then I just have to wait one more day for a thing I made to be ready to post so it'll be on it's way on Friday. I'm so excited to send it! All I have to do now is rummage through the cupboards for random bits of wrapping paper. Peppa Pig might make an appearance.
posted by billiebee at 1:35 AM on November 30, 2016

Have you sent your gift out yet?
Me neither! Luckily, we have through Friday to do so.

Changed your mind approximately 16,033 times?
Me too! I finally just settled on a good idea.

No wrapping paper?
Me neither! Wrapping it in old high school essays your mother found in a box in the attic? Not a good idea.

Need to poke holes in your mailing box so the mar --- uh, so your gift can ... breathe?
Might want to rethink that one there, chief.
posted by julen at 6:21 AM on November 30, 2016 [10 favorites]

My quonsmas gift is en route to the quonsee, and due to arrive early next week. Purchased from local small businesses and sent with good cheer! Now the fun of waiting to be quonsed myself begins!
posted by peppermind at 7:57 AM on November 30, 2016 [1 favorite]

Me neither! Luckily, we have through Friday to do so.

Why did I think I had until the 11th? I sent mine out yesterday, but I thought I was being admirably early, not cutting it semi-close.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:06 AM on November 30, 2016

This was the hardest enquonsening yet for me. My quonsee gave me guidance, but it was ... unique. I finally thought of a thing that would work but when I found it online, it wouldn't arrive to me by the shipping deadline. I somehow read this whole thread without internalizing the fact that I could ship to the quonsee directly. Duh.

I decided to try to find the thing locally on a long shot and I found it! I walked around the store and found two more things that fit too! My lesson: Stop fretting and just go to the store already!

Gifts will be wrapped and shipped tomorrow. Whew.
posted by erloteiel at 8:29 AM on November 30, 2016 [6 favorites]

I mailed to my quonsee today!
posted by ocherdraco at 10:19 AM on November 30, 2016

Oops, I posted in the wrong thread. I went to the PO and my SQ package With Obvious Gift should arrive on Saturday!
posted by Room 641-A at 11:18 AM on November 30, 2016

Phew. After to much dilly dallying i finally finalized the package and sent it of by means of mail services. Dear receiving quonsee, I am sorry for not gift wrapping it properly. But I do hope you enjoy the contents (including the slightly illegal component...) - they're part of my life. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by Rabarberofficer at 9:09 PM on November 30, 2016

After a good early start, I've stalled and I need to get [secret item] and [other secret items] and package them.

I need to get started earlier next year.
posted by sciencegeek at 9:38 AM on December 1, 2016

I have sent my Quonsee a package, and the PO informs me that it will arrive at its NC destination by Monday.
posted by initapplette at 1:29 PM on December 1, 2016

Just mailed mine!
International is more fun but I think I'm gonna have to opt for Domestic next year. The shipping is brutal.
posted by chococat at 2:30 PM on December 1, 2016 [3 favorites]

My parcel is all ready to go to the Post Office tomorrow! Partner watched me wrap and parcel it all up tonight, and has been tortured at every step of the way about what I was getting and why, and came with me to buy one thing and called into town himself to collect another.
Him: You're not going to put half this effort into my Christmas present, are you?
Me: You're darn tootin.
posted by billiebee at 2:55 PM on December 1, 2016 [9 favorites]

We don't have marmosets here. Not any longer, now I've mailed my Quonsar package!
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 12:08 AM on December 2, 2016 [2 favorites]

Parcel sent yesterday.

[looks expectantly at letterbox]
posted by crocomancer at 4:28 AM on December 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Right, after one of the sedated marmosets escaped, I have finally hunted it down, wrestled it back into the parcel and taken the squirming mass to the post office, where it has been handed into the (probably terrified) hands of Royal Mail.

Hooray!

Spoiler: There are no actual marmosets in the parcel. But it was very hard to not reply 'marmosets' when asked what was in the parcel by the lady at the counter.
posted by halcyonday at 4:33 AM on December 2, 2016 [5 favorites]

I packed up my gift last night, and it's currently sitting in my desk drawer, waiting for my workday to end so I can go to the post office down the street, and send it on its way!
posted by Fig at 5:17 AM on December 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Today's the day to send out your gift if - like me - you were not Johnny on the spot. I am prepared!

