PBS: Single Stamp Surprise Swap (USA)

The purpose of this swap is to make someone's day a little brighter, without needing to spend a great deal of money-- just the cost of a single postage first-class postage stamp.

It's really the thought that counts in this one. I'm hoping that our US members will enjoy this and I plan to continue doing single stamp surprise swaps if I get a positive response!

All group members maintain well-filled-out profiles and meet the requirement of at least a 4.98 rating to join. In the unlikely event that it's necessary, I will angel this swap after you have attempted to contact your partner and honestly rated them a "1" for a no-send.

Here are the rules:

As with all of our swaps:

♥ Read through your partners' complete profiles; don't just latch on to the first idea you see, or you could miss out on something important (loves rainbows but hates cartoons and "kid stuff"?--best to save the carebears for someone who will appreciate them), or an exciting idea that you'll enjoy even more. Please try to send them things related to their interests that will make them smile :)

♥Be certain to check for your partners' dislikes and avoid sending them, so you don't unintentionally spoil what would otherwise be an absolute delight

You will send each of your 3 partners 1 envelope of goodies that only takes 1 stamp to send (USPS guidelines are posted below).

Items can be used, new, or handmade, but should be in like-new condition. Please send something of a quality you would like to receive.

In order to receive a 5, your items should meet the criteria of being related to your partner's profile interests and be thoughtfully put together (only sending a postcard or a quick "hello" note and nothing else does not qualify as being particularly thoughtful). You should be able to send at least a few nice items, no problem. Try to aim for at least 3-5 thoughtful items per partner.

Please rate anyone a 5 as long as they meet these criteria. Hearts are of course at your own discretion.

Some ideas for items that will be under the weight limit and machinable for the USPS single-stamp rate:

ATCs
ATC blanks
inchies
stickers
bookmarks
ribbon
fabric scraps
recipes
stamped images
special mailing labels for your partner
swap cards created for your partner
stationery of all kinds
envelope seals
die cuts
designer papers for scrapbooking/crafting
postage stamps
tags
window clings
washi tape samples
journal cards
high-quality images, words, or quotes for collages, journaling, or smashbooks
poems, stories,photos, quotes, or images you think they'd like
a nice letter

This is a fairly quick turn-around swap: please do not sign up if you can't get your envelope ready to send out by the send date.

Here are the USPS criteria for a single stamp:

First-Class letter dimensions:

Rectangular (NOT SQUARE) At least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long X .007 inch thick No more than 6-1/8 inches high X 11-1/2 inches long X 1/4 inch thick

Length is the dimension parallel to the address.

Maximum weight is 1 ounce for a 49 cent (forever) stamp.

Letters that are considered nonmachinable are subject to a surcharge. Square envelopes, envelopes which are very rigid, or envelopes which have buttons or clasps that might catch on machinery are considered nonmachinable.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Have fun swapping! ♥