NEW: 'Mix-it-Up' Secret Swap - Newbies Welcome

18 years ago

Hey all-

As a somewhat newbie myself (I've done a few swaps) I've decided that I spend enough time on these boards to start a little swap of my own. Hopefully some of you would like to join. I've noticed many swaps lately that require experience or references so I hope that some newbies can get their feet wet here. Seasoned traders welcome too!

This is how it will work:

I propose we have a secret swap. If you wish to play, email me with your GardenWeb name, name and address, short wishlist (very general), and short list of items you might send (also general).

For example: tastefullyjulie

Julie Andrews, and my address

Wish for:

plants

bulbs

handmade garden items

Will send:

seeds

seed starting items

garden magazines

Just an example. Basically I am saying don't put specific seed names on the wish list because it would get too tricky. This is supposed to be fun! I will match up the lists of what people wish for and will send and will TRY MY BEST to match everyone up. It won't work perfectly (or maybe it will) but it will still be fun. Then I will email you the info on the person you are to send to. Don't reveal who you are when you send.

When everyone signs up we can work out the specifics. I'm not sure if the sender should even get the recipent's name or if they should just address the package "Secret Pal". I'm open for suggestions here. Also don't know if we reveal ourselves at the end or what. We should also collectively decide how many items the boxes should contain and perhaps choose a $ limit.

But please sign up. I won't put a cap on the number of participants but I hope to have everyone signed up by April 15th and have a shipping date of May 10th. We can extend the dates if necessary. IMPORTANT... please DON'T SIGN UP if you DON'T INTEND TO FOLLOW THRU. We want everyone to be surprised here and it would be awful if someone never got a package. I know whenever I do a swap I run out to check the mailbox everyday. It's very exciting so only sign up if you are serious about reciprocating fairly.

Thanks and sign up!

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Comments (26)

wynative
18 years ago
This sounds fun!

Marie
gardeningwitch
18 years ago
Wow! This does sound fun!

I will email you in a bit...
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tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Great guys, the spreadsheet is started.

I think I will keep it totally secret so when I email the pal info I will only send the address and wish list.

One more thing, if you want to specify things on your wishlist that's fine but make it in addition to other things if other things are ok, too. For example, I would like alliums but I would be happy with any bulbs or plants so if I were sending my list I would write "bulbs/plants - especially allium if possible". This is because if people get more specific with their want lists but the will send lists are general it will be harder to make good matches. Hope that makes sense!

Keep 'em coming.
suebug
18 years ago
Would love to join!! email me with instructions!!
Susan
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
you've got mail...
anne_geee
18 years ago
i'd love to join i'll e-mai lmy info thanks angie
Debra Andruska
18 years ago
Julie,
I would love to join! Count me in!
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Welcome, I am so excited!

Since I've been thinking about this as we go, I realize that it might help if your lists are a little longer than I suggested at first. It will help give the sender ideas of what to send if it isn't too vague. If you sent me a very short list but you actually wanted some other things, feel free to email me with an updated list.

What do you think the minimum number of items should be for the packages?
nitelite
18 years ago
I would like to join!

Blessed Be,
Carrie Ann
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Great! Just email me with your name, address, wish list and list of things you have to send.
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Suebug, just a reminder I still need your lists :)
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Here's who we have so far:

me
wynative
gardeningwitch
suebug
anne_geee
debbya
nitelite
fivemeows

Great start but let's get more!
agardenofweedin
18 years ago
I'm sending an email. Thanks.
mikeyjoe
18 years ago
Julie,
I would like to join your RR, but I think I need more details about the want and send lists before I commit.

I'll email with a couple of questions.

Thanks,
"MikeyJoe"
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Welcome agardenofweedin.

You've got mail MikeyJoe. Hope you join us!
snboyken
18 years ago
I would like more info as well before joining. Sounds interesting
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
here's the updated list:

me
wynative
gardeningwitch
suebug
anne_geee
debbya
nitelite
fivemeows
agardenofweedin
mikeyjoe
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
While we're waiting for more members to join I'd love some suggestions on how many items should be included in each package. I know we could just use our best judgement but it might be helpful for some of the newbies to have a guideline to go by.

Also, if anyone wants to move the dates up and start earlier please chime in and say so. I just picked those dates so that those of us in the COLD zones who get plants could get them in the ground when they come.

LMK, thanks!
snyder
18 years ago
Sound like fun to me.My name and address is
Ann Snyder
215 Birch Road
Lineville, Iowa 50147
GW name Snyder
If you need more info let me know. Ann
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Welcome!!
pattyp2257
18 years ago
i would like to join how long is this for thanks patty
serenity_lane_ga
18 years ago
Is it too late?

Amy Smith
144 Williamson Ave.
Brunswick, ga 31523

GW name: serenity_lane_ga
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks guys!

I emailed you but the answers are no, it's not too late and this is a one time swap.

We are growing! Here's the list:

wynative
tastefully julie
gardeningwitch
suebug
anne_geee
debbya
nitelite
fivemeows
agardenofweedin
MikeyJoe
snyder
amybabyboy3
pattyp2257
serenity_lane_ga

MikeyJoe, I need your wishlist...
amybabyboy3
18 years ago
Julie,
I signed up and emailed my info but Im not on the list. I think Im on an earlier posting. Thanks, Amy
tastefullyjulie
Original Author
18 years ago
You are there :)

You're under snyder unless I'm seeing things, lol.
amybabyboy3
18 years ago
Oh my gosh, Now I know for sure that I am losing it. Sorry Im an nut!!!!