I have been reading this forum and have been low income for the last couple years, and I don't see many mamas posting about trading. I love to trade my handmade toys with people for things. I love to trade in general.
This week, I have set up 4 different trades with people. I either know the folks in real life, met them through advertising my trade through craigslist and local forums, or I searched etsy for local shops, found things I wanted, then messaged them showing them my shop and asked if they wanted to trade.
It's so great and I haven't spent a dime other then gas money meeting up to swap for the items.
I've gotten or will get this week (for my kiddos christmas presents mostly)
-2 beautiful wildlife photo books on the ocean and artic
-a bunch of new little goodies for stocking stuffers; glue sticks, craft books, gummy slap hands
- handmade baby blanket with cute monsters on it and an adorable owl teether.
- handmade child's apron and wool ball
-new to me thigh high european leather boots! and hiking boots for my son.
- an audrey hepburn movie dvd for my nephew who loves classic film.
-a knit hat
-handsewn cute stocking and adorable handsewn owl pillow
-art supplies
I used to trade or swap for years, especially handmade gifts in MDC's swap forum, and it seems with the shift, that wonderful community of swappers was lost. I miss it dearly.
Not only did I get awesome handmade goodies for my kids, but they pushed me to be a better craftsperson and be more confident in crafting and to try new ideas.
So if you love to trade, share with me what goodies you've been swappin' for.
I love being a frugalista.
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