2024 MetaFilter Gift Swap - Arrival - thank you!

November 16, 2024 8:59 PM

A place to share that your gift from the swap arrived.
posted by 15L06 to MetaFilter-Related at 8:59 PM (79 comments total)

On Friday i received a lovely box of various organic herbal teas!!
I cannot tell who sent it, so thank you to the secret gifter. It looks lovely, smells delightful, and the ones i have Had so far taste very good. 🌝
posted by 15L06 at 7:05 AM on November 17 [9 favorites]

Thank you to the anonymous MeFite who sent me super juicy gummy bears and an array of cat-themed pens! I'm especially partial to the silver one that says, "I can't, my cat said no."
posted by yarntheory at 11:57 AM on November 19 [12 favorites]

My super speedy secret beanser sent me this giant tome: The Oxford Companion to Food, which arrived safe and sound before the rain started. I'm really looking forward to tucking in. Thank you so much mysterious benefactor, and I wish you a happy and tasty festive season!
posted by bunnysquirrel at 4:52 AM on November 21 [5 favorites]

Hi Yueliang! Thanks so much for the sensory sand and magnetic men! As we are great minds thinking alike, these items are similar to ones I've been gifting this year. I look forward to seeing our holiday guests experiment with these and then doing my best to expand further!
posted by beaning at 4:49 PM on November 21 [6 favorites]

Oh gosh, that's so amazing to hear, I'm glad you are enjoying them and that warms my heart! I hope it's okay that I sent them if you already sent something similar to others, is that considered a good thing?? haha! Also could I ask, how are you going to expand further?
posted by yueliang at 12:00 AM on November 22 [3 favorites]

I must have been extra good this year, because I got a second helping of secret beans - a book about new-to-me hobby soapmaking - this time with a card. Excellent choices, and thank you again aniola!
posted by bunnysquirrel at 1:39 AM on November 22 [5 favorites]

Hi Yuiliang - it's fine, these are the kind of items where more can be better in encouraging creativity and use. I have no formal or inherent artistic bent so mostly I watch what others do and how they do it and then see if I can mimic it, and maybe do something bigger or modified to my tastes.
posted by beaning at 7:01 AM on November 22 [4 favorites]

Hi beaning -- that sounds so fun, thanks for taking the time to explore and explain that!! I'm really happy it was received so well and I only wish lots of fun and quality time for you and your loved ones and whatever y'all get up to with them!
posted by yueliang at 9:28 AM on November 22 [6 favorites]

My gift arrived, but I'm trying to put off opening it.
(Narrator, probably: She opened it later that weekend.)

I don't know who my Secret Beanser is (yet?), but thank you so much.
posted by NorthernLite at 9:56 AM on November 23 [3 favorites]

Happy birthday to ...[CLAP CLAP CLAP] ... Okay, guys, wait for it.

Now, all together...Happy Birthday to ...[CLAP CLAP CLAP] ... Look, you have to wait for it.

So, again. Happy ...[CLAP CLAP CLAP] ...

Ah, forget it. Bring on the Tequila depth charges and Relleno platters.
posted by mule98J at 3:36 PM on November 23

thank you so much RobinofFrocksley for the cat calendar, tea, and card of virtual vacation destinations! I love this so much -- and the cat card and wrapping paper were purr-fect <3
posted by aaanastasia at 12:53 PM on November 25 [6 favorites]

A couple of firsts here:

* I have been beaned by the eponysterical beaning with a box of lovely goodies, including a cool fidget geegaw for fussing with while reading MF, a printed tea towel (for lack of better description) with the illustrated 12 days of Texas xmas on it, and a happy face balloon kit (built by providing some air), which I may use to (carefully) see if mr dog will do the boop the balloon into the air game (I have my doubts, but worth one shot, surely!). There was also a hand-written card in the box with kind words inscribed on it, which was lovely. Thanks beaning!

