Is this the tackiest FE gift ever or what?

[belac]

I didn't have time beforehand to join up in FE this last cruise so, I handed out the dreaded glow necklace to kids I saw on Pirate night, not one kid said ..hey! that is tacky
so perhaps everyone should take a clue from the kids.

 

[betrent75]

I didn't have time beforehand to join up in FE this last cruise so, I handed out the dreaded glow necklace to kids I saw on Pirate night, not one kid said ..hey! that is tacky
so perhaps everyone should take a clue from the kids.[/QUOTE

Kids keep things so simple and great don't they?

 

[godde8ss]

Second cruise coming up, second FE. Have not encountered, with either experience, "the RULES" thank goodness... I did not know, prior to reading this post, that people actually set spending limits, etc. Doesn't surprise me, but does shock me slightly. My kids were excited by everything given, and I was amazed by some of the things received. I've always believed, and this applies to things OUTSIDE FE, the thought is what counts with any gift. It is obvious that the original poster has put quite alot of thought into this, or, would not be asking for opinions on a board such as this. Plopping a set of blank post its in every FE and going on your way? Probably not thoughtful, but the idea of gathering many useful items, and applying a theme - of local gifts - and packing it - reveals a great deal of thought, time and care.

 

[Leasam]

This thread returns my faith in humanity! We just returned from a trip a few weeks ago and the FE group was made up the worst people of all the cruises we've been on. They were controlling (assigning times), people were demanding no dollar store gifts (and sometimes the $ store has really cute stuff, or disney ziplocs!) and it was a Pinterest competition for who could give the best and most expensive gifts. My sister and I were kinda heart broken and embarrassed about our hometown gifts, handmade mickey soaps, and other cute stuff (typical FE gifts; magnets, candy, and clothespins etc) b/c we didn't spend as much and have everything custom designed. it was terrible. we love the thoughtfulness of the gifts and i think there was one other family that did the hometown gift? we love seeing the other FE's, and just seeing the creativity that goes into some of the really thoughtful stuff. Some people are really clever! I'm glad to see so many people on here agree it's the thought, time, and effort. It always just brought us joy.

That's sad. Sorry you a horrible experience. I would have loved them. This is my first cruise & FE we are making some gifts & got some from the dollar store because they had some great Disney stuff that you find in expensive stores (i.e. Disney store too) like mini puzzles with Disney princess and some ninja turtles ones
I'm sorry but if someone was trying to tell me when I had to deliver I think I would opt out of that group. I know that some have put a time line estimate on when they are delivered like after lunch on such day. I'm planning on doing a little something daily and when I have time to deliver. More fun that way.

 

[Suttonmama1]

Hands down best FE gift we've received were a set of three serving spoons with ribbons attached through a loop at the top. Each spoon part was painted in the colors of a different Little Mermaid character. (Flounder had the yellow and blue stripes, etc. ) It was amazing and didn't cost much but we all loved them. It should be about fun and surprising people and I personally would rather have bottle cap magnets made by the kids than an expensive present!

 

[CanadianDee]

Has DCL banned them yet?
Are they toxic?
JK. Lol

GREAT story!!

No, they aren't toxic. I found this out after my granddaughter ingested a mouthful while we were on a road trip. Frantic dash to nearest hospital while desperately calling poison control centre.

Apparently ER gets a fair number of glow-stick eaters every year.

 

[disneyholic family]

we're happy with anything, from the smallest cheapest on up...
with my sweet tooth, one little midget tootsie roll is perfect!!!
in any case, it's the thought that counts...
it's just nice coming back to the room and finding little surprises....

 

[Trebs]

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.

Sounds cool

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I remember back before FEs got so popular...thx social media ...and it wasn't such a competition to have the most expensive or ornate gift...it was just fun! My kids, nor I, care about the cost or fanciness level of FE gifts. It is more the excitement of what is there waiting when they return to the room. Just like almost everything in life, social media and Pinterest have caused FE gifts to go from simple and fun to over the top. I didn't even want to participate this year but since the kids know what it is from participating before I couldn't tell them no. Rest assured, OP, there are others out there like myself that are happy just to participate and have fun. Your gift is great!

 

[PollyBrit]

The time, effort and money that has gone into preparing my fe gifts, even if they are simple and low cost, has really surprised me, and I do hope my fellow gifters appreciate that as much as I will of theirs! I hope above all that the kids enjoy the thrill and fun of it all mine are so excited, and I love that they are excited about giving people our surprises, as well as receiving!

 

[texasgirl29]

We had a smallish FE group a couple of years ago on a Mediterranean cruise. The gift I remember most was a clear bag chock full of candy from Ireland. It was all new to us, we enjoyed discovering what everything was. That year I sewed neckbands with water-storing crystals inside that kept you cool on the hot tours in Italy.