Lots of Mail: Cheap and Easy

About four years ago, I host a series of Lots of Mail: Cheap and Easy swaps. They were lots of fun, and always had great participation. I thought I'd give them another try this summer.

We all love getting a lot of mail, so this is an easy, cheap way to exchange lots of mail.

This is an international swap.

Each of your packages should be small and light enough to be sent by regular letter-post, but this is a goal, not a rule. It is important you don't assume your envelope will pass muster with one postage stamp, or that international mail will travel without a customs form. Please check your envelopes with your friendly neighborhood postal employee.

You will be sending one item from the themes below to each of your 5 partners.

Decide upon one item from each of the following categories and send one of those items your each of 5 partners;

• Something purple
• Something creative
• Something silly
• Something soothing
• Something seasonal (not holiday)

So, you will send one purple item to one of your partners, one creative item to another of your partners, one silly item to another of your partners, etc. One item to each of your five partners. There's really no way to monitor the exchange so that I know you have sent one item from each theme, but that really shouldn't be necessary, right? Please do not send anything religious or political unless you know your partner would appreciate such items.

The items can be found items, bought items, or things you already own, but should always be something you would like to receive yourself. Remember, keep it light and keep it simple! Examples of good items: a magazine or newspaper article, a cartoon, a blank postcard, a blank notecard, a button or bead, a piece of fancy paper, stickers, stamps, ribbon or fabric, temporary tattoos, a bookmark, a charm, a quote or joke (something non-offensive, of course), a photo, an Artist Trading Card (ATC) ... there are lots of possibilities!

Please make sure you include a note about what category the item falls into. Food items can be subject to customs regulations, so please make sure you don't send prohibited food (like tea to Australia).

When it comes time to rate, remember that this is low-expectation swap. Your partner is under no obligation to choose something that suits your profile. As long as you receive something that isn’t garbage with a note about what category it belongs to, your partner gets a 5. And please keep in mind that this is an international swap, so some things will take a longer time to arrive. Let's give each other a break and at least try the messaging system before giving out "1" ratings.

New swappers are welcome, but please read Swap-Bot’s FAQs and make sure you have a completed profile before joining.

Please let me know if you have any questions.