* I have accumulated the goodies needed to send out my gift, have found a box and will hopefully be sending via usps tomorrow and will update the trackinator as events warrant. (I am usually woefully behind on this task, yay me if it actually goes out tomorrow.)
posted by maxwelton at 9:34 PM on November 25 [6 favorites]

Want to give a big thanks to Scout405 for my box of goodies. Along with a bunch of excellent crafting supplies they sent an amazing (and well timed) book: Let's Move the Needle: An Activism Handbook for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers; Build Community and Make Change! which I have a feeling I will be getting a few more copies of as gifts to my similarly crafty friends. Thanks!
posted by Captain_Science at 8:35 AM on November 26 [7 favorites]

I did get my modest box of loot into the clutches of the USPS and trackinatored, so feel likeI accomplished something today. Time for a nap.
posted by maxwelton at 4:52 PM on November 26 [5 favorites]

Thank you so much, gifter! I got the package yesterday but am going to wait to open it.
posted by odd ghost at 7:45 AM on November 28 [3 favorites]

I received a parcel today from Vienna (!), which I will save and open on Christmas Day. Thank you kind MeFite!

My gift to my recipient will be mailed early next week. There's something very specific to my local area that I want to get which I will be able to buy either tomorrow or on Saturday, and I'll then send it on its way on Monday.
posted by essexjan at 9:01 AM on November 28 [4 favorites]

My gift was mailed earlier today, and will be delivered early next week!
posted by cozenedindigo at 8:58 AM on November 29 [3 favorites]

My daughter is making the card for my outbound gift - it'll get in the mail tomorrow. And I got my first holiday card!!! SO NICE!
posted by nkknkk at 11:50 AM on November 29 [3 favorites]

I know my giftee got my gift (via mail tracking) but the site I bought it from didn't allow a note. Hopefully they saw the note I asked the organisers to pass on for context :D
posted by creatrixtiara at 6:14 PM on November 29 [2 favorites]

FYI for international gifters: Canada Post is currently on strike.
posted by cozenedindigo at 3:38 AM on November 30 [4 favorites]

I sent my gift on the 26th and updated the trackinator today; my recipient should get the package soon if they haven't already. Season's beans to all!
posted by Lawn Beaver at 5:16 PM on November 30 [4 favorites]

Hey maxwelton, thank you so much for the box of chocolates and bonus book! Sweet Mona's Chocolates are divine and I am enjoying them so much. Whidbey Island sounds like a magical place and now I am imagining a sweet, goofy, Hallmark Christmas movie set there, where a friendly, Terry Pratchett loving resident and his trusty dog Brodie make holiday dreams come true! Thank you again for your generosity and perfect secret beans execution!
posted by pjsky at 9:20 AM on December 1 [5 favorites]

pjsky, glad to have sent the box, and pleased you are enjoying it! I would be very enthusiatic about the movie idea if the lovely big-city-successful blonde woman protagonist is set to discover what is missing from her life is a broke, pudgy, bald old hermit with a cute-but-grudging-about-making-new-friends dog.
posted by maxwelton at 9:39 PM on December 1 [4 favorites]

divabat thank you so much for the Ace Attorney game! I asked for “anything you like” and also talked about how I like well-designed games, so you picked a game you love that is really well designed. I’ve heard of the series forever, but had never actually played, so this is great. Thank you!

(And I’m sorry I didn’t respond right away, I was traveling to AU of all places. I waved from the plane!)
posted by jragon at 1:17 PM on December 2 [5 favorites]

jragon: I'm creatrixtiara now but yay!! I hope you enjoy :D
posted by creatrixtiara at 1:45 PM on December 2 [3 favorites]

A very exciting looking package arrived for me (!!!), and I'm waiting til my semester is wrapped up to unwrap it. It’s such a gift to have a surprise waiting for me on the other side of grading!
posted by beccasaurus at 6:46 PM on December 2 [5 favorites]

A Secret Beans package landed at my place yesterday and I am entirely delighted! It is an item from my wish list, but probably the best, cutest and most festive of all the things. It is a capybara rechargeable light. It is soft and you can prod it gently to turn the light on and off. It came in a cute bright blue gift bag, too. Thank you, secret beanser! Did I mention it is delightful!?

Today I mailed out some secret beans and filled out the trackinator.
Thank you, rhyspenbras and okayokayigive, and everyone! :-D
posted by Glinn at 9:06 AM on December 3 [5 favorites]

I received word that my gift is hitting the streets today, so with luck it should arrive in a couple of days. TRACKINATOR UPDATED!!

