Vacation Time Is Coming!

...and this is going to mean lots of time with bored kids in the car. Well, let's make it more fun for them! Participants will send a backseat activity pack for one child in their partner's family. Ensure that it is age-appropriate. It can be storebought (e.g., a magnetic game or activity book), or handmade (e.g., feltboard box with felt characters, travel journal, velcro X's & O's).

Value

Since both handmade and storebought are acceptable, it is difficult to pin a number on this swap. However, I'm going to suggest that storebought items should have a retail value between $8-10 USD. Handmade items should be of similar value, if for example you purchased them at a craft fair.

What NOT To Send

• anything with a million little bits -nobody wants to keep finding sequins or glitter next Christmas, after their summer vacation activity hit the floor in August
• anything heavy, particularly if it's going to a toddler/preschooler, who might throw it (and in any case, if there is a sudden braking of the car, heavy objects can be hazardous)
• supplies that stain
• toys/ activities that the child cannot do alone
• used toys/activities that are not in excellent used condition (check first with your partner's wishes regarding gently used items)

What To Send

• activities that are self-contained - you don't need extras like glue, etc
• things that can sit on the child's lap - nothing flimsy which would require a lap desk
• items made for travel are ideal - games that use magnetic pieces, or velcro pieces, or simply felt that will adhere to surfaces on its own; travel books; re-stickable/vinyl sticker activities; self-contained games & puzzles; magnadoodles; etch-a-sketch; travel journals/scrapbooks; etc

Who Can Play

Established swappers who have a minimum of ten, level-3 swaps completed and rated, with a minimum score of 4.9, and NO 1s or 3s in the past six months. Due to the cost factor, I will not be able to angel this swap personally, so we want only the most reliable swappers joining in. (Newbies - I'm sorry, I realize that you might be perfectly reliable, but when a swap might cost $20 after shipping is considered, we just need proof of that).

Summary

• value $8-10 before shipping cost
• sender's choice
• age-appropriate
• car-safe
• complete the answers below when you sign up
• meet criteria for joining

Questions (Post below with answers upon joining)

• age of child
• girl or boy?
• ideas of themes/ interests/ favorite activities - to give your partner an idea of what sort of activity might work
• are you open to receiving gently used items in excellent (like-new) condition?
• would you like to avoid toys/games with batteries?
• do you have any portable gaming systems?
• do you have a DVD player in the car?
• other words of wisdom/ things you wish to avoid, etc