VGCollect Forum

General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: soera on September 13, 2018, 06:19:58 pm

Title: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: soera on September 13, 2018, 06:19:58 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages ... VGCollect proudly brings to you its SECRET SANTA of the world!
***Copying and pasting last years rules***

If you want to participate this year, please post your name on this thread. I want people to have been members of these forums for at least 3 months prior to this and some sort of activity here. We have had 5 years so far of 100% success and we are not going to fail this year! Sign ups will be for 1 month. Once its done, you have a 2 weeks to send me your wishlist, address info, and what not. Also include if you are willing to send out of your own country cause every year we get non US participants.

When you reply on this thread, post what you think the spending limit should be. I will take the most popular option and thats what we will go with. And since Im mentioning it ... if the limit is $100 (an example) please dont send someone $10 worth of crap. The limit is more of a guideline as to what to expect to spend. Almost everyone here the past few years has went over the limit for their participant. Within the time of sending in the wishlists, if the limit becomes more than you want to spend, let me know and I can remove you from the list. No hard feelings will be had.

Every year we have a reveal thread and IIRC, Kashell/Dash/Turf and a few others actually do theirs on their YouTube page. If you wish to wait to open your gift til Christmas, that is definitely your prerogative. However, I would like to ask that no one posts anything about their stuff til after Christmas.

Links to the last 5 years :
2013 - https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,4178.0.html
2014 - https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,5554.0.html
2015 - https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,6559.0.html
2016 - https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,7734.0.html
2017 - https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,8571.0.html

Let the show begin ......

1. Soera
2. Kashell - sentreceived
3. Telly - sent received
4. Justin8301 - sent received
5. Desocietas - sent received
6. Turf - sent received
7. Redblaze57 - sent received
8. NickAwesome - sent received
9. Ignition365 - sent received
10. Tpugmire - sent received
11. Flashback2012 - sent received
12. Davifus - sent received
13. Droaa - sent received
14. Wolfen - sent received
15. Brandon913 - sent received
16. Azure - sent received
17. Cartagia - sent received
18. Dashv - sent received
19. Puddingm - sent received
20. Indenton - sent recieved

All right. The line up is locked in! Time to get those wishlists sent (PM me on here). You can do them any way you like. Some people already have a VGCollect wishlist, some want to make their own, others just want anything they dont have. Please include your mailing info in the reply. Every year someone forgets to send it and its more to deal with to try to get it. Thanks!

Wishlist send ins are done. I will get everyone their recipient soon and time to buy is upon us. :D

Peeps are picked ... and sent out to their buyers! Its on like Donkey Kong! Remember, you have about a month to take care of this. I am hoping to have every name marked as sent by Dec 1.

All people are marked sent!

I have sent out emails to the people who have yet to notify me of receiving their gift. I would like to see this completed by actual Christmas. :D

And we are good. Mere hours before Christmas itself, I got the final message saying all gifts have been received. :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on September 13, 2018, 07:25:45 pm
Didn't even have to think about it for a minute, of course I'm in for a fourth year. Who could say no to gifts, fun and tootsie rolls. ;)

I will say though that while I'm fine doing international again, my shipping cost was more than the 50 dollar budget alone. So if it's possible I'd like to stay in country this year. :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: justin8301 on September 13, 2018, 07:32:51 pm
Yo I'm in

Edit: got too exited and forgot to add my full reply. I'm down for anything up to $100 and would prefer to stay in the US, but CAN do international if there aren't volunteers.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: desocietas on September 13, 2018, 07:33:21 pm
I will say though that while I'm fine doing international again, my shipping cost was more than the 50 dollar budget alone. So if it's possible I'd like to stay in country this year. :)

Yowch, that's definitely tough.

I want to do international, but this year is rough with keeping finances in check. But I'm definitely down for domestic (U.S.) Secret Santa-ing! I look forward to this time every year :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: turf on September 13, 2018, 08:57:31 pm
Im in
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: redblaze57 on September 13, 2018, 09:43:33 pm
Despite taking nearly a year off from the site I want in. BRING ON THE TOOTSIE ROLLS...



Also if possible I would like to remain domestic shipping if possible.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: NickAwesome on September 14, 2018, 12:20:00 am
I'm in, really enjoyed it last year.  Domestic only for me though.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on September 14, 2018, 09:45:42 am
Im in

This year's SS will have to work their butt off to top your gift last year.  :o
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: ignition365 on September 14, 2018, 11:53:15 am
I'm in as well, and as usual I'd like to stay domestic as well.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: kashell on September 14, 2018, 02:11:01 pm
My name is already on there even before I post on the thread.

But, yeah. I guess I'm in. As usual, $50 for me. I'd prefer to stay domestic.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: tpugmire on September 14, 2018, 09:39:45 pm
I’m in too.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: Flashback2012 on September 14, 2018, 11:16:18 pm
I've grown quite fond of this event so count me in for this year. Continental US/$50 works for me. No tootsie rolls here but plenty of BBQ chips and chili.  ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: davifus on September 14, 2018, 11:52:23 pm
me
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: droaa on September 15, 2018, 11:04:54 am
Jesus, it feels like it was only yesterday that this went down and here were are again. Since my first one went so well, Im in for the repeat
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: wolfen on September 15, 2018, 04:20:40 pm
I've never done a Secret Santa ever, but the VGCollect community is very cool so I think I want to try it. I'm excited and nervous!
I wanna ship domestic and I think $50-$60 is a good limit considering that's the general price of a new game.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: turf on September 17, 2018, 03:43:57 pm
I've never done a Secret Santa ever, but the VGCollect community is very cool so I think I want to try it. I'm excited and nervous!
I wanna ship domestic and I think $50-$60 is a good limit considering that's the general price of a new game.

Don’t be nervous!  This is fun!  There’s been a ton of crazy good gifts given on here with very few duds! 

...and I hope you like Tootsie Rolls. They’re the unofficial official candy of VGCollect Secret Santa!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on September 17, 2018, 05:02:18 pm
I'm 0/3 on Tootsie Rolls for Secret Santa so my person better send me some! ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: brandon913 on September 21, 2018, 10:48:09 am
I would also like to participate again this year. $50 limit works for me and I would like to stay domestic.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: desocietas on September 21, 2018, 02:26:50 pm
I should work on my wishlist now... Poor Soera is always waiting on me for wishlists :(

$50 sounds good to me, too!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: ignition365 on September 21, 2018, 02:32:41 pm
Yeah, it's that time of year, time to buff the wishlist.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: azure on September 22, 2018, 12:54:41 am
Count me in  8)

Edit: Jumped the gun :P

50$ is great as always, and I'd like to stay domestic.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: wolfen on September 22, 2018, 02:17:01 am
For the wishlist is it the one we have here on VGCollect, or is it a completely seperate thing we make for the Secret Santa specifically?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: kashell on September 22, 2018, 10:36:21 am
Whatever is easier. I use the one here on VG Collect, but if you wanted to type something out separately and sent it to Soera, that works.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: wolfen on September 22, 2018, 11:19:31 am
Okay, I just wanted to be sure.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: desocietas on September 22, 2018, 05:27:46 pm
Okay, I just wanted to be sure.

Yeah, I like to do both. I type one up in case I want them to know the general sort of stuff I'm interested in (systems I collect for, merchandise I like, other game-related stuff) that might not be evident in just the VGC wishlist. I'm also a stickler for CIB items, as I know some others are!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on September 23, 2018, 12:16:02 pm
I always pick out a few choice games for a wish list that I send to soera and I also mention that they can use my site wish list too. It doesn't matter to me, and I think it helps to give people flexibility or simplicity depending on what you're working with.

I've had a mix over the past three years. My first SS didn't choose anything from my hand-picked wish list. My second SS only did one game from my hand-picked wish list and the rest from my site one. My SS last year did the opposite, 3/4 games were from my hand-picked wish list and they also threw in some very fun extras :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: Flashback2012 on September 23, 2018, 06:11:26 pm
I've had a mix over the past three years. My first SS didn't choose anything from my hand-picked wish list. My second SS only did one game from my hand-picked wish list and the rest from my site one. My SS last year did the opposite, 3/4 games were from my hand-picked wish list and they also threw in some very fun extras :)

I've heard nothing but bad things about that last guy. Not only that but I heard he looks and smells funny.  :P

Have you been able to give Pac-Man VS. a whirl?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on September 23, 2018, 10:34:31 pm
Yeah I played it with two friends and it was a blast! :) It's a really fun game.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: masamune on September 29, 2018, 08:15:53 pm
I would like to participate.

I want to be partners with someone from the U.S.A. or Canada only.

I think the spending limit should be $60.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: Cartagia on September 29, 2018, 09:26:31 pm
Aight.  I’m in for $50 limit and domestic.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: kashell on October 04, 2018, 10:15:16 am
We're in the beginning of October. When do the sign ups close?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on October 04, 2018, 10:54:28 am
Mid-October maybe? I'm still expecting some more of our usual regulars to join in  :-\
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: kashell on October 04, 2018, 11:15:26 am
Looking at the list, it looks like we're missing DashV, Doctor Ladunam, and...maybe a few others?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: ignition365 on October 04, 2018, 11:41:04 am
Yeah, I don't expect many if any other folks to join in on this other than dashv.

Most of the other folks who are usually active and joined in previous years haven't been active in quite some time, at least 1 of which I know for a fact abandoned using VGCollect.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: desocietas on October 04, 2018, 07:33:26 pm
Yeah, I don't expect many if any other folks to join in on this other than dashv.

Most of the other folks who are usually active and joined in previous years haven't been active in quite some time, at least 1 of which I know for a fact abandoned using VGCollect.

Ah, that's a shame. But I know how things can get - life happens or folks just find their place with another forum. A smaller group isn't a bad thing - easier for Soera to handle, I'm sure :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: dashv on October 07, 2018, 04:51:06 am
Looking at the list, it looks like we're missing DashV, Doctor Ladunam, and...maybe a few others?

