Now I'm feeling bad about this whole GE thing
 

This is the first one I've been in, and I thought I had done so well for Tea and Tali's buddies, but now that I've looked at some pics of the boxes that have already been received, I'm not sure I did that well at all.

Where do all of you find all this stuff? There must be a very limited selection in my area. I spent hours shopping and puzzling over things because so little of the selections were small enough for Yorkies. People at stores were saying, "Wow, you must have a lot of dogs," when they saw my cart and did my checkout, so I thought I was doing okay.

Are most of you shopping for your items on the Internet, or do you just live in big cities that have large selections? Too late to change it for this time since mine are already shipped, but I'd like to have some better ideas for the next one.

woah woah woah... stop thinking that. The GE Is NOT about "doing as good as everyone else" it is not a competition and seeing everyone else's gifts should NOT make you feel bad. I know some people can get carried away but honestly - everyone is only supposed to spend a minimum of $20- anything over that is just a bonus. I'm sure your GE buddies are going to LOVE What you got... I hate that you are feeling this way. The GE is supposed to be fun and I honestly hope you had a great time shopping (it's our favourite part). A lot of people have been doing this for a while so even when a GE is not going on- they are picking things up as they see them. That might be how they get some things and i'm sure many buy from YT vendors but it doesn't even matter. I'm sure you did a WONDERFUL job- if you are unsure for next time and this i still bothering you- go in the past GE threads and you can look there for ideas. But just be let the stress go... you did great!

I agree with Marci!!
Its not about us at all! The pups will be so excited to receive your boxes!

It is supposed to be fun!! I am sure you did just fine!!:D

It is the thought and fun that you put into it that counts. We are fortunate to live in a large city with lots of specialty pet stores. I have no problem finding the special something here. If I can't find what I want here, then I shop online.

The best GE gift ever comes from the heart:)

I agree with the rest...but you are right...there were a couple of items on our SB's list that I have not been able to find...Pa stores...even target aren't what everyone else experiences!

Oh please don't worry about things I"m sure you did wonderful and your ge buddy will just love it.

When I did my first GE (not on this site) I about had a panic attack sending it because it seemed like everyone did so much better than me. All we have in our area is 2 petsmarts and a petco. It's nothing special. I did the best I could and my buddy loved what I got.

Please don't second guess yourself or feel bad in any way.

It often looks like someone sent a lot of stuff, but there are a few things I've learned that help. I shop sales throughout the year and keep a GE box. When I find a good deal, I buy an extra and put it in there. I often make things for our buddy, so those are not that expensive. I also trade sometimes with other yorkietalkers for special items I want to give. I usually just buy one or two bigger things especially for our buddy, but that's it. It really looks like a lot more than it really is.

Please, please, please just have fun! It REALLY is the thought that counts the most. :)

I have never participated in one on here yet but I will for the next one. I have already started collecting things that I find on clearance at the petstores and at stores like Walmart and Target.

Don't worry about what you sent...your buddy will love it anyway. For other ones that I have been in, I usually only get one or two things "special" for my buddy and the rest is stuff that I have collected in my box. The main thing is to have fun which I am sure that you did.

I do alot of internet shopping but i also have alot of stores near us and i shop all the time for dog stuff so am able to find some good deals -- do not feel bad it is suppose to be fun :) and the hint threads are a riot so that makes it even more fun

Thanks so much to everyone
 

I do feel better, and please don't misunderstand. I wasn't trying to compete with anyone. I had a great time shopping, and I wasn't worried that I bought fewer things or spent less than others, but I thought back on the things I had bought, and none of it was very interesting. Somebody got a hide-a-bee, and everyone who responded to the thread seemed to already have one or at least know what it was, but I was like, "Wow, that's really neat!" I had never seen one. (I guess it goes without saying my dogs will have one too within the next couple of weeks. I found lots of places on the Internet where I can buy one!)

It was great advice from all of you to pick up things as I find them rather than trying a shopping spree that has to be done in a week or two. I see now that that really limited my selection. I do travel a bit, so I'll make a point from now on when I'm traveling to stop by local pet stores wherever I go to see what they have. I'm going back home to Kentucky soon for Jasmine's PSS surgery, and that's a much bigger town than where I am now. I'm sure my mom will have no problem with spending a few hours checking out pet shops with me. She's the only person in my family that I can honestly say loves animals even more than I do. My stepdad always says he's glad they didn't buy a farm like that thought of doing, because God only knows how many animals they'd have by now.

agreed!

I just give whatever I think that particular Buddy will like. I NEVER take into account anything else. I just want the whole experience to be fun - and so far it has been. :)

I agree with Marci - it's just for fun - and shoot, since I started participating in GE's we've been having fun building an extra's box ;) -- although most everything for this GE was just bought for this buddy.

But I have some favorite websites for general pet items -- Dog Supplies, Dog Beds, Toys & Treats - Dog.com - who usually has the best price on the hide-a-toys (bet your SB wishes they had known you didn't have one ;) ) Also, DogToys.com, Dog Toys, Puppy Toys, Kong, Greenies, Merrick, Flexi, Pet Supply - DogToys.com and PetEdge.com Wholesale prices on exclusive dog grooming and pet supplies

and for lots of supplies this one has great prices on flea meds, shampoo etc EntirelyPets Discount Pet meds Pet Supplies & Flea Medicine