/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>Going to post a few from the end of last thread:

My gift arrived today!! EO, thank you so much, everything is PERFECT. Funnily enough, the cup is one I've had my eyes on for a while and never bought, so I'm super thankful for that! I've never had a gift so perfectly tailored to my tastes before, I was moved almost to tears!

Also for those curious: this was a $35-$50 match and EO definitely went above and beyond. The teacup itself (I collect Royal Albert, for context) retails around $40, plus BABY wrist cuffs and two AP hair combs. In other words, >>9728068, leave EO alone. They are definitely not a grinch, far from it. They put so much effort into my gift, and I'm positive they put a lot of effort into their other match's gift as well.

>This is just unspeakably cool...

holy SHIT TG from MA, I'd be downright lying if I said that I didn't tear up while opening your gift; this is without a doubt the most thoughtful /cgl/ SS gift I've ever received. I can't describe my lowkey screeching and tiny gasps as I opened all your gifts. All the customization that you did was amazing, from the tissue paper to the confetti, to the paper boxes -- even the colouring of the wrapping paper matched the KC acrylics! I have such an appreciation for small, thoughtful details like this and I was genuinely wow'd every step of the way.

You're a goddamn blessing to this earth and I can only hope that my gift in return can at least hold a candle to all the joy and cheer you've brought to me this season.

>This is so sweet!!

AD from DE, I just got my gift of SPARKLE! glitter everywhere, and it's all so cute!
The ring is adorable, I didn't realize just how much I needed goldfish with crowns in my life.
The necklace is stunning, I love how we both went with the same colors and bows theme. we really do have similar taste. Gotta ask - what's in the glass part? it's really magical.
Plus - WASHI! I'm so obsessed with washi, and this one is so nice!
Thank you, I love it!

>>9728771
Thank SS, was just going to post this again, but you beat me to it.
Thanks for your hard work.

H, I don’t know where to begin!!!! I’m beaming! Everything is so perfect and well-suited to me! I gasped when I opened it and there were so many surprises. You definitely spoiled me!!!

The dress is EXACTLY my style and I can’t wait to wear it, it’s so freaking adorable and I screamed when I pulled it out. I am in love with all the cosmetics; I’m so excited to use them, especially the palette! And you included so much from my one true love, Pusheen! Did you handmake the collar? It’s absolutely darling, I LOVE IT! Finally, the two pairs of ears are absolutely perfect, I’ve wanted a plain white pair but never got around to getting them, and the bejewled ones are fantastic!

You have blessed me this season and I hope desperately you enjoy yours just as much! Remember to open them in number order if you haven’t touched the package yet!

>>9728800
This such a lovely and thoughtful gift.

Question for $50+ tiers, how much do you guys actually spend?

>>9728882
I wish there was a $100+ tier, desu. So those who couldn't overspend so much wouldn't feel guilty.

>>9728882
I spent probably...$90-110? Went kinda overboard desu but my match is awesome so I wanted to spoil her.

>>9728882
About $100; mostly because the headdress I got my match was about $50.

>>9728882
Meant to spend around $80-100, ended up spending $150. I kind of wish I discussed how much we were going to spend with my match like some have mentioned they did, I feel like I made her guilty, so I certainly wouldn't mind a $80+ tier or something if there's enough interest next time.

Well this sucks. The package I sent out was returned today because the postage fell off.

KB of TX, I'll send you a new tracking number via seagull santa today.

>>9728882
60-70 but I also gave her things I was selling/didn't really want anymore that would suit her.

>>9728882
Like 70-90.

>>9728882
$60-70 as well

>>9728882
I spent around 90USD, almost 100USD. But I feel like it was quite underwhelming

EM from the UK, thank you so so so much! I love everything. I really love collecting tights so getting two pairs was amazing. The beret is super cute! Last week I was thinking I needed some face masks so the ones you sent will really come in handy. I had some of the tea this morning and it was really tasty too!

>>9728882
About 150USD. Could have been more like 100 if I hadn't splurged on a firsthand item. I'm kind of miffed about all the shipping and customs I ended up paying, I wish that money could have gone towards more gifts. No regrets though, my Santa really treated me and I'll just have to be smarter about avoiding fees next time.

>>9728882
About $150 each for my two 50+ matches. Kind of sad to hear from Seagull Santa that one might be a grinch, as I really tried to put together an outfit for her and make it personalized and special. Just putting it out there that I was planning on spending this amount from the start though, as one gull was bitching in the last thread about how everyone who overspent has poor planning and financial control.

Accidentally posted in the old thread, LT from Aus, JN/E from NS, ET from Spain, please refer to >>9729183

I'm severely delayed, but I promise I will get your gifts out no matter what.

>>9729030
>anon bitching about people overspending
Sounds like a bitter poorfag.

>>9728769
Man, this is super cool!

JM from Quebec!!! Your last gift arrived today!! I'll send it out as soon as the post office opens back up!!

>>9728884
That wouldn't help. People overspend in all tiers, so people would just overspend in the $100 one too. More of an attitude problem, not trying to be negative, I LOVE the fact that so many of you love to spoil, just worry less about stuff like that. I get where the worry comes from but if you're going to spoil I think it's better to just lean in and enjoy the giving spirit. I also overspent on white day when the cap was 20 (I spent somewhere around 60), with the 50 cap during christmas I spent over 100. It's a problem that would just keep scaling.

@ NS from AB

I'm gonna take some pics tomorrow with good sunlight but oh my god your gifts had me in tears (good tears). I love everything so so much

-CH

>>9728882
Around $130 in various gifts, with a $60 gift being the single most expensive item

>>9728882
I gave away some things I got in a lucky pack + some things I made + some things I got in art trades so it's hard to say; I probably only spent around $65 in actual dollars but the gift value is more than that.

MS from Mexico, today I opened your gift, it was really heart warming, thank you so much for all the presents! I loved everything like you have no idea, I’m almost crying, everything is beyond perfect! I’m so so so thankful
I really don’t know how to express myself, I loved everything beyond words!!!

>>9727835
Update
>went to the post office today
>saw the employee who took my package so at least he wasn't a thief
>spoke to him and the manager for like an hour
>manager doesn't believe that I dropped the package off since it didn't scan and I wasn't offered a reciept when the employee took it
>Manager says that "this has never happened before" and "I don't know what to tell you", even though even the employee vaguely recalls seeing me and taking it

Anons I'm freaking out real bad
I don't want to accidentally grinch anybody but holy shit
The manager told me though that if for some reason the package didn't scan, as long as the address was legible it should keep going so I told my SS to just let me know if it doesn't arrive next week so I might be able to ship out another one asap

I wouldn't be able to get the same item though so I'm really devastated right now and I'm going through a series of nightmare scenarios where the lable got caught on something and ripped off or the employee left it in the front while he was helping out customers and that gift is just gone forever

>>9729492
here's the pictures ;__; I'm so so grateful for all this, thank you again NS

>>9729828
I sure hope you ripped that employee a new one, why the fuck would he take it and not scan it???

>>9729828
>>9729834
Etsy seller here, the post gets really really bad about scanning things in December because of all the Christmas mail, don't stress Anon your package is probably fine. I've never had a package lost with them out of 100s and eventually tracking updated after delivery

MB of CA here!

LT of AZ and MW of CA, I got your package/card!! Unfortunately I'm not actually going to be home until January 5th or so. Had I known I'd be gone until then I would have told you guys. I'm excited to open them and I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as I do! Thank you and Merry Christmas!!

>>9729030
>everyone who complained about overspending and worrying they wouldn't be spoiled back has poor planning/financial control and no giving spirit

ftfy. reading is fundamental, anonny.

KD from UK, match 7490! Your card arrived and it's adorable aaah. The little charm is super cute and matches my Kero one perfectly. I loved making your card and receiving yours. And you're an Ito fan as well<3 All in all, it brightened up my day!

>>9729832
I’m so happy to hear that you liked it! I loved your wardrobe, so it was really fun to pick stuff that I think you could wear together! Also, I thought the Usakumya pen was too good to pass up, and the socks looked really cozy. I’m excited to receive yours! Have a great Christmas and new year!

Signed up for grinch duty!

Got a ridiculous stock of brand + raffle prizes/etc for my comm's ILD/Christmas parties, royal albert/kath kidston tea sets, and we're moving house soon, so I figured me and my wife could treat a grinched anon or two.

>>9728769
>>9728700 →

Yay! I'm really happy to hear that you liked it! I appreciate you saying such nice things. It was super fun to put together too!

BS from OH, I just opened your gift today and wow!! Everything is so wonderful, thank you so much!

AD from DE, I finally got to unwrap your gift and it’s amazing! I love the tote bag, it’s absolutely perfect- bird with a hat! I’ve already worn the blouse out to dinner. Thank you!

>>9728769
I can't stop smiling at this.
Holy shit they went out hard putting thought into this.

CF from NZ, your gift arrived on Saturday but I wasnt home to open it until recently. And oh my goodness I was so blown away. Everything is so cute and I loved the little notes on each item and your letter! I'm definitely going to wear/use everything here, my wardrobe was in dire need of accessories like these and I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this bag! You got items to suit so many of my interests and I absolutely love everything. In fact I was eyeing up this exact lip tint but my local store didn't have it! Also the pusheen socks are amazing and I'm going to wear them today haha. Couldn't find the gift ID but I'll make sure seagull Santa knows I received it.

I can't thank you enough for spoiling me and hope you have a merry christmas and happy new year!

