So Sad - SS, ideas for it

Carolyne in TX

Dave, I have 13 participants so far. Sign-ups end tomorrow. Sandy

I would LOVE to do a smaller swap... something like a five dollar maximum, so I could send/get something nice without breaking the bank. I just really CAN'T commit to a $25 present package...

You know what would be really nice? A Christmas swap where you send your partner a special little something that you made for them yourself - page kit/s, or a mini-album, or home-made embellishents or something like that. It doesn't have to cost a fortune, and it's the thought that counts.

This was something I had thought would be really nice too. To make something for someone. We are all a really talented group and it would nice to get something hand-made verses store bought.

Lynne

That is a good idea Karen! I enjoy coming up with homemade gifts for loved ones, and I know anyone in this group would love to receive something handmade. This is definately a very talented group!

With how my finances are right now, I know that I cant really afford much. I'd love to do it otherwise. Christina

The cost was not the main factor for me because I knew if I spent $25, I was getting that in return and what FUN it would be to open! I'm trying to be good about not over-extending myself. With school activities back in full swing and the holiday's approaching, it is too easy for me to over commit.

I REALLY hope to do a SS some day. I have to admit the lower limit or the make-it-yourself is very tempting/enabling! The accent goodies I made for Dave didn't take me long, were made with materials I had on hand, and I didn't stress over if he already had them. As Karen said, "it's the thought that counts."

-- Amy L.

Karen AKA Kajikit wrote:

Dave, we usually don't post about being in the SS swap so as to keep the participants as mysterious as possible so maybe that is why you thought the participation was small! We do post when we get anything at all from our Secret Santa's including emailed cards and so forth. As you know, the whole idea here is to be as devious as possible so that the other person won't guess who their SS is until they open the present!

I was pretty sure that we weren't doing too badly as I don't believe that we have raised the SS price in the last couple of years. Nonetheless, I know that for some $25 is a lot of money. But you can use coupons from Michaels and JoAnn's and you can buy things that can fit in a priority SIZE envelope. To save costs, think flat but wrapped. Think of things that we all need or want. Do you have stashes of Ribbon? Decorate a medium size glass jar and wrap small amounts of each ribbon around a pretty decorated piece of cardstock and plop them in the jar. Decorate another small glass jar and put buttons or brads or eyelets in it. But whatever you do, mail it early and don't forget the warning: DO NOT OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 25th. After all the longer the wait, the more your SS recipient has to squirm and look and ponder and of course, the less gray hair our SS Elf Sandy will have trying to make sure that everyone has their present in time for XMas.

In short the trick is to be a great shopper and buy $25 worth of product while not spending $25. I've read this board long enough to know that there are some pretty savvy shoppers here!

Good luck to one and all and Merry Christmas, HO HO HO!

Hugs, M-C

Hi.

I've been shopping and stashing a few things through out the year in anticipation of this swap. I also know that I want to add some things to the box that the participant really wants.

We've been trying so hard to save for a house (within the confines of Larry's contract with the city our search is limited.

Here is a recent search:

I also don't "regift." That's just rude. As Dorothy & Dave just found out, I'm in tight quarters right now but I hope to have a bigger home by next year. I'll participate in what I can. I'd be all for a altered clipboard swap again.

Kate

I was just using my altered clipboard that Shannon made for the Barn meet and thought an altered clipboard swap would be fun to do sometime. Great minds think alike? LOL

i cant afford $25.00 dollars and so i will be sitting on the side watching everyone who can get some cool stuff but your idea of a smaller amount or handmade is such a good idea.. i wish we had a choice so all could participate..i wouldnt mind swaping to a partner if it was like you said smaller or handmade..just my 2=A2 opionion cathy

Can we do a swap like this or do we have to wait till next year..i dont want to step on toes but it sure looks like many here would love and can afford a home made gift or a 5 dollar gift swap...would we be able to do this at all possible..?? You brought it up so i figure i would come back to you and ask what will hapen with this info that we all responded too..? Can there be two SS rounds going on one for the $25.00 takers and one for the $5.00 or homemade takers..? just thought i would ask..

M-C, you have my number! I'm too cheap to spend $25 but I sure know how to find $25 worth for less than that. I also like the idea of something handmade. It makes it more personal. I altered a picture frame for Deb last year. A couple years ago Kenda sent me a beautiful Christmas ball for my tree. For me, those are the things at are special.

Katrina in KS

I am sorry to the many inhere that do and can participate in our many GREAT swap programs. I am gifted in that I share as many of you know, but on the other hand I have et many in here and seen what they have or do. Questions have been asked and I wondered why we can not just have some thing simple to allow MORE to be able to participate where it is not a burden.

I have seen nsssf swaps from people that I know were tight and truly wondered how they did it. i think a lot of it is because of "social pressure" of what WE post in here, by will or decree and so those people feel pressured somewhat to keep u with the Jone's so to speak so that if they are teamed up with someone those new people will not feel as if they may be slighted.

Does this make sense? What I was maybe trying to same, why don't we have these secret Swap programs, but the hostess (host) ensures that either party would be acceptable with maybe only a thoughtful, heartfelt homemade card t say I am thinking of you, etc, instead of feeling the need to have to go out and splurge to feel like a worthwhile contributor. Then as far as posting or acknowledging receipt of things in group, we just say "I got my nsssf gift today, TY so much sos and so!! It is great and I love what you did, got or whatever."

Sandy, Tammy, MC I am sorry maybe to ran in on the parade like this but a s a long time member of the group I would truly love to see more people be ABLE to feel special to partake in these REALLY TRULY SUPERB swaps where we get to know each other more.

So i hope maybe this is somewhat clearer and see what others think who have had to refrain in the past r even currently.

Personally I am much more thrilled to get a small handfull of page adornments that I can not find time to make for my self than to get a package of stuff that I would hate to think someone went out and spent time, effort and want for themselves to get.

Just my opinion and hopefully helpfulness!!

(sorry long)

((HUGS!!))

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

I would be willing to also participate in the $5 SS if it happens! :-)

Carolyne in TX

I feel just as Dave does. I would be happy with nothing more than a hand made card as my ss gift. I am a simple person with simple wants. I just love the people here and want everyone to be able to join in. That is just my thoughts. What ever you decide I WILL play. Hugs Irene

The different costs etc is why it used to a long time ago have on the form how much you were able to spend (having different brackets ie. $5 $10 $15 etc)--- only the hostess knew the details and matched you up with someone who was in the same bracket.

I do agree with not telling all the goodies you get but a great big thanks in here.

Shaz