sail7seas Posted October 4, 2010 #1 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I've been reading a few Roll Calls and on one they are asking CC'ers who will attend the M & G to bring a $5 gift to exchange. They really weren't clear about what sort of thing they are doing. I've never heard this before and wonder what they mean. Bring a key chain that has your hometown written on it? :confused: Why would anyone want an item from someone else's home town .... a place they may have never even heard of. What am I missing? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Rare LauraS Posted October 4, 2010 Administrators #2 Share Posted October 4, 2010 It's called a "gift exchange". An "icebreaker" for the party. I've participated in MANY of these and they are just plain, simple fun. It's not about what you get...but rather what you share.... Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRL_Joanie Posted October 4, 2010 #3 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Exactly Laura!! And thank you for the idea!!! (See I do read the sticky) I've asked everyone on our Roll Call to bring a small under $5.00 to $10.00 souvenir to exchange at our M&G. We'd each bring one gift (per person attending) a souvenir from our city or state. Why would anyone want something from somewhere they've never been?? Why not is my answer:) As Laura states, it is an Ice Breaker and does help to keep the ideas and Roll Calls moving (most of the time:D) Joanie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 4, 2010 Author #4 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Thanks. What sort of things do people bring? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaches from georgia Posted October 4, 2010 #5 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I've been reading a few Roll Calls and on one they are asking CC'ers who will attend the M & G to bring a $5 gift to exchange. They really weren't clear about what sort of thing they are doing. I've never heard this before and wonder what they mean. Bring a key chain that has your hometown written on it? :confused: Why would anyone want an item from someone else's home town .... a place they may have never even heard of. What am I missing? Thanks. You're not missing a thing, imho. "Why" is my question, too? Why is an ice breaker needed to begin with? We just never find it hard to start a conversation with other pax on our cruise. To each his own, but it would keep us from even considering going to the meet and greet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VioletHorse Posted October 4, 2010 #6 Share Posted October 4, 2010 We did one of these gift exchanges at a M & G a couple of years ago. The gifts were as varied as the people who brought them, and included things like books, candy, drink coasters and other types of inexpensive but fun stuff which was specific to the CC member's city or region. Our limit was $10, and participation was voluntary. It was a great idea, and we'd gladly do it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanAllyn Posted October 4, 2010 #7 Share Posted October 4, 2010 For those that I have been to, the gift exchange is voluntary. Those who bring something get to draw for a gift. Otherd don't, but still participate in the M & G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Ellen Posted October 4, 2010 #8 Share Posted October 4, 2010 To each his own, but it would keep us from even considering going to the meet and greet. This 'gift exhange' was suggested by someone on our last cruise. It was met with a resounding NO by the other members of the Roll Call. I agree, to each their own, but not for us. We'd be skipping that M & G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobalink Posted October 4, 2010 #9 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I have heard of it, but have not been to a M&G where it was done. I think it is a fun idea, and people could play along if they want. I think there could be some really fun items... If I were to take a souvenir from my "stomping grounds" it would likely be a jar of jam from Knott's Berry Farm, significant because I live in OC. How about some sand from the Pacific Ocean? Another thing we are known for in OC, is traffic on our 405 freeway. How could I package that? LOL Anyway, I think it would be a fun and creative way to interact when you "meet and mingle." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terigo Posted October 4, 2010 #10 Share Posted October 4, 2010 So I suppose people would think I was cheap if i brought a jelly jar full of Florida sunshine? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 4, 2010 Author #11 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I have a better idea now what they are planning. If they explained it in their thread, I missed it. Of course, it isn't about 'getting' but I was trying to imagine what to give. I didn't think in terms of book or coasters etc. Thanks for explaining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare whogo Posted October 4, 2010 #12 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Let people opt out of the gift exchange. A number of women at the meet and greet will get great pleasure out of the perfect $5 gift. All the men will be interested in anything else; the drinks, the snacks, and the other people. You do not need gimmicks to enjoy meeting people at a party. You do not need to lug even a small gift to your cruise and you sure don't need to lug back heaven knows what trinket from Bayonne. If you must have a gift exchange let cruisers opt out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbhcw Posted October 4, 2010 #13 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I've participated in several gift exchanges...they are