>tfw tracking updated that the package was received, but your match hadn't posted in any of the threads

>>9730963
I feel you anon, mine arrived last week to my giftee. All I want for Christmas is my giftee to post their happiness in here and for me to gush back at them in a circle of happiness ahhh

Though maybe they're one of the people waiting until Christmas to open, I can understand that.

>>9730969
Ahhh if anyone is waiting for me (me from wa) I’m so sorry I’ve been working and away from home for a few days. I won’t be back till the 26th and I can post then!

>>9730963
>>9730969
Same, I mailed both my giftees asking if they had already received their packages, and they said yes but they haven’t posted anything, I really want to know if they liked it .

>>9731057
I don't think mine will post though. They haven't posted in any thread yet and they probably won't this time. I guess all I can do is hope I get someone next time who follows the rules and makes it more fun.

TK from CA here. I got so many little goodies and I love it! Perfect for my Rin bag. I can finally fill in all the gaps of my bag. The Yurio drawing cracked me up. A perfect portrait. I really love the nail stickers. I just started getting into nail art, so the timing was great! Thank you MW! I hope you have a Merry Christmas!!

How different is White Day exchanging from /ss/?

>>9731118
White day is more fandom related whereas SS is more jfash.

>>9731070
Just be patient I'm sure they will posf

Merry Christmas J from CA!
This came at the exactly right time (Had a small accident, I'm totally fine just got a annoying bruise on my neck.) and it really cheered me up! I love jasmine tea and the headbow and cards are really cute!
I really hope your gift arrives soon, post told me not to worry about the tracking but it's hard not to be.

>>9731164
And my hairy baby enjoyed your gift as well!

>>9731118
I don't know, but I'm pumped to participate because I start a new job next week and will be able to afford it!

>>9731118
it tends to be smaller dollar amounts, and usually it is focused on waifu/husbando to be in keeping with the White Day theme

>>9729832
The necklace is so pretty!!

>>9731070
One of mine too, never answered, not even my emails, just the last one where I asked if they have gotten my package, they just answered that they did, but haven't posted. I feel crushed.

>>9728766
Sorry for the late reply, I was banned for connecting to a wifi with a proxy and the appeal only just went through. Glad you liked everything!

So update on OA, I tried to track down the landlord for her old apartment to see if they would hold it to no avail. I think I'm just gonna have to get her a new card and gift but it will have to wait until after new year's since I wasn't expecting this and haven't been paid yet and cleaned my account out on gifts for everyone.

Posting everything I got.

AT I really love your card, its one of the cutest things ever. The stickers inside and everything, especially the Yang on the front is just perfect.

SA I really like your card too and it means a lot that you threw in the gloves. They fit well and they've already proven to be warm enough to deal with this White Christmas!

and then I really love everything my main match IH got me too. I already put the little chain/charm on a bag for now while I work out if it will do better on anything else but it does add a lot to my bag. And the skeleton hand corsage is super cool, I'll have to add in a couple of other grey accessories to make sure it matches my coord. Maybe even get a gray wig too. And the lip balm is actually pretty great, I might switch to this brand. A little iffy on the miracle oil stuff but I'm always willing to try skincare products so its nice to have something new especially when its this cold and dry

Honestly all the really great stuff makes me feel bad like I didn't do enough but it makes me excited to do this again next year hopefully and have more money and time to make sure all my gifts are this great.

>>9731116
Merry Christmas to you too! The nail stickers are so cute I'm sad I couldn't find the Rei set they're so detailed. Rin just has so much great merch I'm glad you like it!

#2436

HC from Mexico, I'm amazed by what you sent. I was in the $35 tier and you got me so much! You were so thoughtful, every item was packed with such care and individually wrapped in xmas paper, it was a real delight to open it! Everything is so practical, thankyou, I am def going to use everything! And the brooch was so beautiful too, thankyou for paying all that money to ship to Australia as I know it would have cost a bomb. And soooo many Mexican candies, dear lord I almost got diabetes looking at them! Thanks for being a wonderful match and I hope that we can become penpals!

>>9731616
why are the black things (gloves? wristcuffs?) covered in tons of dust and nasty hairs?

>>9731937
was going to ask the same thing. looks like a dog or cat or some other furry critter slept on them for a couple days. lol

>>9731616
SA here, glad you like the gloves! Hopefully they make up for the fact that I couldn't draw you some nice anime tiddies.

>>9731937
>>9731938
they're gloves from SweetDreamer. I never took them out of the bag they came in and I have no pets so I'm not sure where all that came from.

>>9731937
>>9731938
My cat was sleeping on them while I was outside shoveling snow. When I came in they were covered and I'm going to have to lint roll them but I wanted to get the picture up for Christmas day.

>>9731981
They do, and they match pretty well with a few of my coords! Its always best to have options.

>>9731981
All anime tiddies are nice anime tiddies, anon.

>>9730867
Yay! I am pleased to hear you like everything!

>>9731932
Hello, HC here!
It makes me so happy to know that you liked everything! I had lots of fun choosing your gifts. About the candies all of them are my favourite, specially the chocolate bunnies!

JL from AK, just got my gift, I'm so happy!
The little bat fits perfectly with an outfit I'm working on, and it's so cute!
I'm a sucker for cute cardigans/boleros, so this is amazing, especially with all the matching accessories.
And the postcard is stunning... Thank you!!!

>>9732485
Aw I'm so happy everything worked out well!! I had fun putting your gift together based on what you wrote, happy holidays~

Holy crap. This is such a cute package. I did not expect all of these accessories. It works so well with a couple of my coords. I'm already wearing the beret with some of my larme work outfits.

>>9724919
No problem. I was super nervous because I tried to order many a rapunzel product but they all kept canceling my orders days later. I'm so glad you like them. Too bad, I wasn't able to get an shota Rider stuff for you. I hope you don't mind OG Bara version.

>>9727377
I'm glad you like the headpiece. It was my first time handling one. It was a lot nicer than I thought it would be. I'm happy that I learned alot more about lolita and I was able to use it as a pattern reference to make my own in the future. I can really appreciate how quality brando can be.

>>9732821
beret source pls

Sewing supplies for days! Thank you for the practical gifts. I'll use every one of these. This is a cosplayer's package through and through. I couldn't find a match Id for it though.

Sewing supplies for days! Thank you for the practical gifts. I'll use every one of these. This is a cosplayer's package through and through. I couldn't find a match Id for it though.

>>9732837
Sorry it's number 3733! I must have dropped my note! Sorry it's kind of boring, but since we're both cosplayers I wanted to go in a sewing/cosplay direction! I bought stuff that I use a lot for sewing or didn't know were as awesome until I had them (the bodkin and the magnetic pin cushion). Merry Christmas!

>>9732861
Boring to you maybe but dreadfully useful. The bodkin is small so I always lose and end up having to mcguyer one out of a chopstick. Have a happy new year!

I got your book, sewing supplies, skin care, wrist cushion, adorable hamster note pad and I'm assuming those button pins are iron protected? I was looking in to getting some for another anon. Oh and how on earth did you find that blue badger keychain! Those are rather dificult to get. I'm so impressed. Thank you and have a happy new year.

Oh and yes, I'll look into getting that book you told me about. Which edition should I get? I can't wait to practice the stuff in that fitting book you gave me.

Thank you thank you AY from HI!!!
The brand postcard is already on my wall and the HI Christmas card was adorable. I'll be sure to sample the teas and face masks.
And you did not fail on the Lolita side of things!!! The bows are gorgeous and sooo silky. I can't wait to properly coord them.
I hope you like your gift! I'll be sending you a thank you card in a little bit

>>9732959
I also want to say that while I have no idea what to do with a full set of tigerxbunny raccoons I love them all nonetheless

>>9732879
Oops I think this is actually match id#4250. I found the note with wrapping paper.

>>9732959
>>9732961
Yay! I’m glad you liked it! I was worried. The set is adorable and like I just the itabager in me went “well might as well get them all...”

>>9732959
Oh my god, those little rascal tsum tsums are adorable.

>>9732973
I remember I pulled out one and was pleasantly surprised...
And then I kept pulling out more!
>>9732989
They're all wearing their little superhero costumes! And lunatic has a tiny mask!!!! Aaaaaaa

>>9732879
Yay, I'm glad it got to you safely! I'm actually not sure on the button pins so you may want to do a test before you use them. As for the other book, both the normal and international editions are pretty much the same, save for some slight measurement differences. iirc the international one is a good bit cheaper. And I found the Blue Badger keychain on eBay of all places! Happy holidays!

BS from OH (#5757) - Thank you for all the cute Disney stuff! I honestly have wanted that mug for months. So excited to have my coffee in it tomorrow. The cosmetics froze a bit. (It's -16°C today and they left the package and didn't knock!) But I'm going to try that mask when it thaws!
You have excellent taste!

KS from NZ (#6132) - I received the card today! Thank you for the acrylic Hanayo! My waifu is standing cutely on my desk~

Match #6842, thank you so much for everything! I’m so happy we were paired together again! I’m in dire need of more sheet masks and nail polish. I love the brooch and ring and the skeletons are my favourite thing ever! You should have four packages on their way(or out for delivery) from me! Two from amazon, one from redbubble, and one from sugarpill.

>>9733273
I’m dumb and forgot the photo

match #5451 thank you so much for the gifts! I smiled when I opened the bat tank top! I normally don't wear tank tops, but I might try to incorporate in in one of my summer outfits, summers are so damn hot and humid here, so I think I'll enjoy wearing it.