Count me in.

Adulting has kept me out of the forums more than I’d like this year.

I actually just saw this thread.

Also if we end up with an odd number I’m okay with getting a gift for someone with or without my name being given to someone else.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: Flashback2012 on October 07, 2018, 08:36:48 am

Count me in.

Adulting has kept me out of the forums more than I’d like this year.

I actually just saw this thread.

Also if we end up with an odd number I’m okay with getting a gift for someone with or without my name being given to someone else.

I don't think it'd matter if you had an even number or not. If you daisy-chained the names then everyone would have someone to gift to as well as be a recipient for one. For example...


Telly>DashV>Flashback2012>Desocietas>Ignition365>Soera>Kashell>Telly


There's an odd number of people listed there and that last person is linked back to the first thus completing the loop and no one is left out.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: soera on October 07, 2018, 12:02:23 pm
I would like to participate.

I want to be partners with someone from the U.S.A. or Canada only.

I think the spending limit should be $60.

Do you have anyone that could possibly support you joining this? I personally dont know you and you dont have a lot of activity here. Let me know.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: masamune on October 08, 2018, 12:10:58 am
I would like to participate.

I want to be partners with someone from the U.S.A. or Canada only.

I think the spending limit should be $60.

Do you have anyone that could possibly support you joining this? I personally dont know you and you dont have a lot of activity here. Let me know.

I think the only person that knows me on here is Ghostsweeper unless someone knows me from another forum.

I'm also the owner of www.playingwithsuperpower.com (http://www.playingwithsuperpower.com), aka SNES Hub if anyone has ever heard of that site?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: puddingm on October 08, 2018, 06:23:58 am
Count me in~~
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on October 08, 2018, 09:40:21 am
Looks like doctorlaudanum hasn't been online since last Santa, which makes me sad :'( I suppose sign ups will close at the end of the week?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: soera on October 09, 2018, 04:20:49 pm
I would like to participate.

I want to be partners with someone from the U.S.A. or Canada only.

I think the spending limit should be $60.

Do you have anyone that could possibly support you joining this? I personally dont know you and you dont have a lot of activity here. Let me know.

I think the only person that knows me on here is Ghostsweeper unless someone knows me from another forum.

I'm also the owner of www.playingwithsuperpower.com (http://www.playingwithsuperpower.com), aka SNES Hub if anyone has ever heard of that site?

That website doesnt work. And seeing as you only have 6 posts in a 2-3 year span before this, Im going to have to say no this year. Participate on the forums here, maybe make a deal or 2 with some of the members where I can validate you on here and next year I will allow it.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: koemo1 on October 10, 2018, 01:14:24 am
Sign me uppp :D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: ignition365 on October 10, 2018, 11:20:56 am
Oh, man, I'm gonna be so easy this year, my wishlist has so many cheap 360 games in it.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: desocietas on October 10, 2018, 02:01:22 pm
Oh, man, I'm gonna be so easy this year, my wishlist has so many cheap 360 games in it.

Exclusives? Or items that have backwards compatibility? Both?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: ignition365 on October 11, 2018, 08:36:17 am
Oh, man, I'm gonna be so easy this year, my wishlist has so many cheap 360 games in it.

Exclusives? Or items that have backwards compatibility? Both?
Probably neither.  Just 360 games that I want, don't think they are BC nor exclusive.  I just prefer 360 over PS3 in general, plus games could always go BC down the line.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: indenton on October 11, 2018, 12:57:37 pm
Looking at the list, it looks like we're missing DashV, Doctor Ladunam, and...maybe a few others?

It feels good to just meld into the background noise

Ooohhh man I was thinking about this today, am I too late???
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: desocietas on October 11, 2018, 01:40:23 pm
Looking at the list, it looks like we're missing DashV, Doctor Ladunam, and...maybe a few others?

It feels good to just meld into the background noise

Ooohhh man I was thinking about this today, am I too late???

I think you may have just made it ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: indenton on October 11, 2018, 02:39:22 pm
I think you may have just made it ;)

Yes yes!! Sign me up please!!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on October 11, 2018, 04:03:50 pm
I think you may have just made it ;)

Yes yes!! Sign me up please!!

Yayyyy! :D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: indenton on October 11, 2018, 06:32:59 pm
Yayyyy! :D

I'm sorry about the hefty shipping costs last year, I didn't mean to be this far away!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 !!!
Post by: telly on October 11, 2018, 07:29:09 pm
Yayyyy! :D

I'm sorry about the hefty shipping costs last year, I didn't mean to be this far away!

No worries! It was probably in me too since I'd never done international shipping before and I could have done it smarter... Not sure though haha
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: soera on October 13, 2018, 06:25:51 pm
Bumping this to the top. Sign ups are locked in. Time to get that list together.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: telly on October 13, 2018, 09:00:03 pm
So exciting! :) I'll try to get it in before work tomorrow
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: kashell on October 14, 2018, 12:22:31 pm
Wish List is set. Sent you contact info via FB, soera.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: telly on October 14, 2018, 06:39:02 pm
Wish list is sent! :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: Cartagia on October 14, 2018, 09:51:02 pm
PM sent.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: justin8301 on October 14, 2018, 11:23:09 pm
sent in my wish list, Thanks again Soera!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: brandon913 on October 15, 2018, 11:37:43 am
Wishlist sent in, thank you soera.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: ignition365 on October 15, 2018, 11:44:13 am
Wishlist sent.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: wolfen on October 15, 2018, 12:18:04 pm
My wish list is in!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: azure on October 16, 2018, 01:56:41 am
Wishlist sent~
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: turf on October 16, 2018, 11:39:28 am
I think I sent mine.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: dashv on October 17, 2018, 02:24:43 am
Sent.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: tpugmire on October 17, 2018, 08:26:19 pm
Wishlist sent!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: indenton on October 18, 2018, 07:59:10 pm
I've sent mine. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: NickAwesome on October 21, 2018, 11:22:30 am
Once I finish up at the Portland expo this weekend, I'll be able to finalize a wishlist for this. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: NickAwesome on October 24, 2018, 03:19:34 am
Ok Wishlist has been sent!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: telly on October 26, 2018, 04:22:02 pm
How much more time do people have to get their wishlist in?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: desocietas on October 26, 2018, 04:25:14 pm
I'm probably the last one to submit mine again :( i got most of it worked out - just wanted to double-check some items that were on my list last year.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: soera on October 26, 2018, 06:14:37 pm
How much more time do people have to get their wishlist in?

FIIK. Im barely awake anymore. But I think this weekend is the end of wishlist.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: desocietas on October 26, 2018, 06:29:16 pm
How much more time do people have to get their wishlist in?

FIIK. Im barely awake anymore. But I think this weekend is the end of wishlist.

Sounds about right to me.

Timeline:
- OP was posted 9/13
- 1 month for signups, ended mid-October
- 2 weeks for wishlists, ending end of October-ish
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: kashell on October 27, 2018, 12:09:36 pm
FIIK?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: Flashback2012 on October 27, 2018, 01:21:28 pm
FIIK?

You've never heard of Fiik? It's a variation on the obsenity Fark/Fack. It's a little more harsh than Dang and Darn and a heckuva lot worse that Crap. Kinda like how you're going to Heck if you use the phrase "Oh my Gosh!"
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: telly on October 27, 2018, 01:38:05 pm
I thought it stood for "fuck if I know"  :o
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: desocietas on October 27, 2018, 02:29:01 pm
I thought it stood for "fuck if I know"  :o

^^ same. It's an acronym afaik
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: droaa on October 27, 2018, 05:22:48 pm
I'll have sent either today or tomorrow.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: soera on October 27, 2018, 08:39:21 pm
I thought it stood for "fuck if I know"  :o

^^ same. It's an acronym afaik

Well, if its not meant for that, thats what I meant it for! Im so exhausted lately. :(
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: telly on October 27, 2018, 08:55:43 pm
It actually stands for "fuck it, I'm kool"  8)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: redblaze57 on October 28, 2018, 01:52:10 pm
You know it's kinda funny the last PM I recieved was telling me to send in my wishlist last year

Also sent in wishlist and shit
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: desocietas on October 28, 2018, 05:26:08 pm
Finally sent mine in as well!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: dashv on October 28, 2018, 08:05:14 pm
You know it's kinda funny the last PM I recieved was telling me to send in my wishlist last year

Also sent in wishlist and shit

You sent shit to Soera electronically!?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: soera on October 29, 2018, 12:28:47 am
I was wondering why my emails smelled funny.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 2. Wishlist/address info time!
Post by: soera on October 29, 2018, 12:33:36 am
Im gonna go ahead and close down wishlists. If I didnt get one from you, Im going to assume you were going to drop out and just mark you off. I will start the pair ups tonight. I will have them posted asap!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping!
Post by: soera on October 29, 2018, 06:35:42 am
Alright cats and kittens, I have sent out the lists (if you got a notification at 530am about it, sorry! Im not even in bed yet). You have approximately 1 month to get your gift and send it out. Would potentially like to see everything mailed by Dec 1.

Let the games .... begin!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on October 29, 2018, 09:29:39 am
(http://media.giphy.com/media/NmuoUzacWAPOo/giphy.gif)

Let's gooo
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: ignition365 on October 29, 2018, 09:45:39 am
It begins!!!

I think I already have half of the box planned out already.

Bought Tootsie rolls already, sorry not sorry.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: redblaze57 on October 29, 2018, 10:12:44 am

Bought Tootsie rolls already, sorry not sorry.

Never be sorry about this
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: azure on October 29, 2018, 02:40:51 pm
Thinking fruit Tootsie Rolls this year, thoughts?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: Flashback2012 on October 29, 2018, 04:27:53 pm
Got off my keester and got my list in. Kept putting off sending it in and ended up crashing early Sunday. Sorry for the delay soera!  :o
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on October 31, 2018, 08:17:46 am
I will probably buy some local candy and no tootsie rolls. We shall see though ;)

Will probably start planning out my actual gift this weekend
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on October 31, 2018, 12:43:10 pm
Looking ahead, are we going to do another video of a bunch of us opening our gifts?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: desocietas on October 31, 2018, 01:23:36 pm
Looking ahead, are we going to do another video of a bunch of us opening our gifts?

