Heh. I got exactly the same speech from my sister last year.

quester, your effort was fan-fucking-tastic! I got such a wonderful box of goodies today, I couldn't stop squeeing. It's the perfect compendium of useful and quirky stuff.

It started out when I opened the box and there was a card that said to read it first, which I did, being soooo law-abiding and respectful. It held wonderful wishes for the holidays, but best of all, it was written on a separate piece of paper, so the card is still usable! It's got a gorgeous winter scene photograph on the front and I will enjoy sending it to someone who will also appreciate it.

Then, I dug into the super good stuff. There was a Cheshire cat mug, where warm liquids make the ink fade and all that's left is the cat's grin. I can't wait to take that in to work and see all the looks it's going to get! It's a very timely gift as I've started drinking more tea at work and I don't like to use the same cup that I use for coffee, so now I'll have a dedicated cup. Absinthe lip balm, Zombie mints, Pirate band-aids, Bacon-scented air freshener--all the essentials that proclaim the owner is a Buffista. Then, there's a small bottle of hand lotion and a couple of hand-made soaps made with prairie botanicals that smell just so lovely and herbal. I'm taking the lotion to work, because it's non-greasy and I appreciate that so much when I'm on the computer all day. Plus, a navy blue fringed scarf which is around my neck right now keeping it warm in this damn chilly weather. And, last but not least, a $25 gift card for Barnes and Noble (which I prefer to Borders, so that is just awesome sauce on top of so much awesome cake!) I'm still grinning so hard, my cheeks hurt.

Thank you, quester!

ahhh it brings a smile to my face remembering my box of gifties from quester last year. Her secret santees are indeed a lucky bunch, she does fantastic boxes.

::nods::

quester does indeed send awesome-tastic Secret Santa gifts. I was a lucky recipient one year.

I love hearing about them every year--they always sound fabulous.

Thank you, quester!

You are so welcome! Wow, that got there fast! I just mailed it Monday, I think.

I thought the scarf was purple, so I thought you'd like it. But, hey, if it's navy it's all good!

I rushed to post and just noticed Amy and msbelle's posts. You guys are making me blush!

Choosing presents is one of my favorite things! Too bad I can't figure out a way to do it for a living.

At this point, I would pay you. I have no presents and no ideas. I really need to get off my shit this weekend.

(Not for my SS - actually, that's the one person I do have ideas for. Family, not so much.)

I thought the scarf was purple, so I thought you'd like it. But, hey, if it's navy it's all good!

It could be purple. I've got a lot of fluorescent lights in my place and later in the day without any natural light coming in colors can be kinda skewed. Both colors work for me, so I'm happy with either. I just love the weight of it, it's perfect.

Family is always tough.

I always start by thinking of the person and what they have said and done, what they have expressed an interest in. Then I look for things that remind me of them and the things that they like.

Buffistas make it so easy with the lists and all the easily trolled posting.