I also really love the sailor moon cats pin and the magical girl necklace (and the other gifts too ofcourse!)

thank you so much!

Match #7601
NS from VA
>>9728800
Thank you so much for the gifts!! I appreciate it so much. I honestly screamed when I saw the rubber straps- I wasn't expecting husbando merch at all and you got me some that I didn't even knew existed!! The pink headbow will go perfectly with my wardrobe and everything else is really cute- I've been wanting to add some more red/wine to my wardrobe and the cutsew will do that!!
Your idea to label everything with "From Misako" for lolita related things, or "From Kitty" for the cat tights, or just "From Santa" for everything else was really sweet.
Thank you again, and I'm glad you liked your gifts too!! It was fun picking stuff out for you.

Match #5552
LS from MA
Thank you for the gifts! The pins are really cute, and I really like the biscuit hair clips. I just bought a skirt and dress with pastry prints, so they'll go really nicely with them. I appreciate you wrapping everything really nicely with cute wrapping paper- even though I didn't photograph it haha.
Thanks again, and I'm glad you liked my gift too! I'm looking forward to your post after I send out your card.

Dropped pic.
Match #5552
LS from MA
Thank you so much for the gifts! The pins are really cute, and I really love the biscuit hair clips! I think they'll go nicely with the pastry print skirt and OP I just bought that's coming in the mail. I really appreciate you wrapping everything nicely with cute wrapping paper and stuff!
Thanks again, and I'm glad you liked your gifts too. Looking forward to your post when I send out your card!

I keep dropping the picture because I'm an idiot
Anyways, continuation from >>9734151
Dropped pic.
Match #5552
LS from MA
Thank you a lot for the gifts! The pins are really cute, and I really like the biscuit hair clips! I think they'll go nicely with the pastry print skirt and OP I just bought that's coming in the mail. I really appreciate you wrapping everything nicely with cute wrapping paper and stuff!
I'm glad you liked your gifts too. Looking forward to your post when I send out your card!

Additionally NS from VA, as well as my 3 card matches, ME from WA, TK from CA, and KB from Australia, I'll be sending out (late...) cards to you as well! ME and TK, I got yours and they were really sweet, I really liked them!!

YC from IN here! SA, thank you so much for all the gifts!!! My pic is a bit shitty cause I don't have a lot of space or lighting to work with but I love them all! The coat is one of my favorites and I wasn't expecting the basket bag!

Also
>pusheen
YES. ALL OF MY YES

I couldn't fit in the link figure so I'll put it in its own separate post!

I'll email the name of the socks I gave you as soon as I find them!!!

Match #1811

I should never be allowed to take photos again lmao but here's the Link figure. Best husbando.

>>9734000
I'm really glad it arrived to you safely! I was a bit nervous about the tank top but when I saw it was from one of your favourite brands and it had a bat on it I thought of you, so I'm really glad it made you smile! I'm sorry it's late but I'm glad you liked the gifts <3

EI from Poland, your last gift arrived today so tomorrow I'll be shooting off to get it shipped and will update you with the details asap!

>>9734168
This looks really cheap, anon... What range were you in? I sincerely hope it was the lowest.

>>9734315
>>9734168
Mte. Maybe anon got a crossboarder? They tried.

>>9734168
wow that must've cost her a WHOLE $10!!

>>9734168
What are those janky anime girl things that say Flower Story? Are they dress up dolls or something? Regardless, this looks awful. Makes me so much more grateful for the gifts I received.

I've been busy with family stuff due to the holidays but I finally got around to taking all the photos!

QW from NY (Match #5531) - Thank you so much for everything - you've spoiled me so much. I've already told you how much I love everything via email but really I appreciate everything so much. The handmade brooches are absolutely adorable and I can't wait to wear the rabbit ones with a coord I have planned soon. I actually wore the Jane Marple turtleneck and Axes Femme skirt to go see Star Wars with the boyfriend and got a lot of compliments!

(Sorry about the less than ideal photos, it was like past midnight and I had just flown in from out of state.)

>>9734356
SA from NY (Match #3998) - Oh my gosh, I didn't expect you to include a gift with the card! I love dark green stuff a lot, so I can't wait to work these into a coord. (And don't worry - both of your hearts were lovely.)

>>9734358
MBH from CA (Match #2755) - I can't believe you handmade this collar!! It's so adorable - thank you so much.

I loved that we had a ton of dresses in common. I love Berry and Wood's Sparrow series too!

>>9734168
Hold up, I recognise the lip set brand... that's really old packaging, they haven't come in those boxes for at least a year I think. Quite cheap too.

Anon you got bamboozled.

>>9734168
are those pens from god damned claire's?

>>9734168
They forgot to include the rusty cookie cutters.

Getting really worried. My package has been send out, but according to my post office it is stuck in costums. It was send internationally on the 7th of dec. (As far as I can see.) I really hope they'll release the package soon.

>>9734168
In all honesty this looks like something someone would give to an eleven year old.

>>9734168
I got those exact hair ties and chockers from the $1 ~ $3 bins at f21. Jesus anon, I hope you report that person since you basically got grinched

>>9734168
I'm sorry anon, this is pretty shitty

>>9734168
I think the enamel pins are really cute, at least!

>>9734356
close up of the brooches?

Match #6927 SA from NY, thank you so much! These are such cute bows I can't wait to use them. Sorry for posting late, I just got back from vacation.

Match #6927 SA from NY, thank you so much! These are such cute bows I can't wait to use them. Sorry for posting late, I just got back from vacation.

Match #6927 SA from NY, thank you so much! These are such cute bows I can't wait to use them. Sorry for posting late, I just got back from vacation.

(sorry for posting again, had to resize pic)

>>9734399
Quit shitting up the thread.

>>9734446
What. How is their comment shitting up the thread?

>>9734446
No

Hoping for a 100+ tier next year

>>9734470
Is this the same anon who posts this over and over?

>>9734425
Here you go!

>>9734562
Yes

Hey everyone! Sorry I’m a little backed up on emails and such, I’m home and will start responding tomorrow!

really hope my match posts itt, but I'm getting a little nervous.
if they don't, do I get marked as a grinch? All I have is a proof of delivery but nothing on the value of gifts

>>9734609
I'm nervous since my matches haven't posted yet either but I figure it's because this is a busy time of the year for everyone. People probably have a lot of family gatherings and stuff like that, so hopefully more people will start posting as it gets into January.

>>9734609
>>9734621
They probably will, I’m only missing 2 card matches and 1 gift match. All of them have already received everything, but I’m really hoping to see them post

JL from AK, I received the package today after a long drive back from family's! I'm gonna open it tomorrow when I'm not tired, but I wanted to let you know right away I received it :D I'm super excited to see what's inside!

>>9734356
aaaah I am so so happy you liked everything and that you were able to rock some of the items so soon!
(The Last Jedi was so good, I saw it a few days ago and I'm still amped) I had a lot of fun making those brooches for you, and even more fun shopping for you~~

I was finally able to open my packages from you a few mins ago & oh. my. goodness. I am floored by all the thoughtful amazing gifts!!!! and your card with my babe on the front, haha!
I will post pics and more details tomorrow. I just can't pass out for the night before saying thank you, so so much! you really made my holiday

>>9734151
The Eiji and Ankh straps are amazing!

>>9734806
I'm so glad that you like them! I was honestly really worried since I know I focused a lot on some of your other interests like Pooh and Gudetama instead of doing 100% Jfash. I can't wait to see your photos!

My apologies that I haven't updated that I received my packages! I had been sick during Christmas, but I greatly appreciate both of your kindness!!

MW from CA (ID: 3831)
Thank you so much for these incredible gifts! I am especially beyond joyous at how amazing the CCS ornaments are! My friend actually was wondering if you regularly sell these, because if possible, I'd love to shoot you an e-mail to buy another set from you. They are absolutely incredible, and I love the Utapri love, especially since I have such a hard time getting my hands on Tokiya items before they sell out! I really appreciate all the thought you put into these items, and I am glad that you enjoyed your gifts as well! I hope we can keep in touch soon. I'd love to send you a White Day gift even if we aren't matched (or if you aren't participating) just because you made this season so wonderful. Thank you again!

MS from NW (ID: 7800)
Thank you so much for all the skincare goodies!!! I absolutely love them, and love the variety. I cannot even begin to tell you how thankful I was for the makeup wipes, since I have a convention soon and it'd been on my list to get more of. I also really appreciate the soaps, the moisturizer (which is super light and really nice!) and the teas. I already tried one of the Vanilla Chai bags and it was really delicious, and a great timing since I started drinking more tea so it was super delicious and perfect for the season! I am glad that we were also matched and that you enjoyed your gifts too! Like the other match too, I'd love to also remain in touch and send something over during White Day for you since you were so kind and this really made my holiday!

Thank you both once again and happy holidays and happy new year!!

Hi RB from UK. Thank you very much for the gifts, I made a silly happy face when I opened the innocent world socks, and I don't own any baby so the blouse quite a surprise! The stickers confused me a bit until my S.O. told me they were from Animal Crossing so maybe I'll have to start playing! I hope you liked your gifts and have a great 2018. lD #4167

EG feom Spain, just got your gifts and omg, thank you so much. The jacket fits me like a glove and i will wear it for sure!

