Appropriate Exchange Items

[+bennycams]

Hi! Complete newbie planning on going for very first search in the next day or two, wondering what kinds of items would be okay for me to leave in a cache should I choose to do so.

 

The area I'm hoping to find my first cache has many caches that are described as being only large enough for a coin-sized item. No time to order geocoins, so what would be good alternatives in that size, that might be available for sale locally?

 

One item in particular I was thinking about, that I already have, is a pin. Our local baseball team does gameday charity drives about 4 times a year where a donation of whatever item they are looking for or a monetary donation gives the fan donating a metal pin. Most have the name and number of a certain player on them, but earlier this year, they had a pin representing the newest team mascot, a dog that they rescued after he hung around their spring training camp last year. He's quite popular among the fans, to the point where they made a costumed mascot in his image so the real dog wouldn't get stressed out making gameday appearances. Might this be okay, or would this be in the same category as a McDonald's Happy Meal toy?

 

Or, is the common practice for new geocachers to not even think about leaving anything behind until they have a handful of found caches under their belts?

 

Thanks!

[+cerberus1]

Trust me, after you start looking at geocoin prices (and you see what's inside most caches today), they're not practical swag.

Pins in micro/small caches are a good idea !

Many folks into the hobby rarely take swag, but often leave something.

Edited July 8, 2015 by cerberus1

[+Touchstone]

A unique pin like you describe sounds pretty cool, although there's nothing wrong with McToys either. Geocoins can get pretty expensive in a hurry, and I don't know of anyone that trades that type of swag on a regular basis. Most of the stuff I enjoy finding is of the homemade variety.

 

Whatever you choose, the object is to have fun. Welcome!

[+cerberus1]

Small things from the dollar store often become more popular than pricey items.

One year we bought out an entire lot of real bug keychains (bug inside lucite).

Kids grabbed 'em all.

Edited July 8, 2015 by cerberus1

[+K13]

I LOVE the fact that you are concerned about trading swag. Your idea of pins is great, and I would be blessed to find a cache with something like that inside for trade. You clearly have grasped the 'Trade Up or Trade Even' ethic of Geocaching.

 

What I've experienced with my caches is that new cachers don't exchange, they simply TAKE. I recently checked on two of my caches, and each one contained only a few of the items I had placed therein last fall. No new items were in the caches, only a few of the things I had placed there. Most (like upwards of 80%) of the finders of these caches in that time frame have had fewer than 20 finds. It is a pity that there isn't a better "Geocaching Ethics" or instruction listed on the Intro App, so these new cachers would know to 'Trade Up, or Trade Even', etc.

 

I'm not intending to bash new cachers for their lack of knowledge of the Guidelines. I totally blame Ground$peak for this. They want more members/users, whether these new folks know anything about the hobby or not.

Edited July 8, 2015 by K13

[+bennycams]

Thanks for the replies!

 

I'm glad to hear that my pin idea is a good one! Since it was for charity, I donated enough for an extra of this particular pin, and thought this would be a great way to share it. Looking at the topic in another area on favorite items found, I also learned that people seem to like Lego mini-figures, and since I collect those, I hope to share those as well. I also liked the idea of portable bug spray, but that might be because my first geocache hunt will be in the woods. The dollar store idea is great, too! I'll have to keep that in mind for future swag items.

 

And, even though I just signed up, geocaching is something I've been thinking of doing for awhile, so I've learned quite a bit about it. Even if I hadn't, my code of ethics wouldn't have me taking something from a cache without leaving something in its place. To me, it would ruin the fun to find a cache empty when the description doesn't specify it only has a log book & pencil, so I wouldn't leave one in that condition for others. If I had nothing to replace the existing swag with, I wouldn't take the swag.

 

As you all have said, the purpose is to have fun, and it's the hunt aspect of the hobby that interested me, not what I might find within the cache. Still, I'd like to be prepared, even if I just end up signing the log book.

[+Touchstone]

I also liked the idea of portable bug spray...

 

Are you thinking of cerberus1's mention of bug keychains trade items above, or from some other thread? Generally speaking, sprays and lotions are not considered a great trade item, as the scent attracts critters that chew into the containers. Just a word of caution.

[+bennycams]

The bug spray idea was in a different thread (though, I really love the bug keychain suggestion that cerberus1 had, and will be on the lookout for something like that my next trip to the dollar store). According to the site, the caches near where I'll be this weekend would be too small for a travel size thing of bug spray (or maybe it was bug wipes, I can't remember), but I'll keep your words in mind for future caches, as I hadn't thought of that. I know any food or snack items are a bad idea, for the same reason you gave for the bug spray.

