Why does this bother me so much? Vent...

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by twalla

Ive done a few GE's and it looks as if I spend a load but I dont. I am a good shopper and as I find things on sale, I stock up when I have the extra funds. Somethings that retail for $15, I may have paid $1 for, if that!

This is the real reason I want to participate. I want to sharpen my doggy shopping skills.

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

This is the real reason I want to participate. I want to sharpen my doggy shopping skills.

LOL well this will definitely do that for sure i know i have for sure since the ge that is another part of the fun of it

[linda44]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

This is the real reason I want to participate. I want to sharpen my doggy shopping skills.

hahahahahah....good one!

Amanda please reconsider and join. To each his own, you do what you can or cant, part of it is just the fun of shopping for a new friend, guessing who that friend may be, and trying to please that person/yorkie...makes no difference what you can and cant spend, its the thought behind it.

Now having said that, I wonder who Dakota's sb will be??????? Dont know about the rest of you but I sure am getting curious....

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by linda44

hahahahahah....good one!

Amanda please reconsider and join. To each his own, you do what you can or cant, part of it is just the fun of shopping for a new friend, guessing who that friend may be, and trying to please that person/yorkie...makes no difference what you can and cant spend, its the thought behind it.

Now having said that, I wonder who Dakota's sb will be??????? Dont know about the rest of you but I sure am getting curious....

the d gang is all reved up and ready to go hence the red car in avatar

[annamalyssa]

Now this thread is just making me think too much lol..

For those that have a GE Box filled with goodies collected all year, do you go through it and pick things you feel that your SB will like and if you have nothing that they will like you "shop" or do you just give them whatever you have already?
I am wondering about it now, I never thought to "save up" items because I felt they needed to be more personal .. you know, things that I feel would suit my SB. Does everyone think this way or do some just give what they have on hand? Or maybe a combo of both ..some of what they have and some "special items" ?

[emilyann]

Originally Posted by annamalyssa

Now this thread is just making me think too much lol..

For those that have a GE Box filled with goodies collected all year, do you go through it and pick things you feel that your SB will like and if you have nothing that they will like you "shop" or do you just give them whatever you have already?
I am wondering about it now, I never thought to "save up" items because I felt they needed to be more personal .. you know, things that I feel would suit my SB. Does everyone think this way or do some just give what they have on hand? Or maybe a combo of both ..some of what they have and some "special items" ?

I'd say it's a mixture of both. Items they've had that they think their SB will like and items they went out and bought specifically for the exact GE. I know if I did it, that's how it would be. I'm not very good with saving up items though.

[chattiesmom]

There are as many shopping styles as there are members participating in the GE. It is so neat to read about everyone's stragety. Some people enjoy shopping from a list provided by their partner, some have the funds available to purchase expensive items while other members have serious budget constraints and shop more conservatively. But I honestly believe that everyone who participates in the GE's do so for the excitement of giving gift(s) that will be enjoyed by their partner and in turn receiving gifts that they will enjoy.

While I don't necessarily shop from a list of "wants" that my buddy has supplied, I do use the "can't have" list to avoid items that my buddy is not allowed to have. I spent a huge amount of time looking for something extraordinary that will really WOW my partner whether it is from my own personal store house or whether I spend hours designing and sewing a unique one of a kind item, or whether I go shopping online. I am always on the prowl for that one spectatular item that will unexpected and will put a smile on my partner's face.

We are all different in regards to our style, but I do believe that we all have a like mind in that we want to have an enjoyable GE experience.

[QuickSilver]

I think this maybe is the source of some misunderstandings as well. It never occurred to me that someone would have a stash going for gifts. I assumed people just started shopping once they got their SB's name.

And HOW do I get chattiesmom as Thor's SB??????

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I think this maybe is the source of some misunderstandings as well. It never occurred to me that someone would have a stash going for gifts. I assumed people just started shopping once they got their SB's name.

And HOW do I get chattiesmom as Thor's SB??????

We are all in a different place in life and that totally effects our GE style.
Mercury, I would consider it an honor if you were my partner - either on the giving or receiving end.

Oh, Honey, you are WAY too young to have a "dragon's hoard". I lived though raising three 3 kids who needed clothes, shoes, birthday presents, Easter Baskets, Valentine's Day cards for school, Presents for unnumbered birthday partiies, teacher gifts, Halloween gifts, Christmas Gifts..... and I am sure that I left some out. I made sure that my children as well as my Husband had spectatular clothes, toys, gifts, etc. but to do that I had to learn to shop carefully and take advantage of sales.

I learned NEVER EVER pass up a bargain price on a quality item. I have at least a dozen pair of shoes that I bought from a YTer who was going out of business, a toy chest that would rival PetSmart filled with Hide-A-Squirrels, Dr. Noy's Toys, interactive treat balls, plus a whole drawer full of brand new plain "t" shirts just waiting for me to embellish for someone special.

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by annamalyssa

Now this thread is just making me think too much lol..

For those that have a GE Box filled with goodies collected all year, do you go through it and pick things you feel that your SB will like and if you have nothing that they will like you "shop" or do you just give them whatever you have already?
I am wondering about it now, I never thought to "save up" items because I felt they needed to be more personal .. you know, things that I feel would suit my SB. Does everyone think this way or do some just give what they have on hand? Or maybe a combo of both ..some of what they have and some "special items" ?