>>9734995
Droped pic

AD from DE thank you so much for the card and stickers, they are cute, I might stick them on my laptop or something, I can't decide.. the card is really cute and if I'm brave enough ill send another card in the future!!

>>9735000
Oh wow, im so sorry, I'm super tired right now but can't muster the will to delete and re-write, but know that I'm thankful!!

>>9734924
I was starting to panic a little bit, I’m so glad you like the skincare stuff!! And yes! We should definitely stay in touch and I’d love to send you something for White Day!
Sorry you were sick over the holidays, here’s hoping your New Year is fantastic!
-MS from NY

#9606 JL from AK, everything is lovely!! I'm going absolutely batty over the garter. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the tote? It's really lovely! I also adore the bat clip you made, it's really cute. Everything is really fantastic, thank you so much! Not pictured there's also a floral headpeice and card, I accidentally left them out of the photo like a dummy

>>9735229
Ahhh no worries! I also figured my area had a slight delay because of it being near the fires. I got it about two days ago safely. Thank you so much once again and for sure it would be great to keep in touch and send you something soon!

Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful new year too!!

>>9734924
Glad you like it! I had fun putting it together since your interests were so broad. I can get back to you on the ornamenta becausethe place I do laser cutting shut down so I've been hunting for a new place to make stuff. I love the white day idea and might do the same!

Sorry I didn't get pics of your gift before I flew out but I'll get them up in early Jan when I get home it really brightened my holiday!

>>9734168
I just sent you an email.

>>9734315
>>9734339
>>9734341
>>9734354
>>9734379
>>9734381
>>9734382
>>9734395
>>9734399
>>9734407
>>9734419
So apparently I missed this being posted. I'm LS from this match, and I want to clarify that this was in the 20-35 match. The "flower story" notebooks are a joke (I wrote that in the card) but besides them, everything in the picture costed over the tier amount. Nothing was bought from Claires, and I didn't know that the ProFusion lip set was an old style. My friend saw it while we were shopping and said that she had great experiences with their lipsticks in the past.

Match ID #2708 or #4918??? Sorry I have match ID 4918 for two different matches but #2708 is what my match has so...

Thank you SH from Italy! I love all the makeup and the stickers are a nice, I can’t wait to add them into my scrapbook. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!~

EG from Spain thank you for the lovely card and the unicorn pin, that was very thoughtful. P.S. Your drawing was very cute! I couldn't find the card ID number apologies.

RS from Finland, even the best laid plans go out of the window at Christmas so please don't worry. Your letter was lovely and I'm enjoying those delicious sweets (my cat thought they smelt nice too)! ID #6158

I hope you've both received your cards or they're at least on their way to you! Have a happy new year.

>>9736074
I don’t want to be rude, but it looks like everything is from the dollar store, I know swimmer pins cost around 3usd when you buy it to resellers, but everything else looks just so cheap. I don’t want to be rude, but you need to learn how to be savvy

>>9736384
Last response because I don't want to derail the thread more than it already is.
I appreciate that gulls are straightforward and quick to call things out, but it still is pretty rude to both the gift giver and receiver for a bunch of people to essentially shit all over a gift, especially when there's a lot of assumptions (about pricing, grinching, et .). Regardless of what gift I got, if people were telling me it was terrible it would alter my opinion of it.
That aside, I have emailed my SS already and have asked if she's unhappy privately. I want to make clear that this is not a grinch/troll/joke gift and yes, time , money and effort went into this present, and no, nothing was from the dollar store, Claire's, etc.

Yeah that was pretty savage of you guys to go right for the throat on that one lol

>>9736478
>but it still is pretty rude to both the gift giver and receiver for a bunch of people to essentially shit all over a gift
This. Judgement is really up to the SS organizers and your SS.

>>9736186
I dunno what happened but I have #2708 in my email. Maybe I wrote it wrong????
But I'm so happy you like the makeup!
I hope you're able to do something interesting and vkei-y~

Gift ID 5112 (or 5117? I threw the envelope away after I took the picture and can’t find it now I’m me from wa)
Thank you so much!! These fit so perfectly into my wardrobe and I love having extra bows for putting in my hair. I also had a good laugh about your card!

>>9736887
Match #9259

Damn girl. You went above and beyond ! I loved it everything and it was beautifully wrapped ! I loved the Liz Lisa blouse, it’s perfect. Thank you thank you !

I’m sorry this one did not have a match number.

Thank you so much Anon! I love this beret so much and the necklace is perfect. And I do have pierced ears so no worries ! I really loved everything.

>>9736907
AT from NSW what a beautiful card. You’re a lovely artist ! I will be sure to add you on pocket camp!

>>9736352
RS here! I'm glad you enjoyed the sweets. I'm currently away from home so I will have your package when I'm back home.

>>9736527
I have no clue ether but I think you gave me the right number. Since I have the same number twice.

Yes! Definitely, the purple is so perfect for this top I just got.

You know these threads always make me feel better about 4chan.

>>9728769
This is beautiful, good work to your SS!!

>>9736071
Ahh, I totally understand! If you do happen to find a place, feel free to send me an e-mail. I'm interested!

And that's totally okay! As long as they arrived safely and you are enjoying them! I hope we can keep in touch, fellow S.E.M. fan!

I'm getting a bit concerned because I can see my SS recipients package has been handed over to her post office since the 20th, but she hasn't collected it yet. I've been stung on a SS before where I put in effort, spent the not insignificant money on postage, and they never bothered to collect it so it was sent back to me. I know it's busy for every one right now but I have a sick feeling about it. They have never posted on here that I can see.

>>9737620
Have you sent your SS an email?

Card ID: 2676

Thank you so much for the lovely card and all the goodies! Your bows are super cute and great for lolita and even casual wear, and I have a pair of shoes that look perfect with the socks! I feel so bad that you gave me all this just for a card tier, I should’ve sent you some more stuff! Thank you so much though, and I hope you have a wonderful new year.

Thank you so very much CH from ON, you got my tastes down totally, and all the items are wonderful.
The bows actually do match perfectly, and believe it or not, I was eyeing that exact Meta ribbon a while back, so I’m thrilled to finally have it. The pens write like a dream, and I love how the notebook is dotted. I was looking for a planner/ notebook for the new year, so this is great! The bunny cat pin is hilariously cute, and I’ve pinned it on the lapel of my jacket already. The candies are soooo good, and I especially love the plum ones because the taste is super nostalgic for me. And finally, the stickers make me smile, and I forgot to mention that I have a sticker addiction, so these will find their way somewhere cool! Also thank you so much for the lovely message inside the card, and the little explanations of all the items. I really appreciate the effort you put in to find a bunch of stuff that reflected all my interests!

My apologies for the delay in posting, I just came back from visiting family up north. I also wanted to post this before I send you a fb friend request, but you should see that soon.
Thanks again, and have a wonderful new year!

TK from CA here. Match #3884. Thank you SA for all the itabag goodies! I think I need bigger bags for my babies now, but that's fine with me~ thank you for all the husband goodies. They're perfect.

dear matches, i am sorry for the week delay. my room is not good for photos, and i hoped to borrow a public space with better lighting, in order to take nice pictures. however, due to the nature of my gifts, which will become apparent in the second photo, i wanted to wait until no one else was home. this did not happen. so, to avoid entering the new year with this important task undone, i did my best to photo your thoughtful gifts.

thank you for your patience, and please forgive the lower quality room photos.

>gift ID #6842
thank you! i am glad we were matched again. every item is perfectly suited to me, and each package that arrived, i felt very touched and even teary-eyed at times.

the Mehron barrier spray is much appreciated, and will last at least two meetups. i have wanted Bulletproof eyeshadow for a couple years also. the socks and the fanart are awesome. most exciting is the Rement posable skeleton dude, he is my best friend now and i am looking forward to playing around with it.

>>9738310
>gift ID #9576(?)

this will be the most bold, most memorable gift i have received from /cgl/. your idea to repurpose a goat skull into a desk organizer was inspired. in your letter, you say to let you know if i do not like it. thank you for understanding that i might not be comfortable with this gift!

in fact, i do not know how i feel. i am grinning right now, but when your gift first arrived, i also hid the parcel for a couple days. my mind needed some time to process what i had just opened. from within its box, the skull exerted a magnetic aura that alternatingly attracted and repelled me.

truthfully, i think i like it. at this time, my biggest concern is its fragility. removing it from the well-packaged box, some bone flaked off, like calcium confetti, which seems to happen whenever i handle the skull. however, although the skull has some pencil marks, it does seem clean and safe. i have friends with experience in taxidermy items, and i will ask them to look it over with me to determine how best to care for it.

since i am in the middle of a move, i will keep it in a box for now, and take it out when i am resettled. i predict i will use it as a photo prop or display, because i am worried that the parts you drilled holes into may flake if i store things inside.

i have also seen many photos of Marie Dauphine, a gothic/classic lolita whose OTT coords often include animal skulls. i may, when i have a better workspace, and if my taxidermy friends help me out, work this into a staff or headpiece. the skull gives me the heebie jeebies, and i would enjoy spreading that feeling to others.

as i said, my feelings are ambivalent. but do NOT worry about sending anything else. i would not trade this spooky, bizarre experience for anything. i may not know what i will ultimately do with the skull, but believe me, i am thankful for your unpredictable and extraordinary gift.

>>9731616
yo, i am glad you like your gifts! grey is an underutilized color in gothic coords so i was stoked to find the brooch. may the other items you need for the coord you plan come to you swiftly, and i hope your future SSs go well. (most of us in these events feel as though we did not send or do enough, myself included, so do not linger on that feeling, imo.)

