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TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 9:47 pm
by SlateSlabrock
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:party: It's Secret Celestia time! :socks:

This year, we're going to try returning to a gift exchange!

We will be using Elfster again this year for organization. Elfster is a Secret Santa Web site that handles assignments with a friendly interface.

How to sign up:
Click this invite link!

You will also be asked a few questions: Your forums username, any special shipping directions, and whether you are okay with decorations on the envelope of your card (if your Celestia so desires).

Also, feel free to post your wish list in this thread to give your Secret Celestia any ideas that might help!

What's the deadline?
Please sign up by Sunday, Nov. 6th. Assignments will be sent out the next day, Monday, Nov. 7th.

What to give

A thoughtful gift worth about $15-20 is the guideline. Going beyond that is fine too, but you should expect your own gift to fall in that range. If it's clear you didn't put any thought into your gift, or especially if you don't send anything, you may be banned from the forums.

Need a better feeling for typical gifts? Check out previous years' threads at the top of this post.

What NOT to give

Nothing illegal, nothing that would be seized by customs, and nothing breakable. Examples:
  • Nothing dangerous, even if it's a collectible (e.g. knives)
  • Avoid perishables, especially meat and produce
  • Alcohol may be okay domestically, but it's usually a no-go internationally
  • Liquids need to be packed super well to protect against breakage.
How to see your assignee's information
Fizzbuzz wrote:
Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:45 am
Edit for anyone who's new to using Elfster, like me: Click your santee's name, click "Secret Q & A" on the left, then click "answered" to see your santee's TRS name and envelope decorating preferences.
If you have any problems or questions:
You can post here, private message me, or send an e-mail to horsiesanta[at]gmail[dot]com.

Previous years:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2012

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 12:29 pm
by Smoke
As always I'm doing this again. Wishlist remains pretty much the same as it ever was, so here's the brief version:

-Model kits wishlist. Keep in mind there's some big and/or unicorny stuff on there that I put on more as a reference for myself should I ever stumble across it at a reasonable price. To keep down shipping costs I'd recommend browsing some of the local retailers here in Bulgaria as I know international shipping can be costly and/or slow.
- I'm also a big fan of Transformers, Megaman games and Zelda games.
- Candy and treats are welcome, I'll try anything once. It'd be nice to get something local from your area. I don't have any allergies you need to consider.
- In case you feel like sending t-shirts, I'm a US XL in size. I prefer the more subtle stuff so I can wear it to work too.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:54 am
by Mr. Big
So excited! Let's see...

- I'm drawing comics again after a 2 year hiatus. Nowadays I'm using acrylic markers for inking. I like this and this, especially. I also use blue pencils like these. For paper I use US letter size (8.5x11") cardstock.

- As far as comic books, here's my wish list on Amazon. Anything in it will do!

- As always, snacks and treats are welcome, especially if they're local in your area!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2022 6:25 am
by Aramek
Hell yeah!

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1. Something that is local to you. Something that shows off your wonderful home. Coffee, candy, soda, beer, whatever you're known for and love to show off to the world.

2. Rarity is best G4 pony. Hitch is the best G5 pony.

3. I love jazz. I love retrowave. I love Disco.

4. I love RPGs the most of all games. Board games too. You know of a board game that you love that nobody ever talks about or plays, maybe I'd love it!

American men's shirt 2X.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:58 am
by Kronos
It was a joy taking part last year and I'm excited to do it all over again with you crazy people.

In terms of a wishlist, I don't really have anything too specific.

- My hobbies largely revolve around model building, primarily HO scale trains and Gundam ("Gunpla") but I've been trying to dabble in more conventional cars and tanks (grand total of one of each, still works in progress).

-Anything pony related would be fine since the only merch I really have area bunch of G4 figures and a dozen or so plushies

- I also collect interesting pins, patches, Transformers (though not nearly as much as I used to) and the occasional piece of railroad history (books, old personal equipment, timetables, etc).

- Shirt size is Adult Male Large

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 2:37 pm
by SlateSlabrock
REMINDER: Sign-ups end on Sunday! Don't forget to sign up if you haven't already!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2022 4:03 pm
by Perrydotto
Yes hi I am so glad we are still doing this!

My wishlist is pretty simple this year:

- I could really use a new, nicer pop filter for my mic. It doesn't need to be super wild, the pop filter part itself is a basic piece of mesh, but the problem I encountered was that the arm it's attached to and the screw bit that attaches it to things was crap and broke easily. If my lovely Santa can find a model with better grip and a solid bendable arm, I'd love it forever!

