So I just found out about Secret Santa and thought it would be fun to do. The past year I moved far away from where I grew up and this is going to be my first Christmas not spent with family. On top of that, moving from North to South has been weird, because this is the first Winter I will not be experiencing snow, and the warm weather has made Winter/Christmas feel non-existent and surreal. I thought participating in Secret Santa would be a fun and interesting experience to help me feel like it is actually Christmas time, and I was matched with such a kind and thorough Secret Santa who helped me feel that holiday spirit!

The gifts were sooo thoughtful! They were beautifully wrapped as well! I love the little detail belt that was on one of the boxes and had to photograph that too. :)

I mentioned I like cosmetics and handmade items, and I was so excited to receive a handmade lipstick from someone studying Cosmetic Science! The color is a nice shimmery red that starts off sheer and builds in intensity with layering. It also feels lightweight and moisturizing! I love the feel of it! I included swatch photos and before/after applying it.

Secret Santa knew I LOVE to bake, and got me some awesome piping tips for cake decorating! Also included were festive Christmas sprinkles and some cute cookie cutters! I can't wait to use these! In the note she mentioned she looked specifically for bug-shaped cookie cutters since I also love observing insects. That was sooo nice and thoughtful! She mentioned that one of the cookie cutters, a unicorn horn, could also be used as a caterpillar. I did not own any insect cookie cutters and am super excited to use these!

I had mentioned I like art supplies (and that one of my favorite colors is silver), and received some beautiful artsy metallic markers!

I mentioned liking neat stones, and received a pretty amethyst rock!

I mentioned liking cookbooks (and that I'm vegetarian), and received a vegetarian book filled with awesome sounding recipes! She also sent me an extremely thorough book on insects, with photographs of each species which is sooo useful for me when trying to identify what I see out in the wild.

Secret Santa, I can't thank you enough! You went above and beyond and I am very appreciative! I tried to list a bunch of my interests to make it easier to have options when figuring out a gift (not expecting every interest to be addressed!) I feel like you managed to send something that addressed every interest I listed, and that was so thoughtful and generous of you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!