Secret Sister Theme Poll

[StitchIsOurHero]

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!

 

[aroyer]

Newbie to the swaps! This sounds like fun!

 

[TPCShauna]

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.

 

[Mickeyteacher]

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]

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]

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

 

[SusieStone]

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]

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]

I voted today.

 

[ohMom]

my vote is in...thanks

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

 

[ksjayhawks]

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]

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]

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

 

[MissBubbles]

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]

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]

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

 

[YodasMom]

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]

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]

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 )

 

[TPCShauna]

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!