We - myself and the boys - signed up for our first kid-oriented swap: Mollycoddle's miniswap. As a self-appointed crafty mama, I was excited to participate in a swap with my son, thinking it would be fun to put together a package for another family, including, naturally, lovingly handmade goodies from us! Well, I didn't live up to my own expectations and instead of making things we sent some (cute and fun) bought and gently used items (per the guidelines). In return we received some wonderful handmade items from the Cardillos. The boys were so excited to open their package, but I waited anxiously to see what they received. Fortunately for them, they were thrilled, but as soon as everything was unveiled I was overwhelmed with swap guilt. I posted previously about swap stress, but this was OVERWHELMING, full-on, perfectionist-driven guilt!
Look at all the wonderful handmade things that were sent our way!
Missing from the pictures are the other thoughtful and wonderful items included: Batman and Superman action figures, a wonderful story/song from Massimo, a pirate map showing where they live and tea for me!
What we sent (click on picture for notes):
The dilemna facing me now is do I re-swap? Has anyone done this? I'm sure that Eleonor and Massimo probably liked what we sent, but I feel like I failed at this swap and I want a DO OVER! So, I'm thinking of putting together a new package, small, but personal, since I am, after all, a neurotic, but sometimes lazy, perfectionist! Keep in mind, it's not about comparing or competing, but rather about following through on what you intended to do. Personal expectations and all. . .
Any thoughts? You can weigh in anonymously if you want!
1 comment:
I did the first round of miniswap and admit I was disappointed by what we received (and many months late too!), my daughter was happy so that's all that counts. But I also felt like all our handmade offerings ALL made by me and my daughter didn't live up to all the perfection other moms made up themselves and sent on to each other...I think it is impossible not to compare and feel badly.
What you sent looks like it would be well loved by my kids:-) I wouldn't worry about it (well I would;-) but I don't think you should!
You can always make something small and just send it on saying it was your intention, cause it was...
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