I wanted to weigh in too on the budget. This was my first GE. I ummm went alittle crazy. And I had a blast. I also then had a lost box so had to go crazy again.
I can see how it could be intimidating. But I made a choice to go wild and I did NOT expect to have a SB that did the same in return. I would have been happy with whatever we recieved. I happened however to get one that also did the same spoiling us rotten - but the most precious things we received in our box was two beautiful sketches of Pluto and his skin sister and the hand made little rag blanket so it's always the thought that is the most touching thing to me.
I think a cap of $100 would be something to consider, I know for me it was easy to exceed that because I bought things for our SB here and there once we found out who it was and not all at one time and it's just easy to do that. It's like what I do at Christmas. I start out and get this and that and then before you know it, when wrapping time comes.... I think, hey my girl is spoiled.
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So again, I wouldn't let the amount intimidate you. I would be so very happy with doing this again and getting a smaller basket where someone spent only the minimum. The most fun I have anyway is giving.
Thanks for bringing up this thread, I think it's a good conversation to have even if there is no change, and hope everyone reading this who has also felt intimidated, will consider joining.