AnneTeak

Need some ideas for our Quilt guild Christmas party gift swap/exchange. $10-15 limit.

bearisgray

Skip the exchange and donate items to a food shelf or give a cash donation to a food shelf or toys for tots or some charitable organization.

I do admit to "having a thing" about gift exchanges. I actively dislike them.

However, I do not know your group dynamics, so am not going to offer any further suggestions.

dunster

Bear, you made me laugh, but I totally agree. One reason that I don't go to my guild's holiday party is because I don't like the gift exchange. To me it seems like everyone is paying around $25 to give someone they probably don't know a gift that they won't enjoy anyway. And to top it all off, they go one further and do the dirty Santa exchange, where you can reject a gift and choose one that someone else received instead. Now isn't that both rude (rejecting the first gift) and mean spirited (stealing one from someone else)? The other reason I don't go is that it's a potluck. I enjoy potlucks with a few friends, but I don't like big potlucks. Too many people get sick from them.

However, I do have a suggestion for Anne. Every quilter can use seam rippers. You can buy several regular ones, or one fancy one, and it's sure to be appreciated.

copycat

Lint rollers for fuzz, pet hair, thread clips etc are always needed. Color catchers for washing new fabric. As Dunster suggested, a fancy seam ripper would make the task more fun! Mine are all plastic and work well, but... I admire the fancy ones I see at quilt shows.
Enjoy your gift exchange and you may wish to suggest members bring can goods for a local food pantry as well.
Our guild has brought toys in gift bags for the local shelter for women and children at our annual Christmas party.

aashley333

Who doesn't appreciate a new pair of scissors? Lots of choices. Also, loving my new gadget for cutting after string piecing.

Stitchnripper

I am in the camp of don't like gift exchanges. I skip my group's annual holiday party for that reason and because of the food planning. I don't need any gift the very nice women would make/buy and we have a finger licker in the group. I would rather give to a food bank, which I do regularly anyway.

bearisgray

After seeing some of the suggestions, I came up with a list of some ideas of things-

Best press, rotary cutting blades, that purple Thang, Wonder Clips. Spool of neutral " premium" thread ( don't know brands ) ,
small quiltng rulerv- I love my 4x8 one with the 1 / 8 grid), small cutting mats - I used to do my trimming in front of the tv- .

Candy, disposablev hand wipesc- good hand lotion or creams - unscented or with a light fragrance - water bottle -

Maybe start with thinking about items you would like to receive?

Things I would prefer to not get: scented candles, fabric, books, ornaments,, off- brand tools/ notions, mugs/cups, .

Because I have had a long time to accumulate "stuff" - I have gotten a lot more selective about what I might need or want.

bkay

So, I missed it. what's your new gadget for string piecing?

bkay

Onebyone

I can donate to a food bank or charity anytime. so I think a gift exchange is a token of good spirit for a group. We have a bring one take one exchange and encourage handmade items. Any member can precipitate or not, their choice.

AnneTeak

Thank you for your suggestions. I am new to the area and thought joining a quilt guild would help me make some new friends. I am looking forward to the gift exchange and potluck dinner.