Adult Swag?

1.3k · January 7, 2006

I find I've aquired more than "plenty" of swag aimed at kids, but just recently felt that I needed to trade something more geared toward adults, but didn't have anything with me.

I'd like to stock up on some stuff that adults would enjoy finding... What do you suggest?

(New GPS, Cars, $100 Bills are all nice, but I haven't hit the lottery. YET! )

D-man

January 7, 2006

I like to find clamps, levels, tools, zippie ties, orange tape....

January 8, 2006

2 packs of AA's, mini flashlights, small packets of sunscreen or bug repellent, unregistered travel bug tags are a few that I have heard of.

1k · January 8, 2006

Mini First Aid Kit, Afterbite, key chain (or zipper pull) compass or thermometer, carabiners (various sizes)...anything that's useful by a wide variety of people who enjoy being outdoors!

38.2k · January 8, 2006

Fishing lures

mini screwdriver sets

insect repellent wipes

Armor All wipes

Energizer squeeze lights

small compasses

AA batteries

books

small Lock n Lock containers

flag decals and stickers

playing cards

useful hardware or tools

blank R/W CDs

rolls of film

collectible coins (foreign, mercury dimes, buffalo nickels, Indian head pennies)

Sharpie pens

Office supplies like packs of Post It notes, push pins and paper clips

pocket dictionaries

small cans of WD40

Euro stickers

January 8, 2006

Like the list of Briansnat. We just put together a cache kit for a friend that is just starting out. Went down the hardware lane at ###Mart, and picked up screwdriver kits, power adapters (3-to-2 plug), carabiner keychains, small calculators (good for puzzle caches), etc.. in addition to the plastic & superballs for kids.

January 8, 2006

I like nice keychains (something geared towards the area you're in is nice!), patches/badges, OFF wipes, small first aid kits (saw some for $1.99 at a drug store recently), 'nostalgic' toys in good condition, wallets, and unusual or foreign coins.

Not sure if other adults will agree but personally I like to find beanie babies or plush Mcdonalds-type toys such as Neopets (well, I collect the latter...)

You could always include things that a cacher might find useful while geocaching such as nice pens, waterproof pencils, small/waterproof notepads, CITO bags, flexible water bottles, etc...

I've bought a lot of pet-related swag to place in caches which I hope will be well-recieved. Haven't had a chance to trade much yet. Such as- cute dog collars, bandanas, toys, travel bowls, booklets, etc...

January 8, 2006

Sets of bungee cords seem to get picked out of caches.......

Briansnat, while I would love to find small cans of WD-40, isn't it risky to put those in caches due to weather changes?

Edited January 8, 2006 by Faith the Aquariaqueen

January 8, 2006

The Geocache is enough for me. The only thing I might be interested in is some batteries if I'm low.

January 8, 2006

Pedometers, thermometers, clip watches, fun pens, trade-pins (while I collect Disney pins, I won't trade them in a cache!) mini-card decks, "Beanies, Teenies and Neopets" (yes, we collect those too!).

I will add some of the above mentioned items too.

The kids I have around me (ages 10-13) seem to really like the "Where's George" dollars. They like the $$ money aspect of it, while the moms are intrigued by the tracking part.

I have also some neat little paperweights, picture frames and refridgerator magnets.

38.2k · January 8, 2006

Sets of bungee cords seem to get picked out of caches.......

Briansnat, while I would love to find small cans of WD-40, isn't it risky to put those in caches due to weather changes?

I've kept the stuff in my car for years without a problem and the interior of my car probably has a much wider temp swing than any cache.

5.9k · January 8, 2006

Guns and or ammunition

Porn

Good whiskey

Knives

Your car keys

January 8, 2006

I try to leave at least a few things for adults, but most of the traders are for kids as a lot of adults do not trade. I like to leave the following items. Some of which can be used elsewhere caching are tennis balls, bungy cords, AA's of course, flashlights, emergeny Blanket or poncho, playing cards or small games, small tools, picture frames or bookmarks,

keychains, cell phone holders, etc.

2.2k · January 8, 2006

signature items.

fridge magnets

combination of the two.

just some little thing that reminds me of the cache but i'm happy if there is nothing.

January 8, 2006

Adult swag items that I have kept and used:

Bookmarks

Notepads

Post-it notes

Tape measures

Mini-flashlights

Compass whistle (sealed in original package)

Bungi cords

Set of artist's paintbrushes

Reference guides of any kind (animal tracks, trail maps of the cache area, bird identification, etc.)

Any signature item I find (I love finding sig items that have been designed and hand made by fellow cachers - I appreciate the uniqueness of these items and the amount of time and effort I know that it takes to make them)

38.2k · January 8, 2006

Guns and or ammunition
Porn

Good whiskey

Knives

Your car keys

Criminal is just joking - I think.

January 8, 2006

I once found a small copy of Chaucer's Canturbury Tales- remember high school English? Definitely an "outside the box" trade.

Usually all I find is junk that should be thrown out.

How about:

Travel pins, coins, etc. (I live in Florida and we have lots of visitors from other areas.)

Fossils & tougher seashells.

Foreign coins.

Any toy or goody relating to the 1960's-1980's

You don't want anything too nice, because:

A) sorry to say, but most people are cheap, and

a cache could be pilfered by muggles.

As a side note- let's leave the McDonald's toys that the dog has chewed at home, please!