I'll be recording my Christmas morning unboxing!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on October 31, 2018, 03:30:27 pm
Looking ahead, are we going to do another video of a bunch of us opening our gifts?

If you'll have me I'd love to do that like last year!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on October 31, 2018, 03:31:41 pm
Just bought my first item!! shopping is always fun!

If you guys are doing a group opening I'd like to join if you'll have me (assuming I'm not working)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on October 31, 2018, 03:57:48 pm
Just bought my first item!! shopping is always fun!

If you guys are doing a group opening I'd like to join if you'll have me (assuming I'm not working)

Yeah! We do one every year if you don't mind being on YouTube that is.

If I get a moment I'll try to find last years opening
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on October 31, 2018, 03:58:27 pm
Looking ahead, are we going to do another video of a bunch of us opening our gifts?

If you'll have me I'd love to do that like last year!

Absolutely!

Just bought my first item!! shopping is always fun!

If you guys are doing a group opening I'd like to join if you'll have me (assuming I'm not working)

For sure. It's always a good time.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on October 31, 2018, 04:03:44 pm
Found it!

https://youtu.be/NONvv3ZQ4as
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on October 31, 2018, 04:05:11 pm

Yeah! We do one every year if you don't mind being on YouTube that is.


Nah don't mind being on Youtube. actually toyed around with the idea of starting a channel myself, made one video just to see what I thought and just didnt have time to keep going. I do have a little more time now so i've been thinking about trying it again. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: soera on October 31, 2018, 05:50:32 pm
I actually want to be on the show once.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: wolfen on October 31, 2018, 07:21:05 pm
I've bought all my items for my recipient so I was wondering what the general rule is on revealing yourself through the gift. Like can I put on a note, from: Wolfen to: [insert name] or do we reveal it after everyone has recieved their gift? Just wanna make sure before I get my items.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on October 31, 2018, 10:07:05 pm
I always reveal myself to my person. Some people have revealed themselves to me, some haven't. It's up to you! :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: wolfen on October 31, 2018, 11:35:27 pm
Okay good! I was planning on revealing myself in some way.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: soera on November 01, 2018, 07:45:50 am
How odd. My Santa never tells me who it is.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: ignition365 on November 01, 2018, 09:24:52 am
Okay good! I was planning on revealing myself in some way.
Weird... but still illegal.

I never reveal myself, but I think my giftee probably figures it out.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: Cartagia on November 01, 2018, 09:25:57 am
Just bought my first item!! shopping is always fun!
I bought two, and had to return one already!  They didn't send me the edition that was listed on their site.  If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right.  I was quite upset cause I thought I nailed it on Day One. -_-

Depending on when I wouldn't mind being part of the unboxing either.

Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 01, 2018, 10:02:22 am
Just bought my first item!! shopping is always fun!
I bought two, and had to return one already!  They didn't send me the edition that was listed on their site.  If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right.  I was quite upset cause I thought I nailed it on Day One. -_-

Depending on when I wouldn't mind being part of the unboxing either.

Usually everyone gets their stuff before the gift-opening episode. It'll be some time in December.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 01, 2018, 11:06:13 am
Okay good! I was planning on revealing myself in some way.
Weird... but still illegal.

I never reveal myself, but I think my giftee probably figures it out.

LOL
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 03, 2018, 11:41:32 am
Got my hitlist for my recipient all ironed out and already purchased the first game! :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 03, 2018, 05:07:33 pm
Once again, I feel like the stars have aligned. I found two things for my recipient. I'm already a bit over budget, but 'tis the season and all that.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: wolfen on November 04, 2018, 05:44:38 pm
2/3 games are already here, just gotta wait on one more.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: tpugmire on November 05, 2018, 05:40:39 pm
Got all my gifts ordered today. It’s kind of fun looking for stuff that you wouldn’t normally be looking at. I feel like it’s broadening my horizons a bit, since I’d only heard of a couple games on a pretty good sized list.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: turf on November 06, 2018, 02:56:05 pm
I’m about 2/3 done with the shopping. It’s been pretty fun so far. I had to go the eBay route since there’s no good game stores near me these days. PayPal has been smokin!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on November 06, 2018, 03:26:18 pm
I had to go the eBay route since there’s no good game stores near me these days.

I also had to go the eBay route, but I was able to use the "make an offer" option and get some good deals even though i did go a bit over budget lol
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 07, 2018, 11:12:22 pm
Second gift purchased!

I'm under budget so I can probably add an additional game to the mix :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: Cartagia on November 09, 2018, 05:04:30 pm
I won my last item on eBay this morning, although I accidentally overpaid.  I meant to enter a max bid of $7 and put in $77!  Luckily it only went over by $3, which I’m cool with, I was trying to lowball / snipe anyway LOL
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: wolfen on November 09, 2018, 06:39:30 pm
Item 3/3 has arrived! Now I just gotta put in a few goodies and send this baby off. This is so exciting!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: redblaze57 on November 10, 2018, 04:50:51 pm
Just took care of all of mine in one shot
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: azure on November 11, 2018, 10:47:56 am
Got everything for my SS. Definitely the easiest SS to get for so far.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 11, 2018, 11:24:23 am
The two things I purchased have arrived and are wrapped and ready to go! Will just keep looking around for the right price on the last two items I want to get :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: droaa on November 11, 2018, 10:08:22 pm
So far I only have 1 item on the list I was given. Reason being is that a reasonable amount of the games will go on sale during BF which will allow me to squeeze in as much as possible for my person while staying on budget but at the same time over budget but not by a large margin.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 12, 2018, 09:25:28 am
I threw in some extra knickknacks for the recipient. All that's left is to wrap up the actual gifts and wait for a good time to ship.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: desocietas on November 12, 2018, 12:14:07 pm
Probably best to keep your ship dates a little fuzzy so recipients reading this thread aren't tipped off on your identity :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 12, 2018, 12:19:09 pm
Probably best to keep your ship dates a little fuzzy so recipients reading this thread aren't tipped off on your identity :)

I'm shipping mine out Dec. 26th ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: desocietas on November 12, 2018, 12:23:34 pm
Probably best to keep your ship dates a little fuzzy so recipients reading this thread aren't tipped off on your identity :)

I'm shipping mine out Dec. 26th ;)

haha now we'll know when someone gets theirs late!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 12, 2018, 01:14:43 pm
Probably best to keep your ship dates a little fuzzy so recipients reading this thread aren't tipped off on your identity :)

I'm shipping mine out Dec. 26th ;)

haha now we'll know when someone gets theirs late!

 ;D

Third game has been purchased! It's a game that I love and hopefully my santa will too :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 12, 2018, 03:51:52 pm
Probably best to keep your ship dates a little fuzzy so recipients reading this thread aren't tipped off on your identity :)
Ah, yes! Good call as usual by the Lady D. I'll probably PM soera when I ship it and let the rest of the fun unfold behind the scenes.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: ignition365 on November 13, 2018, 09:05:05 am
I've had my Santa's stuff ready for some time... but I'm still gonna wait and ship closer to Xmas.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 14, 2018, 11:17:24 am
Won an auction on the last item so once that comes in I'll have the whole package together!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 15, 2018, 11:48:36 am
The gifts have been wrapped. All that's left is to seal the box, slap on an address, and patiently wait until it's time to ship.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: turf on November 16, 2018, 02:10:48 pm
I have all my gift stuff corralled.
I just have to find some of my doubles to add a little gravy to the bowl. That’s the goal for this weekend. Then, we’ll be off to the post office.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 16, 2018, 04:15:30 pm
Ugh, the third game I ordered was not only damaged in shipping, the disc is not good enough to send as a gift. I was told it worked and I haven't tested it yet, but I'll probably have to re-buy the disc :-\

EDIT: I got it resurfaced so it'll probably work just fine. Will just do some extensive testing just to make sure
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: dashv on November 18, 2018, 08:30:47 pm
Ugh, the third game I ordered was not only damaged in shipping, the disc is not good enough to send as a gift. I was told it worked and I haven't tested it yet, but I'll probably have to re-buy the disc :-\

EDIT: I got it resurfaced so it'll probably work just fine. Will just do some extensive testing just to make sure

Are FIFA games really worth all this trouble? ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 19, 2018, 07:30:31 am
Ugh, the third game I ordered was not only damaged in shipping, the disc is not good enough to send as a gift. I was told it worked and I haven't tested it yet, but I'll probably have to re-buy the disc :-\

EDIT: I got it resurfaced so it'll probably work just fine. Will just do some extensive testing just to make sure

Are FIFA games really worth all this trouble? ;)

Shhhhh no telling  :-X
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: droaa on November 19, 2018, 10:05:53 pm
Ugh, the third game I ordered was not only damaged in shipping, the disc is not good enough to send as a gift. I was told it worked and I haven't tested it yet, but I'll probably have to re-buy the disc :-\

EDIT: I got it resurfaced so it'll probably work just fine. Will just do some extensive testing just to make sure

Are FIFA games really worth all this trouble? ;)

Pfft, please. We all know its NBA Live

Shhhhh no telling  :-X
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: droaa on November 19, 2018, 10:07:12 pm
Provided that all goes well with what I ordered, I essentially will have my stuff ready in time for shipping. All that is left is one more item which I will have to grab over the weekend and thus the pact will be sealed.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: Cartagia on November 22, 2018, 04:34:34 pm
Packed up and ready to ship!  This has been a lot of fun!

The hardest part has not been picking up stuff on my wish list that I can reasonably assume might be heading my way.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 22, 2018, 05:26:52 pm
Packed up and ready to ship!  This has been a lot of fun!

The hardest part has not been picking up stuff on my wish list that I can reasonably assume might be heading my way.
I've been avoiding McKay's for that same reason!