Good luck, little package!
posted by wenestvedt at 9:23 AM on December 3 [5 favorites]

Came home from Thanksgiving travel to a lovely pack of origami paper from cyndigo - truly beautiful and I can't wait to get started making some cranes! Thank you to everyone who organizes and participates in this annually - I appreciate it!
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 1:41 PM on December 3 [6 favorites]

I sent my parcel yesterday and updated the trackinator. A little bit of Essex is on its way to Switzerland!
posted by essexjan at 1:57 PM on December 3 [5 favorites]

Thanks jason6! I arrived home to find a special package in the mail. I was going to hold off on opening it but that lasted about 10 minutes. Thanks for the lovely cards made by a local artist!
posted by kbar1 at 5:31 PM on December 3 [5 favorites]

I opened my swap gift last night - the most gorgeous set of penguin coasters! They are simply perfect in every way, thank you so much! The note had a personal name, but not the MeFi user name, so I do hope you see this!
posted by dorey_oh at 9:23 PM on December 3 [5 favorites]

Hi dorey_oh! That was me! I meant to send you a card letting you know a gift would be delivered directly from the vendor, but in typical me fashion the card sat in my purse until last Friday. I'm so glad you like the coasters!
posted by kbar1 at 9:47 AM on December 4 [7 favorites]

Haha, kbar1, I totally hear ya about "meant to send that" items! Glad you saw my note here!
posted by dorey_oh at 10:45 AM on December 4 [6 favorites]

Beans are here and they are fabulous!! A massive thank you to darsh!

I'm working on posting pics and details of all the fabulous things but couldn't wait to say THANK YOU! More info on the beans coming soon!!
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 3:42 PM on December 5 [4 favorites]

So I opened this box labeled FRAGILE and check out the beans!! The envelope covered in shiny fun stickers had a lovely card (look at that magnificent bobcat) from darsh that got me even more excited to unwrap everything.

There's a glorious colorful garland made of paper birds from a women's coop in Nepal which is the perfect final touch for my current bird themed holiday kitchen vibe. A totally amazing mug* with tasty looking tea. And a perfectly whimsical lion head cork (y'all my gift guidance asks for exactly this type of object so I feel very seen by this cork).

*Oh man you guys look at it. Look at the mug . He is absolutely just what I needed in my life right now and he fits my hand perfectly. My dog was so excited about all the beans but especially thrilled about meeting the mug and welcoming it home with a kiss.

I'm having my morning coffee in my new best buddy right now and feeling like the luckiest bean receiver. So perfect. THANK YOU darsh!
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 6:53 AM on December 6 [7 favorites]

A sweet little package was waiting for me when I got home from a very. long. day. Inside was a Build on Brick Mug! I have wanted one of these for years and I’m so delighted to have one at long last.

Thanks you mysterious sender!
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 11:52 AM on December 6 [3 favorites]

My gift arrived today! Thank you wenestvedt! Appropriately enough for this grey and cold winter day, I received some hot chocolate and cinnamon from Penzey's Spices! I've been meaning to try their products, so thanks again!
posted by cozenedindigo at 12:09 PM on December 6 [5 favorites]

cozenedindigo, I am glad they arrived amid this cold snap!

Enjoy some hot chocolate while you pick out a recipe or two, then crank up the oven and make something sweet & spicy with that cinnamon. (I suggest muffins with Nutella, and cinnamon sugar on top, but YDY!)
posted by wenestvedt at 12:26 PM on December 6 [3 favorites]

A belated thank you to my beanser, oddghost! She sent me a book called (lDirtbag, Massachusetts by Isaac Fitzgerald, which I've already started reading, some chocolate-covered cranberries (yum!), a vanilla cupcake scented candle, and a box of Ouija board mints. Thanks so much! : )
posted by SisterHavana at 2:17 PM on December 6 [3 favorites]

This is a pre-Thank You. My Secret Bean gift arrived on my doorstep today.

