Feb SS-yes?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

[Bikingmomof3]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

I liked seeing photos, which is why I posted mine this month. I did not even think it might be upsetting so I apologize and shall remove mine.

As for gifts getting more expensive? I do not know. I tend to spend within the given limit, due to my personal budget restraints. I am not bothered if someone receives what appears to be more than I send or receive. I send what I can and each gift is purchased with my heart. All I hope for is that whomever has me does the same, picks something from the heart.

[Bluetree]

There's a limit?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I liked seeing photos, which is why I posted mine this month. I did not even think it might be upsetting so I apologize and shall remove mine.

As for gifts getting more expensive? I do not know. I tend to spend within the given limit, due to my personal budget restraints. I am not bothered if someone receives what appears to be more than I send or receive. I send what I can and each gift is purchased with my heart. All I hope for is that whomever has me does the same, picks something from the heart.

It's not "upsetting", Jennifer- don't worry about your pix!
I've spent within the suggested $20 limit a couple of times, but my packages seem so meager compared to some. It's all about doing it from the heart, as you say. But I'd hate to see people get discouraged from participating if they get the idea that they have to send a big selection of stuff.

[five one]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

I had a lot of fun putting together the goodies for my January SS, but I do agree with Lisa and wonder if it's getting a bit out of hand. This was the first month I participated, so I'm not sure what has happened in the past. I would like to hear from someone who has been around since the fun began. What's the history? Is there a $$ limit? I wonder if more would more participate if we exchanged just one item that fit the theme of the month and stayed within the monetary limit? I'm certainly willing to to so.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

I am sorry, I posted the photos the last two months because I am not visual. I LOVED when Clockwork Orange posted her lovely gift as I never would have understood all the neat items she enjoyed. It is not about bragging or encouraging people to send more. I just love seeing the creativity on the board. Like BMO3 I never thought it would hurt someone, I am going to remove my photos.

I believe $10-20 is a wonderful gift. The best gift is the ones I have received that were so personal. Someone took the time to make me a ride calendar, it is lovely and I am enjoying it.

The old cliche is true: "It is the thought that counts". That is what I strive for each month, not a $$$.

[wannaduacentury]

What's the theme again?? Red and homemade?? hee hee I'm joining in for this one. Jennifer

[light_sabe_r]

Count me in for the colour but not the homemade.

(unless I get an AUSSIE... in which case I can make my now famous Non-dairy chocolate dipped gingerbread!!! that would never get overseas. The parcel would be stuck in customs for six weeks in which case the cookies would be off.)


Anyway. COLOUR COLOUR COLOUR!!!!

[7rider]

Yeah, I've been getting a little stressed, thinking "I tought it was $10-20 limit and there's an awful lot of fancy stuff folks are getting." So I try to keep things within that limit (sometimes, shipping puts me over that, tho'), and I feel stingy, but I know I shouldn't.
So, let's stress the "don't go too crazy, folks" and I'd be up for red and heartfelt, too.

[Thistle]

Me too. Count me in. Thanks for the comments on spending, i always worried people would think i was stingy, but it's just that i'm on a budget

[Bluetree]

I never quibble or worry over the dollar amount of a gift -- I'm just excited to get anything at all from my SS!

Mmmm.... like yummy cocoa mix.

[crazycanuck]

Ummm my main stumbling block is the freakin postage!!! I try to keep the cost down but the post office folks just want to see me cry each time i send a package..

Just another thought here ladies-I thought of the RED theme as I think February is "heart month"in support of the Heart foundation..i think???
So, pink/red-blood, heart..understand? I don't mean send valentine type things as that's just overrated/boring.

Perhaps this month send something that supports a local business/craftperson/etc or something homemade..IE.from the heart..

I sure hope in a roundabout way you understand my thought...

c

[IFjane]

Yeah, I've been getting a little stressed, thinking "I tought it was $10-20 limit and there's an awful lot of fancy stuff folks are getting." So I try to keep things within that limit (sometimes, shipping puts me over that, tho'), and I feel stingy, but I know I shouldn't.
So, let's stress the "don't go too crazy, folks" and I'd be up for red and heartfelt, too.

I agree. I have not participated before but would love to - so count me in!

[7rider]

Eeps! The only thing I know how to make are dinner reservations at a good restaurant!!
I'll have to search for "red" and "from the heart." Oh...and "from a store."