It's been a struggle.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 26, 2018, 09:22:37 am
All my items are packed as well! Should be shipping soonish :D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: ignition365 on November 26, 2018, 09:40:10 am
I thought I was done, but I bought another game for my secret santa.  Plan to wrap them up and send them out soonish as well.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: Cartagia on November 26, 2018, 10:39:04 pm
Dropped mine in the post box yesterday
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on November 26, 2018, 11:00:03 pm
Now I'm going to have to stop reading this thread to hopefully keep things a suprise as long as possible!

Don't know if it will even be worth it since I know a few of you IRL already  ;D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: dashv on November 27, 2018, 12:28:02 am
Packed up and ready to ship!  This has been a lot of fun!

The hardest part has not been picking up stuff on my wish list that I can reasonably assume might be heading my way.

The struggle is real!!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: droaa on November 27, 2018, 12:53:18 am
All has been bought over the weekend. Now its just a matter of wrapping up and shipped before the deadline.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on November 27, 2018, 12:13:50 pm
Do we know when the group unwrapping will be? I'm curious to see if I'll be off work for it this year.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 27, 2018, 12:32:01 pm
Do we know when the group unwrapping will be? I'm curious to see if I'll be off work for it this year.

I'm not sure. If Retro Reload is doing the broadcasting, I'm guessing it'll be either 12/11 or 12/18. If OPB is doing it, then it'll be either 12/14 or 12/21.

I'm good with any option - looking forward to hanging out and unwrapping some gifts!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on November 27, 2018, 01:37:09 pm
cool i'm free on two of those dates so I got a 50/50 shot this year! lol
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 27, 2018, 03:26:52 pm
Which two? It's never too early to get organized.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: ignition365 on November 27, 2018, 03:34:53 pm
Just push it off a week and do it on the 25th.  8)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on November 27, 2018, 04:49:52 pm
Which two? It's never too early to get organized.

11th and 14th, but don't plan it just around me. I'll be ok if its on a date I cant make.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 28, 2018, 10:15:46 am
I was hoping for the 11th or 14th, anyway. So, either of those would be lovely.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: NickAwesome on November 28, 2018, 07:44:36 pm
Just waiting on one more game to get shipped to me, then I can mail out! Hopefully by the deadline. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: turf on November 29, 2018, 05:26:45 pm
Do we know when the group unwrapping will be? I'm curious to see if I'll be off work for it this year.

I'm not sure. If Retro Reload is doing the broadcasting, I'm guessing it'll be either 12/11 or 12/18. If OPB is doing it, then it'll be either 12/14 or 12/21.

I'm good with any option - looking forward to hanging out and unwrapping some gifts!

Check your calendar.  I think it's 12/13 or 12/20.  You listed Fridays. 

Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: soera on November 29, 2018, 06:44:14 pm
I will update this ... soon. Im working so much that I barely have time to think. I havent even mailed out my own package yet. :(
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: redblaze57 on November 29, 2018, 08:34:29 pm
I will update this ... soon. Im working so much that I barely have time to think. I havent even mailed out my own package yet. :(

I'm in the same boat have had OT all the week though so there's that. And company Christmas party this weekend so my schedule has been f*cked for this week.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: NickAwesome on November 29, 2018, 09:06:30 pm
Yeah one of my items got delayed...  :(. Hopefully will be able to ship out by the 6th.  In good news, My secret santa's package arrived yesterday! I'll see how long I can resist opening it!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: droaa on November 30, 2018, 12:58:15 am
My week has been somewhat hectic. Even though I have what I need, I have yet to wrap up to ship out. My only hope is I can do all of that on Saturday before the post office closes that day.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on November 30, 2018, 08:04:08 am
Do we know when the group unwrapping will be? I'm curious to see if I'll be off work for it this year.

I'm not sure. If Retro Reload is doing the broadcasting, I'm guessing it'll be either 12/11 or 12/18. If OPB is doing it, then it'll be either 12/14 or 12/21.

I'm good with any option - looking forward to hanging out and unwrapping some gifts!

Check your calendar.  I think it's 12/13 or 12/20.  You listed Fridays.

Whoops! Good catch. Yeah, I meant to list 12/13 or 12/20.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on November 30, 2018, 02:08:51 pm
Cool, Well the only day I cant make it would be the 18th, so I have a 3 in 4 short now! lol
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: turf on December 01, 2018, 01:50:52 pm
My package is received!  I am pumped for this! I can’t wait to open this! Thanks Santa. I know it’s going to be awesome!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: redblaze57 on December 01, 2018, 09:05:10 pm
Wasn't able to make it to the post office today so I bought some more treats to toss in to sweeten the package a little more.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: droaa on December 04, 2018, 09:21:52 pm
I shipped mines out this morning.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: wolfen on December 04, 2018, 11:05:10 pm
I sent mine out a little while ago but, I didn't want to say anything to tip off my recipient.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on December 05, 2018, 09:21:19 am
Mine has been sent.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: redblaze57 on December 05, 2018, 10:08:16 am
Package was sent
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: justin8301 on December 06, 2018, 01:42:01 am
I sent mine out a little while ago but, I didn't want to say anything to tip off my recipient.

I did the same thing, but It wont take a rocket scientist to figure out it was me lol.

Also, I received my package already, its just sitting here waiting!! its so hard not to open it lol.

Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: soera on December 06, 2018, 05:03:13 pm
I plan to update this on the weekend. Sorry if I havent been as attentive as the last few years.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: dashv on December 07, 2018, 01:39:03 am
Do we know when the group unwrapping will be? I'm curious to see if I'll be off work for it this year.

I'm not sure. If Retro Reload is doing the broadcasting, I'm guessing it'll be either 12/11 or 12/18. If OPB is doing it, then it'll be either 12/14 or 12/21.

I'm good with any option - looking forward to hanging out and unwrapping some gifts!

Check your calendar.  I think it's 12/13 or 12/20.  You listed Fridays.

Whoops! Good catch. Yeah, I meant to list 12/13 or 12/20.

Mailed my package out today. It’s been an intense year for sure.

Hope everyone has some fun this month and makes someones World a little brighter.

I’m up for RR or OPB hosting.

I think RR hosted last time (not that it matters).

Wouldn’t mind hanging out in the basement this year.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: tpugmire on December 07, 2018, 06:05:42 am
I sent mine out on Wednesday, and I received a package yesterday. There’s no return address, so I’m assuming it’s my gift... Or a bomb.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: kashell on December 07, 2018, 10:41:24 am
OPB hosted last time, so RR can take the reigns on this year's. It'll be great to see y'all again.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: telly on December 07, 2018, 10:50:07 am
I'm excited to join the podcast for an evening of fun present opening with you all. :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: soera on December 07, 2018, 08:58:04 pm
Okay, list is updated from what I have been told. If I dont get updates from the people who havent been marked "sent", Ill send messages starting Sunday.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Flashback2012 on December 07, 2018, 09:12:30 pm
I should be good to go by this weekend hopefully.  :o
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (lists have been sent!)
Post by: dashv on December 07, 2018, 11:36:47 pm
I sent mine out on Wednesday, and I received a package yesterday. There’s no return address, so I’m assuming it’s my gift... Or a bomb.

Knowing the stuff you’re involved in so I’m assuming it’s a bomb.

I don’t trust package delivery folks that ride Vespas...

I'm excited to join the podcast for an evening of fun present opening with you all. :)

Always fun to hang out with ya. :)

OPB hosted last time, so RR can take the reigns on this year's. It'll be great to see y'all again.

Well I’ll come out of my youtube retirement to be your Ho Ho Ho Host this year then! :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: wolfen on December 08, 2018, 06:10:56 pm
I have recieved my gift! When do we usually open our gifts?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 09, 2018, 10:23:43 am
Open it whenever you want. We're pretty easy going.

I think the "video opening night" will be on the 20th, if you'd like to join.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Cartagia on December 10, 2018, 02:06:36 pm
I think the "video opening night" will be on the 20th, if you'd like to join.

Mine arrived today.  Are we looking at the 20th as a hard date for the group opening?  If so, what time?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: dashv on December 11, 2018, 01:59:52 am
I think the "video opening night" will be on the 20th, if you'd like to join.

Mine arrived today.  Are we looking at the 20th as a hard date for the group opening?  If so, what time?

We didn’t want it to be that late but some folks still need some time for their packages to arrive.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: indenton on December 11, 2018, 08:51:36 am
I've posted mine yesterday afternoon, I picked up my gift from the delivery office yesterday.  Can't wait to see what's inside!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 11, 2018, 10:17:13 am
I think the "video opening night" will be on the 20th, if you'd like to join.

Mine arrived today.  Are we looking at the 20th as a hard date for the group opening?  If so, what time?

We didn’t want it to be that late but some folks still need some time for their packages to arrive.
Yep. Mine hasn't arrived. And, looking at the first page, it looks like there are a few folks left that need to send theirs.

Hopefully all will be ready to go by the 20th. It should be fun.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: redblaze57 on December 12, 2018, 06:36:40 pm
Good news I got my secret Santa gifts today. I'm at least going to wait until I get a new tripod mount for my phone before I unwrap the gifts. Opened the actual box though since as usual USPS had to put their trademark obligated NICE BIG DENT IN THE BOX! So all I ended up seeing was some candy and that's it no damage to any of the wrapping that I see. So yes I am planning on uploading a video of it. Unfortunately internet is a little too crap around here to be livestreaming it.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: desocietas on December 12, 2018, 07:03:48 pm
I think I got mine? lol ... I'll find out on Christmas morning but looking forward to folks' livestreams or videos! I'll be streaming my unboxing on Christmas morning/afternoon and will link to the VOD here :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Cartagia on December 13, 2018, 07:03:17 am
I think the "video opening night" will be on the 20th, if you'd like to join.

Mine arrived today.  Are we looking at the 20th as a hard date for the group opening?  If so, what time?

