It’s tradition to gather your Secret Santa’s interests though their comment and post history. This year, Gates got his recipient a total of 17 presents, ranging in theme from the Great Gatsby, to Twin Peaks, cats, and camping. The package came stamped with the number 95 all over (her 95th gift exchange) and was so large it didn’t fit in her car. Among the most touching of the presents was a donation to the American Heart Association, which Gates made in memory of her mother.
“I know no gift will ever make up for losing someone so important to you,” Gates wrote on his gift. “I hope you and your family find your ‘new normal’ this holiday season.”
Bill’s Deck of Books 2019! A Harry Potter santa hat Hylian shield earrings A very heavy and beautiful handmade Zelda quilt A hammock (with bug net!) Almond Rocca, Seattle mint chocolates, Jelly Belly’s Toys for my cat, Emmy! Seven packs of assorted Oreos A cat-themed logic game Eight hardcover books An extremely fancy manuscript copy of The Great Gatsby A candle with a passage from The Great Gatsby inscribed Microscale Hogwarts LEGO UCS R2D2 LEGO Twin Peaksshirt and sweatshirt Book by Twin Peak’s director Jonathan Sanger 5 scripts from season 2 of Twin Peaks An embroidered L.L. Bean jacket worn by crew members during the second season of Twin Peaks
The recommended amount to spend is $20, but clearly Gates and his team exceeded that. Given his billions, I doubt he’ll be going hungry, it’s heartwarming that such thought and customization that went into the gifts. “Your donation to The American Heart Association in my mom’s memory is the most special gift of all. It means more to me than I can express,” Shelby wrote on Reddit. “This year has been a complete rollercoaster of emotions for me … It has been hard to drum up holiday spirit this year, and this has been a taser of Christmas cheer.” You can view the full gallery of gifts here.
