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You are here: Home / Diary / My White Elephant Gift

My White Elephant Gift

January 18, 2011 By: Sparkle Cat51 Comments

Unlike the dog here, I actually LIKE the mailman!

It came in the mail a few days ago — the white elephant gift from Boom Boom Larew. It is part of the White Elephant Gift Party that is being held by Margaret from the Nanny Goats in Panties blog.

This cat-less cat lady is about to be put to the test!

Boom Boom Larew calls her blog “How to Become a Cat Lady… Without the Cats.” She probably did not realize it when she sent this package, but I am going to use it to judge just how much of a cat lady someone can be without actually having cats. Every inch of this white elephant gift will be carefully examined.

Binga can't even get her head in it! Well, she DOES have a fat head.

I am afraid that Ms. Larew came up wanting right away when we did the Box Test. She should have used the small square Priority Mail box to send this. I am sure she could have made the item fit, and then we cats could have had fun trying to stuff ourselves in the box. The flat Priority Box is not shaped well to make a good a cat toy.

We cats like to take note of the notes!

The note says that she has also enclosed something for my human. That is okay, and a lot of cat-humans-with-cats might do the same. The fact that she refers to my human as my “mom” is forgivable, because that is how most female cat humans see themselves. Except my human and I. She is not my mother. My mother is Tina Turner of Tajhara. My human is my semi-competent assistant. But Ms. Larew would not necessarily know this, so she gets a pass.

This is not passing the touch test.

Next up is a very important part — the wrapping paper. I was not happy with it. It is not crinkly, and there is not enough of it. A real cat lady would know to use extra paper and make it the really stiff and crinkly kind so we could have fun playing in it. Oh wait, is there more? Ah, the actual gift. I almost forgot about that.

Not as exciting as Bird TV, but still pretty cool.

It is a small acrylic cube with a hummingbird carved in it on a lighted stand. What’s more, the light changes colors! My human actually liked it.

Boodie probably thinks it is a real bird.

But wait! It is also a hit with us kitties! My human had a hard time getting a photo of it without any cats because we wouldn’t stop hovering around it.

You need to work harder on being a cat lady, Boom Boom Larew!

So most non-cat people would think this is a good thing — that if the cats like the gift, that is good! But not necessarily, because the box and the paper the gift came in is equally or more important than the actual gift 68% of the time. So while we liked the gift — and we thank you for it, it is really lovely! — I really do think, Boom Boom Larew, that you need a cat if you intend to be giving out anymore gifts to other kitties. I would offer to send you Binga, but I think someone here would kick up a fight about that.

Oh, the gift for my human?

Eeek!

I think we will hold onto it for the next White Elephant Gift Party.

This just in — find more White Elephant gifts at the linky here!

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Comments

  1. cardiogirl says

    January 24, 2011 at 3:46 am

    It sounds like Boom Boom came out at least as a 89% cat lady keeping in mind that she does not, indeed, have cats. And bonus points for thinking of both of you!

    Reply
  2. Lorie Shewbridge says

    January 22, 2011 at 9:53 am

    You guys are so lucky to get that really nice package and the pretty hummingbird cube with the cool lights. My puppies like it a lot and thing that you are the prettiest cats they have ever seen.
    I like the gift your human got… I’d use it all the time!! HaHa

    Reply
  3. ReformingGeek says

    January 20, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Oooh, ahhh. I like that hummingbird acrylic shiny thing. Boom Boom did good.

    As for the light switch cover, YEE-GADS!

    Reply
  4. Eileen says

    January 20, 2011 at 9:32 am

    like the acrylic thingy but that light switch..yes better save it until the next white elephant exchange..hope I don’t get it.

    Reply
  5. Robin says

    January 19, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    I love that you had a helper!

    Reply
  6. Thomas says

    January 19, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    What a thoughtful and lovely gift!

    Reply
  7. Jenny says

    January 19, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    I had a big smile on my face when I saw your gift. This is the sort of White Elephant gift I receive regularly as a teacher. I was only surprised I didn’t have one packed away for this gift exchange.
    The light switch cover is brilliant.

    Reply
  8. Margaret (Nanny Goats) says

    January 19, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    Kate’s comment is cracking me up!

    You got really cool gifts. That hummingbird gift is pretty!

    Reply
  9. joanna jenkins says

    January 19, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    Stopping by from Margaret’s

    Ha! The light switch is hysterical– And one of the best White Elephant gifts I’ve seen so far.

    Cheers, jj

    Reply
  10. Kate says

    January 19, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    The ‘David’ light switch. Outstanding. I’d be cutting the light off and on all the time!

