To specifically answer your question -- I won't start nosing through my "hoard" until after Admin gives me my buddy. At that time I will shop through my personal items and depending on who my buddy is I may make a few items and then it's off to the online stores for more shopping.

I'm not really sure what to say. Maybe I could have asked the question in a better way, but to be honest, I've found several of your posts on this thread to be pretty brusque as well. I've only participated in one GE, why not just take it as a real question?

It's certainly not my intention to keep anyone out of the GE, and I hope everyone who wants to signs up and has a great time.

You know I love you ;), but didn't this whole thread get started because of questions? People were saying on page 2, let's just keep it positive and think the best of everyone. Maybe I misunderstood AmandaWash's post, but presumably the whole "we are all entitled to share our opinions" works for everyone, not just the people whose opinions you (generic you, not specific you) happen to agree with.

Amanda, please don't give up. We can have a tremendous amount of fun, participating on the level that we feel comfortable. Please take your que from Admin and the rules that have been set forth for the GE's. In fact, I can't wait for my buddy's name and I haven't even signed Emmitt up yet -- working on that.

I have to admit that I find that all a bit overwhelming too. :( I thought maybe it was just because I'm new to being a "donating member" and just started looking into all the perks.

Come on Amanda -- it will be fun!
 

Don't give up Amanda. I hope you sign up and I thank you for getting this topic on the table too. At least I know I am not alone in some of my concerns. There seems to be plenty of others, both first timers and those who used to participate, that have been a little put off by some of the lists too -- and all have said we understand the ones with health concerns, that has never been a problem for anyone to understand. But directing brand names, big ticket items, stores to shop at, etc, was a bit much for me. I think of shopping for others as part of my "gift" because I enjoy it so much. I guess that is part of why the precise lists hit me wrong. But what is presumptuous for one person is obviously okay for another.

Maybe your thread is at least making some think about what message they have sent, maybe when they did not mean to. Some may just have seen other lists and thought they were supposed to be extensive too. Maybe it has made some not take the list as a strict directive and still realize we can buy what we want and take ideas from the list to use as works for us. Maybe it has made some feel easier about participating. I know this has taken some apprehension off my mind. Some have responded that they don't really expect the items they listed, which confuses me but I will take them at their word because I have said things that confused others and never got my true intention across -- so I know it happens.

I, too, have bought a few things that I thought ANY yorkie would want (one is so cute, I keep wanting to post about it, but I won't yet). I can think of lots of items that I used to think any Yorkie would want. But now I see there are some who don't want any toys, or any treats, or any blankets, or any beds, etc. -- just clothes and other high ticket items. So, I may not get to use the few items I pre-bought, and that is okay because, I bet I will get to use them within the next 2-3 Gift Exchanges. So, no harm done.

We will never all agree on most issues here, but I think there are enough people here who do think just as you do, that you will have a ball with the Gift Exchange. That is the way I am looking at it. I am looking forward to putting together a package that my SB will love. I have already done mental shopping for half the people signed up on the list, googled some things and checked the online stores. I am really looking forward to this. I hope you participate -- we'll have a great time!

To show you how different we all are, my 17 year old son thinks this whole idea is crazy and he loves all of our pets as much as I do. He said, why don't you just go out and buy Ben the stuff you want. I told him that would be no surprise and I want the fun of buying for another Yorkie family too.

Great post! :goodpost:

Amanda I hope you sign up too. :hands:

NOW THIS I AGREE WITH! We did the last GE it was our first and to be honest, I was a bit annoyed with those requesting specific carriers, clothes and other items that were as much $160 :eek: .. I personally, WOULD NEVER EVER TELL SOMEONE WHERE TO SHOP for my baby.. or WHAT to buy.. Just Guidelines and things he doesn't use or won't use.

We loved EVERYTHING we got from Linda & Kissy in the GE.. & I will say I do Wish that people wouldn't list specific high ticket items... It just isn't polite.

