+lmcgisme Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 I'm new to geocaching with < 30 finds, and have been reading the forums trying to learn the ropes. I keep seeing threads complaining about junk or just toys in a cache, but not suggestions of good stuff to leave. I wanted to restock my trade items and so stopped at a dollar store last night. I was able to pick up lots of stuff for kids, but I'd like to have some adult swag, too. It seemed like anything I thought an adult might like was not kid safe. So my question is, what inexpensive , kid safe, adult type thing would you like to find in cache? I want decent items to trade, but not break the bank doing it. Thanks. Quote Link to comment
+Frodo13 Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 We found a local chain drugstore (CVS) that had colored mini-carabineers 3/$1 and matching aluminum rescue whistles for the same 3/$1. We bought 30 bucks worth. I am also lucky enough to had a dad who’s hobby is making 2 ¼” custom buttons so we made our own button and attached the biner and whistle as our signature swag for caches around here. Really anything that you might enjoy as a trade item is fine. If it’s something you would pass over, then maybe you should think of another item. Discount stores and Dollar stores are always a good starting place. Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 At a local 99-Cent store, they had a whistle/carabiner keychain combo for only $.99. Those are always popular items in a cache. Small LED flashlight keychains are handy. Target had some $1.00 First Aid kits for a while. Their "One Spot" sometimes has a good selection of stuff for only $1.00. Quote Link to comment
+Teamhawaii1981 & blueicyrose Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 Wal-Mart always has cool stuff for cheap: compasses; first aid kits; watches; etc... Go to flea markets always have cheap swag: collectors items; baseball card lots; etc... Quote Link to comment
+lmcgisme Posted September 29, 2005 Author Share Posted September 29, 2005 Wow, thanks for the quick responses! I wish I could have found the mini carbiners and whistles at the dollar store. I did pick up a couple mini carbiners at Walmart, but not at that good a deal. I also picked up some packages of fishing bobbers - lots of lakes and rivers around me. I'll have to check out Target - there are a couple in town, both both are out of my way so I never get there, but if they have a "One Spot" I'll have to check them out. The flashlight keychains & first aid kits sound cool, I'll have to keep an eye out for them. Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 If your looking for carabieners try Home Depot, they usually have a bucket of them by the cash registers and they are a dollar a piece. Quote Link to comment
+Mudinyeri Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 Hmmm, how about something along these lines Or go here and see more options Quote Link to comment
+teepeeayy Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Try a Five Below, good kid and adult stuff. Quote Link to comment
the Kayakers Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 I found some great swag at Target. They have a dollar section near the entrance, and the selection changes quite frequently. The day I was there they had carabiners (3 in a package), whistles, and compasses. Cori Quote Link to comment
+entropysedge Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 (edited) Just did a restocking run on a cache I just adopted GC4AA4, Stopped by the dollar store and picked up a couple of toy bikers, some polishing cloths, roll of duct tape and a couple of other items that worked with the cache theme, spending about $10. Cleaned out a bunch of junk drawer crap that I round filed upon reaching home. Edited September 30, 2005 by entropysedge Quote Link to comment
+prairieview_IL Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Staples has calculator keychains for $1 (they really work). Before we started having signature buttons and wooden nickels made, my sig item was Mardi Gras doubloons (New Orleans being one of my favorite vacation spots, at least it used to be before it drowned). You can buy bags of them on eBay and they won't rust or get moldy in wet caches and they will fit in relatively small caches, I still keep them on hand and leave them in caches I really like. The camping sections of discount stores have compasses, mini flashlights etc. on sale sometimes really cheap. My sister leaves Livestrong bracelets, they are very popular and cost $1 apiece, you can buy large quantities on their website (another item that won't mildew or rust). Quote Link to comment
+webscouter. Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Most autoparts stores in our area have dollar stuff under the front counters. Mini screwdrivers, carabiners, etc. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Here is a partial list of things I've left in caches. Many are under a buck and most are under $3: Small US flags US flag pins modeling clay carabiners Energizer squeeze lights stickers bags of toy soldiers water colors mini screwdriver sets allen wrench sets gel pens boxes of crayons or colored chalk emergency rain ponchos packs of AA and AAA batteries collectable coins (buffalo nickels, indian head pennies, SBA or Sacagawea dollars) foreign money music CD's blank RW CD's cassettes (blank and recorded) calculators clip on safety strobes bungee cords LED key lights "euro" stickers & other decals travel sewing kits maps (hiking & road) software small puzzles travel packs of Wet Ones or Baby Wipes Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars key rings bags of balloons velcro fasteners interesting buttons and pins padlocks rolls of film small travel bottles of hand sanitizer lighters kazoos small bags of Hefty Handi Sacks several kinds of compasses (round pin on ones are a favorite) movies on VHS & DVD office supplies (packs of paper clips, thumb tacks, Post-Its, etc...) Mylar emergency blankets fire starters decks of cards new wallets bags of marbles folding scissors small travel bottles of Lubriderm hand cream individual packs of Armor-All & Rain-X wipes survival whistles packets of insect repellent wipes or small spray bottles of Repel Wheresgeorge bills and stamps Geocaching.com hats, pins and patches. Quote Link to comment
+lmcgisme Posted September 30, 2005 Author Share Posted September 30, 2005 Thanks for all the great ideas! I'll definitely have to check out Target, but what's a "Five Below"? If its a store we don't have any around here. When I was browsing at the dollar store I considered a set of small screwdrivers, other tools, a sewing kit, etc., but decided that they weren't "kid friendly". I noticed that those types of things were suggested as trade items. Am I going way overboard with my kid friendly standards? My kids are both grown up, so I don't have little ones along to remind me what they're like. Would anyone who caches with a young child like to comment about how kid friendly they'd like trade items? As long as its not matches, lighters, or knives it's ok, or should I be more careful & rule out things like screwdrivers too? Quote Link to comment
Team Firebird Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 You should leave some pens/pencils. Everybody knows that cache owners have a hard time keeping their pencils restocked. I am guilty of that myself Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Tools from the dollar store - I have left pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches. $1 Calculators from Wal-Mart, small flashlights. I used to leave rolls of duct tape that costs me about $1.10. Emergency blankets. Whistles. Books. Books on tape (on sale for $1 ea). Deck of cards. etc....... .......and just why can't adults swap with the kid's toys? Quote Link to comment
+the hermit crabs Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Hand-warmers in the winter; mesh mosquito head-nets in the summer. Quote Link to comment
+suz55tbird Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Thanks for asking an important question! I like the "Trade Up, Trade Equal, or Don't Trade" motto, and usually spend 50 cents to $1 on stuff I leave. And, believe me, that's real money considering what I generally FIND in caches (real junk)!!! Here's my list of favorite things to leave: anything about geocaching (tattoos, or pins), decks of cards (esp. Rt. 66 cards because of where I live), bandanas from Wal-Mart (packed in 2's, come out to 88 cents each), Sacagawea dollars (I'm a Girl Scout), the keychain calculators from Staples are great, big nice seashells (I live in the desert, and figure some would get a real kick out of finding these--for the same reason, never crayons; they melt!) foreign stamps for micros (which I don't like, because I like to swap stuff!). If there's really nothing I'd like or if the cache was a disappointment in some way, I generally TNLNSL. Quote Link to comment
+lmcgisme Posted September 30, 2005 Author Share Posted September 30, 2005 Thanks for more great ideas I'm keeping a list of the different suggestions for future reference. I too like the "Trade Up, Trade Even, or Don't Trade" motto. Quote Link to comment
+Sommers Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 How bout crack? it is cheap and plenty full and guerentees alot of lookers (well, repeaters anyway) JOKING relax all. Quote Link to comment
+cantuland Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 I have left miscellaneous stuff but the item that seems to leave on the next log is a deck of cards. I take the outside clear plastic off and sign my geocaching userid on the outside of the box with a waterproof pen, ball-point. I don't break the seal on the flap so that the box is still "new". I guess the signature makes it some kind of a collector's item. cantuland Quote Link to comment
+Rick618 Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 I dont think you should worry too much about the kid friendly status of a screwdriver, sure beats a broken Mc-toy. I too have found the chain auto stores to be a great stop for some swag, all sorts of odds and ends for $1. I've found personal-sized Cutter bug spray at walmart for .88 and that makes a great trade item. Quote Link to comment
+Airmapper Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 I'd like to see more grown -up type stuff in caches. Toys are great for the kids, but a lot of cachers would like to trade stuff like tools and camping stuff. I been looking at this thread as well for ideas on what to put in my future caches. Got some great ideas in here. Quote Link to comment
57chevy Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 I came across some trade beads when I first started caching, and decided to put together some for a signature item. I like using these when I don't actually trade but still want to leave something. You can pick beads up in bulk pretty cheap in several different stores. I kinda like seeing the different variety people use. I would think they would be kid friendly enough. Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 On my first FTF, there were some trade beads in the ammo can. That is what I took as my "prize." They are very cool . . . Quote Link to comment
