Secret Sister Theme Poll [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Mickeyteacher

07-08-2007, 11:58 AM

Vote for the topics that you would like to see as our monthly themes for our up coming secret sister swap. Please let me know if there is anything we need to add. I noticed the list has a lot of sender's favorite- Maybe the last month should be something like celebrating your SS and all of her likes.

What do y'all think...

lewdyan1

07-08-2007, 12:04 PM

Great Poll! I voted!:)

Mickster

07-08-2007, 12:25 PM

Great idea! I voted too. :)

AlexWyattMommy

07-08-2007, 12:27 PM

I voted for three things.

KatDisney

07-08-2007, 12:35 PM

I voted 3 things as well. I just love this idea.

Also was it ever determined if we will get names a little early so we can "prepare"

Mickeyteacher

07-08-2007, 12:46 PM

Ok, we have the sign ups scheduled for September 1st. That gives you a month. If we decide to so sender's anything then that will be the first month, so you would have extra time to get that stuff together, as I think we will good idea from the poll by the weeks end.

Does that make sense?
S :)

AlexWyattMommy

07-08-2007, 12:50 PM

That would be good. The first month is what WE want to send and then it would be what THEY want to receive. Which would give up plenty of time to find things for that month.

KatDisney

07-08-2007, 12:50 PM

Sounds good to me, thanks so much.

StitchIsOurHero

07-08-2007, 01:01 PM

I voted, too! I like the idea of doing "Sender's Favorite" one month and "SS's favorite" another month. Maybe the SS's favorite could be a mix of all of her favorite stuff and not just the color?

I love the "theme" idea! Thanks, Shawna!!

BernardandMissBianca

07-08-2007, 03:11 PM

Downrivermama

07-08-2007, 03:53 PM

Great ideas. I agree with B&MB that specific answers would take the guess work out of sending.

Mickeyteacher

07-08-2007, 04:12 PM

I voted for the first one and last one.

Can I ask a favor though, since we have a lot of new members that some of us don't know very well. Can ya'll be more specific when answering questions and share a little about yourselves. Like if you have kids and pets can we get ages and genders and types of pets.

I mean if it were Nancy and she answered yes and no to most of her questions I could without a doubt shop for her no problem, but someone I don't know well would be tough. I want to make my SS's swapping experience memorable so I need lots of info!

I agree- I had already added that the to instructions that I have started typing up. I'm starting early because after August 6th, things will be a little crazy for a few weeks. School starts and we are traveling every weekend in August and September.

What do you guys think of $10 for the first two months and then 15 for the last month?

S :)

party of 3

07-08-2007, 04:28 PM

i voted! i am really looking forward to this!!!

Michellepooh

07-08-2007, 05:51 PM

I can't wait for this one!

Mickeyteacher - those dollar amounts are fine by me. That's what we did last fall.

Thanks for putting all of this together!

momx3boys

07-08-2007, 05:58 PM

bearbear

07-08-2007, 06:03 PM

I'm a newbie. This sounds like a lot of fun.

BernardandMissBianca

07-08-2007, 07:42 PM

I agree- I had already added that the to instructions that I have started typing up. I'm starting early because after August 6th, things will be a little crazy for a few weeks. School starts and we are traveling every weekend in August and September.

What do you guys think of $10 for the first two months and then 15 for the last month?

S :)

Sounds good to me! Do you want to spilt the list with me again so your SS is a surprise?

StitchIsOurHero

07-08-2007, 08:00 PM

The dollar amounts sound good to me, too. Shawna, I feel your pain--we start back on July 20th. I'm trying to get everything done in the next 2 weeks that I wanted to do for "summer vacation".

I like the specific questions part, too. I love it when my SS sends lots of detailed answers--it makes shopping even more fun! :)

Mickeyteacher

07-08-2007, 08:26 PM

Sounds good to me! Do you want to spilt the list with me again so your SS is a surprise?

That would be great- in the directions I asked everyone to Pm you and I, so that we can split the list again.
S :)

Mickeyteacher

07-08-2007, 08:28 PM

StitchIsOurHero

07-08-2007, 08:32 PM

Counselors come in on the 20th, teachers on August 3rd, and then students start on August 8th. I just keep telling myself that once the kids get there, it's only 4 Fridays (I don't count the other working days!) until we go to WDW! :thumbsup2

aroyer

07-08-2007, 08:42 PM

Newbie to the swaps! This sounds like fun!