>>9733273
>>9733276
you are welcome! i'm glad the nail polish was appropriate, it looked too Halloweenish not to include. i enjoyed making things for you again and hope you can get much use out of them.

>>9738184
>them white baggies
>them bootleg badges
>oh dear

Anon do the rubber straps have trademarks on the back of them? I hope you weren’t in a pricey tier, that looks like it would be $20 altogether, even lower if those straps are bootleg.

>>9738377
yeah this looks like aliexpress stuff

>>9738377
Yeah I told her I didn't care about bootlegs. It was the low cost tier. Mind your own business??

>>9738388
bootlegging your yoi and free itabags is exactly why every community gets ruined lmao

>>9738389
All the stuff I buy myself is legit, but I'm not going to tell people what to buy with their money. Stop shitting up the thread and go post in cosplay comm pet peeves or something.

>>9738388
As long as you know it's whatever. It would just be a shame if you were in a higher tier and thought they were official.

>>9738377
Holy shit, it's like you want every one to spend over the price tier or buy brand. I haven't heard complaints from the giftees themselves. You have'nt seen the wish list or the card notes for context. If they have an issue with their gift they would speak up for themselves or contact Seagull Santa.

>>9738377
That said, when you buy gacha prizes from shops in Japan they often are bagged thus

>>9738425
It's not equivalent to "not buying brand", it's equivalent to sending a replica. There was no indication from the giftee whether or not they knew they were receiving bootleg merch, it's not insensitive to make sure they knew what they were getting.

>>9738432
Know for a fact that some of those buttons were not available via gacha, or even as a button in the first place.

Anyways sage, let's not shit up the thread. Let people enjoy their gifts.

>>9738436
But that problem has already been solved by the do not want list we filled out during applications. If anon cared about replicas, they would have made a note of it on the wish list. Again context.
But then again jumping to someone defense vs insulting someone's gift based our personal opinion arguments all in the name of genorosity pretty much reps cgl. Happy New Year.

>>9738321
I can now say I've seen the day someone got a goat skull for seagull secret santa.

>>9738539
No one should have to specify no bootlegs/replicas, that should be the default.

>>9738558
Not necessarily, in the case of figures bootlegs/third party companies can make really nice figures that are preferable to the originals. Same with lolita when it comes to shoes and bags.
But it wasn’t even your gift, so why argue about?

>>9738580
Not that anon but there's a very big difference between shoes and bags and art theft. Several companies in Japan make heart or star shaped bags and tea party type shoes. It's a basic enough design that most people let it slide. With a print or original figure, that's should be specific to the original. Buying replicas is an argue of morals and ethics, which is why people are arguing about it despite it not being their gift. People argue when people buy replicas, it's just what happens.

>>9734839
sorry for the delay! pics of everything my amazing secret santa got me.
I freaked out opening everything, haha!
I own the KC that goes with the jsk you bought me, which I friggin love so much! I will have to get the bodice altered a bit to fit my bust but it's so gorgeous I gotta wear it asap
also, I will treasure the vintage Pooh book forever. I'm so in love with the Meta cutsew too.
GAH these are the best presents I've ever gotten, there's not one thing that I don't appreciate. thank you so very much!
>#5531 QW from NY

>>9738580
I'm not saying there's anything morally wrong with buying replicas or bootlegs or that there can't be nice ones, but you should assume the default is that someone doesn't want knock off goods. That's all.

>>9738580
There is a good reason why bootleg is illegal in my country. This is not a discussion for this thread though. If someone wouldn't mind receiving this, fine. The appropriate threads for that specific topic (lolita and itabag) are already full of hate for bootleg and replica.

>>9738547
at least it wasn't a bootleg, apparently

GJ from QLD, i received your gift a few days ago, and it was a wonder of eclectic items! thank you! the post cards in particular are delightfully antiqued. Are they something you stumbled upon?

We're actually mutuals, and i'm delighted to say your final item arrived today and I am going to ship it tomorrow! Thank you so much for your patience, unfortunately it got caught in the public holiday shut down.

ET from Spain (Match #7447), I just picked up your gift from the post office and it is ADORABLE!!
Thank you so so much! The Miku card is super cute, I really like bookmark calendar (doggos are the best) and can't wait to try out that DIY candy! (Also the tiny paper stars are so pretty.)

TG from MA, I cant believe how generous you are, I loved everything!!! The card is beyond pretty! And the stars shine!!! Did you made it? if so, you are super talented!!!
I just opened the sailor moon stickers and put some on my laptop! I am beyond grateful for everything!!!! You are wonderful and amazing!! Thank you so much!

>>9739749
I was so excited i forgot to mention, gift ID 5709

>>9738547
i am glad to share the strangeness.

here is an example MD coord using taxidermy items (linking to spare image space in this thread): https://i.pinimg.com/736x/d5/bc/b5/d5bcb5268d393d62ff1cdbc1b838ee78--victorian-goth-gothic-lolita.jpg

though, depending on how my move goes, it may do just fine as pen/tool storage!

S from IL, I got your gift. Just opened it now. The necklace is cute and it would work well with my Angelic Pretty dresses. The hair pins were also cute and the charm is being used now. Thanks.
On a side note, I am glad you liked your milklim top. I hope it wasn't to big on you.

>>9740089
Match #2054

>>9739993
This makes me uneasy, not because of the use of taxidermy but because it looks like the heavy skulls will fall off with a wrong move and shatter.

SM from CA and EC from CA this is TG and I just wanted to let you know that a combination of work stuff plus the incoming snow storm mean that I haven't checked my PO box today and may not be able to until next week so I may be a little late in posting. Sorry about that!

Is it wrong to feel disappointment? My gift match was the only one to actually sent me a card and a wonderful gift that I’m really happy with but I haven’t gotten any cards from my card matches and I was really looking forward to them.

>>9734226
>>9734229
Ahhh sorry I didn't reply yet - week has been nuts and I haven't been on cgl too much.

I'm so happy you liked them ah~! I hope the coat keeps you warm and is versatile! With Link, I had hoped to get you an amiibo as they're more detailed than that figure in my opinion but that was right before they did restocks and the secondhand price was really, really high. If you have BotW or any game that utilizes amiibo I recommend them - the TP Link one looks fantastic and is below $20 again finally.Gets you lots of gameplay bonuses too!

I'm kind of curious, what Pusheen pin did it end up being in the blind bag? Hopefully one you would want out of them! And I hope the snacks were to your liking as well.

Did you end up finding out about ths sock names by any chance?

I hope you had a great new year as well, here's to the next CGL SS 2018! I'll definetly be back, this was super fun.

>>9740160
probably not, I still have no idea if my match got the package I sent because even though the tracking updated, they haven't posted yet

>>9740160
Anon, I'm guilty of being really late on cards- I'm sending mine out tomorrow.
I'm sure other gulls also are late, and if you're one of mine I'm sorry for disappointing you!

>>9740161
It was pusheen scribbling on a book! I don't have any pusheen pins(lots of plushies and a blanekt though) so this is a nice way to start off the collection! The seller listed the socks as Arabesque and while I didn't find the exact pattern I got you, I found this link on lolibrary:
https://lolibrary.org/items/aatp-ap-arabesque-lame-otks

Hopefully that can be of some help! I haven't found anyone else but I'm wondering if the seller just mixed up the name with the pattern since they do look similar to the link

JM from Quebec just wanted to say now that the post is open again I'll be shipping your stuff Friday!

>>9740089
Yay! I'm happy the package didn't get lost.

>>9740151
EC here, hope you like it.

KD from UK (Match #3614), I got your gift today!
All the gifts are just over the top and super awesome. The nightgown with derpy pug is so adorable, all the Evangelion stuff is so epic and the pin, stickers and the keychains are absolutely amazing. I can't wait to hang them on my weeb-bag and frame the Asuka picture to my evangelion shrine. Thank you so much!!

>>9739439
I'm actually so happy you liked what I got you! Was really afraid it'd be a bit too all over the place. I found the postcards tucked away in a little antique store near me, pretty much pure luck. How did you find the Salmiakki?

I understand what it's like with items coming in, so no stress. Hope you had a great New Year!

>>9734360
How did I miss this?
I'm glad you like it. We do have a lot in common, you have great taste anon! I hope I'll match with you again in the future.

I'll also make sure to post a photo when yours will arrive.

Quick feedback:
Not taking part again if it's going to stay like this, having the person who is sending you stuff as your match is just ... boring, and annoying if you end up with a whiney bitch like I did. Which brings me to the next point - ADD A FUCKING 100+ TIER! It was more than obvious that a lot of people spend well over that. I was 50+, spent around 90 but my match was dead set on us both spending at least 150.

I've been part of so many secret santa events, wether it's online or irl, not a single one had people matched like this. It really takes away the fun.

>>9741602
>having the person who is sending you stuff as your match

I didn't find this boring but actually a little panic inducing. I got a lot of my gifts before I could send mine out and felt a huge amount of pressure to match their gwnerosity even though I was already spending above the upper limits of my tier. Especially since it wasn't clear if my match was giving in the same price bracket. One match I had in the $10-20 range and felt like the gifts I got were pushing $50

Seagull Santa - you've put so much effort into this and it's been great, and I know we all really appreciate it. But as >>9741602 said, there needs to be a higher price bracket than $50. I only had one match in the highest tier and I spent well over $100 dollars on my match and tried to get them a lot of what was on their wishlist or that they asked for, and I know my santa was nice and got me a nice gift but I felt like there was something off - it didn't matter about the price, but it seemed like some of the main items weren't quite what I was looking for when I specified what general style/items I was interested in receiving, and I feel like the price of the items ended up being roughly just over the limit. Knowing that my santa and I were matched and I spoilt them but received something a little less than I wanted (but am still grateful for) makes it feel really awkward.
Just some feedback going forward.

