FE Question from a novice

[Youneek1]

I hope this is the right foreum to post this question. I'm going to be participating in my cruise's FE exchange, and I'd like to get a head start on trying to make my gifts. I realize that every cruise is different, and I will have a definite answer closer to cruise time, but for the sake of trying to plan, can those who have participated in the past give me some general ideas on how many have participated with you? Highest number vs lowest number? Closer to 700, or more realistically maybe 200? Any info or tips would be appreciated.

 

[CScott095]

I just participated in my first FE and there were approximately 53 individuals for the 7 day cruise. It was fun!

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Oh my. We are participating in a 10 cabin exchange. There are 36 people in those cabins. Believe me when I tell you, there is a lot of prep involved and then packing all those goodies up. So glad we didnt get involved with a larger group.

 

[Youneek1]

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I just participated in my first FE and there were approximately 53 individuals for the 7 day cruise. It was fun!

Thank you. That seems like a great number, manageable but not too high. I was terrified I was unknowingly signing up to make gifts for 500 people and was going to be pulling my hair out by the end.

 

[Youneek1]

Oh my. We are participating in a 10 cabin exchange. There are 36 people in those cabins. Believe me when I tell you, there is a lot of prep involved and then packing all those goodies up. So glad we didnt get involved with a larger group.

Thank you. Did you get any gifts that stood out as super awesome? I'm not super crafty, and I have an idea of something even I can manage to make, but want to make sure I'm not barking up the wrong tree.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Thank you. Did you get any gifts that stood out as super awesome? I'm not super crafty, and I have an idea of something even I can manage to make, but want to make sure I'm not barking up the wrong tree.

There is still time for me to "make" something, but so far it's been fun finding Disney related items in my local businesses. For example, I was so excited to find these plush, red and white striped tea towels (or bar towels) that had "Living the Dream" embroidered on them. And they were on sale to boot! We sail on the Dream, so how appropriate--and different. I love handmade items and am a quilter so doing something handmade is not out of the question. Just have fun with it, there is no right or wrong. Do as you feel lead.

 

[CScott095]

So I created customized M&Ms which were fun and easy to transport. My DDs favorite gift was a Stitch carrying case containing ear buds with the Mickey head as the buds. We got a homemade game, which was cool. I will look through our stuff again!

 

[KAS_73]

I like to make personalized door magnets. The things that we've received that stand out are a valet tray, hand sewn passport cover and luggage tag, Minnie manicure kit, key chains, a Would You Rather book with all Disney type questions and a travel toiletries kit.

 

[TrySomethingNew]

Play to your strentgths and comfort zone. If your not crafty or not interested, then don't feel bad-go with what you like. You could buy items, make something simple or useful (like bags of sundae toppings, or a miscellaneous boo-boo/sunburn bag). We received (on a Christmas cruise) a fun re-wording of the Twas the night before Christmas to be Disneyfied ... Clearly that person's strength was word-smithing! And it was simply on a Christmas themed 8.5"X11" sheet of paper. Some people have given postcards from their locale with a few handwritten notes on them, maybe a small package of local candy or local item.

I've found it helpful to just wrote all/any ideas out- while doing my cruise research, then it seems like you have a lot to work with when you are ready to tackle the project.

We've had 10-16 cabins in the two FEs we've done. Adults and kids, so we've generally done an adult/cabin gift then individual kid gifts. The kid gifts have been hardest due to varying ages spanning the 1-17 year age range! Good luck!

 

[CesD]

we did one with 10 cabins. some people give a cabin gift. some people do per individual.

i say stick to things that can be packed easily for the trip home.
some cool things we got was a Disney /star wars themed neck tie, magnet, christmas ornamemt.


enjoy.