    Reply
  11. Melly says

    January 19, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Hummingbirds mean JOY…so what a nice gift. 🙂 I want that light switch!!

    Reply
  12. Jen says

    January 19, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    This is so much fun and I am glad Margaret did not pair me up with you Sparkle, I would have really messed it up and I have a cat! Your last line is my favorite.

    Reply
  13. Rachele says

    January 19, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I am really enjoying seeing what everyone else received. I can understand your disappointment with the box but your gift is the best one (actually something someone would want to keep…except mine, of course) I’ve seen so far. Still have a lot of posts to read though. Your assistant’s gift is the best of the other kind. It’s a win-win.

    Reply
  14. Babs says

    January 19, 2011 at 10:40 am

    I think the humming bird is very pretty, but my cats would sulk at that box too.
    The switch plate made me laugh!

    Reply
  15. Teri C says

    January 19, 2011 at 9:57 am

    hahaha I love the light switch.
    Sparkle you rocked my gift you sent from the White Elephant Party (I will post mine asap).
    My kids are torturing themselves with the disembodied hand (which has ended up everywhere in compromising acts of craziness) and the books were freaking awesome! I love Sparkles advice. That and now my kids is sharing them to inspire others cats acts of greatness 😉

    Reply
  16. Boom Boom Larew says

    January 19, 2011 at 7:34 am

    Dear Sparkle Cat,

    Thanks for cutting me a break on the whole “mom” thing. How gauche of me! And next time I promise to send gifts in a larger box… with more wrapping paper.

    You’ll be happy to know that the white elephant gift I received was a cat! Not a real one, but you have to start somewhere! Perhaps she’ll teach me a thing or two about cats.

    Have fun with the pretty lights!

    Love,
    Boom Boom

    Reply
  17. Cathy Keisha says

    January 19, 2011 at 7:29 am

    That was a very funny blog. Both gifts looked like white elephants to me. Where was the nip toy? the laser pointer? the smousey wand? Oh well. enjoy your gift.

    Reply
  18. lin says

    January 19, 2011 at 4:43 am

    Oh my! He has a big light switch! Those are some…..uh…..treasures you got. 😉

    Reply
  19. Milo and Alfie says

    January 19, 2011 at 2:17 am

    The gifts are great, but the box is AWESOME!

    Reply
  20. Ayla and Iza says

    January 19, 2011 at 12:05 am

    Um, we think we would skip those gifts. Mebbe donate them to the Dollar Store…

    Reply
  21. Fin says

    January 18, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Looks like a nice chin rubber!

    Reply
  22. Sweet Praline says

    January 18, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    I think that lady needs a kitty! Love the present for your assistant.

    Reply
  23. Spitty-the-Kitty says

    January 18, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    OMC! Teh Human and I both laffed and laffed and that hardly ever happens! Your analysis of the box and the paper is so thorough and correct, I am in awe. And the Human kinda spit coffee through her nose at the swtichplate, ha ha ha!

    Reply
  24. GrammyMouseTails says

    January 18, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    you mean to tell me that nones of you kitties could squeeze in the box? maybe a januray diet is in order? MOL… j/k… at least there was paper, maybe just enough for 1 kitty. and the hummybird is an good thing, it may attract the real deal to your windows, and then lots of fun to watch!

    Reply
  25. BeadedTail says

    January 18, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    We bet nanny goats in panties would like that box but it doesn’t make a very good gift for a cat. As for your human’s gift, we don’t get it but our mommy found it really funny! She didn’t realize it was a lightswitch at first so was kinda like “huh, why’s a part missing.” She didn’t get much sleep last night so we forgive her.

    Reply
  26. Carol's Critter Corner says

    January 18, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Very pretty gift, maybe next time you will get some boxes to play in.

    Reply
  27. Angie, Catladyland/Katt Food says

    January 18, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Hahaha! I think the box might be a better gift for you, Sparkle 🙂

    Reply
  28. Jake and Angel says

    January 18, 2011 at 11:26 am

    The flat Priority Box is not shaped well to make a good a cat toy.

    Jacoby would disagree with you there. As far as he’s concerned, ANYthing that comes in the mail is a good cat toy!

    Reply
    • Jake and Angel says

      January 18, 2011 at 11:27 am

      (http://www.flickr.com/photos/talonvaki/4950445578/in/set-72157622304407499/)

      Reply
      • Sparkle says

        January 18, 2011 at 11:43 am

        MOL!!!

