Not Your Average Cookie-Cutter Swap, US Only, 20+

I don't know about you, but I am tired of getting swap items that I can buy for myself at Target, Hallmark, CVS, and other chain stores. And I ESPECIALLY HATE getting items from the Dollar Store. So, when I saw this swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/9516) I thought "I have to sign up!" That is, until I read the requirements. Personally, I don't want to sign up for a high value swap in which newbies are allowed. And, I'm also not a "must have a 5 rating" elitist. So, I'm tweaking the requirements and the swap to make me happy. Hopefully it makes you happy as well, and you'll join! (I also want to give credit where credit is due; it's a great swap, and if you don't want to join mine, I suggest joining the other!)

The Booty: You will send your swap partner 5 nice items that you bought from non-traditional, non-chain stores. Think etsy.com, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, boutiques in your home town, local artisans, etc. The items should be tailored to your partner's profile as best you can, however the bizarre, unsual and unique isn't always apparent in a partner's profile. Please include a card or letter explaining where you found the finds, and why you included them in the package. Additionally, please wrap the items...it's always a treat to receive a box of wrapped gifts.

Timeline: Like the original swap, partners will be assigned after Christmas, and two months given to comb through unusual shops for unique items.

The Cost: I hate assigning an amount, however I can't imagine this swap costing participants any less than $20 before shipping. Please be aware before you sign up that this is a high value swap.

The Pesky Details:

• US only, must have 20+ hearts to join. If the majority of those hearts are from email, postcard, or other low value swaps (like sticker swaps), they will not count. In other words, you must have a history of successfully participating in other higher value swaps in order to sign up for this one.

• No recent "no sends."

• Rating of 4.7 or higher. However, I will take into account comments left on your profile page, etc., so an unfair rating of one may not affect you, whereas two ratings of three showing that you just "don't get it" might.

• Must be drama-free, and your name should not be found in the questionable swappers list.

• Package must be sent with Delivery Confirmation.

The End