Glad it’s my turn to share my excitement!
I had @connorc as my Secret Santa, and I received a great mix of items that touch on a number of my interests.
First, here’s the letter, with the great interpretations of the Hoppip line. If I do say so myself, these artist renditions may rival the great works of @stagecoach and @Josh. Also, as an aside, I was not aware, but connorc is yungchap in TCG Pocket, and he and I have been sharing showcase likes for quite a while now—those shop tickets certainly do build up!
Next are amazing additions to the Hoppip non-TCG collection. Connor must have some supernatural powers, as I haven’t posted about my recent non-TCG acquisitions, but due to an interesting confusion on my part with Mercari listings, I thought I had already obtained the whole Pokemon Fit/Sitting Cuties line for Hoppip/Skiploom/Jumpluff. After I received my package, I realized I had actually ordered a huge Hoppip Banpresto (I think) prize plush rather than the Hoppip Pokemon Fit plush. I had had the Hoppip Pokemon Fit plush in my mind for a recent Buyee purchase but opted to get it later. And I guess that was for good reason, as fate already had something else in mind for the plush to fall into my hands! Alongside the Hoppip Fit plush, Connor also sent some sealed Pokemon Center Kyoto promotional items, which feature the Hoppip line and the Wooper line (another one my favorites). And lastly, I always had the hanafuda Hoppip card in my sights, but almost all of them I had seen were graded, and I felt they had seen a bump in price that was more than what I was willing to pay (though I liked the card a lot). I wasn’t actively searching for it, but I did intend to pick it up one day. So yes, Connor, I am very excited to see it included in the Secret Santa gift and am equally happy you were excited getting it too—it will hold a cherished spot in my collection!
Next are some included cards of my favorite lines: the Hoppip, Wooper, and Chinchou lines. The reverse holo EX Team Magma/Aqua Lanturn is a great card to look at, as are the especially cute Wooper and Quagsire Gym Promos. The reverse Secret Wonders Hoppip is funny because it has a print line in almost the exact spot the current one sitting in my binder has—only off by a couple millimeters! The other extra cards are also much appreciated. Modern art rares are amazing cards. I don’t actively collect them but am always happy to receive them. And thank you for the signed card! I will slot it right next to the other signed cards from members I have interacted with. Oh, and I almost forgot, but the Van Gogh Pikachu and Eevee playmat was also part of the gift! I don’t have any of the official playmats, but the quality is really nice. I’ll have to find a use for it somewhere (perhaps at an in-store TCG event sometime, if I ever find time to try the TCG in person).
Lastly, Connor sent this empty Pokepark Forest binder, which has absolutely exquisite art by Kanako Eo. I agree that the illustration is amazing, and it would be a great place to keep my small (but hopefully growing) Kanako Eo collection, as I do adore their illustrations.
Sorry for the long post, but I was very excited to receive everything and want to give Connor a big thanks and wish him a great holiday break
Here’s a final picture with all the items included: