A few weeks ago, Caitlin had the brilliant idea to host a gift swap. But not just any gift swap: a gift swap centered around the cheap, touristy, kitschy stuff from around where you live. Seeing as Austin in particular and Texas in general is chock full of that kind of thing, this seemed like a breeze on my end. Plus I’d get paired with someone from some other part of the country, and get a bunch of random, possibly fascinating slices of localized culture in return. Needless to say, I signed up.
I was paired up with Ashley, who lives in Florida. She’s a graphic designer, too. And also has an adorable pit mix. So, well done on the pairing up, Caitlin! Ashley and I exchanged emails and shipping addresses, and got to work putting together our boxes of kitsch. You can see what I sent her over on her Instagram feed.
Here is what she sent me:
Contents: Some gator-themed French Vanilla coffee and hot sauce; citrus-themed soap, mini bowl, and piercer/sipper gadget; some pin-up style postcards from the museum she works at; flamingo-shaped chopsticks; and a Native American ghost beads necklace.
Great stuff, right?! And oh-so-very Florida. I especially love the long necklace and the postcards and the bowl. I’m going to have to hand over the chopsticks (I’m hopeless with the things!) and the hot sauce to the boy, and I’m sure he’ll appreciate them.
Overall, a very fun swap. Thank you, Ashley! 😀
What kind of kitsch is common where you live?
6 comments
Yay! I’m glad you like the things I sent! The chopsticks are kind of like the kiddie ones with the rubber band – you use them with the flamingo attached. And, if you don’t like sushi, oh well! I thought it was funny that we sent each other hot sauce and neither of us likes it. My husband will definitely use it up though! I wondered if the citrus sipper would even work, but they sell those everywhere here. You’ll have to let me know if you try it out. I’m glad we got to meet each other through the swap! 🙂
I did, thank you! And that is funny about the hot sauce. I’ll let you know on the citrus sipper. 😀
That sounds like such a neat swap and those flamingo chopsticks are adorable. I also love the stuff you put together for her -especially the pretty mug! Nothing beats a good surprise in the mail 🙂
I agree! Fun surprise things in the mail are the best. 🙂
What a fun idea.
It was! Props to Caitlin for thinking of it. 🙂