My SS certainly went above and beyond this year. We received a healthy mix of items that we'll enjoy in the short term (edibles) and also some items that will stick with us for years and years.

A Manga Cross-Stitch Book + Make Your own pattern software: I can make my own freaking graphic art needlework patterns? WHAT! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

Super Mario Bros. style Mushroom Wine Cork: For the unforeseeable infinite future, every time I recork a bottle of wine, I'll think fondly of my SS 2013 match. You can't buy that with money. (Hmm.. Well, I guess she actually did buy that with money).

Beer Bottle Mustache: I actually can't grow a mustache. She didn't know this fact about me, but it was meant to be. I can now, while drinking a beverage adorned with the mustache add-on, longingly gaze into the mirror with a new found feeling of self-satisfaction and manliness.

Super Mario Bros. Candy Tin: To the office with you, sweet sweet tin and sweet sweet candy.

Bow Tie Wine Glass Charms: I didn't tell my match that I like to drink wine, she learned it with careful sleuthing. Whatever my current level of "I like to drink wine" is, we've now just cranked the dial up a notch now that I can drink out of wine glasses with that bow-tie level of class. Take THAT, everybody!

Touchscreen Friendly Gloves: I'VE NEEDED A PAIR OF THESE FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS.

Hanitizer: ...or Hand Sanitizer if you're not my time-saving word-smith offspring.

Colored Pencils and Markers: The pencils were sharpened and put into use almost immediately. The markers are waiting for an unknown special occasion. These are actually the time of markers I carry with me when I expect an encounter with a celebrity and have something special to get autographed.

PBS Kids Chalkboard Surface Number Blocks: These were included for the kiddo in my life. She is unaware that they exist (that is, if you are reading this prior to Christmas 2013). I decided to unwrap for the photo and will re-wrap for placement back under the tree.

Greeting Card: My favorite part of the card were the phrases "goes with burgers" and "om nom nom" that were used to describe some of my SS's favorite wines. I'm actually very happy she thought to do this. I REALLY enjoy this type of wine purchase guidance. The small inclusion of "here's some stuff I like to drink and you should too" is one of my favorite parts of this exchange.

Nutella and Rice Krispies Treats: If you are reading this and you haven't eaten Nutella spread atop Rice Krispies Treats warned slightly in the oven, go do it... NOW!

Other nice touches were the fact that the shipping box was lined with wrapping paper on the inside. I was very, very lucky.