fun..and sometimes you do get some special things...Once got a Southwest ball hat from a girl who worked for Southwest...my favorite airline...Still have the hat! Also at our last M&G got a wonderful little book about a special area in the Pacific Northwest:) I know at this point in my life I am downsizing..getting rid of stuff...but it's still fun..and I really enjoy picking out something nice to give from my state:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted October 4, 2010 #14 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Not a bad idea, a good way to meet your fellow CC members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatherInFlorida Posted October 4, 2010 #15 Share Posted October 4, 2010 This was brought up on our current Roll Call. A couple of people were interested, but it was basically voted down by lack of response. Personally, it's just not for me. I guess I don't really "get it". I feel the ice has been broken throughout the Roll Call and the gift is just not necessary to make people feel outgoing and friendly. In fact, the reason I join the Roll Call to begin with is to break the ice. I'm very shy in new surroundings and the Roll Call offers a feeling of camaraderie before we cruise. I just don't see how a gift of any kind adds to that. I think if I wanted to do it at all I'd suggest we do it at the end with tokens from the cruise rather than bring state or country memorabilia onboard.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodogmom Posted October 4, 2010 #16 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I really think it would be a pain in the rear end. If they did have one, I would probably bring a can of See's nuts. They are truly good, no peanuts. That way the person could consume them in their cabin, bring them to the next met and greet, or if they are out at the pool area they could snack on them and offer to friends. I wouldn't want to get jam or jelly, it would be thrown in the trash or offered to someone else. The reason, I wouldn't consume it on the cruise, and the possibility of the jar breaking on the way home. Plus for those flying the added weight. I do love Knotts jellys and jams. When I lived near that area we used to go over and have lunch or dinner every once in a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigque Posted October 4, 2010 #17 Share Posted October 4, 2010 It's just something to do! Either you do or you don't participate. There are people in our M&G that are participating and some that are not. It's not that big a deal! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bepsf Posted October 4, 2010 #18 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Another thing we are known for in OC, is traffic on our 405 freeway. How could I package that? LOL You could bring a jar of smog... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted October 4, 2010 #19 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I was very touched when I arranged a Meet and Greet for about 80 people and someone bought me a gift for doing it. I honestly don't recall what it was, but I know I used it on the cruise. It was very much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 4, 2010 Author #20 Share Posted October 4, 2010 How nice, Carol. Very thoughtful of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobalink Posted October 4, 2010 #21 Share Posted October 4, 2010 You could bring a jar of smog...;) Hi bepsf, That's funny! I was born in the Bay Area, so we visit your neck of the woods often. Hey, you could bring fog! I am hungry for some sourdough bread from Fisherman's Wharf! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrhdhd Posted October 4, 2010 #22 Share Posted October 4, 2010 If you think this idea is scary, go to a Disney Cruise Line message board, where the buzz is all about "Fish Extenders." :eek: I haven't been on a Disney cruise (yet), but from what I understand, FEs are like a Secret Santa where you bring gifts for the whole M&G group and run around the ship placing them in specially made thingies that everyone hangs on the fish hook outside the cabin door. (I have probably made it sound too simple.) I am avoiding the roll call for that cruise so far so I don't get roped in to it. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceanwench Posted October 4, 2010 #23 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I was very touched when I arranged a Meet and Greet for about 80 people and someone bought me a gift for doing it. I honestly don't recall what it was, but I know I used it on the cruise. It was very much appreciated. Now THAT is an idea I could get behind. :) I'm not one for trinket exchanges. As others have said, the ice is broken long before the M&G! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sapper1 Posted October 4, 2010 #24 Share Posted October 4, 2010 The one I took part in took the form of a Yankee Swap and it was hysterical. I took some New Brunswick Maple sugar candies. It's not something I would suggest but I would take part again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loreto Posted October 4, 2010 #25 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I have been to a number of wonderful Roll Calls and have enjoyed the freedom to meet fellow cruisers. I have always made a point of thanking those who took the time to organize and make name tags and HAL for providing the treats. On my last cruise we were given the option to bring a gift for the gift exchange....first time I had seen that done. I chose not to bring a gift. I would have preferred more time to meet people than sit and watch the awkward gift exchange. Just my feelings! Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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