MetaFilter Gift Swap 2020 THANK YOU!

November 9, 2020 7:34 PM

I just want to kick the thread off and thank my (seemingly anonymous) gifter for their awesome FRAMED Watership Down triptych. Your generosity, thoughtfulness, and creativity have me overwhelmed. I can't wait to hang it up in my new home. I hope that everyone is as touched by their gift and enjoy theirs as much as I do mine. This secret gift exchange always reminds me how lovely and generous we are to each other here on Metafilter. Wishing you all the happiest days ahead!
posted by KingEdRa to MetaFilter Gatherings at 7:34 PM (320 comments total)

Thanks for the kick in the pants! I've had a bunch of tabs open on my phone for things to shop for since before the election, and they have been neglected since then. My...what are we saying now, Beansee?...is a big ol mystery person. They are new and have only one extremely insightful comment--is this a lurker, recently joined? Someone who has been around for a while but in a BND account? A brand spanking new friend? No post history to trawl for ideas! So much to puzzle over!
posted by phunniemee at 7:26 AM on November 10, 2020 [3 favorites]

I got my gifts from atomicstone last week on the 5th, which is the fastest I have ever gotten something from one of my gift matches. They sent me some awesome baking supplies (vanilla and chocolate) and a huge set of Steven Universe stickers, a few of which my wife has already laid claim to. It was a very welcome distraction in the middles of a stressful week! Thanks!
posted by Captain_Science at 7:33 AM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]

I’m under quarantine so will have to wait until the 18th to acquire goodies for my person.
posted by sciencegeek at 12:42 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]

a huge set of Steven Universe stickers

Photos, please! For... uh, science?
posted by rawrberry at 2:23 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]

I got a GORGEOUS puzzle from reren yesterday -- thank you so much! (And just in time for a weekend of really foul weather!) Really just perfect.
posted by kalimac at 8:05 AM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]

My cat got a present today! He loves it and I'm glad he now has better catnip nutrition he previously only had a catnip banana. Photos here. Thank you secret internet friend!
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 9:12 AM on November 11, 2020 [7 favorites]

Carrot is the best cat toy! Max is a handsome kitty, SpaceWarp!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 9:15 AM on November 11, 2020 [4 favorites]

Aww thanks computech_apolloniajames! As a remember your cats were pretty cute too!

I always tell him he's lucky he's handsome because he's kind of naughty (but really I'd love him either way).
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 9:54 AM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]

KingEdRa, I was your gifter this year, and I’m so glad you like the art!! I came across it and said, “YES, THAT”, but the site didn’t have any way for me to enclose a note. Happy winter!
posted by epj at 11:13 AM on November 11, 2020 [4 favorites]

I have my gift all ready to go - went to the post office to send it out yesterday only to be reminded that it was Veteran's Day. So off to the post office I go again today. Really hope my beansee? beanie? likes it!
posted by widdershins at 7:13 AM on November 12, 2020 [2 favorites]

Sent mine out today!
posted by ellieBOA at 9:09 AM on November 12, 2020 [2 favorites]

2/3 parts acquired. Hoping to get it wrapped up and out the door this weekend!

EEEEEEEE
posted by RhysPenbras at 9:21 AM on November 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

Mine is going out as soon as the $very_specific_item_or_items arrives at the local (to the recipient) indie bookseller
posted by scruss at 9:22 AM on November 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

I mailed a small box today! Incoming, giftee!
posted by Lawn Beaver at 10:29 AM on November 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

Ordered a thing today for my giftee because I am second-guessing the other things I got!
posted by Glinn at 10:45 AM on November 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

I was gifted today with a lovely postcard with a recipe for Shoo-Fly pie! I'm looking forward to making this for Thanksgiving! Thanks anonymous Mefite!
posted by astapasta24 at 1:08 PM on November 12, 2020 [5 favorites]

This isn’t a thank you but a quick note! If you have a printer you can print postage though PayPal - even if it’s just at random package (if you live in the US). It’s pretty easy! Then you can also schedule a pickup during your regular mail route (if you live in the US and have a mailbox/porch/place you can leave a package) also for free! Just kinda cool!

Also a note that I put the wrong handle in my package and used @hushlander instead of @itsamermaid so if you think it was a mystery person maybe it was meeeeeeee
posted by itsamermaid at 1:43 PM on November 12, 2020 [9 favorites]

I have everything ready for my giftee except the item I've been trying to buy from the local magick shop. I've tried three times and it hasn't been open during the posted hours. Just found out that the shop owner is taking a break and will be back open tomorrow HOORAY! So pumped.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 2:23 PM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]

The cat family(all 4 of them) and the cat mother(me) says thank you to "skunk pig" for the great #1 mouse
posted by waviolet at 4:24 PM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]

I got my gift!! Super psyched to get something personalized, handmade, and blue. Not to mention that I almost bought a new spoon rest not too long ago! Thank you, unnamed secret MeFite, for the lovely surprise!

My own package is coming together. Have to finish making one part first, then I'll send it out.
posted by gemmy at 2:54 PM on November 13, 2020 [5 favorites]

Parts 1 and 2 have arrived, Giftee. Waiting for part 3 to be delivered probably around November 25 so will get it off to Canada Post for you by the December 01 deadline.

I quite like the idea of Beaning a Beansee, and being Beaned in return. I bet a substantial proportion of participants in the MeFi Gift Swap are overthinking what their Giftee/Beansee would like. Thanks, phunniemee! We could call this event MeBean or BeanMe.
posted by angiep at 4:27 PM on November 13, 2020 [2 favorites]

So glad you liked the puzzle, kalimac! Thanks for letting me know.
posted by reren at 5:55 PM on November 13, 2020 [2 favorites]

MaxWarp is such a handsome beast! Paragon of tabbies!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:48 PM on November 13, 2020 [1 favorite]

People, it's lucky I went out grocery shopping today, or I would not have known of the package left outside the building.
So there I was, trying to remember what I had ordered through this particular delivery service, when I squeed, realizing it was my Mefi Gift!
When I got to the car I almost opened the two wrapped items inside before catching myself. I want to wait a while, and enjoy that kid-like suspense.
The card seems to have my Secret Giver's real name, so I can't credit them by user here.
But you know you who you are, and many thanks!
Meanwhile, I'm in process of getting my giftee's present ready and out. Should be before U.S. Thanksgiving.
posted by NorthernLite at 3:35 PM on November 14, 2020 [5 favorites]

Hi likethenight (and fam!) Thank you so much for the sweet little surprise of the awesome coral nail polish! You picked a perfect color for me and it made me so happy after a long week. Happy holidays!
posted by fairlynearlyready at 8:46 PM on November 14, 2020 [3 favorites]

I have been beansed! I just got a beautiful brotform proofing basket, and I’m seriously so excited to try it!! What a lovely gift! There was no user name on the box to call out here, so I hope my secret Beansor sees this so they will know how much I appreciate my present 😊

My Beansee’s gift was mailed out on Friday so I’m hoping it gets there soon, and that they like it!

Love this tradition- so glad I overcame my hesitation and joined a few years ago. Thank you so much to the organizers!
posted by widdershins at 10:24 AM on November 15, 2020 [3 favorites]

I mailed out my gift last week, and just now I got an email that my gift is on the way to me. They're both scheduled to arrive the same day, which is a delightful coincidence!
posted by insectosaurus at 3:32 PM on November 15, 2020 [2 favorites]

itsamermaid, thanks very much for posting that info!
posted by homelystar at 6:15 PM on November 15, 2020 [1 favorite]

Canada Post lets you pay and print a postage label as well. I used it a lot last holiday season. I'll use it this year as well.
posted by angiep at 6:27 PM on November 15, 2020 [2 favorites]

Heya, @gemmy, glad you liked the gift! Totally forgot to include my handle in the note.
posted by crunchy potato at 6:46 PM on November 15, 2020 [2 favorites]

My Giftee will get one thing tomorrow and the other...in like maybe a week? The sender was a little hazy. 😯

Fingers crossed!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:19 PM on November 15, 2020 [1 favorite]

My giftee's gift was supposed to ship on the 13th! Hopefully it will arrive soon :)
posted by sevensnowflakes at 9:02 PM on November 15, 2020 [1 favorite]

Thanks to @Katemonkey for the exotic hardwoods. They are so fun to play with and enjoy. Purple Heart is one of my favorite woods to work with and there are so many great colors in the box. I’m sure something amazing will come out of it when the inspiration strikes me.
posted by Nackt at 7:05 AM on November 16, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thank you, jason6, for the delicious-smelling coffee and beautiful card! Thank you also for information on your local roaster—I’m always looking for yummy socially responsible coffee, so this is absolutely perfect!
posted by epj at 2:32 PM on November 16, 2020 [5 favorites]

I got such a wonderful gift! It lost a few days in transit when a helpful neighbor snagging my packages for me cause we've had a bunch of package thieves, but forgot to text me and I just got to open it today. IT'S PERFECT! An advent tea calendar, which I'd been eying for myself for months! And the cutest She-Ra shirt that make me do a happy dance in the kitchen to my partner's bemusement. The gifter name is a real first name, so I'm hesitant to tag anyone, as I'm not totally sure if this is a username or a real name or both, but thank you so much. I feel like I won all the beans in the world! I'm the king of the bean world!
posted by Pretty Good Talker at 2:50 PM on November 16, 2020 [5 favorites]

Sent my package off yesterday, should arrive on Thursday!
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 6:27 AM on November 17, 2020 [1 favorite]

My gift is marked as out for delivery today, the 17th.
posted by PussKillian at 10:18 AM on November 17, 2020 [1 favorite]

Pretty Good Talker that is some extremely amusing symmetry, given the AMAZING handmade coffee advent calendar you sent me! I love it so much, thank you!!
posted by rhiannonstone at 5:36 PM on November 17, 2020 [4 favorites]

Wonderful package received from Widdershins! Despite the vagueness of my guidance, you went above and beyond. In no particular order - the Oregon ornament is stunning and will have pride of place this year, the jigsaw puzzle is both timely ( just finished the first of 3 Magic Puzzle Company Puzzles) and on point for this household, the chocolate will be savored and The Screaming Goat!!!! I think the pocket guide is even more fun than the goat itself. Once the herd assembles here in the spring I will post pics. Thank you again and Happy Beans to All
posted by ZenMajek at 9:31 PM on November 17, 2020 [5 favorites]

Got my gift today! I would like to thank @insectosaurus for the excellent Zingerman's chocolates (I tried one already, and will eat more later), and the hot sauce from the Brinery (which I will be trying very soon!) Much Mahalos to you!!!!
posted by KillaSeal at 9:39 PM on November 17, 2020 [4 favorites]

Many thanks to Puss Killian for my stellar Golden Girls makeup bag from Etsy! It's super well made and brings me lots of joy this holiday season. Thank you for being a friend!
posted by knownassociate at 6:58 AM on November 18, 2020 [6 favorites]

Yay ZenMajek - so glad you liked it! The screaming goat made me snort every time I listened to it : )
posted by widdershins at 7:42 AM on November 18, 2020 [1 favorite]

Accck!!! I got a mystery Amazon package today and was DELIGHTED to find it contained some Bees Knees Spicy Honey AND a bunch of adorable enamel pins - including at least one I’ve had my eye on for ages. Thank you so much Twicketface! After a weird, terrible, occasionally wonderful, exhausting year, what a delight to get something from a stranger that is so thoughtful and perfect.
posted by itsamermaid at 9:35 AM on November 18, 2020 [4 favorites]

Yay, knownassociate, so glad you like it! Hope you can use it in the After Times, to travel down the road and back again.
posted by PussKillian at 10:33 AM on November 18, 2020 [2 favorites]

Mailed my gift today, should arrive by 11/21!
posted by cozenedindigo at 12:42 PM on November 18, 2020 [1 favorite]

Pretty Good Talker, I was your MeFi gifter! Your packages arrived way ahead of my card, and I'm glad everything got delivered safely.
posted by WedgedPiano at 1:10 PM on November 18, 2020 [2 favorites]

You are very welcome, killaseal! And my gift from hellogoodbye arrived yesterday too - thank you so much for the delightful and perfect embroidered cat towels and the tea. Hooray for giving and receiving!
posted by insectosaurus at 1:29 PM on November 18, 2020 [6 favorites]

Valancy Rachel sent me a lovely box of fancy snacks. I came home from a long day of extremely tedious WHIMS training to tea and cookies! Lemon curd!

I have not mailed my gift yet. I need to get a THING to go with it and I can't do that until the weekend. But things are in the works!
posted by janepanic at 4:29 PM on November 18, 2020 [3 favorites]

THANK YOU SECRET BEANSER!! I have been given not one, but TWO OTTERLY AWESOME OTTER MASKS! Which is ABSOLUTELY perfect, and I couldn't be more delighted-- not only are they ottery, but they're also miles better than any other masks I've found; they tend to be either too big or too small, but my secret fram down in Portland has NAILED IT with these, they're GREAT! They're actually -comfortable-, and of course they are adorable because OTTERSSSSS!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!! YOU ARE THE BEST!! When this is all over, come back up to Whidbey and I will buy you a beverage of your choice!!
posted by The otter lady at 6:19 PM on November 18, 2020 [10 favorites]

Wheeeee!!! I got the 2nd and 3rd parts of my gift! Thank you @ThePinkSuperhero for the Whoopie Pie teaser postcard and a collection of various infused olive oils + chocolate! Happy happy day!
posted by astapasta24 at 12:08 PM on November 19, 2020 [5 favorites]

Robin of Trocksley
OMG this gift is absolutely perfect! Sustainably sourced smoke materials, gorgeous chocolate and various witchy things have absolutely made my day!!! The rose petals are such an elegant touch also. I feel so cared for and special. Thank you again 💞
posted by crunchy potato at 12:14 PM on November 19, 2020 [3 favorites]

So glad you like all the things, crunchy potato!! I loved putting it together for you!
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 12:53 PM on November 19, 2020 [2 favorites]

soakimbo,

Thanks so much for the cat cookie cutters and sprinkles!!! I love them. I think I'll make cookies this weekend during our zoom baking club.
posted by kathrynm at 5:44 PM on November 19, 2020 [4 favorites]

kellygrape, your perfect gift of Nomad drinking chocolate arrived today and I am already enjoying a cup. So yummy! So hygge! thank you❤️
posted by mollymillions at 8:49 AM on November 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

rhiannonstone, thank you for the exquisitely delicious chocolate bar, which I couldn't resist sampling as soon as I opened the box, and the hot chocolate mix that I'm sure will also be delicious. This has been a challenging week at times, and it's lovely to take a little break to savor something sweet.
posted by box at 9:11 AM on November 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

the otter lady, I got your package yesterday, and it was absolutely delightful! I don't know if you knew this, but I went to college in Seattle (SPU) and I spent a lot of time at Camp Casey on Whidbey Island!