However, because I probably won't get any (tangible) Hanukkah gifts at all, I'm going to wait to open it. I didn't know if the contents were wrapped, so I haven't even opened the box to see who sent it. So, I can't thank you directly yet, but consider this gratitude for having sent something. Just the box on my front step delighted me! (More later...)
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 4:41 PM on December 6 [6 favorites]

Thank you to dorey_oh for the lovely two-part beansing. Both the kid and the cats are enjoying the crocheted cephalopods and I'm trying to decide when to debut my new t-shirt. Sticker is waiting for me to bring my waterbottle home so I can put it on it. Or maybe if I'm feeling really smart, I'll bring the sticker to work tomorrow.

To my beanee, I'm headed to a place where I'm hoping to acquire your beans today. As always I'm running behind but I'm still moving forward. Beans will happen.
posted by sciencegeek at 6:01 AM on December 7 [4 favorites]

My beans are on their way and thanks for the intel on the Canadian strike. My USPS postal worker said “Canada is closed” (I a sure this was hasty shorthand from a long day) and I was bewildered as this affects some of my cards, not my Secret Beans.
posted by childofTethys at 11:49 AM on December 8 [3 favorites]

Hey The Wrong Kind of Cheese!!! Rubydooby here, and so glad the gift made it safely to you! Yes, everything is wrapped inside the wrapped box, so please open and enjoy the anticipation.
I got an email letting me know that my surprise is on the way... Yippee!!!
posted by Rubydooby at 11:58 AM on December 8 [4 favorites]

Hello theBigRedKittyPurrs. I'm happy you liked the mug. There is a second part to the gift, but I had it shipped to myself and it's currently one state away...hope to get it to you soon. Cheers!
posted by homelystar at 5:48 PM on December 8 [4 favorites]

ZenMajek sent me the most delightful and fantastic 3-D printed set of figures, and I couldn't be happier if I tried! They designed and created a woman, sitting on a chair, arms stretched out as their butter-colored cat stretched their paws back at her. It's so beautiful and thoughtful, and the joy in the work is palatable. Thanks so very much, Zenmajek! You're the best!
posted by but no cigar at 11:21 PM on December 8 [5 favorites]

My beans arrived Saturday. Except it's not beans, it's cheese! From Wisconsin. And cheese curds, too. Can't wait to try those as I have never had cheese curds. Thanks Twicketface!
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 8:16 AM on December 9 [5 favorites]

The package I sent arrived at its Swiss destination on 6 December, super-quick given that Royal Mail was involved, at least at my end.
posted by essexjan at 11:31 AM on December 9 [5 favorites]

The package I sent arrived on the 5th, or so says USPS!
posted by centrifugal at 12:02 PM on December 9 [4 favorites]

My gift to my recipient is scheduled to arrive Wednesday! Ho ho ho, Merry Happy Beans!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:08 PM on December 9 [4 favorites]

Mine is too! Big day Wednesday!
posted by phunniemee at 2:50 PM on December 9 [4 favorites]

Huge thanks to my gifter who nailed it with a great book and extra item from my wish list and an awesome note letting me know more about them! I am not 100% sure they actually revealed their identity in the note, so gifter, I would absolutely love to connect with you here and please message me if you see this! I'll try sending a message to who I think you are directly, too :) Anyway I LOVE IT! Happy seasons to all!
posted by hansbrough at 9:06 PM on December 9 [5 favorites]

Cozenedindigo I love my Beansmas gift! The socks are just darn perfect (and are just what I need to get through some errr... challenging holiday visits) and the puzzle is really beautiful. It's been a hectic time and just looking at the picture is calming me down. Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful gift. It made my day.
A merry beansmas to all!!
posted by Pretty Good Talker at 10:35 PM on December 9 [4 favorites]

I received lovely tea! I don’t have the Mefi handle for the sender, so thank you, mystery mefite.

I away from home for a few weeks, but Mr. Nat is visiting so he brought the tea with him when we came to visit. As he said upon opening, “this smells really good”.

