I’ve done a ton of exchanges. I’ve had good Santas, I’ve had not-quite-as-good Santas (as well all have at some point), but FondOfOwls is actually factually the BEST secret Santa.

From the get-go my Santa was amazing, asking before my gift was shipped my thoughts on homemade cookies (which was declined for personal reasons but was such a sweet and generous offer). That’s not the only way FondOfOwls went above and beyond!

Not only were my gifts sent to her to wrap instead of directly to me (which, I’m totally guilty of sending gifts direct so I can spend more on the gift instead of shipping), but she even included cards for both my boyfriend and myself cards wishing us happy holidays (he’s Jewish, so he got a Hanukkah card!) with hand drawn pictures inside (including an owl in mine, which is so perfect because it’s my classroom theme), one of which she even made!

My Santa seems to share my love of practical nerdiness, because I’ve never had anyone hit it so square on. Star Trek ensignia stud earrings (my pup is Dr Leonard McCoy and I like to subtly rep him everywhere I can!), a Star Trek Enterprise pizza cutter (nerdy, yet practical!), and a Harry Potter circle scarf on custom material (to keep me cozy out at playground duty!).

All of these were unwrapped while I made ridiculous excited noises and my boyfriend half rolled his eyes at my nerding out. Until we got to the snacks. Oh goodness the snacks.

Boyfriend and I both love to try new things, and we love all kinds of treats (it’s a favorite part of going new places), so I always ask my Santa for a “local taste,” or some of their favorite treats. Caramel corn (which I’m totally not sharing), sour gummies (which boyfriend is trying to stake as his own... we’ll see), wild & cherry gummies (what does wild taste like? Let’s find out!), salt & vinegar chips (which we’re going to have as fish and chips for dinner in the next week, and yes I know it’s usually not that kind of chip), and dark chocolate sea salt caramels. Which. Oh. My. God. Those are the only ones we’ve gotten into at this point (pretty sure the rest are being saved for an upcoming movie night), and they’re a beautiful thing. I do not think that giant jar is long for this world.

I will admit I did a little stalking of my Santa before making this post (I had assumed she was a girl, but I wanted to be sure before posting!), and guys, I’m really blown away. Her entire account is gifting. Secret Santa, random acts of Amazon, card exchanges... I’m simply blown away by the generosity that exists in this person.

Can you nominate a best Santa ever? If so, I’d like to submit mine.

FondOfOwls, you’re amazing. Thank you for being you (and my Santa!).