+Lacrosse Fox Posted October 2, 2005 Share Posted October 2, 2005 Check dollar stores. they have some great swag for all things geocaching. its a great place for cheap but ok things and even cache containers. Quote Link to comment
Team WorldPeaceTurtle Posted October 4, 2005 Share Posted October 4, 2005 (edited) I'm a bargain hunter by nature, so I usually SPEND around a dollar or two on swag items. Usually the actual value is a bit more (I scour clearance racks at Target!). One of my favorite things to leave was a new package of "catch-a-bubbles" - stronger than the average soap bubbles so you have more playability. Plus I liked the pun (cache-a-bubbles?). Dropped them in a cache on the way into a park, passed that spot again on the way out and saw some other cachers whose group included a kid, happily enjoying the bubbles Edit: I know I know, bubbles ARE toys, but I would have taken them too! Also have been known to leave smaller items including pocket packs of Kleenex, single-pack wet wipes, and bug repellant wipes. Edited October 4, 2005 by Team WorldPeaceTurtle Quote Link to comment
+Team Milbrandt Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I found some small fm radios, rain ponchos, and some 6" flashlights for a $1 each at walmart. Clearance racks are always nice! Quote Link to comment
hide & seekers Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I get bandanas from Hobby Lobby when they're on sale -- 88 cents regular price, I get them half off. My geocaching dog wears one so I figure some humans and other dogs might like one. Those always go in a ziplock bag. I also make I Love Geocaching bracelets from supplies I get at Hobby Lobby. Not sure what the cost is but it's probably under $1 each. Does take some time to make but I enjoy it. Quote Link to comment
+suz55tbird Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I wiped out my local Walgreen's the other day when I found decks of playing cards on their Clearance counter for 24 cents each! The cashier at the pharmacy wondered why I was buying 50 decks of cards, so I gave her a geocaching brochure and explained swag. She asked if you could put religious stuff in caches...what would you have answered??? Quote Link to comment
+TeamToro Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 The local Walmart had small bottles of hand sanitizer lotion for $.99. I know several times where that would have been nice to have. Quote Link to comment
+wandererrob Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I was at a flea market where a guy was selling carabiner flashlights for a buck a piece. I bought one as a keychain and am now kicking myself for not cleaning him out! Quote Link to comment
+Thrak Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I've been meaning to check the local coin shop. Old coins such as Buffalo Nickels and Indian Head Pennies are things that many folks love to find. I picked up a 1905 Indian Head Penny a couple weeks ago in a cache and loved it. The thing is probably only worth maybe $0.75 but you just don't see them anymore. Sooo.... I've been wondering if there might be a supply of stuff like that for $1 or less that I could buy and use as swag. Not sure I could bring myself to leave it though. Quote Link to comment
+humanloofa Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 I too am a fan of the dollar store, I get lots of the dinsaur sponge capsule you sak in watter to make them grow, they fit nice in the smaller caches. For the bigger one cards, small animal puzzles, and Matchbox cars seem to go over good. Around camsites I like to leave uno or similar card games so people have something to do at night. Quote Link to comment
+knlcox Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I think the idea of a relatively tough hike and find, kind of like adults only, and having some things worth finding is cool. The kids enjoy little plastic toys, but after climbing hills, rocks, mountains... it be nice to be a little better rewarded. Don't take this as a huge complaint, I'm a newbie and I'm definately going after all the caches I can find. But check this cache out near Napa, CA. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...b1-bab35f7dbabc Quote Link to comment
bogleman Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I have left some small trinkets turned on my wood lathe. Just screw an eye hook on one end and someone will attatch to their key chain. I also just finished making a bunch of throw tops (the kind you have to wrap the string around). They would be nice for kids or sitting on your treasure shelf. Cheap (scrap wood) and easy to make and look really nice when finished. Quote Link to comment
+ghost9mm Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 (edited) Since my wife is a two time cancer surviver, we can get 20 adult yellow Lance Armstrong cancer support bracelets from ebay for less then 20.00 bucks we leave them as our sig.and all goes for a good cause... Edited October 17, 2005 by ghost9mm Quote Link to comment
+Bear Paughs Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 October is fight against breast cancer month, and Target has many items for $1 apiece, with all proceeds going toward cancer research. I picked up a bunch of bracelets, sets of 3 charms, and playing cards. I haven't had a chance to place them in caches yet, as the ground is too soft since it's been raining since the 7th! Quote Link to comment
+TandGG Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 orientaltradingcompany.com Quote Link to comment
