Shipping and postage - The 'set spending amount' does not include the amount you will pay for shipping and postage. For now, we have limited the swaps to those only in the US to help save on the cost of shipping. Try to pick items for your pal that are not heavy or super bulky...this helps on the postage. Commit to yourself that you will NOT pay for the packing supplies. The post office will give you Priority Mail boxes for free. Of course, then you have to pay the Priority Mail prices...so you decide if it is worth it. When you receive things in the mail, save the packaging materials. This way you can save on securing the items in the box. Also, you could use a flat rate box from the post office, include a note in the package for your person explaining how they should assemble the swap item. (Most likely the swap item isn't going to stay all put together in the mail -- for instance, if it were a basket.)
Shopping for your items - Remember that a lot of places have sales before the holiday itself. Hobby Lobby seems to always do 20 to 40% off their holiday items WEEKS before the holiday comes. Plus, you can often download an on-line coupon for them for the full priced item(s). So shop wisely. You'll be able to get more for your pal if you shop the sales and use coupons. Remember, you should be getting things for your pal that you would like to receive...make it nice...but there is no reason to spend a ton!
Want to spend your money on one large item but don't want the swap to look "small"? - This can be easily resolved. For example, for the Easter swap, say your person's survey indicates they love to be in the kitchen and they collect aprons. Well, while you are out you find the most precious Easter apron for around $20. This isn't a problem. GET CREATIVE! You could get the apron but still include the other items for almost no cost. You could use a small plastic egg and put a piece of chocolate inside -- numbers 1 and 2 DONE! For pennies!! The recipe card you have to include is no cost anyway. The religious item could be a bookmark you make. AND VIOLA you're done...with still a great basket but not going over the limit.
Creative ways to add to the swap without spending a bundle - Sometimes in a swap you need to include something that isn't part of the 'set spending limit'. For example, the Easter swap, you need to include a basket or container and it is not part of the $20 spending limit. Find something in your home that you don't use anymore and "jazz" it up with some ribbon. You could use a cloth bag that you've decorated for the holiday. Maybe you know how to sew...whip something up to be used for a basket/bag. Of course, you can always go out and purchase a basket too...if that is the case...use the hints about a coupon from a place like Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Joann's,...