TPCShauna

07-08-2007, 09:12 PM

Mickeyteacher

07-08-2007, 09:23 PM

Silly question but I've never done this swap. Can someone give me an example of what is included for $10? I know that the ladies here have a tendency to over-spend on things (think the $0.41 swap) and I was just wondering really how much is usually included. I wouldn't want to gyp my SS.

The rule is $10 before shipping. However, the ladies on this board are very generous. So, with that being said people do what they want as long as the min is met.
Does that help?
S :)

TPCShauna

07-08-2007, 09:55 PM

The rule is $10 before shipping. However, the ladies on this board are very generous. So, with that being said people do what they want as long as the min is met.
Does that help?
S :)

Thanks for answering. It helps a little but doesn't really make me feel better. I guess I'm afraid of spending the $10 and then sending it off and getting $40 worth of stuff back. Have y'all ever thought about setting a maximum?

ksjayhawks

07-08-2007, 10:31 PM

It is amazing how far your $10 can go when you have time to shop and can hit sales, clearances, use coupons, etc.:thumbsup2

SusieStone

07-09-2007, 06:02 AM

Maybe one of the questions could be what holidays do you celebrate or not celebrate. Someone may not participate in Christmas or Halloween festivities. Just a thought.

AlexWyattMommy

07-09-2007, 06:07 AM

I spend $10 new (sometimes a little more and never include tax in the amount) and then I'll shop my own stash for new in wrapper items that I know I won't use, but that fit my SS identified likes.
I bought a bunch of the Pizza Boxes at Cord that are full of great stuff, but since you don't know what it inside until you buy it, there a lot of things I won't use (like girlie stuff or alphabets or bling) and I bought a few of those grab bag type things at JoAnn's. So I have a lot of my own stuff that I can pick and choose from to add to the special purchased items.

mickeyfan2

07-09-2007, 06:18 AM

I voted today.

ohMom

07-09-2007, 06:50 AM

my vote is in...thanks :teeth:

I also spend around $10, sometimes a few dollars more, but i use my 40% off coupons, watch the sales, etc. I like the idea of buying grab bags knowing that the leftover stuff might be a treasure for a swap later ::yes::

ksjayhawks

07-09-2007, 09:17 AM

Maybe this is just me, but I would rather send things that are my secret sis's favorite--color, holiday, etc--rather than mine as we could be total opposites. That's why I like the list of questions--maybe they could be updated or a little more detailed like which holidays do you scrap; age of kids and activities; anything you really need or want, etc; do you like to read--what bookstores; favorite ice cream place, fast food, etc. Maybe even include what they don't want or use?

maria34a

07-09-2007, 09:36 AM

I also agree with sending SS favorites, because my favorites may not be someone elses choice. However if we do this, I would tend to be very general in what I send, so my SS would end up liking what I get her.

Also, I do tend to overspend, I like the min/max idea. Perhaps $10.00 minimum and $20.00 maximum? For the last month, $15.00 minimum and $30.00 maximum? So it at least gives us some room. This would be including shipping too.

I also like the idea of specific questions. Like Buffy said, some of the people I know what they would like, but if I got someone who I didn't know, then I would be in trouble if I only had general questions!!! It just makes it harder to shop for that person. Also, we should all try to be as detailed as possible to make it easier for your SS to shop for you!!!! I remember one time, i got really general answers very non-specific and it just made it very difficult to shop for that person.

Faerie

07-09-2007, 09:45 AM

my vote is in. I can't wait to do this again. I had a blast last time shopping for me SS.

MissBubbles

07-09-2007, 11:09 AM

I'm definately up for themes. I think it should be the recepients favorites - scrapbooking styles vary so much from person to person and I wouldn't want to assume that my sister would like an element, color or style that is different than their own.

mommy2mrb

07-09-2007, 11:31 AM

I've voted too! since I'm pretty new here, like the idea of specific answers too. Can't wait to get started on this.

