[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by Jinger

I agree with this, Shinja. I've been in two GEs (with FANTASTIC buddies, BTW), and it appears almost all boxes are "worth" well over $100 (I refuse to incriminate myself as to how far over that I've enjoyed going! ). It's not the money, though. It's just so much fun reading, planning, hinting, hunting, finding, and making or picking up unique things that fit into a "theme" for our buddy. Envisioning each pup loving their loot, hoping that the "moms" feels loved and special is the best part! The minimum is tricky, because I can imagine someone spending less, yet leaving their buddy feeling very special and loved and with treasured items.
Overall, it seems like a $50.00 minimum would still be far below what most spend, but would dissuade a person or two from participating just to "receive".
Maybe along with a $50 min. a new "Statement" that encourages people to give in the spirit of the GE...with care and kindness, and with the knowledge that the whole point is the fun and friendship of it. And, not to ONLY just throw together a random, "minimum" box. To be that kind of a buddy...well, it would just show blatant and unattractive greed, and leave behind disappointment and resentment...as we know.
Here's to future GEs full of fun and care!

I couldn't agree with this more! So well said and exactly what I have tried to convey previously and not quite as well. I have always said it's not the dollar value on the gifts but all the fun and thought that goes into the GE. Before we get our buddies we should be excited not dreading who we might get or who might have us as a buddy. It's no fun even on the giving side to give to someone who only does the bare minimum knowing they will be screwing over another generous GE participant. We want to see all participants have a fun experience but that is impossible when some that participate for the wrong reasons. All of this makes the GE stressful and not enjoyable.

I'd also like to see some of the former GE participants come back to play. It's a shame they left after being on the receiving end of a few.