So it was a nostalgic delight to have so many cool things from your part of the world, and that used to be my part of the world. The caramels are SO delicious, and I'm a sucker for anything with passion fruit. I'm so excited to try the smoked mussels and tuna - two of my favourite things! My daughter already stole the corn and cool stone (I think it's bear-shaped?) and the soap's clove smell actually came out of the package before I even opened it.

I also got your package just after getting the news that I won't get to see my sister had to cancel her trip for next week (it would have been the first time in a year we would have seen each other), and it was so helpful to have something good as consolation. I'm also HELLA impressed at how much you got into that tiny package.

So thank you, thank you, thank you!

I'm sending my package to my giftee this afternoon, but it's international so it probably will take a while to get there...
posted by guster4lovers at 10:46 AM on November 20, 2020 [4 favorites]

box Yay I'm so glad! You mentioned chocolate and local and I immediately knew you needed some Dandelion goodies. Made just down the street from me! Hoping things get a little less challenging soon.
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:58 AM on November 20, 2020 [2 favorites]

What an assortment of delights arrived yesterday from darsh! I am so excited about the variety of chocolates I don’t even know where to start. The adorable Ungandan stuffed hippo ornament is making me look forward to putting up a tree for the first time this year. And the pen with a barrel made of walnut and olive woods—just gorgeous! Thank you, darsh, for your thoughtfulness and generosity.
posted by obloquy at 12:07 PM on November 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

The last piece of what I'm gifting arrived today and all that remains is packing it up, my favorite part of the gifting process because I get to put stickers on things!
posted by phunniemee at 1:21 PM on November 20, 2020 [1 favorite]

My giftee's guidance fit me to a T so I was able to mostly shop my apartment to gather an assortment of treasures. Not satisfied, yesterday I put my rudimentary sewing skills to work to make a wonky little something which I hope she will enjoy. I happily boxed everything up last night with notes about the various things and today it's off via FedEx. Such a joyful experience in these stressful times!
posted by 6thsense at 2:24 PM on November 20, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thank you, ellieBOA, for the very nice stationery gifts, exactly my catnip, and your lovely card. Love the little Leuchtturm 2017. She’s a cutie! I’ve used the paper from the notebook and some of the highlighters to prepare my own gift for...someone, which should go out tomorrow. Thank you curious nu and mochapickle and anyone else who has helped, for organising this year. You all made my day!
posted by oenzemain at 3:19 PM on November 20, 2020 [4 favorites]

Guster4lovers, Yay! The rock is a "clay baby" from the beach by my house in Clinton and the corn is a heirloom mix (glass Gem, painted mountain, etc) that I've just been growing from saved seed for about 4-5 years, to get a strain that can handle our short growing season-- if you plant it, I'd love to hear how it goes! Happy Beans! 🥰🥰🥰
posted by The otter lady at 7:08 PM on November 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

A big ringing Thanks to my gifter, who sent a lovely beer-themed bike bell that was made in sunny California! (They very nicely combined two of my likes.) This will go directly on my commuting/errand bike, which I use all around Boston. I wish I could be more specific about the gifter, but they didn't leave their name or handle in the package! If you are out there, dear Gifter, please reach out in the thread or MeFi Mail.
posted by jason6 at 7:12 PM on November 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

I have to say my Secret Bean gave me exactly what I asked for and it showed up exactly when I needed it. Thank you knownassociate!

(I also see Pretty Good Talker got some more sweet She Ra swag and that makes my heart smile!)

My bean is expected to get "something" Sunday, than other somethings later, but I don't want to say those dates, as to keep the surprise of how many packages and when they show up.

Thank you for all who are involved with this. Either as a gifter or an admin. This is such a lovely, heartwarming experience every year.
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 7:50 PM on November 20, 2020 [2 favorites]

oenzemain yay glad you like the gifts!
posted by ellieBOA at 9:49 PM on November 20, 2020 [1 favorite]

I have packaged up my gift, printed a label, scheduled a USPS pickup for Monday, and added the tracking info! Now, the waiting. :) I hope my Secret Bean enjoys their present - I am glad I happened to order at least one duplicate for me, or they might not have gotten at least one of the things I ordered for them. :)
posted by needlegrrl at 10:05 AM on November 21, 2020 [1 favorite]

I have completed packaging my maxwelton-brand MLM-starter-pack kit and will mail it off on Monday. (It's not often that someone will get a gift which will keep on generating income for them as long as their downline sells sufficient numbers, but that's the kind of guy I am.)
posted by maxwelton at 1:34 PM on November 21, 2020 [4 favorites]

I have received a package from ChuraChura! I’ve only opened the card so far. I’m going to wait until I get my gift out to get into the goodies, probably on Monday.
posted by erloteiel at 2:26 PM on November 21, 2020 [3 favorites]

Huge thank you to cozenedindigo, who sent me an adorable magnet from their city and a delightful box of chocolate-covered caramels from Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop! You truly know the way to my heart, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
posted by meggan at 6:29 PM on November 21, 2020 [3 favorites]

kellygrape, I can’t believe it! Pkg number two surprised me today; and I squeaked when I saw the cioccolata! cocoas of the world, just for me❤️ perfetto! e molti grazie! mm
posted by mollymillions at 7:39 PM on November 21, 2020 [3 favorites]

My gift should arrive at its destination in the next day or two. In a normal year, I really enjoy shopping locally for the perfect gift. But this is 2020, so my shopping was online and will arrive without the customary card. Here's a clue, though. In a curious twist, I drew the name of someone I had previously gifted.
posted by maurice at 5:40 AM on November 22, 2020 [2 favorites]

obloquy I'm so glad you liked your gift! I felt the same way about the stuffed ornaments - i am putting up a stuffed elephant this year and its making me feel warm happy thinking about it. Enjoy!
posted by darsh at 2:53 PM on November 22, 2020 [2 favorites]

Work finally settled long enough for me to send off the Metagift on Friday (couldn't include a card or else the package would be bumped up from media mail to priority for including "correspondence"). Hope the recipient enjoys it (think Chicago)!
posted by gtrwolf at 7:53 PM on November 22, 2020 [1 favorite]

I've sent things off. Apologies to my giftee for using the internet and not shopping in person and making a personalized package. I haven't been in a store since March and I was trying to persuade myself to do so and was procrastinating, so I decided that gift was better than no gift and used the magic of the internets.
posted by sciencegeek at 8:06 AM on November 23, 2020 [1 favorite]

OH MY GOD I GOT AMAZING PRESENTS FROM MY LOVELY GIFTEE!! I wish they had included their username or a note but thank you so very much, secret santa! My haul:

- Inspirational posters for my wall (set of 4, featuring brown girl <3)
- A fidget ring, rainbow colored
- A BOB ROSS BOBBLEHEAD omg hahaha I love it!

So great! What a wonderful way to kick off the season. Thank you so very much!

I have also now sent out my package, it will go out with the mail today !
posted by MiraK at 11:08 AM on November 23, 2020 [3 favorites]

Dear Thomasj.wise,

Thank you for the awesome present. I’m delighted to get something so beautifully crafted. It’s the right color of blue to match my dishes, and a soap dispenser is exactly the kind of thing I would never, ever treat myself to. I’ve been living with the same ugly plastic ones I’ve had for a billion years. Your gift infuses my kitchen with fanciness. I’m delighted to have an arts and crafts aesthetic-worthy experience every time I wash my hands. While things are tough, you brought some luxury and beauty into my life. I’m kvelling.
posted by batbat at 12:38 PM on November 23, 2020 [6 favorites]

Thanks so much kalimac! The apple cider lip balm is on my lips as we speak and it smells so good! Between that and the other lip balm and the mineral soak I'm going to have the most relaxing holiday ever!
posted by possibilityleft at 4:00 PM on November 23, 2020 [3 favorites]

Yay, I'm so glad you like everything (and that it made it in good time)!
posted by kalimac at 4:13 PM on November 23, 2020 [1 favorite]

Oh. Wow.
KingEdRa sent me two beautiful decks of spooky horror-themed playing cards! I put a couple sample pics up on my flickr. The Fulton’s October (by Dan & Dave) ones are suuuuper gorgeous woodcut-style art, and the Campy Creatures ones came in a glow-in-the-dark tuck case, and have neat movie-poster/pulp-cover style artwork for the face cards.

Thanks, KingEdRa! Those are really nifty!

I guess I better send mine out before the deadline overtakes me.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:54 PM on November 23, 2020 [3 favorites]

After a surprise 12 hour work day I was delighted to find that it is my Bean Day. Thank you so much bunnysquirrel for the adorable yeti pin and fun popup contraption book! The popup planetarium is already bringing joy to humans and (gentle, supervised) cats alike. I will enjoy spiralgraph mode as a reward for packaging my own secret box. Warm beany wishes to all!
posted by esoterrica at 8:50 PM on November 23, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thank you skunk pig, what a great gift of different tea flavors
posted by waviolet at 10:36 PM on November 23, 2020 [2 favorites]

You're welcome, and Happy Bean Day to you and yours, esoterrica! And skritches for that gorgeous kitty!
posted by bunnysquirrel at 2:43 AM on November 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Thanks to Mollymillions for a box full of all sorts of treasures: masks (one printed with monarch butterflies!), a layered candle, essence of grapefruit, and notebooks! I especially appreciate the SCLC notebook.
posted by yarntheory at 5:33 AM on November 24, 2020 [3 favorites]

You're welcome, batbat!
posted by thomas j wise at 7:20 AM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]

A big cross-country THANK YOU to Paper Rabies for the awesome BC goodies! Chocolate is already gone and I have a million ideas for blackberry salt. The mask is downright badass and I can't wait to be out of quarantine to wear it around town. But the best part of all is the card praising one of my AskMe comments. Sweet validation!
posted by Freyja at 7:29 AM on November 24, 2020 [5 favorites]

Oh yay! Thank you Stephanie, for looking into my post history to see that I bought a pandemic banjo! I was gifted with the amazing Rise Up Singing group singing songbook (there was even a MeFi post about it)!

I've been missing my regular choir and the associated singing since all this shiz started, and I'm really looking forward to paging through the book and finding some good old fashioned classics to get me through the winter. I think I'm gonna start with "The Times They Are A-Changin'." Thank you!
posted by kinsey at 1:21 PM on November 24, 2020 [3 favorites]

Fellow mefites, I am pleased to report I have been most festively gifted with what I know for a scientific fact to be the best taco holder on the planet. I also received an intriguing note indicating something else is coming... most mysterious! Thank you to my gift giver!!!
posted by hansbrough at 1:27 PM on November 24, 2020 [5 favorites]

I got a very fun box of Kentucky-ana from deezil, and plan not to share any of it with my jealous family. There are treats and a good luck charm (though there is dispute about which way to hang it, so I hope he can offer a definitive ruling). He was able to pick some advice out of my wall-o-text, which is great.

Also, it contained a bonus puzzle: some (delicious!) chocolates were labelled, "Refrigerate! Serve at room temperature," and I am still trying to figure out if Louisville has weird food-handling customs or maybe I am just overthinking things. :7)

Thanks, deezil, and happy holidays to you and yours!
posted by wenestvedt at 1:39 PM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]

Despite being a helper elf for years I think this is my first swap year on record sending my gift out before the send deadline. Truly a miracle!
posted by phunniemee at 1:53 PM on November 24, 2020 [6 favorites]

Thank you Snarl Furillo!

I came home after a long day to be greeted with a most excellent box of treats! A candle, pens, cookie butter cookies (!), a deck of cards, and some of the best chocolate I've had. Huzzah!
posted by cozenedindigo at 4:09 PM on November 24, 2020 [3 favorites]

Treasures from New England! ChuraChura, thank you so much for all of these great things! I’ll use the mug for my morning coffee and warming my always cold hands. I love refrigerator magnets! I took them off my guidance this year, but you got the message anyway! I’m especially pleased with the New Hampshire-shaped candy. I’m surrounded by Texas-shaped everything. It’s neat to see another state. Two of the maple leaves have disappeared and they were delish! Thank you! Thank you!
posted by erloteiel at 4:34 PM on November 24, 2020 [3 favorites]

Hooray! It was fun thinking of what things other people might enjoy that represent My Places to me. Enjoy the rest of the maple sugar candy!!! Happy holidays!
posted by ChuraChura at 6:21 PM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]

wenestvedt glad it made it! Those are bourbon balls! Please enjoy responsibly. They're best kept cold until serving so they don't melt, and I personally eat them cold. Also the Ale-8-one is for making a cocktail. Pick your favorite bourbon, add a quantity of the not-quite-ginger-ale until it tastes right, and enjoy. The second bottle is for trying it without bourbon. The coffee is tasty as well, and I hang the horseshoe upwards.

I usually type a long note in the box, but with it shipping from the place I ordered it from, I had to go shorter. Glad you got it, and enjoy it well!
posted by deezil at 8:04 PM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]

Hooray, I'm glad the BC treats were well received, Freyja! Blackberry salt just seemed too quintessential PNW to leave out. I also had a lovely interaction at Canada Post when I mailed the package, so a double win.
posted by Paper rabies at 10:21 PM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]

my pleasure, yarntheory! mm
posted by mollymillions at 12:18 AM on November 25, 2020 [1 favorite]

Thank you oenzemain!!! I am so excited about the puzzle and thank you for both gifts for Scrambles (he likes the treats and the box!). This was such a nice surprise today! I dont think the bath crystals are going to last very much longer.