I know when the Post Office closes.
I have a box.
I have tried to bribe my cats to wrap the gift for me. *insert disdainful stare*
I wrote a long and rambly note.
Whee!
posted by julen at 5:55 AM on December 2, 2016 [7 favorites]

I sent mine off on Monday and promptly misplaced my USPS receipt so can't track it. My package disappeared somewhere over the pond a few years back, so even though this one is mostly just going north on 95, the lack of tracking is killing me!
posted by headnsouth at 6:41 AM on December 2, 2016

I am still waiting for the final part of my gift to be delivered, so hopefully I'll be able to send it out by Monday or Tuesday. I've been checking the tracking of it, and it's made over 10 stops so far.

Sit tight, my dear Quonsee. Apparently things are moving at plate tectonics speed...
posted by MsVader at 7:02 AM on December 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

My package, sent from the US to Canada on the 21st, says it's out for delivery today. It's going to an office, so it should make it there soon! Dying of anticipation!
posted by gemmy at 7:49 AM on December 2, 2016

A part of mine is slower going than I'd like, but other parts are done and en route. Sit tight, Quonsee!
posted by jillithd at 8:27 AM on December 2, 2016

All parts are assembled. The wrapping paper is cut. I have to buy tape and write the note, but I am taking the note writing things with me to my car repair appointment and will definitely have it done in time to MAIL OFF TODAY.
posted by corb at 9:41 AM on December 2, 2016

My gift may go out tomorrow. Sorry Quonsee but you are not forgotten.
posted by GuyZero at 9:52 AM on December 2, 2016

Sent out my package yesterday. It is due to arrive at Quonsee's place of employment Monday.

Sorry, no puns.
posted by maryr at 11:10 AM on December 2, 2016

Hubs took package to post office today (I hope). I really loved shopping & picking things out for my SQ this year.
posted by TrishaLynn at 11:16 AM on December 2, 2016

Well it's been a difficult month. Picking out things for my Quonsee and writing a card were the first bits of good cheer in a while. And it's off! (Priority Mail promises to deliver on Monday.)

No marmosets!
posted by RedOrGreen at 1:05 PM on December 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Got my package mailed by the skin of my teeth at pretty much 5 p.m. Hoping it arrives intact and in a timely fashion and doesn't get hung up in customs like last year's!
posted by delight at 5:20 PM on December 2, 2016 [2 favorites]

There was a knitting emergency last night, but with a bit of help from a friend it was resolved, and both packages from this household were sent today.

Whew.

The manager at my local UPS Store finds me hilarious. This is the second time I've sent odd gifts to a total stranger in as many months.
posted by monopas at 5:27 PM on December 2, 2016 [4 favorites]

Darn it, cramming a marmoset into a small box is a challenge, the little devil wee'd on me to boot.

Seriously, package was sent today.
posted by Altomentis at 7:31 PM on December 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

IF you are a Quonsee in mid-America, you may receive your package on Friday, I am told.
posted by corb at 2:35 PM on December 3, 2016

So, I was putting together the stats this morning (should be posted in the Thank You thread tonight!), and I went to check on our old friend, the gavlebocken ...

It was torched the day after they erected it this year!

Nooooooooooooooooo!

Here's the article.

Oh, gavlebocken, you barely bleated...
posted by julen at 8:27 AM on December 4, 2016 [7 favorites]

MetaFilter: We like the goat
posted by billiebee at 8:36 AM on December 4, 2016 [2 favorites]

Does sending you our tracking numbers help you julen? Or is it too much noise?
posted by corb at 4:28 PM on December 4, 2016

Shoot, didn't report in time to make the stats report, but I priority-mailed mine out Friday, with expected arrival Tuesday.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 4:45 PM on December 4, 2016 [1 favorite]

In true maxwelton fashion, a simple idea got out of hand and I'm now waiting for it to finish itself. So to speak. I informed the elves last week and will mail out priority end of this week. Apologies to quonsee!
posted by maxwelton at 2:48 AM on December 5, 2016

I'm belatedly noting that I sent a package to my quonsee on Friday -- the last minute possible, in my usual style. USPS tells me that it should arrive on my quonsee's doorstep today. Woo!
posted by holborne at 7:52 AM on December 5, 2016

Dear Quonsee,

The last component to your gift is definitely taking the scenic route to me. It started in Eugene, OR then made it to Kearny, NJ. From there it went to Edison, NJ and then inexplicably took a left turn to Chattanooga, TN. Then it went to both Nashville and Knoxville, TN before returning to Edison, NJ. I see it's back to Kearny, NJ now, so your guess is as good as mine where it will go from there. Kearny is probably only 30 minutes from me, so I might get it today, or maybe tomorrow, but that's only if it doesn't decide to take another side trip.