[+Team HurriKane]

I had also wondered about the sort of things that should be placed for exchange. We've got about 70 under our belt now so we're a little more familiar with some of the exchange items. Some ideas I've seen are bubbles, magnets, novelty erasers, laminated recipes, plastic army figurines, beer bottle tops ? (my kids weren't impressed!), coins - foreign or aussie. We've got a bag of trashies to use as our swaps (little rubber figurine things that kids seem to like). Hopefully that gives you some ideas. Mostly the kids just like to see what's in there & will often just add a trashie without swapping it for anything.

[+cerberus1]

Please don't put bubbles in a cache unless you know it's getting grabbed that day.

They make a horrible mess in containers during season changes.

[+GoBucks32]

Bennycams welcome to Geocaching.

 

I like the idea of leaving swag. I know the swag can tend to be cheap items you see at dollar store, but I really like the idea of slightly better quality or homemade items. I have been seeing the survival bracelets (made of paracord) , so i want to learn to make them has swag to leave in a cache. I hear about cachers leaving items specific to that cacher something they leave letting you know they were there. I think the paracord items (bracelets, keychains etc) could be an item personalized for that purpose.

 

I do like the idea of going to a bigger cache to see what cool things you might find. I havent ever taken anything because I havent had anything to trade. I like finding Trackables to see where they have been or going to.

 

[+Tassie_Boy]

Please don't put bubbles in a cache unless you know it's getting grabbed that day.

They make a horrible mess in containers during season changes.

 

That of course depends of the area the and how stable the climate is. I think anything to do with caches including the containers themselves must take into account the local climate.

[+FourFunKiwis]

We cache with kids, and so swag is a pretty big part of the game for them. We always have marbles, beaded keychains and loom band bracelets on hand, and then little medals and party pack type toys and items of stationary (erasers as opposed to paper etc). The kids will take what they collect, but always upgrade a cache whether they take or not.

[+Ben0w]

Recently I stocked up my cache bag with:

• emergency rain ponchos

• coloured keychain carabiners

• handful of "wood geocoins" as signature items (small slices of wood, laser branded with individual design: my avatar)

 

Each worth around 0.5-1 EUR. The wooden geocoins are a gift.

[+jellis]

Carry zip bags so when you drop the swag in a cache that they don't get wet or dirty because of some containers may leak or get opened during rainy seasons.

You may also read what is not appropriate. I keep finding food in caches. Even if they are shrinked wrapped or canned.

I also find knives, bullets, pellets for pellet guns. I recently found a lure with the hooks still on. cigarettes, matches, personal hygiene products.

Lame stuff from lame cachers: rocks (they find nearby), bottle caps, keys, business cards (ones not being used to log the cache)

As some mentioned it is always good to find things created, also good batteries (not dead ones), hand sanitizers or single use hand wipes, sewing kits.

Sometimes I swap items in one container I found in another.

[+jellis]

Boy I was throttled, Odd.

Edited July 16, 2015 by jellis

[+jellis]

Please don't put bubbles in a cache unless you know it's getting grabbed that day.

They make a horrible mess in containers during season changes.

 

That of course depends of the area the and how stable the climate is. I think anything to do with caches including the containers themselves must take into account the local climate.

Or as I mentioned, put them in zip lock baggies.

[+WilliamGray]

If there is enough room, and it looks like an active cache, I leave glow sticks or flashlights.

[+TeamRabbitRun]

Please don't put bubbles in a cache unless you know it's getting grabbed that day.

They make a horrible mess in containers during season changes.

 

That of course depends of the area the and how stable the climate is. I think anything to do with caches including the containers themselves must take into account the local climate.

Or as I mentioned, put them in zip lock baggies.

 

Please don't leave bubbles or any other liquid or squeezy-tube item, even if your climate is stable.

 

You can't control how the next kid loosens the lid, then puts it back, or how a bottle or tube will get crushed or punctured by some other item.

 

Even in a plastic bag, just don't.

[+CV Kurt]

I'm in the process of making my hide... for swag I'm going to include some pre-Euro European coins I have laying about... what could be more coin sized than actual coins? :-)

Other things I'm considering, all relatively small: stickers/temp-tatoos, dice (cubic and other), marbles, and glass "gems".

[+K13]

I'm in the process of making my hide... for swag I'm going to include some pre-Euro European coins I have laying about... what could be more coin sized than actual coins? :-)

Other things I'm considering, all relatively small: stickers/temp-tatoos, dice (cubic and other), marbles, and glass "gems".