Thank you! Well done! A+ 5 stars, smiley face sticker.
posted by LizBoBiz at 7:33 AM on November 25, 2020 [3 favorites]

Bondcliff has sent an incredibly beautiful and functional bowl, spoon and cutting board that he made. I can’t send photos because my four year old is in the middle of putting Candyland pieces in the bowl and, because he’s four, he’s currently naked.

Thank you so much. They’re beautiful and now I’m considering saving pieces of wood from my workplace for you - do 180 year old sections of oak appeal? In the meantime, sending you big thank you hugs.
posted by sciencegeek at 8:10 AM on November 25, 2020 [11 favorites]

Oh and I forgot to ask, did you make that puzzle yourself, oenzemain?
posted by LizBoBiz at 8:46 AM on November 25, 2020 [1 favorite]

So glad you both liked it LizBoBiz. It was fun to do. I made the picture on the puzzle, but almost kept it myself, because after the painting and stuff it didn’t fit as well anymore, then I added it at the last minute hoping you’d at least get a chuckle out of it 😊
posted by oenzemain at 10:46 AM on November 25, 2020 [1 favorite]

I went outside and saw a big old poster tube on the stoop. Inside were two gorgeous prints by cortex- one titled Hilbert 4th Iteration and a little one with a grumpy looking cat. I can't wait to get these framed and up in my office when, y'know, offices are a thing again. cortex just said that they were from my MeFi Secret Santa, and didn't say who, so a giant thank you, whoever you are!
posted by damayanti at 11:52 AM on November 25, 2020 [3 favorites]

Yay! I received my gift from Brilliantine today. Perfect A small embroidery kit (which I love) and a very nicely sized rice heat pack thing-which is extra great because it's gotten cold here and my dining room table COVID home office is colder than the rest of the house. Along with a few candies and stickers (!), I'd say it's the perfect gift. Also, Brilliantine did the research and was my giftee in 2014. That's some delightful full circle.
posted by atomicstone at 12:11 PM on November 25, 2020 [4 favorites]

Shipping update: I thought I'd have time to wrap it nicely and write a card but the items I ordered on 11/12 are just shipping today. Not to my beansee but to me with an ETA of 12/01. Womp-womp. Seems likely that I'll miss the deadline by a couple of days. :( :( :(
posted by ApathyGirl at 1:14 PM on November 25, 2020 [1 favorite]

A huge THANK YOU to my beanser, nightwood, who made me several delightful gifts (and who is from California and definitely did the seasonal Metafilter Gift Swap right)! Several 3D printed elephants, all of which are adorable, and an elephant pencil holder. Which would have been lovely all on its own, but also! A secret box/puzzle box, which was just the right amount of tricky to open and which had hidden in it another baby elephant!

Thank you so much! All of this must have taken a fair bit of time to put together (on top of the time you spend driving around West Covina looking for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend swag - always delightful to run into another fan of the show) and I really appreciate both the time and how personalized it all was. Thank you!
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 2:02 PM on November 25, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thank you Sparky Buttons for the 4-wick (!!!) candle and face masks! I might use one tonight for some skin prep before multiple family Thanksgiving Zooms tomorrow. Also excited to try your homemade peach butter.
posted by mostly vowels at 3:35 PM on November 25, 2020 [3 favorites]

Yay, you are very welcome mostly vowels ! <3 !
posted by Sparky Buttons at 5:31 PM on November 25, 2020 [2 favorites]

You are welcome, Mister MooFoo. I'm glad you enjoyed them! Take a look inside the box for the Fulton's October deck. The previous two iterations* of the deck had (if you could bear to cut open the box) a whole Halloween tableau by the deck artist printed inside.

*Yours is the third and final color variant in a limited-release trilogy of decks that Dan & Dave have released sporadically over the years--the previous two were white and grey, with the black from this year wrapping things up.
posted by KingEdRa at 7:06 PM on November 25, 2020 [2 favorites]

Many thanks to Maxwelton, who sent an utterly delightful smorgasbord of entertainment, including vintage SF best-of collections, a Randall Munroe book, a 3-D puzzle, some fabulous small toys, a genuine costume jewelry jaguar pin, and some genuinely useful pencils. And some delicious looking chocolate that I plan to hoard away and not share with my children. Thank you thank you!
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 7:07 PM on November 25, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you thank you Munching Langolier for the delightful Dali-inspired melting clock dish! I will need to find something suitably surreal to keep in it, maybe a collection of fish hooks mixed with corn kernels or similar.
Warm wishes for the rest of 2020, and may 2021 exceed our wildest most joyful expectations !
posted by exceptinsects at 9:06 PM on November 25, 2020 [4 favorites]

I was woken up this morning by a package delivery! I'm waiting to open it until further into the holiday season, as this is the first year in over ten years I won't be leaving Japan to spend time with my family and I know I'm going to need the emotional lift in December.
posted by emmling at 9:15 PM on November 25, 2020 [5 favorites]

I've had a package sitting unopened for nearly a week, as I don't feel quite right opening a gift swap gift when my own hasn't gone out yet. But! That is in the process of changing and my gifter can finally receive my thanks!

I have received a bunch of goodies - individually wrapped, too! Such care and thoughtfulness! - from a certain Orange Pamplemousse. I haven't unwrapped anything besides the main package yet, because I'm saving those for the tough days I know I've got ahead of me still. I'm looking forward to spreading out the joy over a longer time. (The tea smells AMAZING though.)

Thanks so very much, just the bright spot I needed in these ever-shortening days.
posted by invokeuse at 11:15 PM on November 25, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you thank you thank you to the mysterious Maine MeFite (who did not include their handle so I won't link it here) for the hilarious and fun LOBSTER NAPKINS and WEATHERPROOF MAINE MAP STICKER and WHALE AND WEATHERVANE CARDS they sent to me waaaaaay out here in Asia's World City (temporarily cut off from the world).

We're gonna make it, folks.
posted by mdonley at 7:15 AM on November 26, 2020 [4 favorites]

HOORAY! I received a wonderful package from a mysterious MeFite chock-a-block with beautifully wrapped gifts. I'm thrilled at the not at all suspicious dime bag of prairie seeds, a SUPER comfy mask (yes America does need nurses), a magnet that summarizes everything I thought about the midwest and marshmallows, and the perfect item to fidget with on Zoom calls. Thank you for the thoughtful and fun presents - they are a perfect winter treat!
posted by Mr Yak at 12:05 PM on November 26, 2020 [2 favorites]

I'm so glad you like them mdonley! That was me trying to share some silliness and love from Maine!
posted by OntologicalPuppy at 12:10 PM on November 26, 2020 [2 favorites]

Glad you liked them, sciencegeek!

Thank you for the offer of the wood. It's tempting, but I'm running out of room to store lumber in my small storage area.
posted by bondcliff at 12:18 PM on November 26, 2020 [1 favorite]

I received a mysterious gift yesterday! It's a beautiful serpentine brass bookmark, perfect for marking my many books!

There was no username on it. There is a regular name, which I can't connect to a username and I won't post here. But if the sender is you, thank you so much! If you see this, please contact me so I can thank you properly!

I sent my gift off on Monday. It has arrived in the US, with an expected delivery date of December 8.
posted by ilana at 3:12 PM on November 26, 2020 [3 favorites]

I might have missed my person’s username, but Pam, thank you so much for a wonderful and heartfelt gift! Your notes made me cry. I love the bunny hot pads and will be using them regularly for dinner. I can’t wait to crack into the book about sewing and am deciding where each tiny thing will go (except for the mug which has already been stolen by my toddler). I’m so excited to try the golden milk and the curry blend as well! I took a bit to open my package because I wanted to savor it and it was 100% worth it.
posted by brilliantine at 4:52 PM on November 26, 2020 [2 favorites]

On a day when my whole house had gone down with gastro, I managed to stagger to the mailbox to find a present from Obloquy. Thankyou so much Obloquy, it was filled with many cool paper crafts, Terry Pratchett stuff and much more. Also in a great coincidence my sister shares your first name and she married a fellow with your last name (though she didn't change her last name) and we are always looking for "fox" things as he and there child collect them. I now have a new source! Double present indeed.
posted by Lesium at 7:47 PM on November 26, 2020 [4 favorites]

brilliantine, I am so glad you liked your gift! It was great fun to put together.

Wishing you and yours a sweet solstice and a happy year ahead. Love, 6thsense
posted by 6thsense at 4:07 AM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you so much Lizbobiz for the wonderful Lebkuchen! I did not have Rischart before, but i love Lebkuchen, and the pretty heart is now waiting to go on my christmas tree, and the delicious chocolate (which is already gone).
Thank you for this lovely gift.
posted by 15L06 at 8:20 AM on November 27, 2020 [3 favorites]

Dear gifter, whose MeFi handle I do not know, thank you so much for the little taste of Rhode Island!

I have never been there, although I was aware of coffee milk (we have old friends whose RI traditions have been made known to us). Del's Lemonade is brand new to me!

Here's to future travel, where maybe I will visit your fair state and use the explorer's guide you sent.

Wishing you happy beans!
posted by Lawn Beaver at 9:10 AM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]

Oh, boy! I got an email from the elves saying a package was delivered! Inside was a rainbow assortment of stitch markers (yay! I need these to move past crocheting hats and scarves to actual sweaters!) and a rainbow cat fishing pole! One of my cats is already in the delivery box being taunted by the fishing pole.

Thank you, anonymous gifter! 💖
posted by jillithd at 11:34 AM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]

Huge thanks to the MeFite from Hawaii who send me coffee and snacks from one of my favorite states! I promise not to visit until this virus is well under control. We had plans to visit your lovely state this year after some friends finished their medical training, but life threw us this curveball. We'll eat snacks and dream of snorkeling instead.
posted by advicepig at 12:58 PM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]

Yay to mandolin conspiracy for exactly what I wanted!
posted by scruss at 5:35 PM on November 27, 2020 [4 favorites]

A million heartfelt thanks to Pineapplicious for my NYC spice mixes! I love cooking, and she sent me the tastiest concoctions for my next adventures in cooking. I've only visited NYC once for a short day's layover, but recall the many food carts on every corner. Now that I'm equipped with the woman-owned company Spice Tree's concoctions, I can make my very own NYC Halal Food Cart and Lebanese Seven-Spice dishes! I loved the friendly note she included with my delicious spices as well. Thank you, Pineapplicious. You made all my gift dreams come true!
posted by but no cigar at 8:42 PM on November 27, 2020 [2 favorites]

but no cigar, a million heartfelt you're welcomes! Happy cooking!
posted by Pineapplicious at 5:10 AM on November 28, 2020 [2 favorites]

Oh wow, I just got my Star Trek TNG Cats calendar from servo5678 and it’s perfect. I have been making my way through all of Star Trek for the first time during quarantine and have been recreating all the paintings Data does in TNG to decorate my office area. And I have two cats that run my life. This will be a wonderful way to keep track of my work missions! Thank you!

I finally finished packing up my gift to mail off, so it’ll be on its way soon!
posted by oomny at 6:56 AM on November 28, 2020 [3 favorites]

So this morning I had the pleasure of opening a package from an "anonymous Mefite" from elsewhere in Canada.

In in were three very awesome fridge magnets -- they will be great additions to the collection on the fridge. The one that's a ouija board planchette is a very nice touch! These are great.

Also some chocolate (70% cacao is my sweet spot! Perfect!) and some raindbow bracelets and an assortment of cool pins.

And finally, there were some rubber cabinet door bumpers (I see what you did there!!!) that will totally get used at some point. Well played.

Thank you, anonymous gift person!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:08 AM on November 28, 2020 [5 favorites]

MAILED TODAY! holy cow. :-)
(added to Swap Trackinator)
posted by Glinn at 11:23 AM on November 28, 2020 [1 favorite]

I got an email from the organizers that three (!!!) packages were on their way to me, and two of them just arrived! I got a fabulous kooky art history pin that will fit wonderfully into my collection, and a really lovely paperweight that I love holding so I can turn it from side to side and admire it. Thank you so much, batbat! With these two wonderful gifts here, I'm so excited about what's left in store for me!
posted by PussKillian at 3:07 PM on November 28, 2020 [3 favorites]

Pretty sure the gift I sent out should have arrived by now.
Is there a way I can check? So I can send a new one if it's gone missing.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 6:24 AM on November 29, 2020 [2 favorites]

Howdy! If you haven't heard from your recipient yet, curious nu and I are happy to check on them for you! Just send us a note at [e-mail].
posted by mochapickle at 7:40 AM on November 29, 2020 [1 favorite]

I received my gift today and it was so much more generous than I ever could have imagined. My gifter not only sent me some beautiful little bowls that will grace future charcuterie boards, but included a very generous donation to one of my favorite local animal charities. I'm pretty speechless. Thank you so much.
posted by Medieval Maven at 8:58 AM on November 29, 2020 [3 favorites]

THANK YOU Hermeowne Grangepurr!!

The needle book is already in use, and Baldur LOVES his new blanket and toy. (He really does, I swear! LOL)
posted by RhysPenbras at 12:05 PM on November 29, 2020 [3 favorites]

I'd like to send a big thank you to my as yet anonymous sender for a beautiful photographic tarot deck, the Mountain Dream Tarot. I remember when this was featured in a FPP earlier this year! (https://www.metafilter.com/188239/The-Mountain-Dream-Tarot) This was really thoughtful and generous.
posted by Tesseractive at 12:16 PM on November 29, 2020 [2 favorites]

Whoops! I'm a little late in saying thank you miserable-mild for an amazing box of gifts! I love the Moravian cookies and Sarah Mirk's year of zines! Gracias!
posted by Stynxno at 1:35 PM on November 29, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you so much to my anonymous gifter! Today I received a fantastic golden triangle pendant (I didn't realize my math nerdiness was so readily apparent!), a lovely glass bowl (which is currently filled with pistachios), and some of my favourite spice, amchoor (green mango powder). All curries require a sour element (vinegar, lemon, etc.), and anchoor is a good one to use. It also takes the "glueyness" out of bindi (okra). Thank you too to the hard-working gift exchange facilitators (the Quonsmas elves, as I like to think of them).
posted by Go Banana at 1:42 PM on November 29, 2020 [2 favorites]

Glad you liked the gift, RhysPenbras! My hand sewing is not great, so I left the cover of the needle book blank for you to embellish as you want. On the other hand, Baldur's blanket flew off my needles! He's a cutie and I'm glad he enjoyed his gifts too >^_^<
posted by Hermeowne Grangepurr at 2:49 PM on November 29, 2020 [2 favorites]

Haven't checked in here lately, distracted by other stuff. And still putting off opening my gifts, though I'm wondering if my person's mefi name will be inside.

