Next Gift Exchange - When??

[Wylie's Mom]

This has been a sensitive subject for a long while now. By 'this', I mean the current spirit of the GE (as compared to what it originally was) and the amount of money that is now spent.

I can lend a bit of perspective on the $$ side of it bc I hear from others behind the scenes regarding this very subject (people who don't want to speak out publicly). It is indeed a fact that many people no longer participate and/or won't start participating for the first time bc of how extravagant the GE has become. There are a few reasons this prevents participation: 1) some simply can't afford it, 2) some are against the excessive spending on principle, 3) some don't support the (perceived) competitive nature of the gifts, and 4) some don't want to risk the fallout if their giving doesn't measure up to others. I'm sure I'm forgetting other reasons, but that's what I hear in a nutshell regarding the GE.

In the beginning, the GE was a fun, inexpensive gift exchange where people got to know each other and where the fun was in the not knowing, the guessing, the wait. That's still part of the fun now, of course. But back then, the GEs were HUGE....soooo many people participated bc everything was very easy and consistent. For sure, as more and more money was spent, less and less people participated. I think that's too bad, bc I really dislike thinking that people are priced out of participating, ya know ? That's no fun.

In these last couple/few pages, I'm hearing some people say they'd *really* appreciate a cap on spending. Like, "you must spend at least $40 and are welcome to spend only that; if you spend more, you must keep the limit under $100" (or whatever amount). Personally, I think there is too big of a disparity btwn $40 and $100....so if it were up to me, I'd put a cap at $80, but that's just me....I think $80 gives off an easier perception of 'doable' than $100.

If people truly do want a cap, then please speak up...and offer what you think is good amount for a potential cap. I'm not saying we'll do a cap for sure, but it's certainly worth discussing.

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of the GE is its spirit - it should be a fun way of giving and receiving.

[LilAnnCamp]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

This has been a sensitive subject for a long while now. By 'this', I mean the current spirit of the GE (as compared to what it originally was) and the amount of money that is now spent.

I can lend a bit of perspective on the $$ side of it bc I hear from others behind the scenes regarding this very subject (people who don't want to speak out publicly). It is indeed a fact that many people no longer participate and/or won't start participating for the first time bc of how extravagant the GE has become. There are a few reasons this prevents participation: 1) some simply can't afford it, 2) some are against the excessive spending on principle, 3) some don't support the (perceived) competitive nature of the gifts, and 4) some don't want to risk the fallout if their giving doesn't measure up to others. I'm sure I'm forgetting other reasons, but that's what I hear in a nutshell regarding the GE.

In the beginning, the GE was a fun, inexpensive gift exchange where people got to know each other and where the fun was in the not knowing, the guessing, the wait. That's still part of the fun now, of course. But back then, the GEs were HUGE....soooo many people participated bc everything was very easy and consistent. For sure, as more and more money was spent, less and less people participated. I think that's too bad, bc I really dislike thinking that people are priced out of participating, ya know ? That's no fun.

In these last couple/few pages, I'm hearing some people say they'd *really* appreciate a cap on spending. Like, "you must spend at least $40 and are welcome to spend only that; if you spend more, you must keep the limit under $100" (or whatever amount). Personally, I think there is too big of a disparity btwn $40 and $100....so if it were up to me, I'd put a cap at $80, but that's just me....I think $80 gives off an easier perception of 'doable' than $100.

If people truly do want a cap, then please speak up...and offer what you think is good amount for a potential cap. I'm not saying we'll do a cap for sure, but it's certainly worth discussing.

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of the GE is its spirit - it should be a fun way of giving and receiving.

Just throwing a number out there b/c everyone on here have different money situations. $200.00 is an amount. I personally wouldn't care if someone made me something out of their trash at home and didn't spend a dime.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

Signups are next month

Sweet!!

[LilAnnCamp]

Originally Posted by LilAnnCamp

Just throwing a number out there b/c everyone on here have different money situations. $200.00 is an amount. I personally wouldn't care if someone made me something out of their trash at home and didn't spend a dime.

But being called rude was/is out of line. I want to help people (that want help that is) join that is the reason I put an amount out there.

[brezofleur]

The GE has really helped me be a part of YT. There were A LOT of first timers in my first GE and we all popped our cherry together. It was a small group so we all got to know each other and become friends.

Why does the GE have to be HUGE in order for it to be successful? I do not see it flailing or failing in any way. Yes, no one signed up last time but who cares? We were all either super busy or saving up for the next one. Sounds like a *smart* plan, to me.

But, again, I welcome all new GE'rs and new YT members who are able to join (3 months, minimum post count, etc). We get to know them when we otherwise wouldn't so I find it to be a great treat.

The point isn't sending or receiving gifts. The point is to make friends. IMO.