One thing to keep in mind is that the person asking may not know how much the item costs. They might have seen one in passing, or heard about it, and thought it sounded neat. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this, but I asked for a travel case for Thor on our first GE, because I thought that airline-approved meant one of those $20 plastic beige cages with a swing wire door. Now that I've done research, I see that "airline-approved" means a lot of different things and the price of carriers is all over the place.

Anyway, I am not a mind reader and can't say for sure this is what happened, but it's a thought.

Oh no, I wasn't speaking of that at all, I remember in particular a Designer carrier being "mentioned" in the list of wants I meant that type of thing not asking in general but basically saying ...

" I WOULD REALLY LOVE THE Kwigy-Bo Pamela Carrier in Black you can get it here ... http://www.Kwigy-Bo.com "
That carrier retails for $160 and you would have to know that if you are referring people to the site to buy it at.. I find that being inconsiderate as your buddy may be on a budget and feel as if their gifts aren't good enough :(

wow, this is an interesting thread.

who knew that a simple idea of gift exchanging could get this complicated?

i think the idea/spirit of GE is simple. to get a gift for your SB and in return get a gift from your SB.

i have never participated in GE before, but i have seen the thank you thread and seen the numerous gifts that people receive from their buddies.

if the guideline says $20 is the min. than i would imagine that you get one or two items, but people are clearly spending more than that.

i think there is still a way that the GE can work and be enjoyable for people. maybe there can be diff. categories that you can sign up for price wise. if you want to spend $20, then you can get a SB who also wants to spend $20. and if you want to spend $100 on gifts, then you can get a buddy who also wants to spend that amount.

i don't know if that would make it super complicated or not. but i don't imagine it would.

as for people listing specific things that they want...maybe that's a little bit overboard? it's really not a surprise if you get what you asked for. (couldn't you just buy/order it yourself?)

just my suggestions, since i do think it is very interesting that a well intended activity can become so complicated ;)

I agree as i never thought it was complicated in the past ones i did until this thread popped up - thought it was pretty simple a gift of $20 or more. Now i tend to go over board and probably will continue to do so as i have fun doing it and spoiling others babies and get great prices in california we have a ton of places to get for good prices as well as online and ebay. I shop all year round and save up for the exchanges. I guess we could add a line on our sign up that says do not spend over $20 on me as i only plan to spend $20 if that helps or the price amount and then admin can match the people up with each other - maybe that will work. There are also knock offs to things people want and by people stating what types of things they like you can see that and try to get things like that not necessarily that item. For ex. I like monkey daze items but that does not mean i will not like a $5 item on ebay that is a jean dress so the items people post give ideas what people like. I was on another exchange and the person said no long sleeve shirts, no treats, no toys, so i found things they would like. It really is not that hard or complicated and i have never seen anyone disappointed unless those people are not signing up either. I just think this whole thing has gotten way blown out of proportion sadly and quite frankly it is ruining it for the people that have done this for a long time. I have put in there that i like chloe bella, chattiesmom, tinkerbell's closet and go fetch as i like to support the people on this group so should we not do that as some of their items are expensive as well. Sorry to sound bad but I never thought me spending alot of money on gifts for other people would be so hurtful to others as I had a ge buddy die in january of liver shunt and i was so happy i could have spoiled him and made him happy his last few months here and the mom as well so i am glad i spoiled them as it was something they have to remember the little guy by so it is not always what it seems and i do not think anyone here is being mean or vindictive in stating what they like or dislike and think it is giving people an idea of what they will use and quite frankly i do not like wasting my money on things people will not use or will turn around and donate as i want them to enjoy the gifts i get.

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!

Twalla, will you be my Personal Shopper :D

Give me your cell phone and when I come across deals, I will call you and ask if you want me to pick you up some!!

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

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....:D

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

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.

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.

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. :D
Mercury, I would consider it an honor if you were my partner - either on the giving or receiving end. :love:

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.

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 :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom (Post 2588933) 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 :D Then I will have really neat stuff to pick from that most any Yorkie would love and I will also get personal items.

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.

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 :D and I have gone "all out" before to win the best box sent award :rolleyes: - 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