But FYI on my beansee (is that the terminology?), I was ready to send my package 2 wks. ago, but waited for an order of charity holiday cards to include one of those. The cards package arrived 10 days ago - minus the box of cards. Hmm.

The charity in question sent me another box, & I sent the gift (+ card) on its way Saturday.

(One other peculiarity, per USPS, the zip as it appeared in my email was not correct for that address, so I went with what post office said.)
posted by NorthernLite at 8:12 PM on November 29, 2020 [1 favorite]

My package arrived, hooray! I'm going to wait to open it but wanted to give a preliminary thank-you to my lovely quonsar!
posted by orrnyereg at 9:43 AM on November 30, 2020 [3 favorites]

Many, many thanks to my awesome sender for the assortment of fun journaling supplies! My latest bullet journal will be so cute and sparkly and cheerful! :-D
posted by oblique red at 9:54 AM on November 30, 2020 [2 favorites]

Well, cripes! My anonymous sender's package arrived today and I am absolutely floored by their generosity! A cornucopia of self-care items (new socks! candles! shower fizzies! hot chocolate! lollipops! and much more!) that will ALL be put to good use. Thank you so much for brightening my holiday season!
posted by Twicketface at 11:22 AM on November 30, 2020 [4 favorites]

Yay oblique red, I'm so glad you liked it! Hope it brings you hours of journaling fun :D
posted by rawrberry at 11:25 AM on November 30, 2020 [1 favorite]

Okay, I beat the sending deadline by one day. For this year, it counts as a win! Holy crap DHL is expensive, I see why people use the USPS even though it is slower and less reliable. "6 - 10 business days to many major markets^2,3" does not exactly inspire confidence.
posted by wnissen at 1:22 PM on November 30, 2020 [2 favorites]

I received a package on Friday from an address that looked awfully familiar to me....as if I, myself, had written that very address on a package just a short while ago....how curious! I am holding off on opening until a little later in the season, but sending a preliminary bundle of thanks and gratitude to my Secret Beans partner this year. Here’s to delightful coincidences!!
posted by Dorinda at 2:32 PM on November 30, 2020 [4 favorites]

Twicketface, I'm glad you liked your self care box. I realized after I sent it that I forgot to put a card in there. May you have a very relaxing holiday season.
posted by kathrynm at 5:37 PM on November 30, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you bile and syntax!

My favorite hobby, in my favorite color! And with all the work from home, I will have plenty of opportunity to wear it!
posted by chiefthe at 5:55 PM on November 30, 2020 [3 favorites]

I ordered the stuff for my giftee tonight - nothing like waiting until the last minute. : ) I will fill out the tracking form once I receive the shipping notification. (As of now it is expected to arrive somewhere on the East Coast between 12/10 and 12/12.)
posted by SisterHavana at 10:21 PM on November 30, 2020 [1 favorite]

Oh, I'm so excited, my parcel from essexjan just arrived! :)

And it genuinely caught me by surprise, I'd spent so much time thinking about what to buy my giftee that I'd sort of forgotten I'd be getting a gift as well. And I did lots of online Xmas shopping at the weekend so just sort of assumed the delivery was something I'd bought for someone else. And then I opened the box and there were THREE exciting Xmas parcels for me, AND they were from essexjan, who I've always felt a bit of an 'I don't know you but...' affinity with, being from Essex myself (and my mum who still lives in Essex is called Janet, so somehow when I see your name it's just always like seeing a friend).

Anyway. I'm going to prolong the excitement by not opening anything until Christmas Day, so they will be placed under the tree as soon as I put it up.

Thank you, essexjan! Thank you gift swap organisers!
posted by penguin pie at 3:53 AM on December 1, 2020 [7 favorites]

Hi everyone!

Shipping deadline has approached~

If you haven't gotten your gift out yet, please email [e-mail] or memail myself or mochapickle and let us know when you think you will. We'll probably start sending out information requests in a week or so to folks we haven't heard from. So far we know that over half the gifts have been sent, and over 1/3 of those have already been received.

Thank you to everyone participating this year. =)
posted by curious nu at 6:33 AM on December 1, 2020 [6 favorites]

Received my package! It was delivered on a stormy day so it went wayward for a bit and the packaging looks like it went through..2020, ha. But all is well, it is now here with me and I will completely unwrap it on Christmas! Thank you so much and I'll check in on Unboxing Day!
posted by theappleonatree at 8:17 AM on December 1, 2020 [4 favorites]

wellred gave me some gorgeous double-sided origami paper that I love, a zippered pouch that is the perfect size to hold my embroidery floss collection, and two really cool marker pens in beautiful colors. I flipped through every sheet of origami paper so as to revel in the colors. :) Thank you, wellred, for such a lovely gift!

My recipient’s gift just got its tracking number and will hopefully ship soon! It was fun to pick out. Yay!
posted by delight at 3:22 PM on December 1, 2020 [4 favorites]

a non mouse, a cow herd, I received some delicious looking beef jerky from you. I’m excited to try it! Thanks...and I’m looking forward to the other mystery somethings! : )
posted by SisterHavana at 4:52 PM on December 1, 2020 [3 favorites]

I ordered two gifts, but I've only received tracking info for one. I hope to be able to have that info and share it tomorrow.
posted by zorseshoes at 5:11 PM on December 1, 2020 [1 favorite]

Batbat, the third gift has appeared and I have had a boost on a dreary day playing with it! It’s a wonderfully illustrated deck of cards with great artists depicted. It’s so cute! Thank you for a wonderful Beansgiving.
posted by PussKillian at 5:19 PM on December 1, 2020 [2 favorites]

Fuck yeah, it’s beansing day! Ilana, thank you so much for taking my note that I love unicorns and dinosaurs and running with it. Gonna wear my fancy new unicorn socks tomorrow, put the adorable unicorn pin and keychain on my work bag, and add the dinosaur playing cards to my household games collection. I also literally squealed in joy at the adorable drawing of your cat and am planning to put it up on my fridge to enjoy, and I love how the soap made the entire package smell good.

Meanwhile my gift is on the way to its destination but has quite a long way to travel. Should be in sometime next week if the post offices’ delivery estimate is correct, but it’s 2020 so who knows.
posted by ActionPopulated at 9:26 PM on December 1, 2020 [4 favorites]

I received a lovely little box in the mail yesterday! I’ve decided to wait a bit to open it ... just to let the suspense build. (Also: my giftee hasn’t received their package yet, so I’ll feel better once it has reached its destination!)
posted by WaspEnterprises at 10:09 PM on December 1, 2020 [2 favorites]

My beansee's package was mailed today! So excited for them to get it, since they gave me a really neat hint that I was jazzed to create a gift around. :)
posted by fairlynearlyready at 11:40 PM on December 1, 2020 [2 favorites]

Yay, I’m so glad it made it WaspEnterprises! But please don’t wait too long to open it, one of the gifts is best at its peak.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:00 AM on December 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

Go Banana, that was me and you’re welcome! I was guessing you would like and know how to use the mango powder, and thank you for posting the tip on reducing okra sliminess. (We have also enjoyed your simple sugar cookie recipe—maybe too much—since I found it while looking for gift ideas.) Agreed...much gratitude to the elves/organizers. Best wishes to you and yours for the season!
posted by homelystar at 5:15 AM on December 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thanks Cortex! The linocut is wonderful, a really lovely piece of work. Now to find a suitably D&Dy frame for it.

Happy Holidays one and all!
posted by brilliantmistake at 9:11 AM on December 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

I just received my gift, two days after the tracking said it should get here, and I am truly blown away! DigDoug, you really outdid yourself. There's chocolate, two Octavia Butler books (one of which is on my hold list at the library!), reusable bags, a handful of KN95 masks, a Jim Henson print and a Karl Marx sticker and a Krampus pin and a neat assortment of other pins and pens and a notebook and a gratitude journal and a really great tiny Louisville slugger. There is SO MUCH GREAT STUFF to enjoy. Thank you!!
posted by SeedStitch at 12:28 PM on December 2, 2020 [5 favorites]

I just received one of two of my packages. I received a variety of honeys and some sweet and spicy hot sauce. All of which I can't wait to try. It included had a very touching hand written note that made me smile. Thank you very much nat!
posted by Gygesringtone at 1:45 PM on December 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

My heartfelt thanks and a big 2020 hug to a secret gifter for the Bluetooth speaker, which will enjoy pride of place on my new exercise bike.
posted by key_of_z at 2:14 PM on December 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

Wow - a big thanks to WhenInGnome for an amazingly festive package of fairy lights - with batteries!!, a puzzle, a wreath ornament, fir and pine scented candles, a mystery book, and a holiday glass for my drink of choice! My cat and dog will love the toys and treats! And the best part is the well wishes for 2021. Wishing everyone the same!
posted by jilloftrades at 3:14 PM on December 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

I've just been beansed two Terry Pratchett paperbacks in the mail, ordered very thoughtfully from a small local bookseller. Unfortunately it was trash day and I was too quick to put the mailer in, so I couldn't check for a name (didn't see one on the inside wrapping). Thank you to my anonymous Beanser for exactly what I wanted!
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:22 PM on December 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

mdonley, thank you thank you thank you! You might think you didn't cater exactly to my info, as your note said - but every single thing is something I could well have added to the guidelines :)

The "HI MEFITE!" card is awesome! And the goodies are actually perfect for the 4-hour train trip I'm taking to visit family for the holidays (assuming holiday travels are still permitted at that time...) - beautiful masks, a page-turning police thriller (according to the blurb on the back) to keep me entertained for the whole trip, and Oolong tea to sip when I need a break from the holidays and *hand wave* all this.

Thanks again!
posted by rawrberry at 7:16 AM on December 3, 2020 [3 favorites]

I received an AWESOME craft project - a low poly seal (which is so great and serendipitous, because I just saw some seals swimming by the Victoria shores last weekend)! Also a Michaels gift card for some glue... trouble, because I can't walk into Michaels without leaving with armfuls of other craft supplies. Thank you so much, janepanic!
posted by Paper rabies at 9:15 AM on December 3, 2020 [2 favorites]

Oh wow childofTethys! I received the second part of my gift (first part was the awesome songbook)! This included lots of lovely Maryland-themed gifts, including a fabulous crab mallet I'm going to use to bang stuff, delicious crab chocolate, and (so perfect!) colored pencils in the colors of blue and red crabs and the MD flag! I've already applied the pencils to my coloring projects, and look forward to eating chocolate and banging stuff with my mallet. Thank you!
posted by kinsey at 10:02 AM on December 3, 2020 [4 favorites]

Got a card today from Tesseractive with a great little zine on COVID life and some cool stickers - I love it! Looking forward to the receipt of the ornament as well.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:25 AM on December 3, 2020 [3 favorites]

Eeeeeee! Lepus, what a wonderful box of goodies! The assorted teas! The honey! The adorable kitty stitch markers! And the lovely card with cute animals on it. It's all so wonderful, I can't stop smiling. Thank you!
posted by jet_pack_in_a_can at 12:46 PM on December 3, 2020 [3 favorites]

A very hearty thank you to matildatakesovertheworld for the incredibly endearing note and the delicious looking chevre in oil from Harley Farms!

Thank you so much!
posted by OntologicalPuppy at 4:07 PM on December 3, 2020 [3 favorites]

I received some very nice gifts in the mail! Some small plastic extinct megafauna figures, an arty book about extinct megafauna, some thinking thinking putty, and a candle that has metal dice inside it that appear as the candle is burns down! Thank you very much! Married lesbians of MeFi unite!!!!!
posted by triage_lazarus at 7:27 PM on December 3, 2020 [4 favorites]

Much thanks to my secret Beansor for gift part 1, which arrived last night! Little Purr grabbed it as soon as I opened The Little Women Cookbook, so I can see a nighttime Little Women readalong in the future. It seems I'm now collecting media-themed cookbooks, as it will sit next to my Game of Feasts and Unnofficial Whovian Cookbook. I look forward to part 2!
posted by Hermeowne Grangepurr at 6:41 AM on December 4, 2020 [4 favorites]

I was pleasantly surprised this morning by a box from theora55 on my porch! It is full of things to entertain my herd with, some treats for me, and an amazing tyedye shirt that she made ! Pictures here. I love all of it, thank you so much ! 💕
posted by Sparky Buttons at 6:43 AM on December 4, 2020 [5 favorites]

I was so happy to receive a package from Biblio yesterday afternoon!

Biblio, I'm utterly delighted. There's a bar of chocolate(!) soap so deliciously scented that I very nearly took a bite out of it. There's a pack of impossibly cute rabbit stationery that's sending me into hysterics every time I look at it (bunnnnnies!). And there's the sweetest little gray felted bunny ornament that will be staying up all year. I absolutely love everything, and will use and enjoy it all! I am incandescently cheered. Thank you so much!

This event is one of my favorite things and I look forward to it every year (this year is my twelfth year!). It's been a rough year for all of us, and I'm so happy all of you have taken part.
posted by mochapickle at 7:35 AM on December 4, 2020 [6 favorites]

I was having a rough day today when needlegrrl's gift arrived, so I opened it. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect set of items! The earrings are gorgeous and I can't wait to wear them. The drinking chocolate looks amazing. The socks are perfectly fuzzy and the exact right color. I am looking forward to using the stickers on future correspondence. Even the card and the wrapping paper were perfect. What a lovely, thoughtful gift.

I continue to look forward every year to this and how thoughtful and awesome people are. I aspire to that level of amazing for next year. (This year my present was predicated on being quarantined due to health but I hope it is still enjoyed.)
posted by eleanna at 10:29 AM on December 4, 2020 [4 favorites]

chiefthe, I am delighted that you like it! I was determined to find a nerdy green bicycle shirt and the internet was tremendously helpful.

