The ones that are given away (in my case, most of them) hang around for a week or two while I'm getting ready to package it up and mail it, waiting for the event day, etc. Then they are on their intended way.
To me, they're kind of like kiddos - you nurture them, make them as good as you can, send them on, and carry their picture in your brag book. Now and then you get to spend some time with them again which is especially nice if it's been a while.
~Jo