White Elephant Swap (US Newbies Only)

White Elephant ...we all have 'em, whether you actually know it or not. You know what a White Elephant gift is...it's that scarf that your grandma gave you that doesn't go with anything in your wardrobe. It's that set of pierced earrings your boyfriend gave you, and you don't have pierced ears. It's the beautiful vase your mom gave you, and no one ever sends you flowers. Or, perhaps it's that Bath and Body works gift set given to you by your boss, and you don't like the smell of vanilla.

In other words, a White Elephant is a nice gift you received, but you can't (or won't) do a thing with it.

This swap gives you the chance to get rid of that White Elephant and get something you might really like. Of course, you take your chances...perhaps you'll still get something you can't use. But hey, save it for the next White Elephant exchange. Sooner or later you're bound to get lucky.

Now for the rules:

1) Gift must be new and not used. This doesn't mean you go out and buy something; remember, this is something you received as a gift but can not, or will not, ever use.

2) Enclose a card or note with your story about the gift; why you don't like it, can't use it, and maybe who it was from. Be creative! Make it funny. Or sad. Or just tell it like it is, sister!

3) Only newbies in the US can join. In other words, this would be your first swap, or your first swap before you have a rating.

4) US Only to keep shipping costs down.

5) Profile must be filled out completely.

6) Delivery Confirmation must be added to your package. As a recipient, if the package you receive doesn't have delivery confirmation added, the rating you give should reflect that (i.e., a rating of 3 would be given).

A few words about rating: Give your partner enough time to actually get the package to you before rating them. Remember kiddies: parcel post takes 8-10 days! If you haven't received your gift in what you believe to be a fair amount of time, drop them a note first before assuming they flaked. When you receive your package, go back and rate your partner! The good ratings always help and tell us all who's doing a good job!

Aim for hearts! Newbies, here's your chance to show us what you've got. Here's a few ways to up the ante: Throw two, or three, White Elephants in the package. Make sure your note is personal. Decorate the package. Wrap it. In other words, think about what would tickle you the most to receive, and then send that. Most of all, just have fun. Chances are, if you have fun packing it, your recipient will enjoy receiving it.

Thanks everyone ~ HAPPY SWAPPING!!!