So that's great that you, Lynzy, have a lot of friends on here that you are able to send gifts to for "just because." But when I first joined, I didn't have any friends. And it made me feel sad that there seemed to be these cliques where people are posting gift threads about each other - the same people. It was the GE that I credit for helping me break into the YT shell.

So I'm sorry that you and your friends have had such a negative experience with the GE, but others have not. The GE is no different than everything else on this board and in real life. There are always 2 views on the matter, which is a good thing. I don't want people to feel that they are left in the dark/alone with their thoughts when really they're not. People just have to speak up, like you have done.

Lack of and mis-communication is detrimental in any relationship, including friendships and public boards. I just hope we can continue expressing concerns without being/responding in defensive.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

This has been a sensitive subject for a long while now. By 'this', I mean the current spirit of the GE (as compared to what it originally was) and the amount of money that is now spent.

I can lend a bit of perspective on the $$ side of it bc I hear from others behind the scenes regarding this very subject (people who don't want to speak out publicly). It is indeed a fact that many people no longer participate and/or won't start participating for the first time bc of how extravagant the GE has become. There are a few reasons this prevents participation: 1) some simply can't afford it, 2) some are against the excessive spending on principle, 3) some don't support the (perceived) competitive nature of the gifts, and 4) some don't want to risk the fallout if their giving doesn't measure up to others. I'm sure I'm forgetting other reasons, but that's what I hear in a nutshell regarding the GE.

In the beginning, the GE was a fun, inexpensive gift exchange where people got to know each other and where the fun was in the not knowing, the guessing, the wait. That's still part of the fun now, of course. But back then, the GEs were HUGE....soooo many people participated bc everything was very easy and consistent. For sure, as more and more money was spent, less and less people participated. I think that's too bad, bc I really dislike thinking that people are priced out of participating, ya know ? That's no fun.

In these last couple/few pages, I'm hearing some people say they'd *really* appreciate a cap on spending. Like, "you must spend at least $40 and are welcome to spend only that; if you spend more, you must keep the limit under $100" (or whatever amount). Personally, I think there is too big of a disparity btwn $40 and $100....so if it were up to me, I'd put a cap at $80, but that's just me....I think $80 gives off an easier perception of 'doable' than $100.

If people truly do want a cap, then please speak up...and offer what you think is good amount for a potential cap. I'm not saying we'll do a cap for sure, but it's certainly worth discussing.

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of the GE is its spirit - it should be a fun way of giving and receiving.

I agree- I did the GE once, and it was super fun. I wish it could just go back to how it was-

[GeorgiesMomma]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

The GE has really helped me be a part of YT. There were A LOT of first timers in my first GE and we all popped our cherry together. It was a small group so we all got to know each other and become friends.

Why does the GE have to be HUGE in order for it to be successful? I do not see it flailing or failing in any way. Yes, no one signed up last time but who cares? We were all either super busy or saving up for the next one. Sounds like a *smart* plan, to me.

But, again, I welcome all new GE'rs and new YT members who are able to join (3 months, minimum post count, etc). We get to know them when we otherwise wouldn't so I find it to be a great treat.

The point isn't sending or receiving gifts. The point is to make friends. IMO.

So that's great that you, Lynzy, have a lot of friends on here that you are able to send gifts to for "just because." But when I first joined, I didn't have any friends. And it made me feel sad that there seemed to be these cliques where people are posting gift threads about each other - the same people. It was the GE that I credit for helping me break into the YT shell.

So I'm sorry that you and your friends have had such a negative experience with the GE, but others have not. The GE is no different than everything else on this board and in real life. There are always 2 views on the matter, which is a good thing. I don't want people to feel that they are left in the dark/alone with their thoughts when really they're not. People just have to speak up, like you have done.

Lack of and mis-communication is detrimental in any relationship, including friendships and public boards.

I agree Heather So glad I made friends here like you

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Thanks Ann. I personally think a cap is a good idea. I know homemade gifts are hard to put a price on which might cause another problem. I like the cap for me personally as I am not good about staying on my own personal budget when spending. However if there was a cap then I would know that is where I have to stop. Lol. Just my opinion. This could also eliminate the feeling of competitiveness. Again just my opinion.

I hate that the GE has turned into this. The three I participated in where amazing. I had so much fun preparing my boxes. And yes I enjoyed the boxes I received as well. I had a blast following the clues to try to guess my buddy. Which I never did correctly. Lol. But I have to admit it was a lot of fun!

[brezofleur]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I hate that the GE has turned into this. The three I participated in where amazing. I had so much fun preparing my boxes. And yes I enjoyed the boxes I received as well. I had a blast following the clues to try to guess my buddy. Which I never did correctly. Lol. But I have to admit it was a lot of fun!

Yes and yes. I have only done a couple and so have no experience in the ones prior to that...but I guess those were all done over a year ago.

Anyway, I agree, lol. Apparently I don't do the best clues either, hee hee.