My thanks go out to meinvt, who sent me a Mandalorian keepsake box to color and a set of Derwent watercolor pencils! Thank you so, so much, I am going to enjoy the hell out of both of these. And! The wrapping paper is perfect for some of my collage projects, so that's an extra treat.

Thanks so much to everyone who puts together the annual gift exchange, it's always a delight and getting to send a stranger something fun in the mail is one of my favorite things about being part of this community.
posted by bile and syntax at 10:53 AM on December 4, 2020 [6 favorites]

Thank you so much to my still anonymous "Mefi Gift Swap Person" for the two wonderful posters and very nice note! Apparently the we are the light poster was made by another mefite! How wonderful. And I don't know how people take pictures of things, because I tried from about 20 different angles and this was the absolute best I could do on the print. In person it's got a really neat metallic glowy sheen. In my gift guidance I said I still hadn't put any decor up in my new house, then listed a bunch of stuff I like, and my beanser managed to distill this into something that is so very to my taste. I'm going to give these guys a post-Post rest backwards around a tube for a bit, then start shopping them around my walls :) Thank you!

Meanwhile, it appears the gift I sent out is being WALKED across the country, as we enter now the 11th day of its journey.
posted by phunniemee at 11:51 AM on December 4, 2020 [3 favorites]

Royal Mail tells me that the item I sent to my recipient has been delivered. I am happy if they don't open the wrapped gifts inside until Christmas.
posted by essexjan at 12:06 PM on December 4, 2020 [1 favorite]

I just looked upthread and saw that Penguin Pie has received the gifts and is going to save them until Christmas. And yes, I feel simpatico with you too!
posted by essexjan at 12:22 PM on December 4, 2020 [2 favorites]

I googled the tiny number on the back of the print and found it where it's not crippled by my photography skills! Look here! It reminds me of the cards from the game Dixit.
posted by phunniemee at 12:29 PM on December 4, 2020 [4 favorites]

Both my items have officially been delivered to my beansee. I hope they like them!
posted by zorseshoes at 1:16 PM on December 4, 2020 [1 favorite]

I was checking out my gifter's post history, as one does, and I am very proud to say that I am the recipient of the Ridiculous Scarf brilliantly created by beandip. I am wearing it proudly right now. Thank you so much, beandip, I love it! I will keep my eye out for part two.
posted by rekrap at 6:18 PM on December 4, 2020 [3 favorites]

I got a lovely sea salt candle from my anonymous gifter! Thank you, it smells lovely!
posted by ellieBOA at 12:04 AM on December 5, 2020 [3 favorites]

About a week ago, I received a really lovely holiday cactus from Kinsey, to add to my coterie of plants that thrive on benign neglect. Thank you, Kinsey! It’s on my dining table, where it keeps me company at breakfast. 😊 (I’d attach a picture, but things are out of control in my apartment right now—exactly why low fuss plants are perfect for me!)
posted by ocherdraco at 5:43 AM on December 5, 2020 [4 favorites]

Look at these amazing gifts!

Gilgongo has sent me a beautiful framed art of an elephant which has taken pride of place on my bedside table.

Additionally a book about "THE FUTURE OF STUFF" which by page 1 has already made some excellent philosophical points about the systemic nature of transport (which as a transport systems engineer married to a philosopher I am 100% delighted with!)

Also some magnetic retro futuristic Space travel adverts. I am huge fan or retrofuturistic aesthetic and I love them.

Also also! Some dice hewn, so far as I can tell from actual stone. The are heavy and nice and indicate which dwarven activities I should partake in.

Thank you so much Gilgongo!
A+ gifting!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:47 AM on December 5, 2020 [4 favorites]

I came home yesterday to two jars of really tasty looking jelly from a mystery MeFite. I really like jellies and jams and I haven't had these two flavors before. I'm going to bake up some toasting bread today so I can try them out tomorrow morning and I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks anonymous gifter!!
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 8:03 AM on December 5, 2020 [2 favorites]

I went to my mailbox this morning and found, thanks to Advicepig, handmade cat toys (now being road-tested by the cats), handmade note cards (just in time for the holidays), and a variety of organic fair trade chocolate bars (some of which immediately made it into my mouth). Yay! Thanks so much!
posted by thomas j wise at 8:35 AM on December 5, 2020 [3 favorites]

I just got a lovely book in the mail, all about Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. It's the sort of thing that: A) I would never think to look for on my own, and B) will absolutely fascinate me. And it's here just in time for the first significant snowfall of the season! ThanksThanksThanks!!!!!
posted by JanetLand at 9:20 AM on December 5, 2020 [4 favorites]

I got a curated box of wonders from oomny yesterday! A hand-dyed and printed bandana (which my brain keeps calling a towel, but I don't intend to use as a towel), a collection of hand-painted (shiny!) cicada shells, a mounted set of wings with a feather and a mushroom spore print, a handmade card with a beautiful poem, and A JAR OF FOUND ORANGE MARBLES which is just SO COOL.

Every year I go into this with no expectations for what I'm going to receive - I mostly love sending other people things - and every year I am absolutely blown away by what comes in the mail. I am astounded, and happy, and going to go play with and stare at my new pretties again now. :)

Thank you oomny!!!!
posted by okayokayigive at 10:14 AM on December 5, 2020 [5 favorites]

Dear Secret Gifter, thank you for giving me the gift of euphoria. Literally! Super excited to devour, um I mean savor, the variety of Chocolate bars and the White Chocolate Noel Bark direct from the Euphoria Chocolate Company, Oregon. As my old dad would say, "I'm smiling."
posted by soakimbo at 12:45 PM on December 5, 2020 [4 favorites]

My giftee's gift has been shipped out from the merchant and I filled out the tracking form. According to the merchant's site, it should arrive on December 7. FedEx doesn't show an expected delivery date on their site. But it's on the way!
posted by SisterHavana at 2:31 PM on December 5, 2020 [2 favorites]

rekrap I’m so glad you like the scarf! Here’s my inspiration. It was my keep-myself-busy project during election week and was a perfect distraction; I hope you enjoy it!
posted by beandip at 3:19 PM on December 5, 2020 [3 favorites]

Vectorcon Systems, thank you so much for the amazing Nerf gun! It is going to delight multiple generations at my house in the next few weeks.
posted by beandip at 3:26 PM on December 5, 2020 [4 favorites]

My package from okayokayigive arrived today! I received very thoughtful gifts: a knitting themed enamel pin (which is already adorning my coat), a sweet little calendar with a whiskey theme and intriguing cocktail recipes and yummy candies that taste like scotch! Plus they included a lovely card with a message that truly touched me. They also have exceedingly nice handwriting!
I’ve missed my chance to participate in the swap in previous years and I’m so glad I finally had the opportunity. I especially enjoyed shopping for mochapickle and I’m thrilled that they enjoyed their gifts. Have we ever done anything for Valentines? I would be up for that!
posted by Biblio at 6:29 PM on December 5, 2020 [5 favorites]

I did! And do! :)

There’s an annual classroom-style valentine card exchange you might really enjoy. The lovely the primroses were over has been hosting this exchange. Last year they posted an announcement for it on MeTa in January.
posted by mochapickle at 7:32 PM on December 5, 2020 [1 favorite]

triage_lazarus thank you! The fossil is excellent on its own but having the note explaining it makes it a center piece, the cup is lovely and unique, and chocolate is always welcome. And A+ card choice. It was a fantastic package to receive, thank you!
posted by lepus at 10:33 PM on December 5, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you jet_pack_in_a_can! You can probably guess what I'll be watching this weekend!
posted by gtrwolf at 11:59 PM on December 5, 2020 [3 favorites]

I got a lovely mystery package from Virginia yesterday... I haven't opened it yet as I'm savoring the anticipation ...
posted by darsh at 7:53 AM on December 6, 2020 [3 favorites]

I received a package just now. I was going to wait until Christmas, but my curiosity got the better of me. Besides, both my birthday and the beginning of Chanukah are this week, so that's my excuse.

Thanks so much, Captain_Science! How did you know I love smashed pennies and pierogi? The pennies have lovely poetic sentiments pressed onto them, the pierogi (or pyrohy, as it is spelled on the tag) is a soap on a rope. Also included a plush Black Death microbe, and a great selection of baking spices from Penzey's. I was just saying I need to get some good cinnamon again, and here it is!

There is also a Christmas card with a super cute kitteh on it.

The challenge is convincing my very willful cat that the Black Death is not a kitty toy. She already helped herself to it out of the box and started batting it around on the bed. I reclaimed it, but she's likely to strike again.

Thanks again, Captain_Science! I am very happily beansed.
posted by zorseshoes at 10:41 AM on December 6, 2020 [3 favorites]

I just received my present, which is a very interesting looking book that I'm looking forward to checking out! Thank you, mysterious benefactor!
posted by zeusianfog at 1:29 PM on December 6, 2020 [2 favorites]

Hey zeusianfog that was from me. It was not meant to be a mystery - it was meant to be box 2 of 2. It would make more sense if the mail delivery was anywhere close to the estimates. Looks like box 1 should be there tomorrow.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 2:17 PM on December 6, 2020 [2 favorites]

I received a fantastic present from delight on Saturday - it has five different sample vials of fountain pen ink, several with shimmer (!), and two notebooks, one with the most amazing paper sampler in it - so many different pretty papers. I can't wait to try out the new ink! Thanks, delight!
posted by needlegrrl at 4:19 AM on December 7, 2020 [2 favorites]

I got these perfect gifts from RhysPenbras:
- Bee print (love it!)
- Lloyd Rocket Sauce (can't wait to taste it)
- Nice card
- 2020 Dumpster Fire Christmas ornament (first one on the tree this year).
posted by exolstice at 7:05 AM on December 7, 2020 [6 favorites]

The loveliest obol sent a delightful box full of huckleberry-flavored treats. There was syrup, popcorn, taffy, and jam, and it's been fun sampling it all. The syrup was mixed with lime juice and ginger beer for tasty festive drinks, the taffy is delicious (taffy is one of my very favorite treats), but the popcorn was probably my favorite so far (it smelled wonderful). I haven't opened the jam yet, but soon.

Thank you so much! I honeymooned with the beau along the west coast, and the Pacific Northwest was my favorite spot on that trip, by far. Your gift was so much fun, and brought back so many wonderful memories.
posted by PearlRose at 9:09 AM on December 7, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you for my fabulous package, theBigRedKittyPurrs! My doggos are thankful, too; please know they’re sending you buckets of positive canine karma as they happily gnaw on their delicious treats that I’ve portioned out for each evening’s snack.

The chocolates are amazing! They look hand painted, are they? My kiddo and I have had fun trying a new one each day and discussing the flavor notes as if we’re Frasier and Niles Crane at a posh winery.

I’ll just say this about your sweet card: it brought a lump to my throat reading your well wishes. This year has been so challenging for each of us - uniquely impacting us in unpredictable ways. Being reminded that goodness, kindness, and love continue to prevail in our little community makes my heart full.
posted by WaspEnterprises at 10:01 AM on December 7, 2020 [4 favorites]

Hooray! I just received my gift from eleanna! Some very handsome and outstandingly delicious dark chocolate from a cool-looking Philadelphia outfit (John & Kira's), along with adorable pralines that look like ladybugs and snowflakes. Sweet!

Can report that these are some factors that make it an excellent moment for being gifted chocolate or any sort of goodwill, consumable or no:

-it's a Monday
-in a pandemic
-and your morning all-staff meeting was moved to a new videoconference platform with symbols that totally make it look like you're on mute when you're not and when you finally find the chat window there are a bunch of messages from your colleagues telling you to turn your mic off or to stop muttering in highly audible cursewords or both, eek. (A microphone with a slash through it should mean you're on mute! Make that more intuitive!)

Anyway, it turned out I was really ready for some fucking chocolate! (A+ would gobble in mortified job-related shame again.) So the timing made it extra welcome. As did the fact that eleanna was my giftee last year--a nice coincidence that underscores the lovely sense of connection I feel with this whole swap event.

Cheers and thank you, eleanna! Nice to get to wave hello again.
posted by miles per flower at 10:59 AM on December 7, 2020 [4 favorites]

WaspEnterprises, the chocolates are hand painted and are made by a local company. I am so happy that all members of your family enjoyed the treats.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 11:01 AM on December 7, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you fairlynearlyready! I got your package and it is a great combination. I truly loved the playlist you sent via the organizers a few days ago. I'll use the notebooks (and maybe order some other stuff from the makers), and enjoy the chocolate bar. A Muppet Mask is DEFINITELY up my alley.

And the sand table directions and supplies was such a great gift. The lists and descriptions of other stuff that has "Unexpected Depth"has led me to a few new follows, references a few books I've read already, and other than the Tattoo given me some great ideas. Thanks a ton!
posted by DigDoug at 11:37 AM on December 7, 2020 [3 favorites]

I just got a fantastic poster of Crater Lake from The demon that lives in the air. Both the gift and the user name are very appropriate since a meteor just exploded over my head a few days ago. I also got a lovely note, cool zine, and some fun stickers.

The Demon let me know that their spouse gifted me in 2012 (a book that I still check regularly for punch recipes).

