I have never been on a Shop Hop and don't even know if any are held in our area but, IMHO, the SH is a gimmick to get quilters to their shops. I would say, that only if you wanted to do this for social reasons -- to be with friends or to meet other quilters -- then it would not be worth your while. I am happy to make my own little shop hop alone or with a friend. Choose bargain days if you care to or just to go "window shopping." And as far as the "gifts" and prizes go, with what you save on not going along with the SH you can treat yourself to something you really want or need.