I totally thought a smilebox was required. I am excited to make one regardless:) 2 more days until we get our buddy:)

That's exactly it. All of these things that some think are fun are a major undertaking for some of us. There used to be almost no hints, just pictures posted, and a lot more members joining.

Until I started following the GE last go around, I had never even heard of Smilebox. I really do learn new stuff here all the time!! :)

I didn't know either until I came back here last year lol

I'm sure others will join me in saying if any of you in the GE need a bit of help with anything we'd be glad to help. :D

Can you do all my shopping, hint thread, and smile box?

Ha!! I'm kidding!! That's awesome of you to help!!

Thanks Sherry:) I feel like a kid I am so excited lol! I was looking online today and had to remind myself that I don't even know who our SB is yet LOL

I think you should be in the ge

Oh WOW.... Everyone did such a great job on the smilebox's / I've gotten some geat idea from watching and seeing all of the wonderful gifts. Plus I saw some things that I had already though of myself but could embelish on .... :D

Thanks for bringing this to my attention !

Just wanted to say again, a smilebox isn't a requirement. As long as you post a few pics of your baby enjoying their gifts! Don't let the smilebox intimidate you. They are easy to make and any of us would be willing to walk you through it if you choose to make one.

I so wish everyone who is on the fence would hop on over to the dark side ;) This GE is gonna be so fun and hopefully show what a GE is really about, not the over the top, outgoing each other stuff. I don't think the GE has lost its meaning completely.

on the topic of smile boxes I was so nervous about making one that I almost did not join. Fast forward two months and now I find making them easier than posting pictures on YT. I hate having to resize all my pictures, it is a big PITA, I know how to do it but it is time consuming. Since you don't have to resize with a Smile Box it would take me less time to do a 25 page smile box then post 10 pictures.

Ellie May pointed out a good many negatives about the GE and she is right for those not into it doing the shopping, the clues, the wrapping and the photos, all the requirements would be seen as chores. But others see those same things as fun. Just like me I absolutely love organizing my house, I could spend half a day reorganizing my closets, but my sister hates that with a passion. So as they say different strokes for different folks. I just think it is important for people to think about all the facets of the GE and if you see the majority of the requirements as chores then just don't join.

Timing is important to me, something I did not think about when I joined the Christmas Exchange. While I will do another exchange I will not do one pre Christmas.

What do people usually spend sending packages?

From my experience sending packages for e-bay. The smaller and lighter the box the less you pay and US Postal Serv is less expensive than Fedx. Sometimes is saves you money by using the (If it fits it ships) free boxes from the post office but sometimes it doesn't. Be sure the follow the guidelines of the GE and add the signature and the insurance.

Postage Price Calculator

Example: Priority Mail®, Large Package, weight 6 lbs 2 oz, mailed on January 31 after 8:00 AM from LIMA OH 45804 to ALBANY TX 76430
Using a 12 x 14 x 8.5 Box Priority Mail is $16.73

Priority Mail: at PO / $24.90 on line/$21.37
Insurance for $100.00 $2.45
Confirmation of DeliverySignature Confirmation:
at PO/$2.70 on line/ $2.20
Tracking is free if purchased on line of $ 0.75
Your Total: at PO / $24.90 on line / $21.37

Using: If it fits it Ships Box/Large
Large Flat Rate Box 12" x 12" x 5-1/2"
Priority Mail® $16.85
Ins. $2.45
Signature $2.20 - $2.70
Tracking free or $0.75
Total: $22.75

You need to consider the difference is the size of the box and if you can fit all of your items in the smaller box. It is only a few more $ for a few more inches of space. But make a big difference when packing your items. (Size and Weight Matters)

yes, wow. $300
Im not even participating, my first time really browsing the forum, tbh... and Im taken aback. 300???! For a gift??? for someone elses dog???? You must be rich, me and ziggy are struggling artists, lol. Maybe next time

Ziggyand me..I joined the ge this year for the first time and there is no way I could afford three hundred dollars...not in my budget...I think the whole point of this thread is to let people know that $40 is the minimum and it is perfectly acceptable to send a gift worth that amount and nothing more. Some may send more and that is their perogative but I and a bunch of others have made it clear that the GE is about the thought not the monetary value so that's what's going to be looked at! So please don't be afraid to join the next one. I know Im having fun right now trying to be thrifty and find meaningful gifts. I am not choosing to participate fully in every part (yet) just because some of it isn't me but...what I can I will...and everyone is being gracious about everything. It is a lot of fun!