We are living in an era where money is a bit funny and change is a bit strange. I kiddingly say, “I have to do something strange for a piece of change” quite often. Although, what seems strange to me may not be strange to you! So no judgement here!

I attended a clothing swap over a year ago and still wear many of the items that I swapped. I enjoyed it because it wasn’t your typical thriving experience, it was a PARTY! There were hors d’oeuvres, music, networking and more. I enjoyed the experience the most.

We all could use some more networking and building of positive relationships. We thrive more when we surround ourselves with enriching environments.

Reasons to Have a Swap Shop Party

Sustainability– We waste so much in this world and it is doing more damage than good. Having a Swap Shop Party helps the environment, instead of constantly buying more clothes from stores it helps with textile waste which keeps it out of landfills. Think about household products… don’t like a new cleaning product? Don’t just trash it, give it to someone else.

Financial Goals– Many of us want to preserve our money so that we can save or pay bills. We enjoy getting new things though, participating in a Swap Shop Party would help you save money and get new items.

Treasure– Sometimes we don’t know where to look for cool and unique items to add to our collections, and others have done the hard part. You never know what you can come across at these parties, just like a garage sale.

Swap Shop Party Ideas

• Clothing Swap Shop- This is probably how swap shop parties began! These are fun. Create a themed party where you are only swapping Evening Dresses because we know those dresses are EXPENSIVE and many times we don’t want to wear something that we have been photographed in already. Create one strictly for seniors or high school and college grads for new professional wear! The ideas are endless
• Book Swap Shop- BOOKS ARE EXPENSIVE! How many of you read a book more than once? Some do but not all and what do we do with them? Leave them for dust. Hosting a Book Swap Shop will guarantee some new great reads to add to your book list! Theme these as well, maybe you want more biographies or comics whatever you need more of, that is a party!
• Jewelry Swap Shop- I have jewelry that I no longer wear nor suits my style anymore so why hold onto it? Costume jewelry, fine jewelry, statement jewelry, one of a kind jewelry, the ideas are plenty!
• Wedding Swap Shop- How many times do we get married? Not too often! What are you going to do with dresses, favors, etc? Keep it in your closet for safekeeping?
• Back To School Swap Shop- Do you have access? Do you not need school supplies such as folder, markers, paper, backpacks etc? Host a Back to School to help students get prepared for a successful school year.
• Gifts Swap Shop- Maybe you are a crafter and and have a lot of products or maybe you received 3 toasters at your wedding or maybe you have unused products in great condition that you will probably NEVER use… this is great especially for the holidays.
• Arts Swap Shop- This can be for creatives where you have too many supplies or it can be for art enthusiast looking for new artists to add to their homes. Old posters, Album’s, etc… theme this one too!
• Household Cleaner Swap Shop- Maybe you are converting to all natural cleaners, or you are downsizing and don’t have enough space, or maybe you just have so many because you are a couponer 🙂 this is another idea!
• Entrepreneur/Office Swap Shop- Maybe you need new office supplies to spice up your space. Maybe you want to change the decor and want to see what others have.
• Hair Products Swap Shop- One thing I know is that I am a natural, I literally threw away and gave away maybe 30 almost full products that just didn’t work for my texture. HAIR PRODUCTS ARE NOT CHEAP!!
• Home Makeover Swap Shop- Maybe you want to get some new items like vases, dishes, wall art etc!

How it Works

• Choose a type of product/party you want to have- Book Swap, Hair Products, Office Supplies, etc (SEE ABOVE)
• Set the expectations and guidelines- People cannot come in there with RAGGEDY products, it is not fair for others who brought quality products. Can people take back items that weren’t swapped? How many products can one bring?
• Get a location
• Set up the invitations
• Have snacks and music
• Have fun!
• Donate the rest

Example

Clothing SWAP
The Rules:
$15 entry fee
Minimum 7 items max 10 QUALITY items- Tags on them, no holes, no discoloration, no odor, please bring items you would want someone you love to wear.
When you arrive, you will check in, we will examine your items and give you tickets to check out with.
All items unclaimed will be donated to this charity.

So now that you have all the details, will you plan a party? Let me know!!

These parties will be added to my Small and Intimate Parties to have!