You guys keep asking for a $100+ tier but when Seagull Santa first proposed it you all shot her down and said it would be a horrible idea?

I think I finally got all my stuff: thank you so much to my senders, it made my holiday much brighter!

I also got a friend in this, I was so stoked about that!

>>9741641
You chose to spend that much. You can't complain about your match spending an amount that falls into the correct budget.

Now the quality of items and thought put into it, sure, complain away. But whinging about how you spent more money than someone else just makes you sound bitter.

>>9741641
Some of the other posts about this has been understandable, but this isn't. If you participate in SS understand that the other person isn't a mind reader, and understand that they may want to personally pick items to surprise you rather than just picking stuff just off your wish list. That is always a risk in SS. Also know that if you choose to spoil someone you are CHOOSING to do that, you can't expect more than what you signed up for unless you're like the anons that coordinated a $100+ match before shopping.

Please consider all the extra salt that would occur if someone grinched in the $100 range or if like you they got stuff that was the right dollar amount but wasn't "quite right" as you're describing AND YES I know the whitelist is a thing, I've helped with previous events, I know that people on the whitelist have grinched, and while I know it wasn't malicious in that case and don't want that anon to feel bad, I also know that if someone get's grinched for that amount there is a very good chance that nothing can be done to make that up to them. We can't always expect the Uncle T's and other grinch angels of the board to always swoop in and fix everything and whitelist isn't some magical barrier against grinches.

If people are this salty about there not being a $100 tier I highly doubt they're the kind of people to hold it their salt when they get grinched. The SS threads always get salty towards the end and THAT really kills the fun.

Anons that spend just the right amount and anons that spoil without asking for anything in return, you're lovely, anons that hound their matches for $150 gifts when they don't want to or anons that spend extra and magically expect the same in return with no discussion, just stop it already.

>>9741602
A little rude in tone, but I agree I don't want mutual matches. I much, much, much prefer the traditional secret santa model.

For the $100 tier, just because people want it doesn't mean that it's a good idea or that it's not a lot of extra work on top of existing tiers. There were very vocal anons asking for only mutual matches in previous years and look at where that got us. I'm not against the $100 on principal, I'd probably participate in that tier, but I think for some of these anons the issue is their attitude not that there isn't a higher tier. I feel like the higher tiers will just magnify the salty anons and those anons need to actually think about what they're signing up and set realistic expectations before they commit.

>>9741782
Double posting but wanted to add: my gift for the $50 tier shipped first and I think my giftee felt bad I spoiled a bit and bought extra things for me after they saw my gift. I'm pretty sure of this because of some stuff mentioned in our email exchanges. I feel bad, I don't want any extra back or make them feel pressured to spend any extra money than they planned to. If this were a traditional secret santa model I could do a drive my spoiling and it wouldn't be weird or awkward and we could both feel good about it. With mutual matches it made us both feel kinda bad. I know I did a lot of planning to budget accordingly for my personal situation, and I'd feel like a dick if they were also planning a very exact budget and I threw that off.

>>9741782
>>9741790
I was in a lower tier, but I too felt awkward about the mutual matches. I felt like my gift wasn't good enough and since they knew who it was, there was quite a bit of pressure. Whereas if it's a true secret santa, you don't have that added pressure.
I know it's a lot of work but I'd prefer non mutual matches in the future, though it wouldn't discourage me from participating

>>9741602
crit of the system aside who tf demanded you spend more $150, especially if you were already outspending the tier. I feel like your match shouldn't do secret santas if they are going to be so entitled -_-

SD from CA, I got your gifts on dec 30! I die down laughing at the cookie tin. Would you believe i don’t own a a crafting tin like that? I can’t wait to fill it with notions. I’m very excited about the mossbadger necklace, but the items i need to coord are I boxes right now, so I’ll have to wait a little to use it. thank you so much!

Match #1682

>>9741798
Don't feel bad, I was the one who overspent in all her tiers, and spoilt their giftees, that was because I wanted to give them something pretty and something that I knew might be of their liking. I didn't overspent because I wanted to make them feel bad about their gifts.

>>9741814
Damn I'd love that gift. For some reason they don't sell that brand locally so I can't get my hands on one of those, but I don't want to get one online and have it arrive dented.

>>9741837
> feel bad about their gifts
I think this is the main problem with mutuals matchups. Some people want to spoil, some just want a surprise, and some people stay within the match price range, and it ends up being pretty messy.

>>9741895
I really enjoyed having mutual match, I got the chance to meet some cool people and to talk to them.

>>9741777
Like I said anon, I don't care if my santa spent exactly $50, I filled out a really detailed form and asked for items that would fit into a general style, I received items that seemed like it was for another santa, both in style and the sort of items I received (without going into specifics)

I care more about the specifics and quality of what I received, even if I just got a cute dress for one of my cheap J-fashion styles that would have been a great surprise to what I ended up getting since it would go well with my wardrobe and I could wear it frequently.

>>9741895
As someone who spoiled their match a little, I think maybe that could be another factor for sorting? Like check off whether your more likely to want to spoil your match or if you're just in it for funsies and want a surprise. I don't know how honest everyone would be, maybe only ask whitelisted gulls?

>>9742191
this is a bad idea.

>>9742191
I agree with >>9742224

>>9742191
Defeats why tiers are there in the first place.

Can Seagull Santa release more statistics for this year or repost stats? Perhaps that would clear things up. Maybe there werent enough anons within the tier and with shipping preference on top of similar interest for there to not be any mutuals. Or maybe Seagull santa matched mutuals because it was easier to do it that way. Or maybe its both.

Also with higher price tiers, I suspect that there would be even less anons who would sign up who could ship to each other let alone share interests. Population on Cgl is not increasing. Also this is what? The 4th time secret santa/white day has happened? I got someone who I sent a gift to last year as a card and vice versa for them.

Maybe have cards be random so we get a freshness factor.

Sorry for shitty mobile formatting.

>match sent me an email saying they would post "tonight"
>"tonight" was over a week ago
rip

Hi, everyone.

I’ve read the thread and I’ll address a few questions. I’m at a con right now so I’m sorry that I can’t address these like I want to, but on Monday I will certainly.

I’m going to be completely honest.

>Why was everyone matched mutually?
So truthfully, I’ve never done the /cgl/ Secret Santa before, so it didn’t occur to me that people getting each other was a break from the norm.

I did essentially the entire process alone. The other two have helped here and there but they were busy and it needed to be done. The organizers from last year and white day are software engineers/really good with excel, so they had this entire automated system to create the numbers and keep track of things and send out emails and match gulls, whereas I did all the data entry and emailing entirely by hand.

I had a gracious anon create software to help with matches, but after I’d done half of them I realized I didn’t understand how to use it correctly, because it was set up for non-mutual matches. Were we to do non-mutual matches at any point, there would have been a lot of gulls paired with really shitty partners that don’t match their interests at all including TONS of cosplayers/itabaggers who got lolita matches. So at that juncture I decided to stick with the mutual matching, because in the feedback thread that was the #1 complaint.

This also has made it easier to track and was much easier during the email stage when I had to send out emails for every single exchange. I still spent over 30 hours doing just emails at that point. All alone.

I’m so sorry if this wasn’t fun or didn’t work out correctly because of the mutual aspect of it. Next year, hopefully a more experienced, better organizer will step in and take care of it.

>My match wanted us both to spend $150
That’s absurd. I’m sorry you were pressured like that. I have only gotten one email from an unhappy anon, and it’s not your match, if it makes you feel better.

Hi, everyone.

I’ve read the thread and I’ll address a few questions. I’m at a con right now so I’m sorry that I can’t address these like I want to, but on Monday I will certainly.

I’m going to be completely honest.

>Why was everyone matched mutually?
So truthfully, I’ve never done the /cgl/ Secret Santa before, so it didn’t occur to me that people getting each other was a break from the norm.

I did essentially the entire process alone. The other two have helped here and there but they were busy and it needed to be done. The organizers from last year and white day are software engineers/really good with excel, so they had this entire automated system to create the numbers and keep track of things and send out emails and match gulls, whereas I did all the data entry and emailing entirely by hand.

I had a gracious anon create software to help with matches, but after I’d done half of them I realized I didn’t understand how to use it correctly, because it was set up for non-mutual matches. Were we to do non-mutual matches at any point, there would have been a lot of gulls paired with really shitty partners that don’t match their interests at all including TONS of cosplayers/itabaggers who got lolita matches. So at that juncture I decided to stick with the mutual matching, because in the feedback thread that was the #1 complaint.

This also has made it easier to track and was much easier during the email stage when I had to send out emails for every single exchange. I still spent over 30 hours doing just emails at that point. All alone.

I’m so sorry if this wasn’t fun or didn’t work out correctly because of the mutual aspect of it. Next year, hopefully a more experienced, better organizer will step in and take care of it.

>My match wanted us both to spend $150
That’s absurd. I’m sorry you were pressured like that. I have only gotten one email from an unhappy anon, and it’s not your match, if it makes you feel better.