We didn’t want it to be that late but some folks still need some time for their packages to arrive.
Yep. Mine hasn't arrived. And, looking at the first page, it looks like there are a few folks left that need to send theirs.

Hopefully all will be ready to go by the 20th. It should be fun.

What time is it usually?  20th should be fine, depending on the time.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 13, 2018, 08:41:27 am
8:30 PM central time.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: droaa on December 13, 2018, 01:11:59 pm
Yeah it looks like I got mine. Theres no name on it and it doesnt fall in line with anything else I'm expecting for delivery
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Flashback2012 on December 13, 2018, 01:49:01 pm
Add me to the list of "SENT" and I think I received? I got a box the other day with my address and no name with no return address? I thought it might be the roommate's and he opened it to find games inside but nothing that was on my wish list so I dunno?  :o

If nothing shows up in the next week or so I'll assume that's my SS gift.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: telly on December 13, 2018, 01:57:18 pm
8:30 PM central time.

I'll be there! Wouldn't miss hanging out with all you fine people  8)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: desocietas on December 13, 2018, 02:23:07 pm
Add me to the list of "SENT" and I think I received? I got a box the other day with my address and no name with no return address? I thought it might be the roommate's and he opened it to find games inside but nothing that was on my wish list so I dunno?  :o

If nothing shows up in the next week or so I'll assume that's my SS gift.

Uhh.. surprise games are cool, but hopefully you get something that you actually wanted! I usually hope that folks write "VGC Secret Santa" or something in the return address area so that it's obvious who it's from...
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: justin8301 on December 14, 2018, 12:14:02 am
Looks like I'm gonna have family in town on the 20th, so i'll just have to resort to posting pictures later! Maybe next year! cant wait to see the video when its posted though.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: telly on December 17, 2018, 09:54:55 pm
My package arrived today! I was able to take the label off without looking at who it was so the suprise is still maintained for the podcast  ;D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 18, 2018, 08:11:11 am
My package arrived today! I was able to take the label off without looking at who it was so the suprise is still maintained for the podcast  ;D
Niiiiice.

If mine doesn't arrive by showtime, I'll still be there to watch the fun.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: dashv on December 19, 2018, 02:32:27 am
My package arrived today! I was able to take the label off without looking at who it was so the suprise is still maintained for the podcast  ;D
Niiiiice.

If mine doesn't arrive by showtime, I'll still be there to watch the fun.

I may be “just watching” with you my friend!

Should still be a good time.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 19, 2018, 08:11:15 am
My package arrived today! I was able to take the label off without looking at who it was so the suprise is still maintained for the podcast  ;D
Niiiiice.

If mine doesn't arrive by showtime, I'll still be there to watch the fun.

I may be “just watching” with you my friend!

Should still be a good time.
Definitely. Can't wait to see everyone again!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: dashv on December 20, 2018, 02:49:48 am
Package arrived today!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: soera on December 20, 2018, 07:46:46 am
Ive been pretty bad at updating this. Im exhausted from just general life. Anyhow ....

Is there anyone that has yet to receive their gift? Or anyone who is on the fence as to whether the gift they got was indeed from their santa?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 20, 2018, 08:00:03 am
Ive been pretty bad at updating this. Im exhausted from just general life. Anyhow ....

Is there anyone that has yet to receive their gift? Or anyone who is on the fence as to whether the gift they got was indeed from their santa?

I haven't gotten mine yet.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: telly on December 20, 2018, 08:18:11 am
Package arrived today!

Just in the nick of time!

Ive been pretty bad at updating this. Im exhausted from just general life. Anyhow ....

Is there anyone that has yet to receive their gift? Or anyone who is on the fence as to whether the gift they got was indeed from their santa?

I haven't gotten mine yet.

 :'(
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: ignition365 on December 20, 2018, 08:34:52 am
Drop shipping makes it impossible to know if my SS is done sending me stuff.  I have one tracking number for a package that I have no clue about, but it's been moving here very slowly over the course of the past few weeks, like one city at a time.  Didn't realize that USPS does delivery via bicycle.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Cartagia on December 20, 2018, 09:20:24 pm
So, it's about to be 8:30 CST, how do I join this shindig?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: turf on December 20, 2018, 09:37:37 pm
So, it's about to be 8:30 CST, how do I join this shindig?

Check your PMs.  I'll send you a link as soon as it's up

We do it over Google Hangouts.  It's pretty user friendly.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Cartagia on December 20, 2018, 09:41:17 pm
So, it's about to be 8:30 CST, how do I join this shindig?

Check your PMs.  I'll send you a link as soon as it's up

We do it over Google Hangouts.  It's pretty user friendly.
That'll work.  I have just logged into my account there: EmprCartagia
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: turf on December 20, 2018, 09:44:21 pm
So, it's about to be 8:30 CST, how do I join this shindig?

Check your PMs.  I'll send you a link as soon as it's up

We do it over Google Hangouts.  It's pretty user friendly.
That'll work.  I have just logged into my account there: EmprCartagia

PM Sent
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: ignition365 on December 21, 2018, 09:38:06 am
Oh, I thought you guys did it on Youtube
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: fazerco on December 21, 2018, 10:16:08 am
Oh, I thought you guys did it on Youtube

They did, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCkzKMg5Hgk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCkzKMg5Hgk).
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: wolfen on December 21, 2018, 10:26:44 am
Can we post our pictures in this thread or will that be somewhere else?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: ignition365 on December 21, 2018, 10:56:35 am
Good, I can go listen to it now, I want to say I was busy last night, but that'd be a lie.  I just plum forgot.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: kashell on December 21, 2018, 01:26:49 pm
Can we post our pictures in this thread or will that be somewhere else?
I say post them on here.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: dashv on December 21, 2018, 08:59:04 pm
Can we post our pictures in this thread or will that be somewhere else?
I say post them on here.

Didn’t they open a separate thread for that last year so folks could avoid spoilers?

I honestly don’t remember.

Also, I missed you Kashy. Hope everything with work went ok.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: soera on December 22, 2018, 07:45:33 am
One day I want to be on the podcast!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Cartagia on December 22, 2018, 07:54:22 am
One day I want to be on the podcast!

I had a lot of fun, even if my nervous motormouth got a little away from me when since I opened first!

I honestly just hope my person is half as happy with what I got them as what was given to me.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: wolfen on December 22, 2018, 02:14:23 pm
Here is my haul from my Secret Santa!

http://imgur.com/x9N9ETF

I'm not quite sure who my Santa was but, I really appreciate the diversity in games.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: telly on December 22, 2018, 02:43:43 pm
Here are my gifts! Thank you, santa! They all look fun and they're in like perfect condition :)

(https://i.imgur.com/34J6bxnm.jpg)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: Cartagia on December 22, 2018, 07:29:23 pm
And here is mine.  A great haul!  Thank you Santa!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrtXTlIBD7M/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1dbrjofe9akdl (https://www.instagram.com/p/BrtXTlIBD7M/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1dbrjofe9akdl)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: NickAwesome on December 22, 2018, 11:55:13 pm
My Secret Santa did an incredible job!  Many of these games have been on my wishlist for a while and I am so excited to finally have them. Assault Rigs and Robo Pit in particular are so much fun!  Also pictured is a Crash Bandicoot Micro Figure, I'll have to try to put this together over the break. Not pictured, some Jolly Rancher candy that I have also been enjoying. 

(https://i.imgur.com/RLdhOTf.jpg)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: soera on December 23, 2018, 07:33:04 am
Updated the front page.

Email reminders were sent out to let me know if you have received your stuff!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 3. Gift buying/shipping (need sent updates!!!!)
Post by: dashv on December 23, 2018, 01:53:54 pm
One day I want to be on the podcast!

I had a lot of fun, even if my nervous motormouth got a little away from me when since I opened first!

I honestly just hope my person is half as happy with what I got them as what was given to me.

You were fine. It was nice having you on.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: tpugmire on December 23, 2018, 05:02:16 pm
I finally got a sec to open my gift!  I have a suspicion as to who it is from, but thanks Santa!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/tpugmire/6AD5AFF3-7F5D-44D3-90C2-FE55E16F558A.jpeg)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: dashv on December 23, 2018, 07:09:58 pm
I finally got a sec to open my gift!  I have a suspicion as to who it is from, but thanks Santa!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/tpugmire/6AD5AFF3-7F5D-44D3-90C2-FE55E16F558A.jpeg)

How the eff, did you not own Ducktales?!?
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: justin8301 on December 24, 2018, 03:26:11 pm
My Santa KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!!!
Few things from my list, a few things not on my list, every bit of it awesome!!! Wild Arms 2 and Astonishia Story have been on my wish list for a long time and I'm really happy to finally have them. I had totally forgot about super bust-a-move and when I opened it, it really felt like being a kid on Christmas again, I used to spend hours in that game back in highschool so i couldnt be more psyched to have it in my collection! The extras were really cool too, that ornament is going right on my tree. Thank you so much Santa!! (I did open the envelop so I know who you are but I wont spoil it for everyone else)

(https://i.imgur.com/KM2oa7zl.jpg)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: soera on December 24, 2018, 07:05:03 pm
Chalk this up to 100% completion! Got the final confirmation at the last minute. :D

Hope everyone got what they wanted and have a great Christmas!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: Flashback2012 on December 24, 2018, 08:03:32 pm
Hope everyone got what they wanted and have a great Christmas!

Not exactly. Nothing from my wish list and half the games in the box were dupes. Oh well. Better luck next year?  ???
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: telly on December 24, 2018, 09:47:18 pm
Hope everyone got what they wanted and have a great Christmas!

Not exactly. Nothing from my wish list and half the games in the box were dupes. Oh well. Better luck next year?  ???

Woah, really? That's not okay >:( Whoever had you should not be allowed to participate next year.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 4. Receiving
Post by: Flashback2012 on December 24, 2018, 10:22:16 pm
Hope everyone got what they wanted and have a great Christmas!

Not exactly. Nothing from my wish list and half the games in the box were dupes. Oh well. Better luck next year?  ???