I do a combo of both but always find great things throughout the year and then look at what size they are and if it is something they really like. I buy alot on ebay at good prices and like quality stuff so if it is something i think someone else will like i get more than one items and save for exchange. For example i buy these flower beds wherever i can find them and wabbit is still wanting one of those some day if she is my buddy she will get one as all pups love them

[annamalyssa]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

There are as many shopping styles as there are members participating in the GE. It is so neat to read about everyone's stragety. Some people enjoy shopping from a list provided by their partner, some have the funds available to purchase expensive items while other members have serious budget constraints and shop more conservatively. But I honestly believe that everyone who participates in the GE's do so for the excitement of giving gift(s) that will be enjoyed by their partner and in turn receiving gifts that they will enjoy. While I don't necessarily shop from a list of "wants" that my buddy has supplied, I do use the "can't have" list to avoid items that my buddy is not allowed to have. I spent a huge amount of time looking for something extraordinary that will really WOW my partner whether it is from my own personal store house or whether I spend hours designing and sewing a unique one of a kind item, or whether I go shopping online. I am always on the prowl for that one spectatular item that will unexpected and will put a smile on my partner's faceWe are all different in regards to our style, but I do believe that we all have a like mind in that we want to have an enjoyable GE experience.

I am a lil like this too... Like said although I don't get items and stash them (I MAY START NOW) I did last GE try and give something special and from the heart to our SB. I most definately do the GE with my buddy in my mind the entire time.. I want them to be happy when they get their gift and I really didn't even think about what we would get at all.

EmilyAnn- It seems by all the great answers provided that this is the way most go.. I guess I can kinda include myself in that category.. Although I haven't saved up, I did order some Dr. Noy's Toys today because they are Tiny and I am sure any Yorkie would love them!! My Gucci does for sure he has a Stash of the lil suckers lol.

Dwerten - I think your strategy will be my new GE strategy!! Doing a combo of Both. Like Chattiesmom, I have 2 daughters, a husband and myself to care for so I have learned A LOT about shopping along the way. I too have learned to NEVER PASS UP A GOOD DEAL ON A QUALITY ITEM!! I think I will apply that year round to my new GE stash I am going to get going Then I will have really neat stuff to pick from that most any Yorkie would love and I will also get personal items.

[JiggityJig]

I didn't find any of the points made here about the gift exchange to be rude at all.

Everyone has their own feelings and opinions, and my own have been represented here several times by several people.

I have made a conscious choice not to participate in the GEs for many of the reasons mentioned here.

At the very least, there needs to be a MAXIMUM spending limit. I've seen people who spent well over the $20 minimum get a decidedly underwhelmed reaction from their Secret Buddy, who clearly hoped for one of the more extravagant spenders to get their name.

[chachi]

I havent participated ever because of the amount that is spent. I agree there should be a maximum because if you didnt spend as much as others you would feel bad. Also I have seen lists with expensive carriers, name brand clothes, etc and that is a turn off. I think when you list what you want that takes away from the surprise part of the gifts. I like to read the threads though and see what others get.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by chachi

I havent participated ever because of the amount that is spent. I agree there should be a maximum because if you didnt spend as much as others you would feel bad. Also I have seen lists with expensive carriers, name brand clothes, etc and that is a turn off. I think when you list what you want that takes away from the surprise part of the gifts. I like to read the threads though and see what others get.

Chachi, I would absoluely love to see you join. It is time that more of the "oldies but goodies" participate in this fantasticlally fun event. I agree with you 100%, BUT remembering the spirit of the GE and the rules that Admin set forth, you are entitled to and should join in the fun and participate at the level you feel comfortable.

I have to admit that I am competitive and I have gone "all out" before to win the best box sent award - and while my buddy benefited, I was stressed to the max and so was my pocketbook. SO, I have decided this go round, that I will read the lists, respect the don't list, and then genuinely have fun trying to find that "special something" that my buddy will enjoy, whether it is a $5.00 item (of course with other stuff as well) or whether it is a $50 item.

I ask, that you please consider joining, this GE and let's all work toward making this one the best ever. Perhaps you will ge ME, and I can guarantee that I will be thrilled beyond words to have "The Chachi" as my buddy.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Chachi, I would absoluely love to see you join. It is time that more of the "oldies but goodies" participate in this fantasticlally fun event. I agree with you 100%, BUT remembering the spirit of the GE and the rules that Admin set forth, you are entitled to and should join in the fun and participate at the level you feel comfortable.

I have to admit that I am competitive and I have gone "all out" before to win the best box sent award - and while my buddy benefited, I was stressed to the max and so was my pocketbook. SO, I have decided this go round, that I will read the lists, respect the don't list, and then genuinely have fun trying to find that "special something" that my buddy will enjoy, whether it is a $5.00 item (of course with other stuff as well) or whether it is a $50 item.

I ask, that you please consider joining, this GE and let's all work toward making this one the best ever. Perhaps you will ge ME, and I can guarantee that I will be thrilled beyond words to have "The Chachi" as my buddy.

I like to take my time shopping and find unique things so Ill probably start buying now but wait untill the next exchange. I wish they gave you longer than a month to shop. Thanks for thinking of me though