- The dingus husband and I will soon-ish be spending 6 months in Sweden. I've never lived anywhere that's not Germany so I am excited but also nervous! Maybe my Santa could help me prepare? A very cozy warm hat for example, to keep my noggin and ears warm in the harsh scandinavian cold? (Warning: I have a fairly big head) Maybe a book or guide on life in Sweden? Whatever you come up with, Santa, I'd be glad to feel more ready for the trip!

- I'm still way into Pokemon, especially with my sizeable Pokemon plush collection (I like cozy and cute things, it will never end)! I am good on most merch in this regard, but if you are so inclined to make or commission a piece of art featuring Wailord and/or Wailmer, I would print it and use it to further decorate my whale shelf (whelf)! I collect Wailord/Wailmer stuff the most, so anything that I can use to further make that corner prettier would be wonderful!

- I still love colorful horses, but I am good on most merch at this point. Feel free to decorate the package with honses, though. My fave G4 ponies are Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, and Discord (he counts), and my fave G5 pony is Sunny.

- For sweets, I enjoy cookies, cake things and chocolate all lots. Please do not send anything too heavy on cream or milk, though (processed in batter is fine, as filling not so much), and avoid chocolates filled with fruit, nuts, or alcohol. I'm also very sensitive to artificial smells and flavors, unfortunately, so avoid gummies and cheap sweets and such that contain those.

- Most of all, have fun, Santa :party: :socks:

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2022 7:26 pm
by SlateSlabrock
Okay, wish list. I'm not very picky, but some general ideas:
- :bookmobile: If you have any reading recommendations, I like to read! Sci-fi, fantasy, history, or anything that interested you.
- Music :pinkietoot: I can always use something new to listen to. I like anything chill or fun. Electronic, oldies, funky, instrumental, whatever.
- I don't collect much pony merch.
- My shirt size is American men's XL.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 12:41 pm
by Smoke
Locked on target.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 6:27 pm
by Aramek
Target acquired.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2022 1:48 pm
by Perrydotto
Woo! Excited about my recipient!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia card exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2022 5:46 pm
by Durandal
Just thinking again today how much I miss these events sometimes

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 4:05 pm
by Factory Factory
Oh, well, hm, real life kind of kept me very busy and I have to apologize to my Santa because I never posted a wishlist here, did I? I can confirm I received a package, though! I'm guessing it's from the wishlist I already had in the site from another secret santa from last year. :v:

In the meantime, I can also confirm that target has been acquired and party cannon has been fired.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2022 2:30 pm
by SlateSlabrock
Just a reminder: If you're shipping within the United States, first-class mail delivery before Christmas should be sent by Dec. 17th.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2022 8:32 am
by Kronos
I've been so busy that I completely forgot to post, but I received my secret santa gift a few days ago so thank you to whoever you are! It's sitting in its shipping box until the big day, of course.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:27 am
by Smoke
A package has just hit the mailbox!

Well, in a way, the delivery person was on the right street but couldn't find our house as it's at the end of the street, so I walked over and got it that way. Adressed to Смоук so it must be from here.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2022 9:14 pm
by SlateSlabrock
A box showed up on my doorstep... :fancyhat:

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 1:49 pm
by Smoke
So, time to open this mysterious package that came from Poland. Due to the address label containing my actual address and last name I decided to open it from the rear instead:

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A mysterious box is inside, with no hints as to what it contains.

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It's the Academy 1:288 Boeing 747 with the Space Shuttle! This is a kit that's actually been on my wishlist for quite a few years now. I came across it at a local chain back in 2016 when they were having a sale of Academy and other kits (Usually they have only Revell and the occasional Airfix kit) but didn't pick it up and got some other kits instead. Next time I was there, most of the kits they had were already gone, including this one. Since then it's always been on the back of my mind to pick it up if I came across it, but I never did.

And now it's here. I actually went "Oh wow" when I saw what it was.

There's also a neat little wooden kit of a Mars buggy included that's also gonna be hecking fun to assemble and display.

Unfortunately, there's no name so I don't know who sent it, but thank you mysterious gift giver.

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:17 am
by Mr. Big
Got this neat graphic novel! Learned a lot in it, everything well presented. Thanks, Perrydotto and Fontra!

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Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:21 am
by Aramek
Happy Hearth's Warming! I got a lovely gift straight from Rarity's Boutique itself!

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Why it was all the way from our very own SlateSlabrock!

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Oh looks like Hitch has some good taste!