 

It sounds like you have a great bit of stuff, that should satisfy whomever finds your cache.

[+justintim1999]

Thanks for the replies!

 

I'm glad to hear that my pin idea is a good one! Since it was for charity, I donated enough for an extra of this particular pin, and thought this would be a great way to share it. Looking at the topic in another area on favorite items found, I also learned that people seem to like Lego mini-figures, and since I collect those, I hope to share those as well. I also liked the idea of portable bug spray, but that might be because my first geocache hunt will be in the woods. The dollar store idea is great, too! I'll have to keep that in mind for future swag items.

 

And, even though I just signed up, geocaching is something I've been thinking of doing for awhile, so I've learned quite a bit about it. Even if I hadn't, my code of ethics wouldn't have me taking something from a cache without leaving something in its place. To me, it would ruin the fun to find a cache empty when the description doesn't specify it only has a log book & pencil, so I wouldn't leave one in that condition for others. If I had nothing to replace the existing swag with, I wouldn't take the swag.

 

As you all have said, the purpose is to have fun, and it's the hunt aspect of the hobby that interested me, not what I might find within the cache. Still, I'd like to be prepared, even if I just end up signing the log book.

 

We have a little thrift store in our town where people can donate things and they are sold to help support the local food kitchen and food pantry. I've walked out of there with bags of cool swag item for less than 5 bucks. I love the idea of upgrading your swag and helping a local charity at the same time.

 

You have the right mind set to be a good cacher. If you stick with the game (and I hope you will) you'd probably be a great cache owner.

[+Midnight Storm Cachers]

It's so refreshing to see others interested in leaving interesting, fun, and unique items in caches. Thanks to everyone who puts in an effort to keep the game interesting with exciting caches and interesting swag. Personally, I'm usually excited to see items that really reflect their owners. I will usually trade out for things such as cards or wooden nickels with personal logos, bottle caps with logos epoxied inside, or personal geocoins and pathtags. That being said, I am still working on a neat design for myself, so I don't have that to trade yet. Instead, I like to go to the bank and get neat-looking foreign currency (the bank will do an exchange for just about anything I can look up). I also use colored mini-carabiners, small dollar store items for kid-focused caches, and cache-appropriate items for more challenging caches (such as adventure items or Where's George bills for mountain hikes, or something that fits with the cache name or idea). That mostly works well since I usually plan my cache trips (no smartphone), and so I know what I'll be exploring in the area. The Army Surplus Store has bins of nice patches and pins, and if you like to support your favorite National Park or Forest, they sell patches and small items as well. Frequently I'll move items between caches, or refill an empty cache from my bag. I generally try and carry extra logs, containers, and ziplock bags to replace missing parts, but I keep forgetting to pick up some extra writing sticks...

 

I've seen everything from books and McToys to old coins and

At any rate, there's my two cents... they have no trade value though!

 

Happy Hunting!

Midnight Storm Cachers

[spyro#78]

I spent Saturday morning having my kids clear out their old toys, lego, cars, bikes, Yesterday afternoon we went out and found a few caches for the first time, my plan is to get some of these old toys together and as we find caches put something in for the next person, at the same time trying to teach my children its better to give than recieve

[+MEintheME]

My kids have often been disappointed at the quality of trade items, especially in U.S. Caches. we take along some nice items and I let them choose what to trade. We traded coins from one of our other homes, as it were, for Dollar Tree type items. We also carry along some hand-embroidered embroidered cushion key chains. small Tom tom drum key chains, and I picked up some small Native American pouches/purses. We like to bring nice items and often here around home we find small stuffed animals and other great items...

[Greenwolfkate]

Hi. New to geocaching here. Got into this about a week ago, and I've grabbed small knickknacks that I've had for years that's started to cause clutter. Mostly small toys and tiny collectibles. Some of the things that I have in my bag and have traded:

-Pretty Marbles

-Disney toys (hula lilo)

-small beanie toys of various animals including amphibians and reptiles

-A small keychain book that has translations of various words into different languages

-Dolphin bookmark

-keychains

-Shaped Erasers

-Small figures

 

Sadly the caches where I live aren't very swag friendly or don't have much quality swag in them. So I've left a few different things in the bigger ones that I know have had families go to. (One had basically only like regular business cards or coupons that were for out of town places/expired and a medium sized silica gel bag not sure if the CO put it there or someone thought it was a good trade)