With Spring just days away, many of us immersing in a little Spring cleaning. But, before you toss that too-tight jacket, or ditch your kid’s too-small boots, consider a swap party.
I first heard about swap parties from a very hip friend who read about them in Vogue magazine. Vogue wrote about this trend as a means for fashion-conscious women to discover a recession-minded way to round out their wardrobe. Swap parties are being conducted in various sizes and themes, and are seen as a grown-up version of show-and-tell but taken to the next level, where you can barter an item of interest in exchange for another.
Consider throwing your own swap party; artists may consider swapping their works. Those of us who enjoy cooking may like to exchange recipes. I think a real find would be children’s clothing swap parties. How many times have I looked at a dress hanging in my daughter’s closet that she outgrew before she’d worn it twice? I’d love to swap it for something she might be able to wear (and know that the dress was going to a good home!)
Also popular for swap parties; toys and books. Pull a bunch of friends together and ask them all to bring the last few paperbacks that they read. Not only will every guest benefit from getting a chance to hear about what their friends are reading and enjoying (without the stress of a book club), but everyone will leave with some new reading material.
The electronic age takes swapping to the next level. Check out paperbackswap.com, bookins.com, or bookmooch.com, where your an exchange your favourite novels with other like-minded readers.
So, pull some friends together and shop each others’ closets. It will help with your own Spring cleaning (and your own budget!)
Love this idea, great way to mingle (wine cheese and a little gossip), and get ready for the next season!