Lisa

Mickeyteacher

07-09-2007, 11:34 AM

Ok, I'm making a list of questions to add to the questionaire. Keep them coming!
S :)

YodasMom

07-09-2007, 11:47 AM

I think it would be cool for one of the mailings for each person to include something small in the box that is typical of or made in their area or region (ie: Maple syrup products if you lived in Vermont or NH, or cherry or orchard products if you're from WA or MI, could be popcorn or chocolate from here, non-food products characteristic of your area)...could be in the last box.

I also like the idea of, otheriwse, sending mostly what the SS has on their want list.

BernardandMissBianca

07-09-2007, 01:20 PM

I also agree with sending SS favorites, because my favorites may not be someone elses choice. However if we do this, I would tend to be very general in what I send, so my SS would end up liking what I get her.

yep, my last SS didn't use any metal. That was tough for me because I love metal and use it in almost every layout.
I would hate to spend the money and not have my SS enjoy it. These are gifts for him or her after all.

I don't mind setting a max limit but I doubt I will adhere to it only because it is hard for me to get out with the kids to shop when I have coupons.

I like YodasMom's idea of regional items! That would be cool!

don't forget too that you guys can ask Mickeyteacher and I questions as we get started to forward on to your SS or we can ask the group as a whole.

Faerie

07-09-2007, 01:22 PM

I love the idea of a holiday pack, but I love holidays (once I get through the swaps I have pending, I need to get my Christmas cards started :D)

TPCShauna

07-09-2007, 01:42 PM

I don't mind setting a max limit but I doubt I will adhere to it only because it is hard for me to get out with the kids to shop when I have coupons.

This is kind of my problem. Yes, Jo-Ann's and Mike's have coupons but their scrap sections are crap. I would be buying the majority of my stuff at all of my LSS and they are very expensive here. I could see $10 going with just 3 items so I would spend more and then I could conceivably get a $40 package back and I would feel like crap.

As much as I would like to participate, I guess I better not. I just don't want someone paired with me to feel like they didn't get a good buddy because I wasn't able to find good deals here. Scrapping is CA is an expensive prospect. I'm always shocked at the prices I've seen on things purchased other places. You guys get good deals!

AlexWyattMommy

07-09-2007, 01:44 PM

What making some items? This way if you buy one $5.00 Jolee with lots of pieces, you could make square, mats, and journal boxes with it. I've made items that I've sent to my SS before.

Mickeyteacher

07-09-2007, 01:48 PM

This is kind of my problem. Yes, Jo-Ann's and Mike's have coupons but their scrap sections are crap. I would be buying the majority of my stuff at all of my LSS and they are very expensive here. I could see $10 going with just 3 items so I would spend more and then I could conceivably get a $40 package back and I would feel like crap.

As much as I would like to participate, I guess I better not. I just don't want someone paired with me to feel like they didn't get a good buddy because I wasn't able to find good deals here. Scrapping is CA is an expensive prospect. I'm always shocked at the prices I've seen on things purchased other places. You guys get good deals!

One of the things I have done is look for deals on-line and get the stuff sent to me for the 2nd and 3 package. In fact, last time I sent a small package the first month (right at $10) because I was waiting for things that I had order. I then send a bigger package the 2nd month.
Plus, if there is something that you want, but can not find it, I would be happy to pick it up and send it to you. My LSS has great deals and she is great about giving me a discount because I'm a teacher- In fact, DH has ordered my Cricut stuff there because she gives t to him at cost.
Let me know if you want any help,
Shawna

BernardandMissBianca

07-09-2007, 02:05 PM

TPC I would be willing to help you shop too! And homemade goodies are great too.

TPCShauna

07-09-2007, 02:45 PM

What making some items? This way if you buy one $5.00 Jolee with lots of pieces, you could make square, mats, and journal boxes with it. I've made items that I've sent to my SS before.

That's a great idea! I didn't realize that was OK.

One of the things I have done is look for deals on-line and get the stuff sent to me for the 2nd and 3 package. In fact, last time I sent a small package the first month (right at $10) because I was waiting for things that I had order. I then send a bigger package the 2nd month.
Plus, if there is something that you want, but can not find it, I would be happy to pick it up and send it to you. My LSS has great deals and she is great about giving me a discount because I'm a teacher- In fact, DH has ordered my Cricut stuff there because she gives t to him at cost.
Let me know if you want any help,
Shawna

TPC I would be willing to help you shop too! And homemade goodies are great too.