        Reply
  29. Katnip Lounge says

    January 18, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Mommy roared laughing at the switch plate, but we don’t get it. The guy is Art, right? Is he a comedian?
    Sparkle, those boxes are good on their sides with holes in ’em to bat toys around. It’s the El Cheapo version of the wood toy-hunter thingy.

    Reply
  30. Cat's Cats says

    January 18, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Sparkle that switch plate is too funny! Hmmmm, yes I’d have to agree the box was an unfortunate miscalculation.

    Reply
  31. Abby says

    January 18, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Sparkle
    It is more the human in our house who keeps referring to herself as our Mom.
    *sigh*
    It’s just easier to let her think this.

    Good gifts!
    MOL the switchplate was very funny and the purrfect white elephant gift.

    purrin
    xoxox

    Reply
  32. Cheysuli says

    January 18, 2011 at 9:09 am

    While I can forgive the box–sometimes it’s fun to poke your head into the small narrow boxes and check things out in there or trouble the other cat who is doing it… the paper is way important. The Woman laughed at the other gift for your human. I think it is far too purrfect for the next white elephant gift party!

    Reply
  33. Grace says

    January 18, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Tell the human to hold on to that! They don’t make them anymore so it is a real collector’s item

    Reply
  34. Pricilla says

    January 18, 2011 at 7:55 am

    You would actually send Binga away? That is not nice…and she is not white…

    Reply
    • Sparkle says

      January 18, 2011 at 11:44 am

      Pricilla, you know you would mail Abby in a heartbeat! Binga to me is sort of like Abby to you.

      Reply
  35. Fuzzy and Zoe says

    January 18, 2011 at 7:54 am

    Oh holy crap, the gift for your human made our mom spew diet Dr. Pepper out of her nose. That is hilarious! Your gift is really neato, but we’re sorry you were disappointed with the box and paper.

    Reply
  36. Fuzzy Tales says

    January 18, 2011 at 6:02 am

    Our human is laughing at the switch plate! 😀

    We know what you mean about our human not being our mom…we didn’t refer to her as that until we joined the CB…and then not even right away, finally caved — it seemed easier, since most others do!

    Anyway, the next time you get a gift, we hope it comes in a *proper* box!

    Reply
  37. Fui, Suey and Lishy says

    January 18, 2011 at 5:52 am

    The switchplate is funny, and is also making us imagine some funny reactions from a certain step-MIL we know who doesn’t like cats…

    Reply
  38. Raymond and Busby says

    January 18, 2011 at 5:36 am

    Sparkle, we kinda doubt you will get anymore gifts from Boom Boom Larew. (but you are right, that box is not good!)

    Reply
  39. Simba says

    January 18, 2011 at 5:08 am

    Great post, Sparkle. I do think Boom Boom Larew needs a real cat. MOL about the switchplate cover.

    Reply
  40. AttieCattie says

    January 18, 2011 at 4:37 am

    oh dears, MOL. the light switch plate is funneh, but i agrees you needs more paper and box!!! those is the REAL presents. oh also wanted to tells you we registered wif Bissel and is voting for Boodie!

    Reply
  41. The Island Cats says

    January 18, 2011 at 4:15 am

    Well, the cat lady without cats tried her best…

    Reply
  42. Daisy the Curly Cat says

    January 18, 2011 at 4:07 am

    Yes, that small skinny box was definitely a mistake!

    Reply
  43. Marg says

    January 18, 2011 at 4:04 am

    OMC, that is all so funny. Love the assistant’s present. The hummingbird deal is something else. Not sure we would like that thing. And that is horrible that she didn’t use enough paper. You need to get started training that one Sparkle even if she doesn’t have a cat, she needs to learn. Great laugh this morning.

    Reply
  44. Max the Quilt Cat says

    January 18, 2011 at 3:40 am

    I want to take a look at that hummingbird cube…. Very beautiful.

    pawhugs, Max

    Reply
  45. Brian says

    January 18, 2011 at 3:05 am

    I like the hummingbird thingy, it really is very pretty!

    Reply
  46. Mr Puddy says

    January 18, 2011 at 1:40 am

    MOL… Naughty ! Naughty ! Naughty !

    Reply
  47. we love LUNA says

    January 18, 2011 at 1:31 am

    Wow how wonderful!
    You guys are so lucky, and your mommy as well,so cute gift and I also like that box, looks so interesting!
    purrs and love
    Luna

    Reply
  48. Rumblepurr says

    January 18, 2011 at 1:23 am

    I think all the BEST cat ladies have cats…

    Reply

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