Thanks!
posted by maurice at 12:20 PM on December 7, 2020 [2 favorites]

ZOMG! I just got the rest of Clinging to the Wreckage's gift and I am blown away!!! I was really happy with the book so now I'm overjoyed that I've also gotten not one but TWO varieties of delicious candy, a very fun looking game, 3D printed Star Trek ships, a little mini-2020 dumpster fire to decorate my desk with and a dog toy that meets my very fussy dog's preferences exactly. This is a great way to start the holiday season and as usual participating in Beans-mas was totally the right call. Thank you so much, CttW!
posted by zeusianfog at 12:29 PM on December 7, 2020 [3 favorites]

I got some wonderful treats in the mail from SeedStitch this past week: coffee and chocolates. We opened up the chocolates today: they are this fabulous confection that does not exist in my part of the country, as far as I know, a chocolate sponge candy. Each piece is a crispy honey cloud surrounded by intensely (perfectly, richly) dark chocolate. Mr. eirias and Little eirias and I were all enchanted. Tomorrow, we try the coffee (well, the adults will, anyway!). Thank you so much!
posted by eirias at 3:36 PM on December 7, 2020 [4 favorites]

Gleeful to welcome an otterly adorable plushie craft into my home office!!! Such a thoughtful and checks-all-the-boxes gift in an unexpectedly delightful way. Extra thanks for the gracious consideration of allergies in adapting this felt otter kit crafting experience for ME. I feel so well-gifted and cared for. Thank you SO so much, seemingly anonymous gifter! I feel like I got a warm hug in the mail :)
posted by beccasaurus at 6:28 PM on December 7, 2020 [3 favorites]

My gift arrived today from an anonymous MeFite and it’s the perfect combination of functional and whimsical: a dry erase board with a blue agate background and six super cute woodland creature chip clips. Thanks and happy holidays to all!
posted by kbar1 at 9:44 PM on December 7, 2020 [3 favorites]

I did not understand that the swap was not mutual, so imagine my surprise when a gift from not-my-beansee arrived! The eerie thing is I don't think my posting history specifically mentions graphic novels, but I am really getting into them lately, and now I have one! Add another book very much to my taste and a rare coffee capsule and I am a very happy person. Best of holidays to you all!
posted by wnissen at 10:33 PM on December 7, 2020 [3 favorites]

digdoug, I am so glad that you enjoyed your gifts! I had such a delightful and creative time coming up with things that met your wonderful prompt, it was very satisfying to stretch my brain in that way. Happy holidays to you and the best in 2021!
posted by fairlynearlyready at 2:12 AM on December 8, 2020 [2 favorites]

I've been beansed by the excellent yeahlikethat with a truly mesmerizing globe-shaped FANCY LIGHT that can hang (definite future anglerfish costume component) or sit on a surface and is also a very strong magnet! It dims and brightens when I tap it and it CHANGES COLORS!!! I love it.

This has been the absolute worst week in a truly horrific year and you've made it literally brighter. Thank you so much!
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 6:40 AM on December 8, 2020 [4 favorites]

eirias, I'm so glad you liked the sponge candy - it's an upstate/Western NY delicacy that I did not appreciate until I was an adult, possibly because it has such a terrible name. In the spirit of honesty, the package that you received was the SECOND container of sponge candy purchased for the gift swap, because we ate the first one. Your guidance said when you travel you like to pick up some local chocolate, so I imagined what you might get for yourself if you ever came to visit.
posted by SeedStitch at 10:22 AM on December 8, 2020 [3 favorites]

wnissen, glad you liked your gifts, and I can confirm you mentioned graphic novels in your description!
posted by exolstice at 11:26 AM on December 8, 2020 [1 favorite]

A second package of fancy jams came in the mail today with "From the Internet" on the card. It's a Bonus Beansing Day!

Thanks again mystery gifter. I do love jam and Mrs. Wreckage isn't excited when I come home from the store with more each time. I think I've found a loophole - I can claim it was the elves. It's out of my hands.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 3:23 PM on December 8, 2020 [3 favorites]

My Secret Swap gift has arrived! Not sure the sender wants their name out there, so I'll just say: thank you, CB!

I'm saving your present for Christmas so I'm not gonna open the box yet, but I wanted to let you know that your gift is really appreciated. For me Christmas is a lonely time because my family is gone. It really means everything to me both to send someone a gift, and to know that someone out there sent me one as well. They're connections to the living world that still exists out there past the quiet and the snow. Thank you once again!
posted by Kevin Street at 4:50 PM on December 8, 2020 [7 favorites]

jilloftrades glad you received your gift. Happy holidays!

Not sure who my gifter is, didn't notice a metafilter handle, but thank you very much to whoever sent me the bourbon flavored coffee. Can't wait to try it. Looks delicious!
posted by WhenInGnome at 7:59 PM on December 8, 2020 [3 favorites]

Secretariat is the best ever because she got me AN ARCHIE MCPHEE MYSTERY BOX and oh man, I've missed McPhee so dang much.
posted by Katemonkey at 2:33 AM on December 9, 2020 [4 favorites]

You're welcome beandip! Looks like the other part to the gift is arriving Friday.

And thank you so much to my secret gift giver! I'm going to try to wait to open the package until Christmas.
posted by Vectorcon Systems at 7:23 AM on December 9, 2020 [3 favorites]

I just got a present from Oblique Red after it took an impressively circuitous route before making it up here to New England. I'm thrilled with the stickers, the first volume of March, and kits for new embroidery projects! Thank you so much - this has brightened a bleak December immeasurably!
posted by ChuraChura at 8:31 AM on December 9, 2020 [3 favorites]

Vectorcon Systems, that is from me. I had your name in 2016 as well.
posted by maurice at 8:50 AM on December 9, 2020 [1 favorite]

Thank you so much to leastlikelycowgirl for my awesome holiday treats! She sent me a gorgeous handmade quilted trivet (swoon) as well as some amazing-smelling cinnamon, an adorable little vegetarian recipe booklet, and the cutest/most hilarious toilet paper magnet made by an Austin, TX-based artist. I *loved* the handmade care that went into my package and am so looking forward to making "parrot" cake with the cinnamon!
posted by acridrabbit at 11:57 AM on December 9, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thanks so much to @esoterrica for a wonderful package of incredible treats from local makers in the Seattle area. It was a perfect gift set and I can't wait to try all the delicious items (I'm already done with the chocolates...ha! Dried apricots and dark chocolate is one of my favorite pairings).
posted by leastlikelycowgirl at 12:58 PM on December 9, 2020 [2 favorites]

I just received a delightful package from beccasaurus, thank you so much! There were rare spices from their local spice dealer, a set of tiny purple cube magnets i've already spent like 25 minutes arranging and rearranging on my refrigerator (so satisfying), and several tiny winter creatures that were immediately claimed by my spawn to adorn her bedroom door. I can't wait to cook with those spices!
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 1:02 PM on December 9, 2020 [5 favorites]

Thank you so much to darchildre for the wonderful box of treasures that arrived today. I'm especially excited to learn the card game with my family! I have a feeling the little toys will provide lots of fun for my son--though I'm keeping the chocolate all for myself!
posted by pingzing at 2:13 PM on December 9, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you, EmpressCallipygos! I've been feeling more creative lately, and am definitely looking forward to putting the notebook to use. It'll probably be used for both sketching and writing, as I have plans to do a little of both. Thank you!
posted by lharmon at 2:54 PM on December 9, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you to pingzing for a wonderful piece of art reminiscent of my home state!
posted by craven_morhead at 6:06 PM on December 9, 2020 [3 favorites]

I received part two of my gift a couple of days ago - a set of Swedish dishcloths with Minnesota-themed graphics, just perfect! Thank you so much beandip! I like them so much I'm thinking about using one now and tucking the others away in my holiday box to enjoy one next year and the year after.

In an oh-so-very-MeFi confluence of in-jokes, my beansee was beaning, and I got beaned by beandip. What are the odds?
posted by rekrap at 9:37 AM on December 10, 2020 [9 favorites]

Thank you to my gifter who made a donation for me to Direct Relief, a charity I actively support. The donation makes me really happy to help mitigate suffering across the world. As well, I got a box of toffee from Chicago, which has been very tasty to eat over the last few days!
posted by saeculorum at 1:18 PM on December 10, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thanks so much to introp and co. for the honey and vanilla extract, it will be wonderful for winter tea and baking!
posted by TheCoug at 3:57 PM on December 10, 2020 [3 favorites]

My secret bean sent me the most beautiful handprinted card with an image of the night sky, stars, meteors, and trees in the foreground, a picture I will treasure. Plus she has seriously amazing handwriting! So lovely.

I received her gift box 2 days ago but I am waiting to open it. Might even wait until Christmas, who knows. That's how I'm feeling this year... wanting to savor the good things that come this way. The box is sitting by my front door beckoning. I will post more when I have actually found a quiet moment to see what is inside. In the meantime all my thanks to her and good wishes to all.
posted by 6thsense at 4:14 PM on December 10, 2020 [3 favorites]

My gifter, who signed their real name, has almost brought me to tears with their extremely thoughtful gifts! They sent a great selection of teas that I'm so excited to try, two of their favorite zines which just so happen to be issues of zines I ALSO LOVE but didn't have, and four (!!!) rooted houseplant cuttings!! And they're all wonderful plants that I don't have! Plus a super sweet card.

Y'all, this is seriously such a kind, generous gift. Thank you so, so, so much!
posted by miserable-mild at 11:56 AM on December 11, 2020 [4 favorites]

Oh my goodness, my gifts arrived last night and they are perfect! I had asked for fun animal and bug things to share with my students during our online lessons, and shelbaroo sent me ten adorable finger puppets, AND a truly amazing scarf with beautifully colorful beetles all over it. I love fun scarves AND beetles so I can't wait to show it off - and my dog is thoroughly intrigued by the puppets. As I type this the puppets are all in the open drawer right next to my computer, and I smile every time I see them =) Thank you, shelbaroo, and I hope you and your family are well!

And kbar1, I'm so glad that one of your packages has arrived - yay! There should be one more small thing coming; sorry I didn't get a chance to include a note with that first package. Happy holidays!
posted by DingoMutt at 12:50 PM on December 11, 2020 [3 favorites]

Received my gift this afternoon and it's exactly what I wished for - dark chocolate!! And all brands I've never tried before so it will be educational too! Thank you ever so much "B" from Seattle. Your generosity, exceptional choice in chocolates and lovely card are very, very much appreciated. Thank you thank you!!
posted by pjsky at 3:56 PM on December 11, 2020 [2 favorites]

soakimbo, I am your gifter! I meant to send you a card in addition, but I had no idea my gift would ship so fast! The chocolates are a local favorite!
posted by nakedmolerats at 7:00 PM on December 11, 2020 [1 favorite]

And I got a wonderful gift from acridrabbit, who used a third Mefite's Mefi-mall store to gift me some wonderful lotion and sugar scrub! They smell amazing and I can't wait to have a lazy Sunday bath. Thank you!!
posted by nakedmolerats at 7:08 PM on December 11, 2020 [3 favorites]

Big thanks to box for all the great goodies! Tons of skeleton and skull stuff, a new-to-me fruit jelly, several sweets, and other stuff! I look forward to enjoying all of it.
posted by obol at 8:00 PM on December 11, 2020 [3 favorites]

Oh my gemmy , I'm in awe at your skill!! The mug you made is henceforth my tea-while-waking-up mug, and the cute tree has pride of place on my desk.
I'll wear my virginia mask to my next grocery store trip (perfect gift this year!)the towel is such a festive red! And trying to figure out how best to showcase the fossilized shark teeth, a thing I didn't know I needed, but oh, i did!
posted by darsh at 1:20 PM on December 12, 2020 [4 favorites]

Dingomutt: the remaining “small thing” arrived and it’s incredibly thoughtful. From the scent of the candle (caramel, pecans & whiskey, YUM) to the name (Hey Boo – To Kill a Mockingbird) to the card that was enclosed (an authentic library book checkout card) – I’m teary eyed and grinning. Thank you!
posted by kbar1 at 2:24 PM on December 12, 2020 [2 favorites]

I sent a private thank you when I opened the gift, but now that I have consumed most of the foodstuffs I can rave about how amazing it was!

Apartment dweller sent me an enticingly heavy box. I opened it to discover it filled with local foodstuffs and a charming local paper + calendar. My gift guidance was simply "give me something you love and tell me why you love it", and this gift nailed it!

Sadly, the apple butter met a very very quick demise. I had no idea how much I love apple butter! Since I'm also a heretic who believes that pizza (1) is best with any sauce other than tomato and (2) fruit totally belongs on a pizza, I finished the jar off making myself an apple-butter + apple + mozzarella + blue cheese pizza. Mmmm. So tasty with a side of lightly-dressed arugula and even more apples!

The honey is perfect -- I'd recently been on a honey-tasting binge, and Thistle isn't one I'd encountered before! It's currently gracing my breakfast yogurt.

The West Virginia maple syrup was a fascinating contrast with the Canadian syrup I grew up with. Yay, waffles!

Finally, I'm SO glad the gift included a recipe for the pot pie squares -- without that I wouldn't have had the faintest idea what they even were. I love discovering new-to-me foods, and I look forward to trying the recipe! (All the ingredients are on my shopping list for my next grocery run).
posted by Metasyntactic at 2:55 PM on December 12, 2020 [4 favorites]

Thanks to my Beansmaser? for the thoughtfully chosen book of poetry with the personal connection to you, as well. I am sorry to have missed your name/handle in the packaging!
posted by charmedimsure at 9:11 PM on December 12, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you PearlRose! I'm literally using my dice tray as I type this. I had nothing like this and it's so useful as a place for all my game stuff to land.
posted by sleeping bear at 10:19 PM on December 12, 2020 [3 favorites]

shout out to Lesium, who, while I am out of the country, was kind enough to send me a gift from Australia! For some reason it was delivered to our upstairs neighbor and he just came down with it, I am told. I will wait to open it until I get home (my SO is dying of curiosity but I asked her to only find the sender's name and nothing more). Regardless, I am SO happy to have this waiting for me when I get back to the cold north. All the best Lesium!!!
posted by alchemist at 3:29 PM on December 13, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you to lasagnaboy, who sent me a set of tea infusers (wrapped in a very appropriate paper with adorable little creatures on it, much like our tea set which is this one. The tea infusers also came with a tea spoon, which a looks a lot like a teaspoon. Mr. Nat says he is glad they did not send a tablespoon meant for tables as well, since it would have to be a lot bigger.

