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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
See all of Summer’s merch at her Designercat Shop, available on Zazzle.
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!
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
Oooh, ahhh. I like that hummingbird acrylic shiny thing. Boom Boom did good.
As for the light switch cover, YEE-GADS!
like the acrylic thingy but that light switch..yes better save it until the next white elephant exchange..hope I don’t get it.
I love that you had a helper!
What a thoughtful and lovely gift!
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.
Kate’s comment is cracking me up!
You got really cool gifts. That hummingbird gift is pretty!
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
The ‘David’ light switch. Outstanding. I’d be cutting the light off and on all the time!
Hummingbirds mean JOY…so what a nice gift. 🙂 I want that light switch!!
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.
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.
I think the humming bird is very pretty, but my cats would sulk at that box too.
The switch plate made me laugh!
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 😉
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
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.
Oh my! He has a big light switch! Those are some…..uh…..treasures you got. 😉
The gifts are great, but the box is AWESOME!
Um, we think we would skip those gifts. Mebbe donate them to the Dollar Store…
Looks like a nice chin rubber!
I think that lady needs a kitty! Love the present for your assistant.
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!
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!
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.
Very pretty gift, maybe next time you will get some boxes to play in.
Hahaha! I think the box might be a better gift for you, Sparkle 🙂
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!
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/talonvaki/4950445578/in/set-72157622304407499/)
MOL!!!
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.
Sparkle that switch plate is too funny! Hmmmm, yes I’d have to agree the box was an unfortunate miscalculation.
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
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!
Tell the human to hold on to that! They don’t make them anymore so it is a real collector’s item
You would actually send Binga away? That is not nice…and she is not white…
Pricilla, you know you would mail Abby in a heartbeat! Binga to me is sort of like Abby to you.
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.
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!
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…
Sparkle, we kinda doubt you will get anymore gifts from Boom Boom Larew. (but you are right, that box is not good!)
Great post, Sparkle. I do think Boom Boom Larew needs a real cat. MOL about the switchplate cover.
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!
Well, the cat lady without cats tried her best…
Yes, that small skinny box was definitely a mistake!
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.
I want to take a look at that hummingbird cube…. Very beautiful.
pawhugs, Max
I like the hummingbird thingy, it really is very pretty!
MOL… Naughty ! Naughty ! Naughty !
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
I think all the BEST cat ladies have cats…