Woah, really? That's not okay >:( Whoever had you should not be allowed to participate next year.

I should clarify they're dupes of games I already own on other systems, not duplicates of the same game sent in the same box. Like I was sent the Wii version of a game but had it on PS2 already. Same for a PS4 game I had split up as two PS3 games. Technically I didn't have anything that was sent in the box except for one and I do have a tendency to buy the same game across multiple systems (you should see how many different versions of Pac-Man I have  :P).

Meh. It could have been worse and nothing showed up, that's happened before on another forum. From what I can tell, my recipient was happy with what he got (though a couple of items were copycat from the year before because I DO have a warehouse full of Pac-Man Vs. discs  ;D). Happy recipients make me happy and Lord knows I spent a TON on myself this year. I just need to know if you guys liked the chili or not. Only Turf has ever let me know!  :P
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: Cartagia on December 24, 2018, 10:24:22 pm
I can tell you that I personally find Skyline tremendously overrated even though I was not on the receiving end ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: kashell on December 25, 2018, 12:46:48 pm
Merry Christmas, everyone. I opened my gift from my SS a while ago; I forgot to tell Soera that I received it until yesterday. Apologies for the delay.
I was going back and forth about posting something because I didn't want to sound ungrateful, but after seeing FlashBack's post...well...I'll just say it: my gift was not good.

I feel like I should preface by saying that I try to add some personality to a gift I send. In other words, I try to make the package something special instead of some games thrown in a box. I like to throw in a card, or a key chain, or some local candy. I like to send a message wishing someone a great holiday. I try to add something to the gift. I don't expect the same level of personality in return, but I also don't expect my package to look like it came directly from eBay. That's what it looked like when I opened it: three games thrown in and that's all.

And then, we get to the contents. Two PAL games, and one non-PAL. Let's break it down. The non PAL game was one I have wanted for years: Britney's Dance Beat. I love Britney, no lie.  The downside? The disc looks like crap. I gave it a test run, and it doesn't work. It's scratched. I tried another PlayStation 2 disc just to make sure it wasn't my console acting up. No, the PlayStation 2 was fine. Either the game didn't survive the journey, or the game arrived looking like that. I'm 0/1.

The next game was one I already had in my collection: Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition. Let's break this down further. Soera said that my giftee shipped my gift on December 10th. My issue isn't that over a week after the day you're suggested to ship. No, my issue is this: on the day before Thanksgiving (11/21), I received Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition. That same day, I put it in my VGC collection/signature. That same day, I removed it from my wish list. VG Collect is a site I visit at least once a day. Perhaps its my naivete, but I thought others involved in this woud do the same. So, now I have a PAL duplicate of a game I already own. I'll admit, I'm partially at fault for including it in my wish list. But, in my defense, I added it to my collection minutes after I got it. Also, I had other low hanging fruit games on there. I'm 0/2.

The last game (Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light), thankfully, doesn't have any technical issues. The downside? It's another PAL game. Aesthetically, it looks silly in my collection. I could have gotten the NA version at a random game store. Should I have specified in my wish list that, along with making sure the game is CIB, that the game is not from the PAL territory or Japan? I'm not 0/3, but I'm not 1/3, either. I guess I'm 0.5/3.

Should I be mad? Should I be acting this way? I feel that Secret Santa is about giving, but I also feel that there is a level of reciprocity that could be exhibited. I hope that, when I give someone something during this time of year (not just including Secret Santa), I'm making them happy. Should I expect to feel that way when it's my turn to open the gift? I have before with this. When I received Fatal Frame and Demon's Souls, plus a very a clever note in 2015, I felt that way. When I received four (!!) survival horror games plus some additional swag in 2016, I felt that way.

Again, should I be mad? If so, who would I be mad at? Would I be mad at Soera for paring me with this person? Would I be mad at the person himself for gifting me PAL games I didn't ask for and for gifting me a game that doesn't work? No, in the end I'm mad at myself. And, even "mad" is a harsh word. I think it's just a bummer. It didn't ruin Christmas by any means because I've been given and giving some great things. Also, I didn't have high expectations.

But, I did have hope. I hoped that I'd get at least one thing that I'd enjoy. I have no doubt that I'd enjoy The Four Heroes of Light, but I didn't ask for the PAL version. I have no doubt that I'd enjoy Britney's Dance Beat (I love Britney - sorry not sorry) but I didn't ask for the game to be in poor condition. I have no doubt that I'd enjoy Final Fantasy XV, but I already own it.

Needless to say, I'm done with Secret Santa. I like giving gifts to others, but I don't like being gifted something that feels thoughtless. But. All is not lost. I'm going to donate these to a local used media store. There's a store near me that has a donation box. I'm putting these in there, and hoping that someone can enjoy them.

https://imgur.com/a/R7kdT6E
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: desocietas on December 25, 2018, 01:15:41 pm
The bf and I are streaming our unboxings in a bit in case you're interested! www.twitch.tv/sethyroth

I'll post the vod later :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: droaa on December 25, 2018, 01:18:16 pm
No lie, my wishlist this year was very barebones since I never keep on this site so when it came time for SS, I had not much of a clue what to put down so apologies to my SS for having to contend with that. That being said, I did open mines up and I really appreciate it. For next year, I need to be a bit more prepared to make it easier. 2 of the 4 items I asked for, a megaman build thing from Japan it seems and tootsie rolls

(https://i.imgur.com/Xz6hVOJ.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: tpugmire on December 25, 2018, 09:28:33 pm
One of the years past, I got a random box of crap too. Not a single thing I wanted or asked for. While I was disappointed, I didn’t let it bother me too much. Next year will be better kashell!  ;)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: azure on December 25, 2018, 10:03:34 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/M70aq6G.jpg)

Here is my SS haul! You did a great job with it Kash, I knew who it was, from just the return address though  ;)
Not pictured is a sweet perler style Kirby ornament, because it's currently on the tree. My only complaint is this VirtualOn is still sealed Kash what are you doing to my collector side  :P
I loved the note as well, thanks for a great surprise!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: NickAwesome on December 25, 2018, 10:09:15 pm
Merry Christmas, everyone. I opened my gift from my SS a while ago; I forgot to tell Soera that I received it until yesterday. Apologies for the delay.
I was going back and forth about posting something because I didn't want to sound ungrateful, but after seeing FlashBack's post...well...I'll just say it: my gift was not good.


It's unfortunate that your Secret Santa so clearly half-assed this, and it completely defeats the purpose of this exchange in the first place.  And worst of all, it was so bad that you no longer want to participate, and the whole exchange suffers because now we lose someone here who clearly made an effort to give great gifts.  Not everyone is always going to be completely satisfied but IMO, the people who gifted kashell and flashback should not be allowed to participate anymore. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: wolfen on December 26, 2018, 01:10:50 am
Well hopefully we do better next time. It's unfortunate but, sometimes people just don't care as much as we would like them to. I also hope my recipient liked or even recieved their gifts as I haven't seem them post anything yet.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: soera on December 26, 2018, 07:43:43 am
Well, I have been tossing around the idea of posting or not, but since other people have, I may as well too. I was the buyer for Flashback. Im sad that he did not like the gift but it wasnt just a thoughtless box of stuff I sent.

I am slightly disappointed that people were quick to say that the buyers should not participate next year. Maybe it will happen that way.  :-\
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: ignition365 on December 26, 2018, 08:49:39 am
I meant several times to take pictures of my stuff I got, but I never did and I think I already put them on shelves.  Gonna try and take pictures later.

My Secret Santa was very... unorthodox in their delivery, I sort of assume they drop shipped from ebay for everything.

In the meantime, I got...

Eureka Seven Vol. 2 (PS2)
Spectral Force Genesis (NDS)
Lost Dimension (PS3)
Record of Agarest War (360)

Overall I'm pretty happy with what I got.

Getting Vol 2 of Eureka Seven just pushes me to get Vol 1 sooner, which isn't bad as I've been putting it off for too long.

Spectral Force Genesis wasn't on my wishlist, so I'm pretty stoked to have a game sent that I'm not even aware of, but looks pretty good.  I always put on my wishlist message that I'm open to games that I don't own that folks think I would like or that they personally recommend, this is the first year someone has done it.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: Cartagia on December 26, 2018, 09:58:51 am
Well, I have been tossing around the idea of posting or not, but since other people have, I may as well too. I was the buyer for Flashback. Im sad that he did not like the gift but it wasnt just a thoughtless box of stuff I sent.

I am slightly disappointed that people were quick to say that the buyers should not participate next year. Maybe it will happen that way.  :-\

Honestly, my knee jerk reaction was to say the same thing.  However being disappointed is a risk that one has to take in participating in any Secret Santa (doubly so for Dirty Santa / White Elephant), but it was my understanding that the Wish Lists are provided to help mitigate this risk. 

I think it would be worth asking the gifters why they chose the gifts that they did.  Did the Wish List include a line like "[...] or a game I don't have!  Surprise me!"?  Because with such a large group of different style of collectors - something they don't have could end up in a situation like we saw this year (I know we know the names of most of the people involved, but I am going to avoid them, because I'm not trying to call anyone out). 

Who knows? I'm not trying to make light of anyone who is extremely unhappy with their gifts.  My receiver could have hated everything in the box, I haven't heard about it yet.  Just trying to think of ways that we could prevent this sort of thing from happening next year.  And the only thing I can arrive at, short of initially banning people from next year is to get their side of the story first - and possibly limiting to only provided Wish List items, because that would be about the only real enforceable rule that you could create - well other than you have to send something!.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: telly on December 26, 2018, 12:47:18 pm
Here's my two cents on the issues presented based on what others had said, and my own personal experiences with Secret Santa on this site.

