[LifeStyle] ‘The house turned into an op shop!’ How to host a pre-Christmas stuff swap

[Sinan.47]

Christmas is fast approaching, but you could be forgiven for wanting to slow down your purchases. With the rise of the mindful, minimal-waste consumer, many are looking for gift-giving options that don’t cost the earth. Enter, the pre-Christmas stuff swap.

At a stuff swap, one person’s trash is another’s stocking stuffer. Pre-loved clothes, toys and books are fair game, provided they’re in good, regiftable condition.

The Clothing Exchange, which runs swap events across Australia, has seen a surge in demand this year. “It’s absolutely exploded,” says national coordinator Kirsten Fredericks. Before the pandemic, it was a bumper year if they hosted 10 swap events; in 2022, they’ve run more than double that amount. And swappers aren’t just browsing for themselves – they’re seeking gifts for friends and family.

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As with many social situations, there are unwritten rules, guidelines and etiquette that go with a stuff-swap. Last year, I hosted my own stuff swap in the lead-up to Christmas and so, based on that event and with some expert advice, here are the golden rules to making your stuff-swap a success.

Make a date
Compare calendars with your keenest friends to ensure you have a core group of swappers. Aim for November, or early December, as people are less busy, and less likely to have started shopping.

If you have children, make sure you hold it after their bedtime (or at least away from their watchful gazes).

 

When it comes to the invitation list, don’t worry if your guests don’t know each other. I ended up with about 20 friends from different social circles, but their mutual swapping enthusiasm meant they got along wonderfully.

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Prepare (or pre-buy) some light refreshments, or you can ask guests to contribute. On the day, make sure you clear your tables of your incidental household items (in case your favourite coasters are mistaken as swap-fodder). Then let the fun begin.

My friend Amy remembers the joy and conviviality of my swap. “The house turned into an op shop, it was amazing!” She also recalls an “atmosphere of generosity” – there was no snatching. In fact, guests took to offering around items before claiming them.

Make the rules fair
There are two goals: to purge unwanted gift-worthy items, and to acquire gift-worthy items. It’s about quality, not quantity.

 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/nov/22/the-house-turned-into-an-op-shop-how-to-host-a-pre-christmas-stuff-swap