Thanks for offering to help me shop! I guess I can try it and see how it goes. I just hate to disappoint someone. Can someone post a list of what they have received in one shipment in a past version of this?

Faerie

07-09-2007, 03:04 PM

Take a look here (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1390484) Shauna.

BernardandMissBianca

07-09-2007, 05:08 PM

Shauna a lot of the stuff we get is not scrap related.
And if you sent 3 bigger things worth $10 instead of 10 little things worth $10 it's still the same in the end. You aren't cheating your SS, it's not your fault that things are more expensive there. Things are pretty darn expensive here too.
I would hate to see you miss out!

AlexWyattMommy

07-09-2007, 05:23 PM

Shauna, I loved what you sent for the $0.41 swap. It felt like a lot to me.

Please sign up for this one. It'll be lots of fun.

SusieStone

07-09-2007, 05:39 PM

TPC I would be willing to help you shop too! And homemade goodies are great too.

I love homemade goodies!!!!

TPCShauna

07-09-2007, 05:45 PM

Thanks ladies! I checked out the thread that Faerie linked from the Spring Swap and the items look doable to me. I guess I was just worried about disappointing someone by sending too little. After seeing what has been sent in the past, I feel better. I actually already have some ideas so I guess that means that I'm in.

:lmao: Y'all are good at persuading. I appreciate it!!!

party of 3

07-09-2007, 05:50 PM

my vote is in. I can't wait to do this again. I had a blast last time shopping for me SS.

so glad, because i loved it all so much!!!!!!thank you again faerie!

Thanks ladies! I checked out the thread that Faerie linked from the Spring Swap and the items look doable to me. I guess I was just worried about disappointing someone by sending too little. After seeing what has been sent in the past, I feel better. I actually already have some ideas so I guess that means that I'm in.

:lmao: Y'all are good at persuading. I appreciate it!!!

so glad you decided to get in shauna. i say the more the merrier!

BernardandMissBianca

07-09-2007, 06:13 PM

YAY Shauna!!!!

pretty in tink

07-09-2007, 06:31 PM

I gotta say, I'm right up there with shauna about the maximum thing. I don't think the minimum really helped me on the 41c swap. Had I sent only $5-$6 worth, it probably would have been WAY under what everyone else was sending, I did send more but I was really worried if i was still sending enough. I like the idea of a range like $10-$20 or something-it gives something more specific to work with. (just my 2-cents!)

VickiV

07-09-2007, 06:50 PM

I also think there should be a minimum and a maximum, and then it should be specified whether that includes tax and shipping.

If someone can't shop with coupons, then they should just estimate what it would have cost with a coupon, if they are wanting to include more in their package. I also live in an expensive place for supplies, so working with coupons would be the way to go for me to get much of anything or I'd have to order online. I don't have access to too many of the sales that I see posted on disboards.

My local Joann's just got rid of all of their cricut stuff. They said it would only be online now and their scrapbooking section is usually 1/3 empty nowadays. Too bad it wasn't on sale when I was there last week.

BernardandMissBianca

07-09-2007, 06:56 PM

typically i don't include shipping and tax in the amount given, but that is just me.

sorry for no caps. dd is in my lap so i'm typing 1 handed. lol

TPCShauna

07-09-2007, 07:34 PM

typically i don't include shipping and tax in the amount given, but that is just me.

sorry for no caps. dd is in my lap so i'm typing 1 handed. lol

Now THAT is dedicated DISing! :lmao:

I like the minimum and maximum idea without including shipping. So $10 minimum and $15 maximum NOT INCLUDING tax or shipping.

New England Eeyore

07-09-2007, 08:38 PM

I think you all may have convinced me to join this time. Each and every time I've typed up my answers to the questionaire and then right before I hit "send" changed my mind. I tend to over-think things and was afraid I'd be driving myself nuts with all the second-guessing. Having more detailed questions would help a lot with that! And the maximum price range would also help. I know I can certainly "shop my stash" too - I probably could supply stuff for every SS in the swap and not make a dent!

