On March 9th, I spent a whole day browsing /r/secretsanta and contemplating on whether I should cancel my participation. This was my first exchange, and I seriously didn’t know what to expect - but the whole thing seemed very exciting and fun, and I regretted never signing up for Secret Santa 2015. After reading a bunch of disappointed giftees’ “I was shafted!“ posts, I decided it was better not to expect much for the gifts and just enjoy the gifting part (I am an expert stalker, anyway!).

But my Santa was above and beyond. Her gifts were so thoughtful and creative, and almost everything was handcrafted, based on the notes I mentioned. The whole package inspired me a lot reminding me how giving really should be. I genuinely believe this is the best gift sent out EVER. I suck at describing the awesomeness of this gift (the synonyms on Thesaurus.com is not enough) so please check out the pictures too!

The first thing I noticed as I received the box was the USPS shipping fee. She spent $22.21 on just shipping! I felt so bad, but the gorgeous wonders inside was totally worth it. Upon opening the package, an absolutely adorable cute character I think is original greeted me (was it placed so that the “Enjoy!” could show? GOLD). There was a very personal and nice message on it which warmed my heart. Thank you for the encouragement - I feel so excited to go to university/college now!

Then came a black bag full of lovely cards - colourful cupcakes, watermelon, and adorable animals. Ugh they are too pretty! I want to use them immediately, but a greedier part of me wants to keep them all for myself. I actually have them displayed on the wall right now.

Next was a beautiful set of pens - ornamented by my Santa herself, inspired by the things I liked! I put a list of my favorites on the “Notes to help your santa” section thinking maybe my gifter will pick me out some letterset or something relating to it, but no, she created those pretties from almost scratch, the only ones in the entire world. I was so touched at the fact that someone took the time and energy to make something unique for me.

I absolutely LOVE Pokemon, rain, Star Wars, and pastries (the chocolate coating looks so real!). The husky dog is especially special for me because I didn’t mention this in the notes, but it’s my school’s symbol. Despite them being thoughtfully wrapped in bubble-wrap unfortunately, some parts were broken; but I’m going to a professional aka my art teacher & hot glue to try to put it back on.

Under the pens were two sheets of stickers my giftee bought while she went to Korea. Thank you for sharing me a part of your trip! More reasons to go fly to Korea. Too much adorableness.

All this and I’m not finished yet! In the deep end of the box were two beautifully decorated notebooks. I mentioned that I like the night, so Santa drew me the nightscape of where she lives - New York City. The cover is so colourful and beautiful, with tall skyscrapers, helicopters, starry sky and of course the Statue of Liberty. You just made me want to see the night city of NYC myself; time to plan a trip! The other notebook is nature-themed and is freaking adorable. I love the art style, the way the plants are coloured are so perfect! Can’t wait to start writing on them.

Ah, wait, there’s still a small box I haven’t opened yet. Inside were a cute picture of Mickey Mouse and a Tsumu-tsumu style Mickey Mouse chain! It is so excellently made I thought it was official, but it’s 200% better than the ones mass-produced in factories, this is handcrafted so delicately. Totally jealous of her crafting skills! I’ll never be able to make something this small and elegant.

Santa, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the amazing, wonderful gifts! I never expected to receive this many and I’m so moved at the amount of time, resource, effort, thought and creativity you put into the fun awesome package. These are my favorite stationery ever and I’ll use the special pens well in university as you said! I’m sorry for the late gallery post but I just couldn’t express enough the surprise, excitement and happiness after I opened your gift. You really inspired me to become a great gifter like you. Again, thank you so much, and I already said this in the PM, but you are the BEST SANTA EVER!