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Love you all!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:40 am
by Big Boss
HAPPY GIFTMAS

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From Kronos? How thoughtful! There's some local chocolate, a card, and a ring light! I can always use a ring light, and not just for filming—it helps for lighting up work desks!

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And this is... the second of 20 cards? Curious!

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And included was a little Equestrian flag!

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Thanks for the great gift, Kronos!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 4:17 pm
by SlateSlabrock
Oh boy, time to open presents!

Holy moly, it's...

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...a mouse pad and coasters from Gamers Nexus! That's way too generous.

Thank you so much, Kefka!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 6:22 pm
by Snowfire
Time to open my present! I wonder who it's from...

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Well these kind of immediately give it away. :v: I have always enjoyed your character designs Baker. :allears:

Let's see here...

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RAE THE DOE PLUSHIE!!! :awesomedash:

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These are amazing! Thank you so much to my Secret Celestia, Charles aka Mr. Big!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 9:41 pm
by Kronos
Happy Hearthswarming and all that, friends!

Got my gift - this nifty card and book from Snowfire!
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I do want to apologize for any difficulty you may have had in deciding what to get based on the Elfster wishlist since I didn't elaborate as much as I probably should have on a few of those items. However, worry not, because I didn't own this book before so this is a new read for me. I have a long trip coming up soon so this will be an excellent companion for reading while on the go. Thank you so much!
Big Boss wrote:
Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:40 am
HAPPY GIFTMAS
*snip*
You're welcome! I'm super happy you're gonna get a lot of use out of that ring light! As for the 2 of 20, I made 20 identical cards to send out to friends and acquaintances who know enough about pony to get the joke. Card 3 of 20 went to a new friend on Twitter who does some surrealist pony art and they went wild with it (look at the card being put into the envelope)

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 11:19 pm
by Durandal
This year I have finally hung up the print that Baker sent us 5 years ago. It was packed up for a long time when I moved offices and I got it out again while cleaning.


Click for Fullsize


Ta-daaaaaa :allright:
Happy Hearth's Warming everyone

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2023 5:59 pm
by Mr. Big
Durandal wrote:
Mon Dec 26, 2022 11:19 pm
This year I have finally hung up the print that Baker sent us 5 years ago. It was packed up for a long time when I moved offices and I got it out again while cleaning.


Click for Fullsize


Ta-daaaaaa :allright:
Happy Hearth's Warming everyone
Ooo I forgot I sent you that! Nice nice

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2023 8:22 pm
by Durandal
Maybe next Christmas I'll even get a frame for it

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:05 pm
by Factory Factory
Well I got distracted by life again I'm so sorry, Secret Santa pals!
Smoke wrote:
Sat Dec 24, 2022 1:49 pm
So, time to open this mysterious package that came from Poland. Due to the address label containing my actual address and last name I decided to open it from the rear instead:

Image

A mysterious box is inside, with no hints as to what it contains.

Image

It's the Academy 1:288 Boeing 747 with the Space Shuttle! This is a kit that's actually been on my wishlist for quite a few years now. I came across it at a local chain back in 2016 when they were having a sale of Academy and other kits (Usually they have only Revell and the occasional Airfix kit) but didn't pick it up and got some other kits instead. Next time I was there, most of the kits they had were already gone, including this one. Since then it's always been on the back of my mind to pick it up if I came across it, but I never did.

And now it's here. I actually went "Oh wow" when I saw what it was.

There's also a neat little wooden kit of a Mars buggy included that's also gonna be hecking fun to assemble and display.

Unfortunately, there's no name so I don't know who sent it, but thank you mysterious gift giver.
Yo, Smoke, Merry Christmas :party:

It was a tricky series of international transactions to track that down, pay for it, and make sure it got to you! I'm sure you got a taste of it with the shipping company. I'm glad it made it!

The wood kit is from a maker that I've enjoyed - some of their bigger kits are functional/clockwork and look great in motion, too. I hope they bring you joy!

Re: TRS Secret Celestia gift exchange 2022!

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:17 pm
by Smoke
Mystery solved! International shipping around here is quite fun because our address is not on Google Maps and the house manages to also be at the end of the road with no real indication it's there. Most delivery companies have managed to find it, but new ones always have to ask around or call. Remind me to link one of the local stores next time as they've delivered here before (And the last time I ordered from them actually called because the number I gave differs from the one they had on file)

I already managed to build the wooden kit too, it was quite fun as I expected and goes together very well. I have to keep it away from Lucas as he wants to play with it though.