BernardandMissBianca

07-09-2007, 08:52 PM

Now THAT is dedicated DISing! :lmao:

she likes to look at the characters everyone has in their siggies so it's a breeze to work with her on my lap.

bobcat

07-09-2007, 10:57 PM

I would love to join in on this fun! All of you seem to know each other from swapping and have such a good time over here.

I like the idea of a regional twist for one month, even something little. A few years ago I participated in the regional swaps on the CB and it was so neat to see what each region was known for.

ksjayhawks

07-09-2007, 11:16 PM

I like the regional theme idea and the minimum/maximum.

Can't wait for this to start again!:cool1:

aroyer

07-10-2007, 06:24 AM

she likes to look at the characters everyone has in their siggies so it's a breeze to work with her on my lap.

Both my kids love to do that too!

Mickeyteacher

07-10-2007, 06:30 AM

Ladies,
The poll will stay open until Wednesday evening. At that point we should have our themes. Can we add a regional twist to the homemade goodies theme, should it be picked?
I like the idea of a min. and a max. However, somepeople are going to go over that amount.
S :)

mommy2mrb

07-10-2007, 08:17 AM

could you also add to the questionaire if they own a cricut or not if you already haven't.......thanks,
Lisa

OT: TPCShauna, I checked out the LSS in Rocklin, some great stuff, was a little overwhelming with the size. Had DD with me so couldn't do a really great search, but did end up finding some cute things I don't have at home LSS. Thanks again for the tip. Lisa

party of 3

07-10-2007, 08:13 PM

could you also add to the questionaire if they own a cricut or not if you already haven't.......thanks,
Lisa

good ? lisa. how about if they have any die cutting machines, not just a cricut. like a regular sizzix, or sidekick ..... just a thought.:idea: :scratchin

SusieStone

07-10-2007, 08:17 PM

good ? lisa. how about if they have any die cutting machines, not just a cricut. like a regular sizzix, or sidekick ..... just a thought.:idea: :scratchin

great idea

party of 3

07-10-2007, 08:35 PM

thanks. sometimes i have a brain!

TPCShauna

07-10-2007, 09:24 PM

I like the idea of a min. and a max. However, somepeople are going to go over that amount.
S :)

I think it's fine if we have a stated maximum and someone goes over it. I just think that makes someone feel a bit better than saying the minimum is $10 and the max is sky's the limit. Honestly, I would probably go over a $15 maximum as well but that would be my choice and my SS wouldn't have to feel bad about it because it was my decision.

What did you mean about the homemade goodies having a regional flair? Is this homemade goodies as in baked goods or homemade goodies as in handmade scrapbook elements? Sorry for being dense.

OT: TPCShauna, I checked out the LSS in Rocklin, some great stuff, was a little overwhelming with the size. Had DD with me so couldn't do a really great search, but did end up finding some cute things I don't have at home LSS. Thanks again for the tip. Lisa

Glad you were able to make your way there! Yes, it can be very overwhelming the first time but they have a GREAT selection. I'm scrapping there all day on Saturday since I know I will need a thousand sheets of Bazzill and it's easier to get stuff done when I have their entire selection at my disposal.

Mickeyteacher

07-14-2007, 08:18 PM

[QUOTE=TPCShauna;19669940]

What did you mean about the homemade goodies having a regional flair? Is this homemade goodies as in baked goods or homemade goodies as in handmade scrapbook elements? Sorry for being dense.[QUOTE]

I think it would be your choice. However, I think homemade goodies would be nice.
S :)

NEDisneyFans

07-14-2007, 08:42 PM

This sounds like fun -- how can I sign up?

Alicia

YodasMom

07-14-2007, 09:32 PM

I voted pretty early in this poll and it won't let me add to my vote with the additional things you added to the poll. I would vote for some of them, too, if I could. The poll just says to me: "You've already voted"!

I had suggested doing something with regional goodies earlier and was referring to storebought, or small things that are typical to your regions. The homemade stuff sound neat, too. Maybe that could all be a theme for one of the months.

BernardandMissBianca

07-14-2007, 10:15 PM

This sounds like fun -- how can I sign up?

Alicia

we haven't started sign ups yet. Start looking mid August.

Mickeyteacher

07-15-2007, 06:25 AM