Was finally able to carve out some time to unpack the Secret Santa gift while the kiddo was sleeping.
My Secret Santa was none other than @candle, so I was expecting to receive some nice EX era cards—and the package did not disappoint!
(Incoming long post…)
Let’s start with the letter with the awesome rendition of Jumpluff I had never even thought to dream up. It’s actually such a neat idea that I think I’ll try to bring it to life sometime through crochet!
Included with the letter were a few bubble mailers containing packs of cards, and the goodies inside were absolutely awesome. These thoughtful gifts brought me one step closer to both of my major collection goals: my Hoppip/Skiploom/Jumpluff species collection and my reverse holo Expedition set. I loved every card and am excited to share them all with everyone in this thread!
First up are the jumpy lads:
I still need both the reverse Aquapolis Jumpluff and the 1st edition Neo Revelation Jumpluff for my species collection, so both of them are going straight into their respective empty slots in the binder. But that’s not all… A PSA 10 Japanese Neo Genesis Jumpluff—the perfect specimen of the Jumpluff rookie card 
—was also included! Definitely spent a few moments getting lost in that shiny holo. I don’t buy slabs myself, but I am also not immune to the siren’s song of a PSA 10 Jumpluff.
Next are the beautiful reverse holo Expedition cards:
Coincidentally, both my major collection goals line up with some of the best winter holiday cards out there: the Snowman Neo Rev Jumpluff and the Christmas-time Expedition Flaaffy. And candle was generous enough to include both of these cards in the gift, really driving home the Secret Santa theme! I am missing the Flaaffy and Graveler for my Expedition set, and the Goldeen is in better condition than the one I currently have, so all of them will be migrating to the binder. The Hoppip I already have for my Expedition set, but I actually needed a double for my species collection, so he’ll be separated from his brethren and will find a snug place in the other binder 
.
Lastly, I mentioned some EX era cards, and here they are:
These cards pertain to other side collection interests of mine: species collections for Chinchou/Lanturn and Wooper/Quagsire, EX era reverse holos (which are amazing), and a Sachiko Adachi artist collection. These all hit the perfect notes, and the Quagsire even intersects of all three of these interests! I tried to take pictures to show off the neat holo patterns of the different EX era reverses so they can be appreciated in their full glory. I’ll also keep the EX Unseen Forces reverse Chinchou in a safe place in case I ever build up enough cards to send out for grading.
I also greatly appreciate the signed card (on an awesome reverse holo Chinchou, no less). It’ll go straight into the E4 signed card binder page (of which there is only one other card right now 
). I forgot to mention I would appreciate a signed card, and when I remembered, I felt like too much time had passed since the assignments had been sent out, so I just left it hanging. So I’m extra stoked a signature card was included with the gift!
Again, thank you @candle for sending over an on-point Secret Santa gift. Everything is much appreciated, and they’ll all find a permanent home in my collection.
Hope everyone’s holidays are going well!
. I know my Santa letter was super long and kind of scatter brained but you totally nailed it. The art is amazing once I find a frame that fits it nicely I will put it on my work desk.
is just the icing on top.
also feel free to trim the fringes on the pika, i realized as i went to take it out of the sketchbook that the pages weren’t perforated and i don’t actually own scissors oops