I'm starting to participate in my first swaps, and I've realized (by looking at photos on Flickr) that it's very common practice to send "extras" along with your swap package. Me, I would normally just send whatever the swap said to send, not wanting to put the person receiving my package on the defensive for not having provided an extra themselves. But, now that I see this as a pretty common practice, I feel compelled to include extras in my swap packages (a) because it seems like a nice thing to do and (b) I don't want to get a negative reputation for being stingy.

So, now that I am on the "Swap Extras" bandwagon, I have no idea what kind of "extras" to provide, especially swap and quilting veterans. Any good ideas out there for a swap newbie like me?

It varies from person to person & swap to swap. When in doubt a little surprize like a chocolate bar is always good. Keep in mind your shipping costs. Any thing homemade always welcomed on this board. A post card, a note, a fat quarter, a couple of extra sq of matching fabric. This is your opportunity to get creative. And if you only send the swap item that is ok too. the idea is to have fun doing this, and to get a squishy envelope in the mail.

I think as long as each participant in the the swap sends at least the minimum required, all is well.

In my opinion, bonuses are nice, but not required.

I try and send a little something, a piece of fabric/date books/patterns/chocolate bar (wrap in foil)/candy/calendar/etc.This is not required but something I like to do.

When I hosted my swap a few people sent some extras, which was super nice (and of course not expected!). Some people sent fat quarters, a little extra fabric, some extra blocks specially made for me, ornaments, candy .... all of it was much appreciated!!

When I am in a swap (and not the hoestess), I too try to send something extra, being a hostess myself in the past, I know it is A LOT of work to not only get the blocks swapped out, but to package everything up, then take it to the PO and weigh everything and make sure it all has the right postage, and give change back etc .... I think they do deserve a little something extra for that, though of course the hostess would never ask for such a thing themselves. :)

Cheers!
Rachel

I do not expect anything extra in my swaps but it always fun to receive an unexpected gift. My last swap I included a small pumpkin magnet and chocolate. I think the most important thing is to do your best work and mail on time.