1. Getting games not on your "Secret Santa" wishlist but are on your site one - I would be inclined to say that if it's on your wishlist, then you would have at least some desire to own it one day. So I think it's fair game personally, but... if you ONLY want your santa to use your Secret Santa wishlist, you should say that beforehand. Personally, I always tell people they can use both wishlists, and every year (so far) they've always been great :)


So what's interesting is that people tend to NOT use my SS wishlist, and I think that's fine. People may already have other games around that are cheaper, duplicates, etc. It saves time and money for them, and I'm all for that if it makes things easier.

2. Getting games not on your wishlists at all - I think you really have to say that you're okay with this beforehand. Otherwise, I don't think you should be sending games that people don't have on their wishlist, even if you think they'd really like them. For me, I take games off of my site wishlist BEFORE sending in the curated one to Soera because I'm asking for them in other places, for either my birthday or Christmas.

3. Getting games you already own - Again, you have to go off the wishlists. Last year I asked for FFX/X-2 HD even though I already own FFX on PS2. Again, if it's on your wishlist, then it's assumed that it's something that you want.

As for Kashell's situation with FFXV, I'm sorry, but I have to side with the person who bought the game. I think that when your list of games is sent to Soera, all those games should be "off limits" for you to ask for or buy later down the line. I also don't think it's fair to expect that person to check Kashell's wish lists and collection regularly to make sure that what they bought is still "available". I'm not sure how Kashell got the game, and he may have not even anticipated receiving it. However, when he did, his santa should have been given an immediate direct heads up that a game is off the list. Even then, it's dicey, and it would be really inconvenient for the santa to have to return and buy something else instead. I know that would irk me personally.

4. Games arriving that don't work - That's just straight up unacceptable, doesn't matter if it's Secret Santa or not. Like Kash said, it's uncertain if it just got damaged on the way over, but either way, it should have A. Been tested, and B. Ensured that it was packaged properly.

~

That said, here's what I think should happen next year. I think people should fill out a Google Form or something when signing up, and answer a couple questions beforehand (communication is everything after all with something like this). These are some I came up with:


That way we can make sure everyone is on the same page (hopefully). I agree with Cartagia that this is unfortunately part of the risks of doing a Santa online with people overseas and all. Thankfully for me I haven't had a single bad gift yet, but I know I try to make it as special for my recipient as possible, and so usually spend $20-30 over the limit anyway.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: ignition365 on December 26, 2018, 01:46:58 pm
Personally when I go off list and send stuff they didn't request, I try not to value that stuff at all if I can because they didn't ask for it.  I think in a previous year, I sent some manuals and stuff for games my SS had but were missing the extras according to their collection.  I didn't value it at anything so it was essentially just something extra.

I think last year I had Kash and I sent him a little gimmicky book with a little safe in it full of candy, because the majority of his wishlist was strategy guides.  I can't honestly recall, but I don't think I really valued that at anything.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: telly on December 26, 2018, 01:56:00 pm
The other thing I'm wondering whether the $50 budget includes shipping or not? I've never included shipping in mine, but my gift this year was well under $50 so I think my santa factored shipping in their budget. That's fine, but I think some clarification on that would be good.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: NickAwesome on December 26, 2018, 09:14:31 pm
I've never considered shipping part of the cost but it would probably good to clarify. 

I like the idea of having each person fill out a short questionnaire before participating.  Maybe that can help mitigate disappointment. 

Personally I love receiving stuff not on my wishlist, as long as I don't already own it.  And I guess if I already own it, I can just trade it to someone else for something I want.  And for my giftees, I like to go on and off the wishlist and use the wishlist as suggestions and not necessarily as required.  I also like finding most of my stuff locally, just ordering everything off ebay is not very fun.  Reading these responses though has made me second question this method.  Both of my giftees in years past have enjoyed my gifts but if I was to do the same for someone else, it might be disappointing for them.  A bit more information about my recipient and what they like would better inform me how strictly I need to follow the list. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: justin8301 on December 26, 2018, 09:25:26 pm
I dont think additional guidelines/questions are a bad thing, just as long as it doesn't become "please enter the exact names of the games you want to receive". I rather enjoy going off books and trying to find things my match might like based on what they've told me about themselves. I just try to make sure to have a few things that were on their wish list in case I didn't do so well. Also i just always assumed that shipping was not included in the budget set.

With all that said, I just wanted to say thank you to soera for making this happen each year. It takes a lot of work to put this all together and you've done an amazing job with it! so Thank you soera!!
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: Flashback2012 on December 27, 2018, 10:10:22 am
Aye carumba...I didn't think the thread would take such a downturn. I'm covering someone else's shift this week and don't have the time to really get into it at this time but I want to thank Soera for the package I received. There were a few items in it that I didn't have that have been on my radar for some time. I did receive some duplicates and some "dupes" of games I had on other systems already but as I mentioned previously, I tend to acquire the same game across multiple systems. I just picked up de Blob2 over the weekend for DS even though I have it on Wii/PS3/XB360.

Anyway, more later. Only two more days of this God-Awful shift...
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: sworddude on December 27, 2018, 02:37:13 pm
I didn't participate in this or any secret santa but i would recommend to exclude non usa people or keep it seperate,

Not because I'm a mean guy But as a pal collector Finding usa games is not that common since for many consoles there is a region lock, some stuff is imported but in general not that common for allot of consoles it is pretty special. Seeing someone complain about receiving pal games as an usa collector wich is ofcourse understandable.

As far as ds and ps4 games goes I do see why the pal sender went for those since these are region free and they are just the same withouth any differences. Maybe some dlc differences as far as the ps4 game goes,


If overseas buyers where still to participate in the future I would recommend them hunting for ds gba or gameboy stuff since those are the only consoles in wich case there is a decent amount of usa stuff out there since it isn't region locked from back in the day if one where to request some non exclusives. USA ps4 switch games are most definitely there but you would need to get them from specific sources or only buy ntc exclusive games wich where not released in europe but available in european stores. ofcourse there is also the option for pal exclusives for certain consoles but that could be tough to get depending on the item. eitherway it is a bit more difficult to mix different countries. Also in terms of overseas participants I would recommend to request usa exclusive items since I'm pretty sure pal stuff is also pretty hard to get in the usa maybe even more so in the handheld department compared to europe.

High shipping costs and slow shipping times could also be a side issue as far as this goes but I have seen some dissapointed faces over the years from USA santa's receiving gifts from pal senders in these topics so here are my two cents.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: desocietas on December 27, 2018, 03:52:24 pm
Thank you, Fazerco, for coming by the live stream of the unboxing! For those of you who weren't able to make it, the VOD can be found here of the SS unboxing: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/355072539

No name was left, but thank you, Secret Santa! Feel free to let me know if you like if you were my gifter :)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: indenton on December 27, 2018, 04:46:42 pm
If overseas buyers where still to participate in the future I would recommend them hunting for ds gba or gameboy stuff since those are the only consoles in wich case there is a decent amount of usa stuff out there since it isn't region locked from back in the day if one where to request some non exclusives.

Already been doing that for my SS this whole time Bro.  Speaking of which...

Turf was my Secret Santa this year and I got a whole goodie bag of GBA games here!

(https://vgcollect.com/images/gallery/1/16654/2_img_20181227_212453352.jpg)

Th bottom 5 [Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge, Rayman Advance, Super Puzzle Fighter II, ChuChu Rocket, Magical Drop] were all on my list.  ChuChu Rocket was being a little finicky at first but those 5 work.  I also got a handful of other GBA games (Frogger's Adventures being the only dupe of the lot).  The Game Boy Advance was the first Nintendo console I've owned so I'm still happy to wittle away the hours on a bunch of these games for years to come.  Thank you very much Turf and hope you all had a great Christmas this year. 

EDIT: Polarium Advance was missing from the photo because it was still in my DS, as soon as I saw the 'ATLUS' logo I knew this was going to be good.  Shaping up to be a nice little addition to my collection. Thanks again. 
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: redblaze57 on December 27, 2018, 06:05:48 pm
My secret Santa knocked it out of the park this year. Candy this year was a large bag of small tootsie rolls and a ziploc of laffy taffy. First thing I opened was a case of 36 black/red chessex dice. Might seem like an odd thing to ask for, but they are great as counters for card games like Magic and Keyforge. Next up was the game Yakuza Dead Souls the only physical copy of a Yakuza game I was missing beside (ps3)s Kiwami 2(which someone in my family gave me). The next game I opened was N3II: Ninety-nine Nights I'm surprised I had this on my wish list but not the prequel my bad on that just means I got to find a copy of that game now. Next game was Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator- (ps4) I fell behind on releases of this series so this is a jumpstart to catching up on the series. The last 2 items I had to were bundled together I opened up the first item seeing Lootcrate and the Psychonauts logo. I paused for a second and started repeating a combination of No Way and No Fucking Way as I dropped the box going to the last item which turned out was the Xbox copy of Psychonauts a game I've been on the look for for years. I was so amazed that I almost forgot about the lootcrate box which ended up having a replica of the main character Razputin's goggles in it. Thank you to my secret Santa Desocietas (yes I looked at the spoiler in her note)

I'm glad to see my giftee enjoyed what he got (I threw in Derby Station 2 as a joke since it seemed like a Bizarre random game to toss in with the rest)
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: fazerco on December 28, 2018, 04:34:08 am
Thank you, Fazerco, for coming by the live stream of the unboxing! For those of you who weren't able to make it, the VOD can be found here of the SS unboxing: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/355072539

No name was left, but thank you, Secret Santa! Feel free to let me know if you like if you were my gifter :)

I loved the stealth cactus  ;D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: puddingm on December 28, 2018, 05:42:01 am
I didn't participate in this or any secret santa but i would recommend to exclude non usa people or keep it seperate,

Not because I'm a mean guy But as a pal collector Finding usa games is not that common since for many consoles there is a region lock, some stuff is imported but in general not that common for allot of consoles it is pretty special. Seeing someone complain about receiving pal games as an usa collector wich is ofcourse understandable.