>>9742542
Misspelled my trip like an idiot, it’s me sorry

>>9742542
I'm completely happy with how all of my gifts turned out, so thank you very much, honestly. It brought me a lot of holiday cheer to exchange little gifts and letters to those with similar interests. I'm sorry you had to spend all those hours doing it along but I'm not unhappy with how it turned out. From what I've seen it turned out very successfully.

>>9742542
I really liked participating this year, it was a fun experience, I just don’t get why people are complaining when they CHOSE to spend more when maybe their match had a set up amount to spend.

It was fun to buy gifts for somebody else and to meet new people through their interests.

Did everyone feel like their mutual matches tended to be in the same cgl category? I'm more a cosplayer/itabagger and my matches were the same. I'd rather something like that happen since I would be at a loss if I got a jfashion/lolita match

It was decently fun, but it was kind of weird how the matches worked. I think I specified in my form I knew nothing about jfash and would not be able to give good jfash gifts but I got a match who only wanted brand.
Practically had an aneurysm trying to come up with a gift that wouldn't get me labeled a Grinch or run out like uncle t

Also still hoping my match posts the gift, but they haven't posted at all in these threads and had seemed to have forgotten about the exchange the last time I messaged them

>>9742542
If you plan on doing any future SS, maybe have an option where someone can choose whether they'd be comfortable receiving an anon with different interests than them? Some anons might not participate in something like jfashion or itabagging or whatever, but they still might know enough about it to be able to give a gift.

>>9742542
This was my first year participating and everything went so smoothly, Santagull
I appreciate everything you did. Please don't feel like you have to defer to another organizer if you liked doing it this year.
reading-comp-chans and bitterfriends aside: this was REALLY a success!! I imagine there will probably be very few grinches too.
This went so well for my match and me, but it's probably because our communication was good, our questionnaires were thorough, we were both chill&mature, and we understood all the rules.

gulls complaining about gift amounts sound like they can't handle real life. I don't understand the feelings of guilt and pressure that they admit to being so susceptible to.
like, it's an anon gift exchange that went according to YOUR individual choice of tier and budget.
be joyous and grateful you can connect with other gulls & get/give a gift that is actually in line with your interests.

I'm really satisfied with my first CGL gift exchange experience. Thank you, santaseagull. I hope you got a ton of nice gifts this year

I won't deny I was a bit disappointed with my gift :/. I wont say who, but I went the extra mile to add a card, wrap it up, and added sweets as a surprise with the items. As for the gift I got, the items were meh, and I felt no feelings behind it. Just buy online and have it shipped. Maybe I was expecting to much lol. Not saying I am not grateful, but :@.

>>9742764
>doesn't even know how to post on 4chan properly

>>9742764
You sound a lot like my giftee and if you are then feel free to email your grievances to me and Seagull Santa if you’re that upset about it.

>>9742769
Your point being. Not everyone uses this site regularly. Anything else you want to add besides that useless comment?

SC from NZ did you ever get your package? I’m concerned that the seller has lied about shipping it.

>>9742785
Get fucked, cunt
Stop shitting up the thread with your whining

>>9742774
Don't think so. Its fine either way. I am not upset, was just disappointed slightly. Is not the money spent that had to do with it, but more so didn't feel like there was any feeling. I could be wrong though.

>>9742789
I'm not the only one that whined lol. Your such an asshole lmao. It had nothing to do with you, if you can't say anything productive then fk off.

>>9742785
>not everyone uses this site regularly!

And yet you entered a gift exchange for /cgl/ regulars.

>>9742793
>own feelings and perceptions
>could be wrong though
are you challenged or just underaged???

it's nice that you did some things to extra personalize your gift, but it's unfair of you to be disappointed that they didn't do that. they bought, packed, and shipped you gifts, anon...

>ZZZZ
please stop.
don't expect people to discuss with you nicely if you can't follow board conventions

>>9742806
They're definitely underaged. It's nice if someone can afford to buy your gifts, get them shipped to themselves, package them up nicely and then pay for shipping a second time to mail them to you but don't act like a whiny bitch if they can't. Especially if you don't even know how anonymous posting works and you can't end a sentence without an emoticon.

>>9742806
I can be underaged, or whatever suits people here since we all hide behind our screens lmao.
I just spoke my mind, like everyone else. People can't accept my frustrations then oh well, because I truly do sympathize with there pains.
I'm not saying anymore, but I am grateful for the gift don't get me wrong, but it is human nature to be upset, happy, angry or frustrated with what is received.

>>9742827
You must be over 18 to visit and use this board. Get out. IMO underage kids should not be allowed in the santa.
This person clearly doesn't even frequent the board, given how little they know/care about board conventions.
If you're seriously going to get pissy over a gift exchange that is organized FOR FUN by volunteers, when you haven't even been grinched, you should refrain from participating and maybe take a moment to reflect on yourself.

The whole spirit of this event is jolly cheer and fun. If you can't keep a decent attitude, stay away.

Also, have fun with your ban.

>>9742806
People namefag on here all the time. Deal with it. People don't sperg out like this when sis or someone else posts with a name.

>>9742843
>being this salty over being called out on not knowing how /cgl/ works

I would've hated to be your gifter or giftee. Damn.

>>9742844
I'm not the same person. How paranoid do you have to be to think everyone is samefagging? Get help

Sorry for posting so late!

LT, OMG I did not think I would receive anything so beautiful. I was actually considering purchasing another bolero, and then I receive one from you. Don't worry; you chose wonderfully even though you aren't a lolita. You put in a lot of work, and I really appreciate it. Thanks so much! And have a happy 2018!

In continuation from the above post, EM from UK, ah another bolero! I already have a casual coord I'm going to pair this with, thank you! And the purse is so beautiful! I love the tea. My fiance has taken some already to work with him so a couple have been used already. I wish you a happy 2018 as well!

I think the 100+ tier is a good idea, because there is a huge jump between people spending 75~ and 130~ it just brings the gifts closer in line. It'll probably be a smaller tier participated as well.

Also I think people overspending on their tiers is something that is almost warning worthy, just spend what you signed up for there is too many people feeling bad.

>>9741560
Got it!
That card is absolutely precious, and I can't wait to try that face mask. Thank you!!

>>9741814
ahh, I'm so glad you liked it! I actually found the mossbadger necklace in person at a jfash shop; it was super duper lucky that I came across it! I don't know much about lolita, but I read some of your interests to the attendants at the store and they were mad helpful and a lot more knowledgable than myself. I hope your move goes as smoothly as mine did, and I'm real glad you were my match!

>>9739749
I'm really glad you like everything! Card making and electronics are both hobbies of mine so I like to combine them. I'm glad it survived international shipping, I was a little worried haha.

>>9741944
How does a $100 tier fix that issue? Like I said anon there is always a risk that your giftee won't be a mind reader and won't pick perfect gifts. If you're salty about $50 worth of gifts that aren't a perfect match to your style you'll be saltier about $100 worth of gifts that don't quite match your style. If that is your main complaint then it seems like you shouldn't sign up for a $100 tier because that's just more risk for you that you may get someone who doesn't pick perfect gifts.

>>9743706

The $100+ tier idea is a separate discussion, anon.

And who said anything about a perfect match? It's like a classic lolita into lighter colours getting accessories that fit into darker Gothic even though she told her santa she has a lot of accessories already and specified her favorite styles, items she would like, colours, and plenty of other alternative interests so there's a wide range of possible gifts that could easily be acquired. Not to mention making it all as detailed as possible and showing them examples and specifics of outfits and wardrobes that her santa could work with to get her something that fits in with her style.

>>9741782
Not meant to be rude, I speak barely any English and sadly my match was a bitch, I'm not going to put sugar on that ... and the fu-- was to enhance that we really need higher tier! Other times people said something about it answer was always 'oh, we asked and it was shut down so noone wants it'

>>9742542
thank you so much for all your hard work, seagull santa. I hope you had a merry christmas!

>>9744189
how was your match a bitch?
So many people interacted directly with their matches, was I an outlier for not contacting mine? it is more fun for me if it's a secret.

NS from Canada (#4881), thank you so much for the lovely card! I appreciated the postcard a lot, it warms my heart really, all those little touristy things from places I haven't been to yet!

AD from DE (#8775), what a surprise! The badge was such a lovely thoughtful gift. You have lovely handwriting by the way!

Both cards really made my day, was so nice to pick them up after work. Mine have been on your way to you since before Christmas so I hope they reach you soon!

AM from ON and KD from AL, I am currently out of town but I’m just letting you know that your gifts have arrived at house! My family sent me pictures of the packages, and I’m super excited to open them when I get home. Thank you so much!

>>9743697
I LOVED everything!!!! I’m really short on words!!! I wasn’t expecting such a wonderful surprise, thank you so much

>>9743908
Okay, maybe I should have said "Wouldn't a $100 tier make that experience worse?" If your gift is genuinely bad or thoughtless the best thing to do is email santa about it rather than posting here. If people want a $100 tier, I would be more convinced by happy anons with good experiences rather than anons with bad experiences, if the event is already a good experience then it makes sense to add on to it, if it's bad for multiple people then I'd be inclined to fix those issues before adding tiers, other wise more money exchanged just means more salt when some people have a bad experience.

>>9744421
I barely contacted mine either. The fun of secret santa is the secret part!

>>9739582
Thank you!!! I'm really happy you liked it

Out of curiosity, how many anons are still waiting for gifts/cards to arrive?

