Is this the tackiest FE gift ever or what?

[frenigirl]

Hello-

This will be our third venture with the FE program. In the past, we have given to each participant (not cabin) a drawstring bag red/black with "cruisin' with Mickey" on it. Just too expensive now though received some nice feedback. The last time, we gave Iwallets to each participant over age 12--the little ID and credit card holder that sticks to your cell phone (Stay calm and cruise on). Didn't get any feedback on this FE.

So, this time around, would like to go "native" as in local stuff-it may look like it was free but I will need to actually pay for some of them--local company's fans (cardboard/wooden stick), microfiber cleaning cloths, alligator clips with magnet, sticky notes, & hand sanitizer sprays. I would place items into clear bags and give two bags of goodies to each cabin.

My question is--too tacky?

Thanks for your input.

 

[jtba]

i don't think so. i appreciate each gift as something someone put some thought in. i know some people complain about store-bought candy but it still requires time, energy, and money to purchase.

so no, not tacky at all! i would be happy to have you in our FE group!

 

[ayz75]

I'd be happy with the gift! I've only been on one Disney Cruise, so only one FE experience.. but while I really appreciated all the gifts (including lots of hand-made stuff, and even chocolates/candy) I found those non-crafty ones like wipes, sanitizers, small packs of q-tips, towels, etc, the most useful! And that sounds like what you're preparing at the end of the day, we had fun and enjoyed getting whatever each day. The best "surprise" in my last FE group was the daily princess stickers!! My daughter loved them and I was surprised someone took the time to put a sticker every single day (turns out it was our FE organizer!) it's a small little gesture (and not hand made nor expensive) but really makes a kid's day.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello-

This will be our third venture with the FE program. In the past, we have given to each participant (not cabin) a drawstring bag red/black with "cruisin' with Mickey" on it. Just too expensive now though received some nice feedback. The last time, we gave Iwallets to each participant over age 12--the little ID and credit card holder that sticks to your cell phone (Stay calm and cruise on). Didn't get any feedback on this FE.

So, this time around, would like to go "native" as in local stuff-it may look like it was free but I will need to actually pay for some of them--local company's fans (cardboard/wooden stick), microfiber cleaning cloths, alligator clips with magnet, sticky notes, & hand sanitizer sprays. I would place items into clear bags and give two bags of goodies to each cabin.

My question is--too tacky?

Thanks for your input.

The Fish Extender exchange isn't supposed to be a "who can give the best" exchange.

I love the items that are local treats, local recipe cards, something thought out as important to give. We've gotten small bottles of hand sanitizers; a personal size first aid kit (small band aids were extremely useful); postcards/information cards about the givers local history. All is appreciated, and doesn't have to cost anything.

 

[Sytrace]

I don't do FE's but I would LOVE to be in your group if I did. Those ideas sound practical and really thoughtful.

 

[wcw57]

not tacky at all.....just so long as it isn't glow sticks

 

[PrincessShmoo]

not tacky at all.....just so long as it isn't glow sticks

What's wrong with glow sticks?

 

[jtba]

we (children and adults) love glow sticks!

 

[wcw57]

i/we were INUNDATED with glow sticks....22 cabins and about 135 glow sticks received. They're nice in small quantities....

 

[jtba]

for us, 135 glow sticks would be like a treasure trove!

as an aside, don't know if you have little ones, but here's one way to use up lots of glow sticks all at once: 1) draw a tub of bath water for your kids, 2) dump the glow sticks in there, and 3) turn off the overhead light. i promise your kids will have a grand ol' time.

 

[KAS_73]

Sounds very nice to me. The only FE gifts we generally toss are cheap stuff from the dollar store. We get enough of that stuff in birthday party loot bags...

 

[professorandmom]

i/we were INUNDATED with glow sticks....22 cabins and about 135 glow sticks received. They're nice in small quantities....

That's 6 glow sticks from every cabin! Wow - just WOW
Looks like you'll be giving glow sticks out for Halloween next year...you'll be the best house on the block!

 

[bcwife76]

Not tacky at all, I think it's a great FE gift!!

 

[malbergotti]

sounds like a great gift to me! I am old school and think any gift received is appreciated. And we could probably never get enough glow sticks either! love the bath tub idea

 

[MaleficentRN]

There was a point where the FE exchange turned into a contest of who spent the most money and most time on Pinterest. I can say there wasn't a gift that my family didn't appreciate.The ones most enjoyed where probably the least expensive.

 

[wcw57]

for us, 135 glow sticks would be like a treasure trove!

as an aside, don't know if you have little ones, but here's one way to use up lots of glow sticks all at once: 1) draw a tub of bath water for your kids, 2) dump the glow sticks in there, and 3) turn off the overhead light. i promise your kids will have a grand ol' time.

the heck with little kids!!! I'm filling up the hot tub!!!!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

On our last cruise we received quite a few glow sticks. No biggie. What we did was take them to the Pirate deck party and handed them out. They were well received and the smiles on the kids faces made it so much fun and well worth it.

 

[tlynk]

Hello-

So, this time around, would like to go "native" as in local stuff-it may look like it was free but I will need to actually pay for some of them--local company's fans (cardboard/wooden stick), microfiber cleaning cloths, alligator clips with magnet, sticky notes, & hand sanitizer sprays. I would place items into clear bags and give two bags of goodies to each cabin.

Those are great gifts!

 

[ahain]

i/we were INUNDATED with glow sticks....22 cabins and about 135 glow sticks received. They're nice in small quantities....

My DD would have been GIDDY happy if she received this many glow sticks!

 

[frenigirl]

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate the feedback! Happy Sailing to all.