Fingers crossed,
SQ
posted by MsVader at 11:37 AM on December 5, 2016 [1 favorite]

Oh, so it was your package that took the scenic side-trip from its normal appointed rounds! There's always one (and hopefully only one)!
posted by julen at 3:42 PM on December 5, 2016 [1 favorite]

Meep, was I supposed to send a shipping update? I sent mine out on Friday, supposed to arrive by Tuesday. I'll have to check the tracking info. Hopefully, it will be there soon!

Nerves! I feel like I just asked someone to the prom via letter. Do you like me my quonsmas present, y/n?
posted by spelunkingplato at 6:10 PM on December 5, 2016 [2 favorites]

If you want to send us - or have us send your quonsar shipping info, we're glad to have it, but it is not required or even soft-required (aka passive-aggressive guilt-complexing - e.g., "You don't HAVE to stop and buy me a wheel of cheese, I can make do with this block of ... 'cheese'. No, really. It's fine. You just go ahead. I'll be fine." )
posted by julen at 5:36 AM on December 6, 2016 [3 favorites]

Julen, are you saying the hamsters need cheese?
I thought they only handled the randomization and were long since hibernating. But OK, if they want cheese ...
posted by wonton endangerment at 11:05 PM on December 6, 2016

The hamsters would have you know they are a vital cog of this whole endeavor and a critical part of the overall ongoing swap success.

The fact that it looks like they have been lying around swilling champagne and eating exotic cheeses from around the world while debating who was the worst reality tv judge ever to walk the face the earth is simply a superficial look at their ongoing contribution to the swap, including not clogging the mail systems with things like bill payments, dully-colored cheaply-made really-disappointing jogging wheels, and cat toys.
posted by julen at 6:56 AM on December 7, 2016 [5 favorites]

The fact that it looks like they have been lying around swilling champagne and eating exotic cheeses from around the world while debating who was the worst reality tv judge ever to walk the face the earth is simply a superficial look at their ongoing contribution

omg I had like this exact conversation with my boss earlier, spooky
posted by billiebee at 7:04 AM on December 7, 2016 [4 favorites]

SOON.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahaha
Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[thunder, lightning]
[maid screams]
[door slams]

Soon.
posted by tel3path at 4:37 AM on December 10, 2016 [2 favorites]

While at the airport waiting for an ice-storm-delayed flight, I managed to finally finish the last big part of my gift. (I had sent a postcard to my quonsee last weekend to let them know about the delay and that other parts were en route.) So this morning I got that last piece in the mail. Whew!
posted by jillithd at 9:38 AM on December 10, 2016

An update about the errant package I'm still waiting for: I spoke with a hilarious USPS employee on Friday who said that he's also stumped as to what's going on with this package. He gave me a theory about how it must've ended up in the wrong container and that's why its exact whereabouts are unknown. Unfortunately, he could offer no further help and said to sit tight, and that it would probably be delivered soon.

When I checked the tracking again after being away for the weekend, the status has regressed from "In Transit" to "Shipped" which is somewhat discouraging. But it also further details the status as "In Transit To Destination" which could be somewhat encouraging? Maybe? I'm going to give it another few days before I call back again.

All body parts crossed...
posted by MsVader at 11:26 AM on December 12, 2016

Phew! I am finally done with my quonsing! I sent the first part out awhile ago, but the second part wasn't ready until today. Given the state of the postal service here, I don't expect my quonsee will receive their first gift until the 19th at the earliest and I wouldn't start to even get worried about it until mid-January.
posted by congen at 7:22 PM on December 12, 2016

Also, I thought $80 was a bit too dear for a tracking number, so I guess I'll be refreshing the thank you thread instead of the postal tracking page!
posted by congen at 7:24 PM on December 12, 2016

People... if you haven't checked your email lately for an email from us, please do so. We have a bunch of emails out there (on topics ranging from "Did you get it?" to "Do you have an ETA?") awaiting answers. Please check.
posted by julen at 10:41 AM on December 22, 2016

A quick update. My wayward package was so lost that it ran all the way back home. The vendor shipped out a new package which arrived at about the same time as the flu, so I have not been able to get my package in the mail yet (or do much else for that matter). Now that I'm finally feeling almost human again, I promise to send it out on Monday.

I am so sorry for all of these delays, dear Quonsee. But I'll make it up to you with some homemade cookies. :)
posted by MsVader at 4:52 PM on December 24, 2016

My quonsiniation has occurred! Thanks, lunch, for the books (they look pretty interesting), and for BMO! Truly this has been a fantastic Quonsmas.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:03 PM on December 26, 2016

My package is finally on its way to my Quonsee! A thousand apologies for the incredibly late holiday.
posted by MsVader at 7:44 AM on December 28, 2016