I'm waiting on 2 cards personally.

>>9745495
I'm still waiting for 3 cards to arrive, and two gifts.

>>9745495
Waiting on just one card! To be fair, it's coming from another country so I figure it might be a while.

>>9745495
I'm still waiting to see if my match got his gift, tracking updated to say it was delivered the 23rd, but I haven't seen anything

>>9745495
I only participated in one card and one gift and I’m still waiting for both of them.
I sent my card and gift both express on the 18th of December, and my giftees still haven’t posted anything :\

>>9745495
I only did one gift exchange, my gift to them was sent before Christmas but I haven't heard a peep about mine.

>>9745495
Waiting on one gift. Other people in the thread have received things from them so I’m a bit nervous the post service lost it. My gift was delivered to them on the 20th though and they haven’t posted.

>>9745495
One card.

Waiting for one gift. Person sent me track and trace, but it is a bit confusing. She is very responsive and others have received theirs from her already, so no worries on that one.
I am also waiting on one card match. Unfortunately, I got an email from santa seagull about it. Ah well, just have to wait until the 20th. Maybe it'll still arrive.

>>9745521
I'm waiting for a person to post their gift, and two cards to be posted too.

>>9745495
I'm waiting on one gift/the person to post the gift I got 'em

>>9745495
I'm also waiting for 2 cards. Though I belivee I got grinched in one of them.

>>9745495
I'm waiting for one gift but they're also waiting for mine. I'm a bit worried as mine should have arrived by now.

SA from AU (match #2520): Hi! Picked up your gift from the post today, and it’s absolutely wonderful! I’ve never tried chocomochi before so I’m really looking forward to it. The accessories you got are spot on for my wardrobe (and I enjoy Meta too, so that’s a plus). All the merch are great too. I didn’t expect to recieve merch from multiple series actually; it was a pleasant surprise! Now I just need to get over my fear of using pretty notebooks haha. Needless to say, I’m super thankful for the thought you put into this gift and I apologize for whatever worries it may have caused you due to the post issues and all.

Also, an update for my part: the stuff I was waiting on has arrived, so I’ll be sending you my gift some time this following week. Thank you for your patience!

>>9745495
waiting on two cards.

>>9743382
What shop did you find them at? I just moved to your area (ish) and I'd love to know about a local jfash shop. Email me if you don't feel comfortable putting it in the chat.

>>9745495
Waiting on one card. I sent her an email but I've just gotten radio silence.

Match ID#2235
Ahhhhh thank you so much for everything! I love it! Everything fit perfectly within my style and I can’t wait to wear the beret! I hope you enjoyed your gifts as much as I enjoyed mine!

>>9745495
I just received all of my gifts. Still waiting for one of my giftees to post their gift and one of my giftees to receive her gift. SC from NZ I contacted the seller and your gift is on the way, the post office in her country had a huge holiday backup and couldn’t ship it until last week.

Tfw tracking says they received my gift on the 21st of December, but they still haven’t posted it, and I haven’t received anything. It’s not international, so even the slowest postage wouldn’t take more than two weeks. Should I email my giftee and ask if she’s sent it, or just hope it gets here

KB from WA; JG from QLD here.

Just got your gift today! Thank you so much, I appreciate everything you went through with Aus Post hahaha. All of the stuff is super neat!

Thanks especially for the card - I know it might not have been the biggest thing in there but it was just what I needed right now.

If you ever want some cool old post cards, tell me and I'll send what I can find your way!

>>9745495
One card.

Still waiting for my giftee and card matches to post their gifts in the thread...

Received all my cards and gifts, but still waiting on two giftees to post. How many matches were there?

>>9745265
Same! I really like to surprise people, and all my matches seemed to enjoy what I got them, so I hope they don't mind I didn't reach out. I did respond when one of them asked some questions though.

>>9745495
Waiting on one card and some of the parts of my main gift (2 already arrived but there's at least one other big package and 'some stocking stuffers' on the way).

match ID#1183

(there were also some jap sweets but I ate it already)

gotcha! this is amazing and exactly what I needed but always forget to buy - some different style eyelashes! everything is so cool thank u so much!

>>9745495
Just waiting on one card, but the sender warned that it would be late and both my gifts have arrived and they were wonderful.

It's sad to see so many anons whose gifts have been confirmed delivered but not posted here.

MB from CA here, with a gift from MW from CA. Sorry about the late post!

I'm in love with everything!! I've been eyeing that Laala plush for awhile now so I'm excited to have her. The little seal is adorable, I actually have one hanging on my tree so he'll have a brother lol Your message in the card was super sweet, I'm glad you were happy with your gifts!

But oh gosh, I'm absolutely in love with the handmade Laala charm! You've captured her perfectly, I love the way she's stylized. The glitter and the fabric ribbon are a really nice touch! I didn't notice it at first (unfortunately I couldn't capture it in the picture) but her bangs are cut into the hair. I'll cherish it and definitely find a way to incorporate it into my bag! Thank you so so much, I love the care that was put into the gift. I hope you had a wonderful holiday!!

MB from CA again, with a card from LT from AZ (match #1926)

The first thing that caught my eye when I saw the envelope was your gorgeous handwriting! It's lovely. The Laala is so adorable! I love her little smile. I think I said it before but I love your art! Thank you for the cute card, and I hope you had a fantastic holiday!

>>9721428
I had so much fun shopping for you! I was constantly on the lookout for Yukio things that you didn't already have. I was actually on the fence about the S.E.M strap since there was multiple merch of the members but pulled the trigger on that one specifically since it included all of the members. You've got great taste.

>>9727710
I'm so happy you like them! When you said you liked Aragari from Monogatari, I wasn't sure which one you were referring to specifically, so when I saw that pin set I thought it was perfect because it had all(? most?? I'm not sure because I've yet to watch it) of them lol Please don't say sorry, I loved your card!! I'll have to find a way to display it!

Thank you to you both, this was my first /ss/ experience and you guys made it magical!

>>9746304
Fickle Wish in Little Weeby (Little Tokyo)
A lot of their stuff is just taobao, but they have small cases of indie artists/creators scattered throughout, too. A good mix of stuff, especially if you know what you're looking at, I've found.

Hello! I will be posting the link to the grinch form in this thread a little later on today. Be on the lookout. Once it’s up, you have one week to fill it out. I’ll also be in touch with those who offered to volunteer in the next few days!

Google forms slash /HtljwfV5gU3KPFlb2

Please fill it out by January 17th to get rematched.

>>9748241
this is for when you haven't received your gift, right?

>>9748242
Probably, if your match is lame and doesn't post what you send them you're not gonna get another gift just because

>>9748241
Wasnt the deadline to receive gifts the 20th?

>>9748286
that's the shipping deadline, anon. you had to ship everything by 12/20

>>9748241
>this is for when you haven't received your gift, right?
I still haven't received mine (and I believe mine hasn't arrived either), but I did ship early December and I know that my santa did that too (one of them, I mean). Should I still fill this form by jan 17th?

>>9748286
The ship for international matches hasn't passed

>>9748319
ah, so this is only the domestic one,right? Mail says that deadline to receive for international is 31th

AF (#2576), AK(#6927), JP (#3998), SA here, and I received all of your gifts! I've been a bit busy and haven't be able to take pictures, but they all have arrived safely.

The cards were all super cute (JP, that card is actually going to get framed), and AK your gift was perfect!
Thanks ya'll

>>9748319
Sorry I got confused, I meant the deadline to receive gifts for international matches, not the ship date. I need more sleep hours.

>>9748241
It says it's not available? Is it so or am I an idiot once again?

JR from UK, I'm seriously so happy about this. It was so thoughtful and you actually put effort into it and I appreciate it so much. Actually I was supposed to do embroidery for you too but I didn't have time to make it and get the supplies despite trying and I feel a bit bad about it still. Thank you so much, everything is so pretty and you really made my day! Match id #1519

Thank you AM! I love the dakimakura case, it's really soft and has really good doujin sart! And I didn't have most of the S.E.M goods I'm overwhelmed by how great this lot it!

>>9747682
Glad you like it! I would have tried to emphasize the bangs a little more but I was worried I might ruin it.

Is grinch only for gifts or does it include cards? My gift match went fine but I haven’t received any of my card matches.

>>9748513
Post more pics of SEM merch please? Are those acrylics?

>>9748576
Top is a standee, then three acrylic pins, a vinyl banner and a rubber strap

>>9748414
Mines saying not available as well. I’m going to google.com/forms/that number and it says unable to open file
Is this the wrong way to open it?

>>9748618
I got in by opening the google doc linked at the top of the thread and using the base of the link to the original application form.

>>9748831
I tried this, but couldn't get it to work.

LT from Australia (Match #3705), Thank you so much for all the pug stuff and the brooch! The card is just super adorable~!

Dear MS from Mexico (match #7718),
I loved your gifts!
Personally, getting the Tulip plushies was a blessing. I already owned them, but I loved them so much that I am happy to own two sets now!
I also adore the yayoi straps! Especially the 3d one is soo cute! I can't wait to rearrange my bag!

Thank you for these thoughtful gifts!

>>9748831
I tired and couldn’t get it open as well.

>>9749111
>>9750617

>>9747686
Oh my goodness, this handwriting is lovely! I'm so jealous.
>mfw

New Thread: >>9751137

>>9738355
where you the one who bought the 'skull hand bow flower' brooch? can i ask where it's from? it's super cool