Deskthority Secret Santa 2023 & Photo Thread

[kmnov2017]

Announcing the Deskthority Secret Santa 2023

Rules are as follows
1. PM me your Real Name and address (post needs a real name to deliver), I'll add you on the list. Please use a format of "Secret Santa 2023 Username" for the message title.
2. DEADLINE to send me your address is 2 Dec 2023. I'll have everyone's names matched and PM'd by the evening of 3 Dec.
3. Please send across your gift by December 9.
4. Matches will be randomly generated. Don't worry though, A and B won't be sending each other gifts. It'll be closer to A-> B, B -> C, C-> A.
5. Once you receive your gift, please take a picture and post it in the Secret Santa 2023 Photo Thread.
6. Members that joined Deskthority before Oct 01, 2023 are eligible to join. Alternatively, if you can get a trustworthy user to vouch for you I'll be glad to throw you in. I'll use my discretion to allow exceptions.
7. The size and value of the gift is open, but it should be keyboard related and it must be a desirable Keyboard. For bonus points throw in some of your local sweets or treats. Who doesn't like that stuff?
8. Shipping charges are on you. This is a regional event but in some cases you might end up shipping internationally. If absolutely required mention it in the PM and I'll try and match you with someone in the same geographical area.

Update 1 3/12/2023 - Entries are closed now

Update 2 4/12/2023 - Names are being matched, please wait for instructions

Update 3 4/12/2023 - Everyone has been paired up, time to send your gifts now!

Update 4 15/12/2023 - Everyone has shipped, most packages have been delivered

[Muirium]

A fine DT tradition strikes again! Psycho Santa is back in the saddle.

This is a regional event but in some cases you might end up shipping internationally. If absolutely required mention it in the PM and I'll try and match you with someone in the same geographical area.

Some territories have diabolical customs. UK for instance holds "gifts" unless their declared value is under £15. Anyone shipping here please bear those party poopers in mind.

[ifohancroft]

Unfortunately, I can't afford it to participate this year, but I do have a question:

Since currently, I don't have many vintage keyboards, let alone ones I'd part with, besides buying a keyboard from someone's wishlist from ebay for them, would it be shitty to just gift money to your giftee and maybe mail them some local candy?

[TNT]

I mean, isn't it always supposed to be more like a nice overall gift? I understand the rule that it has to be keyboard related, but last time I didn't gift a "full" keyboard, if you wanna be picky about it . I'd be absolutely exited about anything someone has put some thought into trying to make a nice gift for me.

Some territories have diabolical customs. UK for instance holds "gifts" unless their declared value is under £15. Anyone shipping here please bear those party poopers in mind.

That's good to know!

[Muirium]

I mean, isn't it always supposed to be more like a nice overall gift? I understand the rule that it has to be keyboard related, but last time I didn't gift a "full" keyboard, if you wanna be picky about it . I'd be absolutely exited about anything someone has put some thought into trying to make a nice gift for me.

There was a time it was getting out of hand. Maybe not something to worry about now! I still remember the year the Surprise Box showed up and (after I’d argued with the clerk in the mail depot about customs holding it and tearing the box apart ) my amazement at how much previous participants had crammed in there. I wound up with a (very floppy) box that was MUCH bigger than I’d signed up for and I really worried about how much its repackaged goods would cost to ship, let alone what to take out of it. I got off likely in the end: managed to reschedule the next stop as the Isle of Man instead of overseas proper. Saved an egregious chunk of change on shipping with that dodge.

Keyboard Santa was different but related in its heyday. You’d see folks posting what they got on the photos thread—every one of them a keyboard, sometimes two, and several you were quite jealous for!—then feel bad for that set of ho-hum Ducky caps and a bunch of MX clears you never liked or whatever it was you contributed, only to toss the coin when it came to opening up what Santa sent to you. I was pretty pleased: everyone knows I like little keyboards, the older the better, and I got what I wanted instead of what I deserved! Phew.

[kmnov2017]

Don't forget to sign up for the event. So far the response has been far less than I'd expect. I am hoping we see more sign ups during the course of the week.

[guidemetothelight]

for me it was the fact I didnt spot it in off topic first , cause ill never check here

[Muirium]

I'll move the thread somewhere more sensible.

I see most previous years of DT Secret Santa are in the same Off-Topic section, but rightly enough "Off-Topic" means "Don't Read" to a lot of folk who don't just browse by the Spy like I do. I'll make it a sticky to highlight it while it's active, too.

[guidemetothelight]

I'll move the thread somewhere more sensible.

thanks µ

[kmnov2017]

I'd like at least 10 more people to sign up across geographies!

Keep those names coming in!

[ifohancroft]

In your opinion, what's one's best course of action when they want to participate but don't have any retro keyboards to gift? Buy stuff from giftee's wishlist directly from ebay and things? Send them just money and candy? Or?

[kmnov2017]

In your opinion, what's one's best course of action when they want to participate but don't have any retro keyboards to gift? Buy stuff from giftee's wishlist directly from ebay and things? Send them just money and candy? Or?

The receiver's username is not revealed (to prevent doxing). Participants only get an address to send to. If I were a participant, I wouldn't want to receive any money. Gifting options are up to you...

[ifohancroft]

In your opinion, what's one's best course of action when they want to participate but don't have any retro keyboards to gift? Buy stuff from giftee's wishlist directly from ebay and things? Send them just money and candy? Or?

The receiver's username is not revealed (to prevent doxing). Participants only get an address to send to. If I were a participant, I wouldn't want to receive any money. Gifting options are up to you...

Thank you!

[kbdfr]

I wonder that apparently gifts are supposed to be keyboards and not more generally keyboard-related stuff.
While I will not be able to participate this time, I don't think I would have a keyboard I would want to gift, but have some other things (e.g. keycap sets or pointing devices).

[guidemetothelight]

I wonder that apparently gifts are supposed to be keyboards and not more generally keyboard-related stuff.
While I will not be able to participate this time, I don't think I would have a keyboard I would want to gift, but have some other things (e.g. keycap sets or pointing devices).

I mean I think its not frowned upon. Last year I had a semi-decent but interesting board which I supplemented with a keycap set and nice candy. That seemed to do the trick, I think/hope the person who recieved it was happy about it

[digital_matthew]

Okay I'm in.

[kmnov2017]

Keep those names coming in, I still need more!

[guidemetothelight]

Keep those names coming in, I still need more!

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[kmnov2017]

A few more hours to sign up! Hurry, get your names in....

[kmnov2017]

New entries are now closed. All those who signed up for the event, please wait for instructions on next steps...

[kmnov2017]

Update: A user has asked to be included last minute. I am waiting for them to send out their details. Once the information is received, I will pair the participants and send out details to each of the participants.

[kmnov2017]

All participants have been matched, check your inbox for next steps!

[kmnov2017]

Everyone has shipped!

[Muirium]

DT's back up? It truly is a Christmas Miracle!

Spoiler:

[digital_matthew]

It has arrived...

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The box tantalizes me with its heaviness, but I shall be a good lad and wait 'til Christmas morn...

[Lalaland124]

Great to see the tradition continuing, have fun with your packages guys

[kmnov2017]

Time to start posting pics of those boxes !!!

[TNT]

Mine also arrived safe and sound

[guidemetothelight]

Time to start posting pics of those boxes !!!

soon™

[kmnov2017]

All delivered (....almost)

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