One of the biggest hits at the last swap I was at was a Christmas cactus plant. Part of the mystery was because it was wrapped like a big mushroom.
UPDATE: I thought I’d report back on what was given and what I gave (BTW - mine was the only gift that was “stolen” during the swap, so I guess it was a hit.) There are usually eight of us, but two were sick, so it was a small group of just six. Here’s the list:
- Burts Bees foot care gift set and "luxury" fleece socks (my contribution). The value was over $20, but thank you, Marshalls!
- A Tervis travel cup (heavy-duty; kind of like a Yeti) filled with homemade English toffee
- A nice set of holiday candles
- An upscale winter infinity scarf
- A blown glass Christmas tree (about 12" high) that had "ornaments" that were wine charms
- A set of Fitz and Floyd holiday salt and peppershakers plus a small RFID wallet (interesting combo....)
I ended up with the last item on the list, which was also probably the last thing I would have chosen but I pulled a low number so couldn’t really swap. Still, it was a fun night. Thanks so much for all of the fabulous suggestions! I’m going to bookmark this thread for future use. Happy Holidays everyone!
^^^ Thanks for reporting back - interesting to see the choices!
Will you be offended if we play “what would I want to keep at my2sunz gift exchange”??
I would be interested in your gift (Burts Bees) or the Tervis travel cup. I seriously would not use or want any of the other items! (which is probably why I don’t really like these swaps!!!)
The selections are interesting. I think I would be happy with any of them. If all were available to stealbon my turn I would pick the Christmas Tree if it were attractive, and if not probably the salt and pepper shakers (I host Christmas so they could be useful).
I would pick the travel cup followed by the Burt’s Bee gift set. I would have no interest in the holiday themed items.
I know your gift exchange is over but just in case other readers still have a $20 gift exchange coming up, I was able to hit up a Target sale and got a nice fuzzy blanket and a pair of stemless red wine glasses for $20. I threw in a bottle of Napa Valley merlot from my stash and boy was my gift recipient so excited with the package!
We got a 6-pack of light bulbs at Costco today. I will keep you posted how that goes!! 
I don’t know if I can even post what the oddest gift was at my last swap. Hot pink, XXX rated.
Our limit this year is $20. Still thinking.
I don’t like receiving Knick knacks. It seems whenever I participate in these types of exchanges, that’s what I receive. My favorite gift was a gift card to our local movie theater.
@my2sunz - I would have stolen the Burt’s Bees and socks!
Our kids like stealing edibles. I usually steal things I think my kids will like or whatever they have so they can steal or open what they want.
We have a group of about 30. I’ll report back on what was most sought after. I went with the battery powered cork screw.
One year we wrapped live lobsters in a cooler. That was really fun!
I think I would’ve liked the blown glass tree.
Just bought a tile at Staples
https://m.staples.com/Tile-Mate-Tracker-1-Pack/product_2710305
Speaking of Staples, I wouldn’t mind a “That was Easy” button. So much of what I’m doing lately isn’t easy and I’d punch it in triumph.
I decided on a nice, right-priced cheese board from an Amazon mom/son operation and will add some cheese, crackers, grapes, whatever, and stay under $20. Any of the gals in this group will like it.
I’m not into gag gifts.
For those who mentioned the Squatty Potty. Saw them today at Costco for two for 19.99.
Two? That’s one Costco bundle I’m not going to be sharing with the neighbors?
Personally I would also have gone with the Tervis travel cup. The glass tree was pretty but I really don’t want that kind of stuff anymore…I’m trying to give things like that that I already own away!
i would have taken the infinity scarf, then the holiday candles.