You'll have to forgive me if it feels like I'm a little bit disjointed in my structure, but I have been trying for the last ten minutes to think about how to even start to talk about how bowled over I am by my secret santa.

In the lead up to this exchange, my SS was in constant contact reassuring me that this was gonna be a one of a kinda experience and worth the wait, but even I couldn't anticipate what was to come.

Arriving today via courier, I arrived how late tonight from work to a large non-discript box at my landing. Hurrying it inside, I could only guess what it would contain and took it in to be opened, fighting against my instinct to tear it apart at the seems.

Starting off at the forefront of the box there was an handwritten envelope, explaining and teasing the different elements to come, while also containing containg a couple of classic Pokemon cards featuring my favourite Pokemon, Cubone (Remember that.) as well as the much sought after Legendary Mew card still in it original wrapper. Something I was shocked even still existed. These were topped off with the inclusion of a code for Pokémon Yellow for my 3DS, undoubtedly the most complete experience from Gen 1.

Honestly, this could have been enough here and I would have been more than bowled over but we were only getting started.

Attached to the envelope was a figure of Ho-oh, one of the legendary birds from Gen II (Personal favourite) whose status in the series was strangely mirroring the status of this gift.

Beside this was an old school Pokémon Annual, the kinda that would have enjoyed almost every Christmas like clockwork. Detailing every Pokémon from Gen I-Gen II as well as providing background and trivia for different characters and episodes from the show. It was a sweet thought that added some major charm to the gift but what was still to come was beyond any expectation for me, and honestly I could create a whole album and whole other gallery for them alone.

Starting with the one closest to the top...

It was mentioned to me before the gift was delivered that there would be at least one gift within it that I was to take extra special care with. I was really unsure what this could be but awaited it with anticipation. From the letter at the start, I knew that it was ordered from a 3D printers in Spain, delivered to the UK, and personally hand-painted by SS herself to create something truly one of a kind, special, and unique. What I found was that my SS had granted me my very own Bulbasaur.

This beautiful piece of craftsmanship captures the true spirit of the Pokémon, not just in colour and shape, but also in personality. Every element of detail, even down to his mischievous grin is clear to see and equipped with his own cactus plant, the spirit of the creature lives on.

It even got the the sign of approval from my own little Houndour, and just when I tought the box of wonder was done, I saw it contain another smaller box containing an illuminating key-chain featuring Pikachu (or the classic schoolyard rumoured, Pikablu, depending on colour at the time).

The final gift however was something REALLY sweet that helped tie the whole experience together. Towards the bottom of the box was a small makeshift folder, in which my SS displayed her artistic flair yet again but the extent of which I would only realise upon opening it to find a hand drawn and coloured sketch of Cubone, one again, my all time favourite Pokémon. The level of detail, not just in the Pokémon, which is breath-taking, but also in the surrounding environment is outstanding. You have amaing talent as an artist and the level of expertion in this alone is a great example of this and I really look forward to framing this and giving it the exposure it deserves.

Now id the most difficult part of this experience because as with the start, I find myself lost for words. It's easier to describe the contents of my gift and how amazing they all are but its harder to explain the level of gratitude I have for all that you put together.

From gift one , you more tan exceeded the call of duty but who managed to make this something else entirely. The level of imagination, creativity, respect, and even love, that you put into this is incredible and I cannot thank you enough.

You truly made this a fantastic experience and aside from my eternal gratitude, I can only hope that your SS has treated you if in a fraction as well as you have treated me.

You are an incredible person with a great heart and an undeniable creative talent, and I hope that the amount of work that you have put in here comes pays off in major karma dividends (both the reddit and and regular kind.)