If you're a seasoned swapper you've already figured out a lot of how you like to swap through trial and error, seeing how your partner sends your things, and looking over reveal posts to see how other swappers did it.
However, if you're a new or newish swapper, you may not have any idea how it's done. We wanted to offer some fantastic tips to help you (whether novice or pro) shine as a swapper and ensure your partner loves their package.
However, if you're a new or newish swapper, you may not have any idea how it's done. We wanted to offer some fantastic tips to help you (whether novice or pro) shine as a swapper and ensure your partner loves their package.
Tip 1: Get to Know You Partner's Tastes
We always encourage swappers to visit their partner's blog to get an idea of who they are and what their tastes are. Most folks also have a Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc account that helps you figure this out. You can also exchange emails with specific questions about their likes and dislikes (foods, scents, favorite hobbies, favorite color, whether they've ever visited your region before, etc).
Tip 2: Do Some Quick Research on Your Area
It never hurts to do some quick Google searches on your region to see what it's known for. This can help guide you in choosing items that reflect this, or even just give you quirky info to pass along.
Tip 3: Shop Local
From your farmer's market to your local mom 'n' pop tourist store, you can have a merry scavenger hunt for locally-made goodies, and goodies that reflect your region.
What kinds of things can you send?
- Items made by local artists/authors/etc
- Items your region is known for (i.e. maple syrup in Vermont)
- Items made by corporations based in your area (i.e. Starbucks in Seattle)
- Region-branded goodies (i.e. I Love NY totes and shirts)
- Handmade goodies that reference your region in some way
- Info about your region and what makes it unique
- Goodies that reflect your local culture (i.e. "everyone here believes Bigfoot exists, so here's your own Guide to Identifying a Wild Bigfoot")
- Movies or books that take place in your area
- Touristy kitsch that reflects your region
- Items in the colors of your local sports team or college
- ...or anything else you can think of!
Tip 4: Wrap It Up
Take some time to wrap it up and add a little notes about what is included. It's nice to know the whys behind your choices in goodies.
Okay seasoned swappers, do you have any tips?
↓ Leave them in the comments below! ↓
These are some great tips! I definitely like to shop local and small businesses for these types of swaps. I have an notebook (electronic or paper) on hand at all times so if I see something or think of something to pick up, the idea is taken down so I won't forget!
ReplyDeleteI loved this last year. I sent sweet corn from Iowa but what I received I thought was cool was cacti seeds from Arizona. How cool was that to grow my own. My suggestion would be seeds for local plants.
ReplyDeleteI'm participating for the first time this year. I had a blast at our local farmer's market last weekend finding things that were local made, would mail well and fit some of my match's hobbies, likes/dislikes.
ReplyDeleteTerri M.
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