I tried the chocolate mint (mm), he tried the Christmas, and we both tried blueberry. So far the chocolate mint is my winner, and I’m very much looking forward to trying the rest.
posted by nat at 7:56 AM on December 10 [5 favorites]

Hi Nat!
I sent you the tea from a tea/coffee shop near where I used to work. I tried the Christmas tea myself while I was there. I don't drink tea, but whenever I get coffee from there, the smell fills my entire car.

On another note, I got my gift today from edencosmic, which were two bags of popcorn and chips from a local company west of DC (Route 11 Chips). I can't say I've ever had Old Bay flavored popcorn, I look forward to checking this out.
posted by greatalleycat at 11:37 AM on December 10 [6 favorites]

The package I sent is gaining wings at JFK airport, wave to the equator when you cross over into the summer hemisphere:)
posted by childofTethys at 12:12 PM on December 10 [3 favorites]

I just opened a great little package of stickers and chocolates from Kinsey! And somehow, there was a Smokey Bear sticker in there! I once got to work as Smokey Bear at the Minnesota State Fair on a very busy Labor Day, so that was a extra delight.
posted by advicepig at 12:43 PM on December 10 [4 favorites]

Sooooooo.......my gift allegedly shipped today (yay!) and is allegedly on its way, but with the Canada Post strike, I'm somewhat skeptical that it is actually moving. The merchant hasn't provided any tracking information yet, so imma follow up on that, but in the meantime, hold tight, dear beansee! You have not been forgotten, you just might be forced to exercise your patience a little...
posted by Dorinda at 12:58 PM on December 10 [4 favorites]

I got a really cute mini greenhouse kit to put together! It arrived with no box to the great confusion of the household until we noticed the label said giftswamp, without that we’d be texting around trying to solve the mystery.

Thank you mystery gifter!
posted by lepus at 7:05 PM on December 10 [4 favorites]

Wow! zekesonxx totally nailed it even though they were given an odd twist. I had asked for interesting local foods. The twist came when they saw that they lived in the same city I do! Regardless, they sent a variety of interesting foods, and I couldn't be more delighted.
posted by obol at 7:20 PM on December 10 [5 favorites]

I received a lovely enamel pin wishing me a nice day in Norwegian (a language I am learning)! There wasn’t a note so I’m not sure who to thank but I love it! Thank you!
posted by meggan at 2:59 AM on December 11 [4 favorites]

Just an update for SunPower, if anyone is in touch with SunPower or SunPower stops by here. I am your Secret Sock Full of Beans and I just wanted to update you that I haven't got the gift in the mail yet because there's been a delay in sourcing part of it, but I anticipate getting it in the mail this week!
posted by Sock Full of Secret Beans at 11:19 AM on December 11 [4 favorites]

Hello! I received a lovely gift that included a very cool candle sampler from Cantrip Candles in Los Angeles, and a wonderful spice/seasoning sampler from All Spicery in Sacramento.

Unfortunately I couldn't find reference to who sent it anywhere in the package. Thanks so much, mystery MeFite!
posted by kensington314 at 11:23 AM on December 11 [6 favorites]

Major thanks to Pretty Good Talker, who sent me some Tea, Earl Grey, Hot leaves and the Avatar: The Last Airbender cookbook! I'm already excited to start making recipes out of it.
posted by zekesonxx at 12:57 PM on December 11 [5 favorites]

I just received what I am 99% sure is my beansmas package, but I miscalculated the time it would take to acquire my beansee’s gift and won’t be able to ship it out till Saturday. Gonna hold off on opening my gift to save it as a reward for mailing my package out and (hopefully) finalizing my application for grad school.
posted by ActionPopulated at 2:04 PM on December 11 [6 favorites]

Thank you so much Halloween Jack! Earl Grey is a favorite in our household and your new recipe is delicious! The book is wonderful and I am sure it will quickly become a must-read for my nephew when he visits. Well chosen and full of joy 🤩. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
posted by ZenMajek at 3:19 PM on December 11 [6 favorites]

essexjan, thank you for the beautiful wooden bowl from your local forest! Your description of the place was so vivid that I can almost see it when I close my eyes. Maybe someday I’ll get to see it for myself. In the meantime, purely by coincidence I’ve been in need of a sturdy trinket dish for my keys, so I’ll be using the bowl every day. The salted caramel popcorn is also very much appreciated!
posted by bettafish at 3:54 PM on December 11 [6 favorites]

Hey Sweetie Darling , darling thank you so much for the handcrafted and handmade items! Totally unexpected but they're really hitting the emotional sweet spot, thank you!