As far as ds and ps4 games goes I do see why the pal sender went for those since these are region free and they are just the same withouth any differences. Maybe some dlc differences as far as the ps4 game goes,

If overseas buyers where still to participate in the future I would recommend them hunting for ds gba or gameboy stuff since those are the only consoles in wich case there is a decent amount of usa stuff out there since it isn't region locked from back in the day if one where to request some non exclusives. USA ps4 switch games are most definitely there but you would need to get them from specific sources or only buy ntc exclusive games wich where not released in europe but available in european stores. ofcourse there is also the option for pal exclusives for certain consoles but that could be tough to get depending on the item. eitherway it is a bit more difficult to mix different countries. Also in terms of overseas participants I would recommend to request usa exclusive items since I'm pretty sure pal stuff is also pretty hard to get in the usa maybe even more so in the handheld department compared to europe.

High shipping costs and slow shipping times could also be a side issue as far as this goes but I have seen some dissapointed faces over the years from USA santa's receiving gifts from pal senders in these topics so here are my two cents.

Revealing myself to share my way as overseas participant (sharing ideas)~ my 4th year of participating on this site by the way O_O

I'm the SS for ignition365 - @ignition365 you have to receive your parcels in an "unorthodox" way since I consider that as the best way (reasons below) 8)
People need to "not assume" their gifters are based in US ::)

Receiving~
I personally use the official NZ shipping service based in US & pay for my own shipping due to:
1. I consolidate the parcels I have in US and ship it together - good discounts for combined shipping & I get to pay in my own currency too [shipping for this yr's SS parcel turns out to be around US$5 only :D - this is US to NZ via airmail! Now my SS will know why I requested no food :-X~
2. My SS won't need to pay for the high international shipping [sorry to my Yr1 SS Q.Q] & can focus on getting more games for me instead :P
One downside: I won't get my SS gifts until I send out my consolidated parcel [thus no photo to show yet :-[ - it's coming]

Note that I always state the condition, version & region I want on my SS wishlist.

Gifting~
I personally prefer to "source domestically" from different online sites (i.e. If the person is in US - I buy from US) & ship it directly from there due to:
1. Greater selection of games [I will be able to get what my giftee wants & for the correct region as well - I also make sure I get good condition ones]
2. Cost efficiency [prefer to get my giftee more games than like 2 games - games are super expensive here & are PAL as well! (don't even mention about the international shipping costs over here)]
3. Avoid long shipping time from overseas
One downside: My giftees will receive "parcels" instead of "parcel" = there won't be those special touches. However, think it can also be interesting to receive multiple parcels though [which is what I got from my US SS last yr :P]

As an overseas participant, personally think this is the best method for all parties.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: sworddude on December 28, 2018, 07:11:43 am


Revealing myself to share my way as overseas participant (sharing ideas)~ my 4th year of participating on this site by the way O_O

I'm the SS for ignition365 - @ignition365 you have to receive your parcels in an "unorthodox" way since I consider that as the best way (reasons below) 8)
People need to "not assume" their gifters are based in US ::)

Receiving~
I personally use the official NZ shipping service based in US & pay for my own shipping due to:
1. I consolidate the parcels I have in US and ship it together - good discounts for combined shipping & I get to pay in my own currency too [shipping for this yr's SS parcel turns out to be around US$5 only :D - this is US to NZ via airmail! Now my SS will know why I requested no food :-X~
2. My SS won't need to pay for the high international shipping [sorry to my Yr1 SS Q.Q] & can focus on getting more games for me instead :P
One downside: I won't get my SS gifts until I send out my consolidated parcel [thus no photo to show yet :-[ - it's coming]

Note that I always state the condition, version & region I want on my SS wishlist.

Gifting~
I personally prefer to "source domestically" from different online sites (i.e. If the person is in US - I buy from US) & ship it directly from there due to:
1. Greater selection of games [I will be able to get what my giftee wants & for the correct region as well - I also make sure I get good condition ones]
2. Cost efficiency [prefer to get my giftee more games than like 2 games - games are super expensive here & are PAL as well! (don't even mention about the international shipping costs over here)]
3. Avoid long shipping time from overseas
One downside: My giftees will receive "parcels" instead of "parcel" = there won't be those special touches. However, think it can also be interesting to receive multiple parcels though [which is what I got from my US SS last yr :P]

As an overseas participant, personally think this is the best method for all parties.

I do agree allot of pal games in general are more expensive than the ntc counter parts but the USa has some extreme super high end 1K + examples wich are less plentifull in pal regions. and yes if one where to request for example for ps1 ps2 consoles and let's say a wild arms 2 ps1 wich is an ntc exclusive I mean in pal regions these go for premiums allot higher than in the US the price differences can get pretty big.

I will say that it is an pretty nice idea if overseas buyers would buy in the USA and ship it directly to the person living in the US avoiding all the flaws as I mentioned but I could potentially see a problem that not all sellers in the US would accept payments from overseas buyers so in some cases there should be some help from a usa member if it doesn't work out.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: ignition365 on December 28, 2018, 08:01:23 am
Revealing myself to share my way as overseas participant (sharing ideas)~ my 4th year of participating on this site by the way O_O

I'm the SS for ignition365 - @ignition365 you have to receive your parcels in an "unorthodox" way since I consider that as the best way (reasons below) 8)
People need to "not assume" their gifters are based in US ::)

Receiving~
I personally use the official NZ shipping service based in US & pay for my own shipping due to:
1. I consolidate the parcels I have in US and ship it together - good discounts for combined shipping & I get to pay in my own currency too [shipping for this yr's SS parcel turns out to be around US$5 only :D - this is US to NZ via airmail! Now my SS will know why I requested no food :-X~
2. My SS won't need to pay for the high international shipping [sorry to my Yr1 SS Q.Q] & can focus on getting more games for me instead :P
One downside: I won't get my SS gifts until I send out my consolidated parcel [thus no photo to show yet :-[ - it's coming]

Note that I always state the condition, version & region I want on my SS wishlist.

Gifting~
I personally prefer to "source domestically" from different online sites (i.e. If the person is in US - I buy from US) & ship it directly from there due to:
1. Greater selection of games [I will be able to get what my giftee wants & for the correct region as well - I also make sure I get good condition ones]
2. Cost efficiency [prefer to get my giftee more games than like 2 games - games are super expensive here & are PAL as well! (don't even mention about the international shipping costs over here)]
3. Avoid long shipping time from overseas
One downside: My giftees will receive "parcels" instead of "parcel" = there won't be those special touches. However, think it can also be interesting to receive multiple parcels though [which is what I got from my US SS last yr :P]

As an overseas participant, personally think this is the best method for all parties.
Just to throw this out there, I wasn't really complaining and figured the drop shipping was because my SS was international.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: puddingm on December 28, 2018, 08:21:31 am
Revealing myself to share my way as overseas participant (sharing ideas)~ my 4th year of participating on this site by the way O_O

I'm the SS for ignition365 - @ignition365 you have to receive your parcels in an "unorthodox" way since I consider that as the best way (reasons below) 8)
People need to "not assume" their gifters are based in US ::)

Receiving~
I personally use the official NZ shipping service based in US & pay for my own shipping due to:
1. I consolidate the parcels I have in US and ship it together - good discounts for combined shipping & I get to pay in my own currency too [shipping for this yr's SS parcel turns out to be around US$5 only :D - this is US to NZ via airmail! Now my SS will know why I requested no food :-X~
2. My SS won't need to pay for the high international shipping [sorry to my Yr1 SS Q.Q] & can focus on getting more games for me instead :P
One downside: I won't get my SS gifts until I send out my consolidated parcel [thus no photo to show yet :-[ - it's coming]

Note that I always state the condition, version & region I want on my SS wishlist.

Gifting~
I personally prefer to "source domestically" from different online sites (i.e. If the person is in US - I buy from US) & ship it directly from there due to:
1. Greater selection of games [I will be able to get what my giftee wants & for the correct region as well - I also make sure I get good condition ones]
2. Cost efficiency [prefer to get my giftee more games than like 2 games - games are super expensive here & are PAL as well! (don't even mention about the international shipping costs over here)]
3. Avoid long shipping time from overseas
One downside: My giftees will receive "parcels" instead of "parcel" = there won't be those special touches. However, think it can also be interesting to receive multiple parcels though [which is what I got from my US SS last yr :P]

As an overseas participant, personally think this is the best method for all parties.
Just to throw this out there, I wasn't really complaining and figured the drop shipping was because my SS was international.

Don't think you were either :D
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: indenton on December 28, 2018, 10:31:52 am
I second the notion that we shouldn't assume that our SS will always be based in the US That's why I've always picked out a bunch of region free stuff so that the games will work.  (GB / GBA / DS / PS3).  I always see photographs of people with dozens of games from their secret santa.  It makes me feel like i'm being stingy, but oh wait I went over-budget, again! I usually draw something for these kinds of gifts too.

The recipient didn't share their loot in the forum threads so it felt unappreciated, even when I tried to build up the sentimental value in my own personal way.
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: indenton on December 28, 2018, 01:29:13 pm
Also thanks for the feedback, I was gonna include some digital art myself but seeing as you were 'disappointed' I'm relieved I decided against it.  I don't I'll bother participating next year. The comment "Half-assed" I think is what hurt the most. The hours I spent digging through online listings finding the couple items I could even consider for the SS considering the budget we had.  like I didn't bloody try or something. 

Your PAL, Indenton
Title: Re: Secret Santa 2018 - Part 5. DONE!
Post by: soera on December 28, 2018, 02:35:23 pm
Gonna lock this. I feel that any more responses on this thread are going to be bringing it even more into a place where it really shouldnt go. Im pretty upset that it got to this point. Ive seen people receive gifts that they were not happy with (I know of one person who received 1 game valued around $8 that they already had in their collection for years and that was the entire package). I myself have received gifts that didnt quite fit my wishlist (One was a single homebrew for a system I dont collect for or even own). The fact is no one has complained publicly till now. The focus was to give a gift to someone else online. I hate to say it but this has been the toughest Secret Santa to sit through cause of this.

I will probably not continue this tradition on here after this year.