I'm also looking forward to the set of short stories by Patricia Highsmith, whom I haven't read before. And perhaps some warm cozy tea at the same time :-)
posted by nat at 4:31 PM on December 13, 2020 [2 favorites]

Big THANK YOU to Illuminated Clocks! Apologies for the late reply. Your gifts were great and SOO hit the spot! I loved the card and explanations. The whole package was like a treasure trove. And, I also love those kinds of prints, and I might even frame them for my office. I know what you mean about needing to get around to framing stuff. :)

Thanks again! :)
posted by yet.another.boston.question at 5:53 PM on December 13, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you so much to my secret bean, pjsky! Your box arrived last week, and I could tell it was chock full of goodness, but I waited to open it until today (our early Christmas celebration). Oh man. What treasure! Fancy chocolate *plus* moon pies? This is like, exactly what I would buy for myself if I were in your neck of the woods--which, by the way, I really want to visit now. Plus scented carmex? I just have the basic stuff. This is really gonna up my game. I'm working on convincing my partner that chocolate with hemp, as a superfood, is a healthy breakfast. Thanks so much, pjsky. Your package made my day.
posted by MrBobinski at 6:35 PM on December 13, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you so much, trillian, for the awesome Rochester gifts! V cool vinyl stickers (seriously, look at that Bowie and F Douglass!), some neat candies (botan ame!), new varieties of teas, and this SWEET mug with my favorite mode of transport on it.

Not pictured: the really gorgeous card showing the Broad St Bridge and the skyline of Rochester. It immediately went up onto the a prized spot on the mantle with the other High-Tier Cards.

The mug and tea were immediately pressed into service since I had a few hundred more cookies to bake. :D It was delicious and fortifying!
posted by introp at 8:26 PM on December 13, 2020 [3 favorites]

metasyntactic, I am so glad you liked the box of goodies! I never thought of using apple butter as a pizza sauce--never thought of making a fruit pizza--but now I'm going to make one with the toppings you listed! How cool!
posted by apartment dweller at 9:24 PM on December 13, 2020 [2 favorites]

I want to thank my Secret Gifter for the amazing package of Aussie snacks! I was gifted with home-backed ANZAC biscuits--lovely thick oat cookies that I immediately dived into. These are great! And my Secret Gifter kindly included the recipe so I can make even more!

Also in my package was a jar of Vegemite: something that, as a vegetarian, I'd wanted to try but was a little afraid to, as my sole knowledge of it came from the Men at Work lyric: "He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich." I followed the directions thoughtfully provided by Secret Gifter, and I spread a slice of my fresh homemade bread, toasted, with a bit of butter and then a thin spread of Vegemite. Friends, this is wonderful! Salty and umani--I could have waited for tomorrow's breakfast but wanted to try it right away. Thanks for the suggestion to pair it with avocado and/or cheese!

And the candy! Oh my. Fantales are little chocolates with a chewy caramel interior, and each wrapper sports a trivia question. I was relieved to be able to answer the question on the first one I ate (answer: the James Bond series). Plus bars of Cadbury chocolates--the real Cadbury, not the American imitation--and two different kinds of Pocky. These are all sweets that are new to me. I am now SO well prepared for the upcoming winter storm that is supposed to dump 16" - 18" of snow in my area on Wednesday.

There's one more reason why this was such a terrific gift for me. I'm not going to change my MeFi name, but alas, I am no longer an apartment dweller. The pandemic plus a work furlough, then layoff in October, accelerated my plans to move into semi-retirement into a house I already owned, in a rural area 90 minutes west from where I used to live in Northern Virginia. I'm fine with that but it's been a bit of an adjustment since spring. While there are some interesting local foodstuffs/farmers markets here, my two grocery store choices are now (1) Walmart and (2) Food Lion. Not exactly good candidates for finding anything remotely exotic. So, thank you, Secret Gifter, as I now feel connected with Australia and the nifty food items that you have loved! I hope you enjoy your stay in the States!
posted by apartment dweller at 10:21 PM on December 13, 2020 [5 favorites]

Many thanks to oceanjesse for my gorgeous tenugui.
I used to live in Gifu, Japan, and the hanabi one especially reminded me of events on the Nagaragawa. I had a delightful convo with the owner of the knife shop they are from - he travels to Seki fairly often as it is a huge knife manufacturing town, and not far from the village where I used to live.
I will display them with honor. Arigatou!
posted by ikahime at 10:20 AM on December 14, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you, StarlyBri for the yummy cheese, spread, and crispy crackers. I am looking forward to eating way too much cheese.

Also thanks for the cool zines and stickers!

I love love love the MeFi swap.
posted by bondcliff at 8:24 AM on December 15, 2020 [3 favorites]

romakimmy! It was such a treat to open your gifts today. A book I've considered picking up more than once, a colouring book with pretty pencils, and an espresso mug with my first initial on it...and the perfect card to top it all off. Cleverly and sweetly done! Thank you and happy holidays!!
posted by wellred at 11:29 AM on December 15, 2020 [4 favorites]

Heyyyyy I got these rad-ass masks from ApathyGirl! Thank you so much.
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:55 PM on December 15, 2020 [3 favorites]

exceptinsects! I got your package and it is fantastic! Thank you for the snacks, especially the bourbon pecan brittle! The erasers are being split between myself and my partners' kid to adorn both our desks. Thank you thank you!
posted by deezil at 4:10 PM on December 15, 2020 [3 favorites]

I have been very, very remiss in not posting my thank you to Stynxno! (It's been a hard few weeks, death in the family, etc.)

I received a signed copy of "American Utopia" by David Byrne and Maira Kalman and I'm very excited to read it!

Also apologies to my giftee - my gift went out late, and then the post office delayed it, and it's just been a comedy of errors. (And the cookies in it are now probably stale, but luckily the rest is not perishable!)

Happy holidays to all! Here's hoping for health and happiness and a not quite as horrible new year to my favorite place on the internet!
posted by firei at 4:37 PM on December 15, 2020 [3 favorites]

Yay deezil, glad you like it! I ALMOST forgot to put the brittle in the envelope and had to reopen and retape it. Yikes.
posted by exceptinsects at 4:47 PM on December 15, 2020 [1 favorite]

A great big thank you to bettafish for their wonderful gift:

I received a super super super super super super super super awesome Mefi-ISS-Space-Embrodery :) and space socks and chocolate - a true Christmas-Space-Feast.

Thank you so much!
posted by mathiu at 3:12 AM on December 16, 2020 [2 favorites]

Space-Tax
posted by mathiu at 3:19 AM on December 16, 2020 [4 favorites]

My Secret Gifter did not include a username, so I am sending out a big thank you to Erik, who sent a delightfully eclectic set of candy, pens, a notebook and hand-made hot sauce. I really like the Enchanted Broccoli forest card!

I hope everyone has as happy a holiday season as possible, under the circumstances, and I wish everyone a safe and healthy 2021!
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 5:20 AM on December 16, 2020 [3 favorites]

Received a box of goodies and we are ecstatic over here. Thank you to the gifter! This will make our upcoming staycation much more enjoyable!
posted by zennie at 11:10 AM on December 16, 2020 [2 favorites]

My gift finally arrived - there was a typo in the address (probably my fault), but some very persistent shippers finally got my box to me. Many thanks to the anonymous mefite who did some sleuthing and gifted me a Universal Yums gift box of snacks from around the world. It's been a supremely rough week, so this really lifted my spirits. Now to practice some self control and not eat the entire giant box in one sitting. Here's to a better 2021, you all have been a lovely respite from a dumpster fire year.
posted by WedgedPiano at 2:39 PM on December 17, 2020 [3 favorites]

I'm thrilled with my gift from TheCoug! It's a terrific key fob, with a coin from a distant land I hope to one day visit held within the leather. My (user) name is even stamped on the back, which will keep any of you lot from trying to make off with it.

They also included a patch featuring a knife-wielding zombie, which perfectly captures my feelings about 2020, and which I'm thinking may end up on a motorcycle tank bag.

Here's the evidence. (The knotted thingy is another swap gift from years past; I now officially have the same number of key chain accessories as I have keys.)
posted by maxwelton at 11:34 PM on December 17, 2020 [4 favorites]

I received an absolutely beautiful gift from my anonymous gift giver. The scarf is so so so cuddly and soft. It is always a wonderful purple colour. Which coincidently is one of my favourite colours. I live in a cold climate so it will be well used. I found the gift after coming home from a hard day at work, finding the gift brightened my day.
posted by daffodil at 12:21 PM on December 18, 2020 [2 favorites]

I received a delightful parcel of treats from erloteiel!

I think I mentioned that I would like something distinctive from the sender’s area, so she sent me a selection of treats from a famous Texan institution. Buc-ees sounds amazing — we certainly don’t have anything like that here in Australia.

I’m a big fan of peanut butter and chocolate (one of the truly great American innovations), but the highlight is the mayhaw jelly. Aside from the novelty of “jelly” (we call it jam), I had never heard of mayhaw, let alone tasted it!

Thanks again, erloteiel!

PS/ The most memorable road trip stop between Melbourne and Sydney used to be a big country bakery selling meat pies with chips (er, fries?) and gravy, but at some point the owners became health obsessives so the chips were replaced with steamed green beans, and they push alternative medicine books that claim you can cure cancer by eating almonds…
posted by robcorr at 1:12 PM on December 18, 2020 [4 favorites]

Update! In addition to the amazing Nerf gun, yesterday 100 foam darts showed up in my mailbox! We are going to have so much fun! Thanks again Vectorcon Systems!
posted by beandip at 8:23 AM on December 19, 2020 [5 favorites]

I just unwrapped two of the most gorgeous little pottery dishes from my Secret Bean. Thank you so much!
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 8:24 AM on December 19, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you so much to nestor_makhno for my very clearly labeled metafilter swap gift! After some confusion where I received an anonymous gift of a hand stitched penguin project, USPS delivered a metafilter box containing prickly pear cactus honey that I’ve never tried before, a trio of Arizona quail sticker, beautiful sunset cactus card and the best named notebook I have ever received, which shall be used as named. What a delight! Thank you!!
posted by tangaroo at 8:33 AM on December 19, 2020 [3 favorites]

thank you so much to sweetmarie for the broad selection of sweet woodland creature-themed gifts. I love everything, and it was so fun to open :) the mouse is now living under my tree (and hopefully warding off real mice.....)
posted by aaanastasia at 8:17 AM on December 20, 2020 [3 favorites]

Thank you penguin pie for my lovely gift of Lego bicycles and Scottish coffee! I look forward to enjoying a cup of the coffee on Christmas morning.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 3:50 AM on December 21, 2020 [5 favorites]

Hahaha, Dorinda and I got each other! Well played, swap boffins!

I got some really amazing loot: a fun cap that I've been wearing around the house, a lovely scented candle, and an AMAZING book about Seattle history! WITH EXTRA MAPS! I am really really excited about this and have definitely placed Seattle on my list of places to visit someday.

Thank you thank you! (And I apologize for using the q*****r terminology; I didn't realize we weren't using it anymore.)

Happy Holidays to all!
posted by orrnyereg at 8:08 AM on December 21, 2020 [2 favorites]

Hooray! Glad it arrived, EndsOfInvention. I'd like to pretend the coffee was grown on the slopes of the Highlands but I'm not entiiiirely sure about that ;)
posted by penguin pie at 2:26 PM on December 21, 2020 [2 favorites]

This has been an up and down complicated Beansmas Secret Beans! I don't know if the package I sent has arrived at its destination, but it went out of the U.S. so maybe not. Will it arrive eventually? I don't know!

Also, a package was sent to me and it was lost. I am so sorry that happened! I hope the original gifter is not super bummed about that. Dangit!

I got second chanced, and the second chancer sent the loveliest of letters and packages. In addition to a very generous donation to the local animal shelter (where I used to volunteer! But they couldn't know that! Holy cow.), a ladle from my wishlist, some wonderful Seattle chocolate and a very beautiful Totoro drinking vessel/pen holder. Thank you so much, wow wow wow. This totally made my day and year!
posted by Glinn at 3:31 PM on December 21, 2020 [2 favorites]

UPDATE: My package did arrive YAY and I totally missed it in this thread because I am a dork. :D
posted by Glinn at 3:56 PM on December 21, 2020 [2 favorites]

Part two (!) of my gift arrived today, which reminded me that I had been extremely remiss in extending my thanks for part one. My lovely Secret Bean sent me some delicious tea and cookies, a book I've been wanting to read, some extremely cool stickers from my favorite monster movies, and this, which makes me giggle every time I think about it. Thank you so much, firei!
posted by darchildre at 7:04 PM on December 21, 2020 [2 favorites]

According to the Royal Mail, the parcel I sent should have arrived in the US nearly three weeks ago, but I fear it's been caught up in the USPS maelstrom. Hopefully it reaches its recipient soon!
posted by EndsOfInvention at 3:19 AM on December 22, 2020 [2 favorites]

Vespabelle, thank you SO much for the amazing gift of so many fun snacks / delicious drink mixes. And the mug rugs are so beautiful - did you make them yourself? I'm super impressed - and my desk is thankful, because I've been using a scrap of fabric as a coaster and mug rugs are soooo much better. Thank you so much! Worth the (USPS related) wait, and a lovely thoughtful gift I can't wait to enjoy!
posted by kellygrape at 5:44 AM on December 22, 2020 [2 favorites]

My gift arrived! And as much fun as the things in the package is that my gifter was also my giftee! So super cool. Thank you so much but no cigar. My cat is rolling around with his new toy, tonight I'm going to dust roasted potatoes with the cacao chili powder, the cozy socks will be on my feet when I go to bed, and the reusable bag is going in the stash and will get good use for a million errands.
posted by Pineapplicious at 10:58 AM on December 22, 2020 [3 favorites]

Pineapplicious, I'm so glad it arrived and that you're enjoying the stash! I sent it a tad late, on 12/08, and have been biting my nails as it snailed across the country. And I'm delighted that we were giftees AND gifters. What a fun coincidence! I've put your delicious spice mixes to good use and rave reviews. Happy holidays to you and yours!
posted by but no cigar at 12:09 PM on December 22, 2020 [3 favorites]

Wow! It arrived - Akrotori, a game I’ve never played designed by two gaming community friends, Jay Cormier and Sen-Foong Lim.

I see no note, so thank you to the Mefite for this amazing gift.
posted by meinvt at 7:25 AM on December 23, 2020 [2 favorites]

Hi everyone, just wanted to drop a quick note that almost all of the gifts have been sent out at this point, and we're at about 90% received.

If you haven't sent something -- please check your email and memail! We've been trying to reach you.