If you sell things like this, I'd recommend putting a link to them in your profile!
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 4:41 PM on December 11 [5 favorites]

Gifter, it got here! Need to wait to open it but even just seeing the box cheers me greatly. So preliminary thanks for that, and a joyful beantide to you & yours.
posted by miles per flower at 6:27 PM on December 11 [5 favorites]

Hi homelystar! I love the mug even more, now that I found the FC Barcelona minifig! I gave kiddo the minifig as that is his favorite team. The mug will be decorated and taken to the office, so I can be the envy of my LEGO loving (seriously, there are a bunch of us with little builds on our respective desks) coworkers.

Thanks again!
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:53 AM on December 12 [5 favorites]

I got my Gift Swap gift yesterday, coincidentally the same day I got mine in the mail. I was lucky enough to get oomny as my gifter -- they are an amazing artist, and I am so thrilled to have some of their pieces! Photos here - I got a tea towel with a double cormorant print, a painting of a blue-headed vireo on a tulip poplar leaf, and some assorted prints on note cards. On top of that, I also got a set of super neat S&P shakers and coffee that i can't wait to try. Thank you so much oomny, I am feeling extremely grateful for all of it. <3
posted by Sparky Buttons at 7:40 AM on December 12 [6 favorites]

Many thanks to hansbrough for the gift of delicious chocolates. These "many pleasantly chewy delights" are just what I needed to go with my afternoon coffee.

I am enjoying some right now as a listen to the cold Winter wind outside. Happy solsticetide to all!
posted by jason6 at 10:49 AM on December 12 [4 favorites]

I've been gifted by PearlRose!!!

Two different local pecan-based treats and a delightful crochet'd chibi dinosaur 🥹 As a Midwesterner who grew up in the south, yes I agree, ranch flavor pecans does seem wildly appropriate. These will get eaten very quickly, I'm sure.

Very importantly, the chibi dinosaur has taken pride of place in my living room. She's got the perfect dimensions to stand resolute in my little moon thingy, replacing the other dinosaur stuffy I had there before who kept tipping over. Perfect.

Thank you, PearlRose!!
posted by phunniemee at 12:45 PM on December 12 [5 favorites]

Yay! Glad you liked it SB!

My beansmas gift arrived today and was perfect! A Bird Nerd magnet, a handmade felt/plush bird, and a mini stress ball in the shape of a lemon. I love everything! Thanks, beccasaurus!
posted by oomny at 3:31 PM on December 12 [4 favorites]

I am so happy you like the bowl, bettafish, the forest is so important to me, so being able to share a tiny piece of it with someone means a lot. And it's the perfect size for a key bowl. The popcorn almost didn't make it into the box, but I managed to resist eating it!
posted by essexjan at 3:50 PM on December 12 [4 favorites]

Thanks to jeoc for the cute turtle box, the equally cute little things, and the (not cute, but tasty) chocolate!
posted by thomas j wise at 4:50 PM on December 12 [2 favorites]

Thank you, meggan, for the handmade soap and coffee and all the other lovely gifts from Idaho! The huckleberry jam and caramels brought back memories of a childhood camping trip to the Dolly Sods wilderness in West Virginia, where all the cousins and their parents picked wild huckleberries; our moms took them home and froze them and we ate them for months. I'm looking forward to sipping some coffee and spreading some of that jam on a warm biscuit!
posted by apartment dweller at 7:16 PM on December 12 [2 favorites]

Yay!!! I’m so glad you are excited for the huckleberry stuff, apartment dweller! What a lovely memory. You’re very welcome!
posted by meggan at 12:52 AM on December 13 [1 favorite]

Thanks to jeoc for the cute turtle box

I’m hoping it’s clear that it is a desktop zen garden in the shape of a children’s sandbox, with kinetic sand so that the shapes are persistent.

Hope you enjoy!!
posted by jeoc at 4:48 AM on December 13 [1 favorite]