[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

This has been a sensitive subject for a long while now. By 'this', I mean the current spirit of the GE (as compared to what it originally was) and the amount of money that is now spent.

I can lend a bit of perspective on the $$ side of it bc I hear from others behind the scenes regarding this very subject (people who don't want to speak out publicly). It is indeed a fact that many people no longer participate and/or won't start participating for the first time bc of how extravagant the GE has become. There are a few reasons this prevents participation: 1) some simply can't afford it, 2) some are against the excessive spending on principle, 3) some don't support the (perceived) competitive nature of the gifts, and 4) some don't want to risk the fallout if their giving doesn't measure up to others. I'm sure I'm forgetting other reasons, but that's what I hear in a nutshell regarding the GE.

In the beginning, the GE was a fun, inexpensive gift exchange where people got to know each other and where the fun was in the not knowing, the guessing, the wait. That's still part of the fun now, of course. But back then, the GEs were HUGE....soooo many people participated bc everything was very easy and consistent. For sure, as more and more money was spent, less and less people participated. I think that's too bad, bc I really dislike thinking that people are priced out of participating, ya know ? That's no fun.

In these last couple/few pages, I'm hearing some people say they'd *really* appreciate a cap on spending. Like, "you must spend at least $40 and are welcome to spend only that; if you spend more, you must keep the limit under $100" (or whatever amount). Personally, I think there is too big of a disparity btwn $40 and $100....so if it were up to me, I'd put a cap at $80, but that's just me....I think $80 gives off an easier perception of 'doable' than $100.

If people truly do want a cap, then please speak up...and offer what you think is good amount for a potential cap. I'm not saying we'll do a cap for sure, but it's certainly worth discussing.

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of the GE is its spirit - it should be a fun way of giving and receiving.

Ann I knew it would only be a matter of time before you posted on this...lol! I participated in the last GE and had a ball buying for my sb. To be honest from what I've seen in past GE's I was nervous...you know thinking my box wouldn't be good enough. I'm by no means rich, I kept within what I felt I could afford comfortably without losing my house. I really don't think a cap is necessary...there is no need for anyone to feel that they aren't spending enough....to put a cap on to me would ruin it for me...JMO. I loved shopping for my SB and thanks to my wonderful friend Morgan, I let go of my nervousness. I think a $40.00 minimum is fine, if that's all you can do, wonderful....I was thrilled with everything I got, if I had received two boxes of bows that someone made for me I would have been just as thrilled....its not what I got, the joy for me was the gift I sent.

[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

The GE has really helped me be a part of YT. There were A LOT of first timers in my first GE and we all popped our cherry together. It was a small group so we all got to know each other and become friends.

Why does the GE have to be HUGE in order for it to be successful? I do not see it flailing or failing in any way. Yes, no one signed up last time but who cares? We were all either super busy or saving up for the next one. Sounds like a *smart* plan, to me.

But, again, I welcome all new GE'rs and new YT members who are able to join (3 months, minimum post count, etc). We get to know them when we otherwise wouldn't so I find it to be a great treat.

The point isn't sending or receiving gifts. The point is to make friends. IMO.

So that's great that you, Lynzy, have a lot of friends on here that you are able to send gifts to for "just because." But when I first joined, I didn't have any friends. And it made me feel sad that there seemed to be these cliques where people are posting gift threads about each other - the same people. It was the GE that I credit for helping me break into the YT shell.

So I'm sorry that you and your friends have had such a negative experience with the GE, but others have not. The GE is no different than everything else on this board and in real life. There are always 2 views on the matter, which is a good thing. I don't want people to feel that they are left in the dark/alone with their thoughts when really they're not. People just have to speak up, like you have done.

Lack of and mis-communication is detrimental in any relationship, including friendships and public boards. I just hope we can continue expressing concerns without being/responding in defensive.

I agree, if not for the GE I was in, I would not have the friends I have here...

[LilAnnCamp]

I must be lucky... I have not been in a GE but have made some amazing friends on YT. I would like to get to know more of you.

[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I hate that the GE has turned into this. The three I participated in where amazing. I had so much fun preparing my boxes. And yes I enjoyed the boxes I received as well. I had a blast following the clues to try to guess my buddy. Which I never did correctly. Lol. But I have to admit it was a lot of fun!

I have to agree...I had a blast...the one I was in was my first, it definitely will not be my last!

[GeorgiesMomma]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

Yes and yes. I have only done a couple and so have no experience in the ones prior to that...but I guess those were all done over a year ago.

Anyway, I agree, lol. Apparently I don't do the best clues either, hee hee.

We will need you to work on that Heather for this GE

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

Yes and yes. I have only done a couple and so have no experience in the ones prior to that...but I guess those were all done over a year ago.

Anyway, I agree, lol. Apparently I don't do the best clues either, hee hee.

Well some people are really good at it. Just not me!