If you've sent something but forgot to tell us about it -- please check your email and memail! We've been trying to reach you too. =)
posted by curious nu at 6:58 AM on December 24, 2020 [4 favorites]

ZenMajek, thank you so much for the yummy looking assortment of teas (I'm brewing a cup right now), super soft yarn (thanks to your sister for sharing her stash), and the pooping reindeer that gave me a much-needed laugh. I enjoyed the cute little animals illustrating the package too. All the best to you and yours!
posted by bunnysquirrel at 2:39 PM on December 25, 2020 [2 favorites]

BOOBIES!

No, really, my secret bean followed my gift suggestion that I like goofy birds and sent a tea towel featuring several types of booby including the blue-footed one, perhaps the most famous. It’s the best towel ever. There was also some tea from Whittard which not only tastes fresh and flavorful but is packaged with variations on the Tenniel illustrations from Alice in Wonderland that are charming enough to save. Secret Bean-er, I didn’t see your username in or on the package, but I’m delighted with it. Thank you very much!
posted by homelystar at 5:58 AM on December 26, 2020 [3 favorites]

Awww - thanks so much to essexjan! It was so exciting to have three parcels to open with absolutely no idea what was within. And it's as if you had somehow secretly divined that my entire plan for the whole three weeks I have off work is to lie on the sofa swathed in comfy things, eating delicious snacks and reading books and the like.

I got several pairs of gorgeously fluffy socks, a copy of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, which I'd never heard of but looks great, and - thrilled gasp - some salted caramel Twix, which I'd also never heard of and look amazing!

Thank you :)

Oh! And I've just noticed the book is inscribed - I love an inscribed book!

And thanks once more to the whole team who organised the exchange - what a huge undertaking at a time when there's already more than enough gift-related admin going on in most of our lives. Thanks to you all x
posted by penguin pie at 7:05 AM on December 26, 2020 [4 favorites]

I'm so happy you like the gifts, penguin pie. I am a canny shopper and so managed three gifts within the price limit, so I'm feeling extra smug now.

I must have ended up on the naughty list, but will be second-chanced in the New Year, so that's something to look forward to after what has been such a strange and twisted year for so many of us.
posted by essexjan at 7:32 AM on December 26, 2020 [3 favorites]

A big thank you to Action Populated for the most amazing items that made our day. My daughter asked me, as she was helping me open the gifts, "why do you have friends from the internet?". A short time later as I was shaking a knit broccoli at her and later a knit eggplant, "This is why I have friends from the internet! How cool is this!?". My daughter is the knitter in the family and absconded with my knit fruit but I still came away with Philly lip balm and herbal tea. It made our day and provided the new experience of knitted fruit in the mail.
posted by jadepearl at 2:47 PM on December 26, 2020 [5 favorites]

I did not see a comment from my beansee here, so I checked with Beanczar mochapickle, and I learned that my beansee has received my gifts. I did not mean to send them anonymously, but one of the gifts came from a company that was new to mail order, and had not set up a system for gift orders. The other package was from Amazon, whom I told this was a gift, but somehow they didn't tell the recipient. I won't name my beansee in case she doesn't want to be named. I am just relieved the gifts found their way into her hands.
posted by zorseshoes at 4:36 PM on December 26, 2020 [1 favorite]

A lovely woodblock from Woodblock100 has arrived from Japan! It is a gorgeous piece of art and wrapped so beautifully! (And i love ravens too!)Thank you so much.
posted by vespabelle at 6:58 PM on December 26, 2020 [3 favorites]

I am so glad that you liked the print. It was a bit of a gamble about shipping out of Japan. I read through your posts and noticed a theme of birds and since you had spent time in the Pacific Northwest, a Corvid seemed appropriate.
posted by jadepearl at 9:25 PM on December 26, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank you Jadepearl!! (Your name wasn't on the package so i didn't know who it came from.)
posted by vespabelle at 11:00 AM on December 27, 2020 [1 favorite]

I finally opened my gift from guster4lovers! I agree that everyone should have some fancy soap, and I'm looking forward to using it. I've already started reading the book, but I'm doing my best to ration it and the snacks so I don't finish them all in one sitting. And the shirt! The design is fantastic and I am going to wear it and happily confuse everyone who hasn't seen The Good Place.

It was a hard Christmas this year, being away from my family and then losing my grandmother to covid yesterday. Getting a present from a relative stranger on the internet who cared enough to research and find things that fit my interests was a bright spot in an otherwise sad season, and words can't adequately express my thanks.
posted by emmling at 1:05 AM on December 28, 2020 [7 favorites]

So sorry for your loss emmling.
posted by ellieBOA at 3:45 AM on December 28, 2020 [2 favorites]

After an understandably arduous journey from Australia, my gift from robcorr arrived containing a very exciting assortment of native Australian herbs and spices from Melbourne Bushfood, a copy of Dark Emu: Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident?, and a thoughtful note, all packed in wood shavings. Delightful! Thank you!
posted by jedicus at 12:59 PM on December 28, 2020 [3 favorites]

I’m so glad you liked everything, emmling! It was so fun to shop for you and I’m glad it made it all the way there safely.

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother, and my thoughts are with you and your family. Covid sucks so much.
posted by guster4lovers at 6:07 PM on December 28, 2020 [2 favorites]

Thank You phunniemee! It was a joy to unwrap each little present and it was such a fun assortment of gifts. I purchased most of my presents for myself this year (I'm betting you can guess why if you read my one post), so it was wonderful to have a thoughtful gift of unexpected goodies. Yes, new here, so forgive my lateness replying to the thank you thread. Happy New Year!
posted by skunk pig at 9:40 PM on December 30, 2020 [3 favorites]

Hello, everyone!

The 2020 gift swap is wrapping up — we've got a few gifts still in transit, and we have a few folks in need of second chancing but I’ve got the volunteers for that and will be filling those requests this weekend.

We had 255 participants this year, mostly split between International and the US. We also introduced the new International Spirit category, and I want to thank the folks that signed up for that and tried it out this year. It seemed to work pretty well and I think that’s something we can continue with in the future in some capacity.

I want to take a moment to put the spotlight on mochapickle for her work managing the swap. If you emailed us, chances are that you talked with her. She was absolutely on top of tracking all of the gifts, questions, comments and concerns that came through, and there is no way that things would’ve gone this well without her care and attention and dedication.

I’ll be sending out the rename-poll this weekend (we didn’t get a lot of feedback on this, but I want to keep to the poll structure), and will do the traditional data-wipe at the end of January once all the SCs are taken care of.

As always, please email or memail us if you have any thoughts for how things could be improved in the future.

Keep safe and healthy, friends.
posted by curious nu at 9:10 AM on December 31, 2020 [13 favorites]

Thank you so much for organising curious nu and mochapickle!
posted by ellieBOA at 9:59 AM on December 31, 2020 [6 favorites]

Thank you curious nu & mochapickle!
posted by EndsOfInvention at 3:31 PM on December 31, 2020 [1 favorite]

Thank you beanczars, and specifically, thank you mochapickle who was so patient and kind with me in email!
posted by zorseshoes at 4:41 AM on January 2, 2021 [2 favorites]

Thank you, curious nu and mochapickle. We all have a lot on our plates at the moment so for you to take on this voluntary task, which I am sure was a whole lot of work, is greatly appreciated.
posted by essexjan at 9:35 AM on January 2, 2021 [1 favorite]

Thanks, eirias, for the perfectly spot-on book and the very cool wrapping paper, which I have saved.

I echo the thanks throughout this thread to curious nu and mochapickle for their awesomeness.
posted by lasagnaboy at 8:11 AM on January 4, 2021 [2 favorites]

Update: the rename poll link should be in participants' email, and the discussion thread is here.

Some very generous folks have stepped up to cover the second chancers and the last handful of gifts should be winging their way out in the next week or so. I'll send a note to the mods requesting to close this thread up at the end of January.
posted by curious nu at 4:07 PM on January 4, 2021 [1 favorite]

WooHoo! Despite the US Postal Service trying their best to NOT deliver my gift (maybe snow and gloom cannot stop them, but the Postmaster General sure can!), I received it this evening! Thank you, cyndigo, for the amazing box filled with hot chocolate, cookie mix (oatmeal raisin - my favorite!), a lovely clutch felt bag, and scented soap (yes, everyone needs scented soap). I cannot wait to try them all in the middle of Iowa winter!

Thank you, curious nu & mochapickle for organizing the swap this year again!
posted by Dotty at 6:39 PM on January 4, 2021 [2 favorites]

A big thank you to Hannala! Your parcel finally arrived - on the first day of lockdown #3 here in the UK. Really brightened up my day!! Thank you so much for the wonderful glögg spices (that's Saturday night sorted then!), ridiculously amazing liquorice from Lakritsfabriken, delicious Russian tea (already drunk two cups) and an amazing Tove Jansson. I adore her novels but I actually hadn't read the one you sent so this is just perfect! :)) Kiitoksia oikein paljon!! Tack så jättemycket :)
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 5:40 AM on January 5, 2021 [2 favorites]

I'm SO late to this and his present was SO early to me - embarrassed face! A HUGE thank you to Just this guy, y'know for sending me what was an incredible and truly local gift. Literally speechless! So thoughtful, so many thanks x
posted by london explorer girl at 2:38 AM on January 8, 2021 [4 favorites]

You're welcome!
I glad you liked it :)
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 7:05 AM on January 8, 2021 [1 favorite]

Received my gift today from an anonymous MeFite! Thank you so much for the book, I’m sure I will enjoy it :)
posted by sevensnowflakes at 5:36 AM on January 20, 2021 [1 favorite]

Hey all, been distracted by everything, but popping back in to say two things. I mentioned way up thread I got my present in late November, but was holding off opening, which I did do ~ Xmas.

And my presents - from someone who wants to remain anonymous - were a space-related book and a cool jazz CD, so they def were paying attention to my interests! Thank you again.

Also, the holiday card thread closed some time ago, but I've still had cards trickling in this month. Seeing the variety of cards was fun. Humorous ones, personal notes, kids pics, etc. Also got a nice thank you note from my giftee.

I also just got some belated fab Secret Santa stuff from another exchange I do, so it's been a nice extended holiday. (The small artificial trees with presents and the Christmas cards are still up!)
posted by NorthernLite at 12:08 PM on January 23, 2021 [2 favorites]

I’m so glad you hadn’t read that Jansson, bigyellowtaxi, I hope you like it!

And 15L06, thank you so very much for the lovely gift! So many treats! I’m especially looking forward to trying the pumpkin seed oil with vanilla ice cream, but everything looks lovely. The package took the long route through Europe – the Secret Beans sent me a tracking number at the end of November, and the package arrived for pick up yesterday. But, good things definitely come to those who wait!
posted by hannala at 10:47 AM on January 27, 2021 [3 favorites]

On a grey, wet and miserable day in Essex, I just had a ring on the doorbell and a parcel was waiting for me. It was my Second Chance Secret Beans from the wonderful mochapickle.

Each gift was beautifully wrapped and tied up with ribbon, and I am happy beyond belief with the thoughtfulness that went into choosing these lovely things, all made in Colorado. Some Jasmine Orange scented oil, a selection of herbal infusions in flavours I love, a gorgeous cutting board and a tote bag made by mochapickle herself, with some very cool buttons on it. There was also a card, plus hidden candies in the parcel, and everyone knows hidden candy is the best,.

Such a beautiful gift, which has made my day.
posted by essexjan at 4:32 AM on January 30, 2021 [4 favorites]

My thanks are overdue. damayanti sent delicious treats, very much the brief, and they brightened up my Covid Christmas Day.
posted by theora55 at 10:24 AM on February 6, 2021 [1 favorite]

My mail goes to a post office box, and for a variety of reasons, I did not get around to checking my mail for most of the month of January. I was completely surprised yesterday when I found that I have received a second Secret Beans gift. Perhaps I fell onto the Second Chancer list somehow, or the selection process signed me up twice by accident, but I received two gifts this year.

Aeroboros sent stout! It is really delicious stout! I am amazed that it survived the trip in the mail from almost the other side of the planet, but my goodness, I am grateful.

Thank you to everyone who organised and participated in this year's gift exchange. I hope that everyone has a safe and healthy 2021.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 6:05 PM on February 9, 2021

ME, we looked into this and just sent you an email! Cheers!
posted by mochapickle at 7:49 PM on February 9, 2021

Hooray. Thanks to the excellent second chancer Multicellular Exothermic I was delighted to receive an exciting parcel from Canada. I was very exited by the limestone, from the Niagara Escarpment, and the lovely map of its location. I have already enjoyed some of the chocolate and am drinking coffee with maple syrup (something I haven’t tried before and is rather nice) from a beautiful fox mug.

I should note that the 5 year old currently staying with me has declared that the box the mug came in is the “best box” and “why this is the best day” and noted that she loves foxes and want to go to Canada to meet them all. So additional thanks and gratitude from her!
posted by Gilgongo at 5:42 AM on February 13, 2021 [2 favorites]

I had a somewhat bedraggled and bruised package all the way from Osaka arrive on my porch on Tuesday, just in time to brighten my midwinter with Secret Swap goodies from emmling. The box spilled out a trove of individually-wrapped presents, seemingly no worse for their long voyage (sent Dec 2nd!) - and what a haul!
There's takoyaki and grilled cheese flavored snacks, pineapple candy, fancy kitkats, takoyaki socks, a pretty mask and mask case, grown-up matcha chocolates, origami paper (gorgeous), an omamori charm to amabie (timely!), some stationary items including a Hello Kitty pen where I'm pretty sure HK is wearing a takoyaki hat and erasers shaped like miniature realistic dim sum, and what feels like a gatcha prize I haven't opened yet because I want something to look forward to this weekend. She also put little notes with everything, giving color commentary and context or flavor details.
Really, really thoughtful and I'm just so grateful and happy. Thank you. <3
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:50 AM on March 11, 2021 [5 favorites]

You're welcome, ApathyGirl! I had a lot of fun finding things to send to you. When I dropped it off at the post office they helpfully informed me it wouldn't make it in time for Christmas, but I didn't expect it to take 3.5 months!
posted by emmling at 4:24 AM on March 12, 2021 [4 favorites]