I'm really new here and not trying to get into anyone's business as I really don't know much about this yet, have never participated in one ever, and won't be able to this year due to serious financial problems, but it sounds like everyone has some great ideas and it does sound like fun with clues and hints and all. I'll sure be willing to participate in future if funds are better for me and it seems like raising the limit is a good idea with the cost of things these days. How about this idea? Why not a master list of guidlines for the gifts? Maybe the requirement for a homemade item, so many store bought items at min-max prices for each, etc, and then maybe last thing on the list say: YOU CAN DO MORE, ADD MORE, MAKE MORE, IF YOU WOULD LIKE AND ADD TO YOUR SB BOX, BUT NOT REQUIRED.THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! Who can put a cap on someone's generosity? Everyone has different opinions on how much is enough. The only things I can home make sometime takes months to do, like cross stitching. Then have this list out each year sometime in Oct. so everyone has time to make their items. If someone can't home make an item, have alternatives for them listed. Don't know if home made goodies to eat are included, but if so, maybe cookies or something, if not, why not a home made card? If there is already a master list like this, please ignore my post,hehehe, but if everyone knows ahead of time what is required to join, it will help them make the decision wether or not to participate. Some people don't have the time during the holidays to home make items or just don't know how. I know you can't MAKE people buy things for certain prices, but just looking at the master list may cut out some of what I've read has been happening. It also sounds like most people here have the most fun picking things out for their buddy and isn't that what Christmas is all about? Thinking of others? Sounds like everyone posting here does this and MUCH MORE already. The only way you can ever make sure people don't get a box that is full of thoughtlessness is either to stop doing it, or ban them for the following year for participating, or maybe have a master gift list, and it all sounds like too much fun to me to stop it!!! Sorry if I've over stepped my bounds, only wanting to help out. I know the written word can sound all wrong, so I'm very sorry if I said anything that comes off wrong., and like I said, just ignore if I'm way off base or there's a list already,hehehe. Happy Turkey Day PEEPS!