+GSVNoFixedAbode Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I've picked up a few of those Emergency Survival blankets - mylar foil - for a couple of dollars and will be stocking a few caches with them. Best find so far: 15 pencil sharpeners at 5 cents each! Normally they're between 50 and 90 cents! Quote Link to comment
+Fergus Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I perfer hand made items. I have been making chainmail armor for years so, I leave chainmail balls when I find a cache. They take me about a half hour to make and do not cost much. Quote Link to comment
+sTeamTraen Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 When I have no imagination (which is most of the time), I look for specials on AA alkaline batteries. These combine being universally useful (if someone takes them, they probably won't place them in the next cache) with being, potentially, immediately useful. Quote Link to comment
+Isonzo Karst Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 (edited) ghost9mm, If you're buying LIVESTRONG bracelets for less than $1 apiece they're probably rip offs with no money going to the foundation. LAF will sell them directly to you LIVESTRONG. They don't discount no matter how many you purchase - you can only save on shipping - so if you're buying them for uner $1, they aren't genuine. Edited October 17, 2005 by Isonzo Karst Quote Link to comment
+jlday70 Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I have thought of this recently even though I am fairly new to the hobby. I think for the adults Sig items are interesting, but I have left in the past Mini Glow sticks, and carabiners. Quote Link to comment
+jacobsen1 Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 Since my wife is a two time cancer surviver, we can get 20 adult yellow Lance Armstrong cancer support bracelets from ebay for less then 20.00 bucks we leave them as our sig.and all goes for a good cause... As Isonzo Karst if they are under a buck they are probably fake or someone who bought WAY too many and is selling them to get $ back... I would NEVER buy livestrong bands from ebay though because even if they are real it's someone trying to profit off the popularity of something that is supposed to support cancer. I know most of the sellers say it's to help them, but I'm doubtfull... But them from LAF, then you know they are real and they are going to the cause. My Dad had cancer, so everyone in our family has them too... I love them, but just hate to see bad people profiting from them... Ben Quote Link to comment
+treedweller Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I don't mean to spoil the fun, but here's something to think about (and some will find it fun, to boot): http://www.jibjab.com/Movies/BoxMart.aspx I like the idea of turning key fobs and tops, or otherwise making treasure out of trash. I like the idea of leaving collectible coins. I don't much like the idea of sending $ and jobs to China. my $.02 treedweller Quote Link to comment
fangirlbob Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 I like to make my own hair scrunchies, and a quarter yard of fabric will make between 8 and 13, so I have a bunch of extras. I placed some in a cache, and a log after my visit, there they went. I feel so loved. Quote Link to comment
+BadAndy Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 mercury dimes, liberty quarters, old coins in general can be found on ebay. They're usually about a buck or less each, make great swag, and don't take up much room in your swagbag. Unleaned roman coins can also be had on the cheap from ebay. Put them in a tiny ziplock with cleaning instructions and you got some real treasure. Quote Link to comment
+ghost9mm Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 (edited) ghost9mm, If you're buying LIVESTRONG bracelets for less than $1 apiece they're probably rip offs with no money going to the foundation. LAF will sell them directly to youLIVESTRONG. They don't discount no matter how many you purchase - you can only save on shipping - so if you're buying them for uner $1, they aren't genuine. Well you got me to be somewhat curious about what I posted about the lance Armstrong (Livestrong)bracelets that I bought off ebay, less then a dollar... not much less but still less...and since my wife is a two time surviver of cancer and since I am retired and have lots of time on my hands, I contacted the Lance Armstrong foundation at www.laf.org got a phone number and talked to a real nice lady that said. They do not sell Lance Armstrong cancer support bracelets for (less)then $1.00 dollar But what people do with them after they buy them is up to them. and there are lots of them for sale on ebay and there are so many out there now the sellers on ebay are starting the price below their costs,so it is a very good chance you could get some after market bracelets. It is a buyer beware on anything on ebay... Before you buy investigate the seller.Very easy to do.. and then I ordered 25 more bracelet from the young lady... Edited October 18, 2005 by ghost9mm Quote Link to comment
+Bill & Tammy Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 Wal-Mart always has cool stuff for cheap: compasses; first aid kits; watches; etc... Go to flea markets always have cheap swag: collectors items; baseball card lots; etc... My wife has been picking up mini scrap book kits for under a $1 at "Wallyworld" too, I even used one on a TB I put together. Quote Link to comment
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