It looks like some packages are already starting to roll in, so I've established a flickr photo pool to share pictures of our swap goodies. Please photograph the treats you received in the mail and post your pictures to the group. I only ask that in your photo description you include who the package was from and their blog/web address (if they have one). I think this should work and it avoids having me juggle all the pictures via email. If you don't have a flickr account, you can sign up for free account here.

Join the group pool here.

I forgot to post this help from Blair on how to put the miniswap button on your blog. These directions are based on typepad. If you're still having trouble, let me know and I think I can send you the HTML code.
Thanks for this Blair!!

For typepad users:
Go to the Control Panel section of your weblog and click on Files

Upload the mini-swap button as a new file (I just dragged it from your 
pg onto my MAC desktop pulled it from there.)

Click on the file to get its URL code  (Copy this to paste later)

Go to an existing typelist or create a new one, then add this as a new 
item

Fill in the link title with <img src="(put your filename here)"

Fill in the link URL with http://mommycoddle.typepad.com

This should put the button on the webpage with a link back to you.

  That should do it.

Thanks to everyone who has signed up so far for the miniswap and for all your enthusiasm. I've really enjoyed peeking at everyone's blogs and websites. I can only imagine the kinds of treats our children will be receiving in the mail. And I think one of the neatest things is that the swappers are from all over the world!! I am going to try to get together a frappr map for everyone to sign, so we can see where everything is coming from.

We have now jumped over the 50 participants mark, so I'm going to close signups at the end of today. I am staying on top of replying to everyone's emails and adding them to an email list for communication. But please be sure to send an email to the mini swap address that is in the first post, instead of just leaving a comment.

I forgot to mention that I'd like to put together a flickr gallery at the end of the swapping, so I'm hoping everyone has the resources to do this? If you don't have one already, flickr accounts are free and easy to set up. Otherwise, if all else fails, I guess you could email a digital photo to me....

Also, some of you signed up your little ones. Once partners are passed out, you might want to contact them with ideas for your child. Or perhaps the package could also include some activities to use as your child gets a little older...just thinking out loud on this one.....

And finally, here is the HTML code if you want to include a button on your blog...I think this should work if you copy and paste it into one of your lists...blair, help me on this one??

<a target=_top HREF="http://mommycoddle.typepad.com/"> <img
src="http://static.flickr.com/26/90925396_2eba8ddfb2_t.jpg" border="0"></A>

Once the signups close tonight, I hope to have names swapped by the end of the weekend (as long as my girls keep taking these great afternoon naps).

Looking forward to the swap and seeing all the wonderful packages from your talented families.

NEXT MINISWAP coming late summer/early fall....

(Sorry, swap is closed. There's been a great response. Hope to have partners out to you asap!)
Two things that I know (I know a little more than two, but anyhow):
1. I love swaps
2. My children LOVE getting/sending mail.

Since before the holidays, I have been toying around with the idea of putting together a swap among our children. I know how much my girls love to get special packages in the mail and not a day goes by that Emma isn't sitting at her desk writing letters to family and friends. So I thought it would be a blast to put the two together.
This is the first swap that I have put together, so bear with me if I miss some details or leave things out, but here's the plan: (thank you blair for talking through all this with me!)

• We are keeping the swap within a broad theme "To brighten the winter(rainy day) Blues"
• There is no age limit for the children that partcipate, however the idea is to have your children be included in the creating of swap goodies.
• We will swap by household. Keep in mind you may only include one child, but you might have to create a swap package for a home with three children. You do not necessarily have to create a package three times as big, just include a little something for each child and things to share.
• Do your best to keep all things "handmade or hand-me-down". You might go out and purchase a few small things or treats, obviously, but do your best to keep the majority of things within the H & H category.
• You need to be willing to ship overseas, so that anyone can be involved.
• Some random ideas of things to include: drawings, paintings, stickers, activity boxes, small trinkets, a zipper bag of art supplies, a pair of mittens or softie, directions and supplies for an art activity, a small handed down toy, glitter and pompoms, a postcard(or little map) of where you live (can we all include one of these?)
• Goal is to ship by February 25th, so that packages will be received around the last week of February to beginning of March.
• Interested??: email me: miniswap (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
• Include your name, the names and ages of your children that will participate and your shipping address.
• Once I see the interest that's out there, I will close the sign ups and randomly swap households.

Suggestions, more ideas, questions...send me an email or leave a comment!! And please pass it on, so we can get lots involved!