1.4k · January 8, 2006

I've occasionally put in screws (not screwdrivers) and keychains. Also, there was some promotion at my wife's job where they had a lot of leftover Virgin Atlantic guides to London so I've tried to put those in regular cache boxes (some people seeing my logs may think it has become a signature item but it will eventually stop )

Unless it is specifically a "kids item" cache, I've tried to put in both a kids and adults item. One time I have an extra New York magazine Manhattan subway guide and street address calculator (for those not in the know, there's a way for any "Manhattan avenue block" via a relatively simple mathematical formula to determine based on the address the nearest numerical cross street).

January 8, 2006

You don't want anything too nice, because:

A) sorry to say, but most people are cheap, and

a cache could be pilfered by muggles.

Sad but true. My brother-in-law was here over the holidays and told me of a cache in AZ where a set of really nice two-way radios had been left. A finder, feeling he didn't have anything of value or higher, actually closed it up and went out and bought something better to trade with. When he got back to the cache someone else had already been there, taken the radios (and everything else) and left a small plastic toy in the bottom. I'm keeping my trade items simple, nice, and non-age oriented.

carbiners

flashlights

mini-tool kits

micros

Doc

January 8, 2006

Before I begin, do know that I understand that it is NOT about the cache contents, but rather the hunt. Understood and agreed. However.....

In my first 2 days in the field, I am slightly disappointed with some of the literal trash I have found. I mean, why bother to put a piece of plastic broken off of some unidentifiable cheap toy in the box.

I don't mind throwing in stuff for the younger cachers, but for the sake of all that is worthwhile, PLEASE refrain from placing something that is clearly garbage in the cache container for others to deal with. I almost purged two caches yesterday, as it looked like someone had raided the local landfill for items, and the box was difficult to close.

My first 6 placements have included a miniflashlight, a new dashmount travel compass, a sealed emergency rain poncho, and a sealed "Rescue from Gilligan's Island" DVD. Whoever hits that one next finds it amusing, hopefully.

My goodie trading bag that I carry in the field must be the envy of others, as I only place new sealed items that I have bought specifically for this purpose. Future placements will include a mini screwdriver set, more mini flashlights w/batteries, and more emergency rain ponchos, among other things. All items are sealed/new/never used, and my hope is that someone will actually bother to trade up for the next soul to enjoy. Some items are useful, while some provide tangible entertainment, and are definitely NOT some broken $0.25 toy heisted from a gumball machine.

I am new, and some of you are probably thinking "be still, newb", but I have to tell you...I spent a whopping $18 at the dollar store, and I can trade up completely guiltless at anyone's cache for my next 18 finds.

If what I envision a cache should contain is out of line, perhaps a local crew is willing to create so called "adult" caches. No porn/weapons/booze/drugs mind you, but simply useful functioning items. If you can afford to blow the money on a GPS, you can afford to hike your heiney to your local dollar store and stock up. It is cheap, and you can feel good about actually contributing to someone's joy instead of making them haul your cachetrash out of the woods for disposal.

Just my $.02.

Edited January 8, 2006 by Lighteye

4.5k · January 8, 2006

Fishing lures
mini screwdriver sets

insect repellent wipes

Armor All wipes

Energizer squeeze lights

small compasses

AA batteries

books

small Lock n Lock containers

flag decals and stickers

playing cards

useful hardware or tools

blank R/W CDs

rolls of film

collectible coins (foreign, mercury dimes, buffalo nickels, Indian head pennies)

Sharpie pens

Office supplies like packs of Post It notes, push pins and paper clips

pocket dictionaries

small cans of WD40

Euro stickers

All fine items to my notion but i have been told more than one time by the local state park personnel that batteries are a definite no no. Seems they had a bad experience with an ammocan, someone muggled it and threw the contents (batteries) on the ground thereby causing a big ole enviromental issue. Doesnt seem like a big deal to me but just for the sake of keeping everything cool with the park, where we have a couple of caches hidden, i abide by their wishes.

Not trying to get this thread off topic but, has anyone else heard of any other park, forest, or land managers being so concerned about AA batteries being placed in caches?

By the way,, depending on the cache of course, i still feel that a knife can be appropriate swag!

Edited January 8, 2006 by Mudfrog

5.9k · January 8, 2006

Guns and or ammunition
Porn

Good whiskey

Knives

Your car keys

Criminal is just joking - I think.

Yes, just joking, about the porn.

January 8, 2006

I have access to a limited supply of hemostats (some of you may think of them as 'Roach Clips' ) that may become one of my cache items. I've also thought about burning CD's with eBooks for Microsoft Reader and Various Palm Readers. Suppose either one could become a signature item.

JohnTee

January 8, 2006

geocaching.com logo items always seem to dissapear from caches very quickly when I leave them. (stickers, magnets, keychains, compasses, etc... http://shop.Groundspeak.com/productList.cfm?categoryID=4 )

That link violates the commercial use policy, but I'm willing to bet the admins allow it. :blink:

I also like to leave/find general hiking-related stuff such as bug-wipes, flashlights, snake-bite kits, tick-removers, field guides, and maps.

January 8, 2006

As a brand newbie, I wasn't sure what to bring, and I appreciate the suggestions. Today I found a cache with a Robert Johnson CD, and was kicking myself for not having anything on me I was willing to part with. I looked at my binoculars, knife, even my hat (lightly worn, this year's Christmas gift) but had to leave the CD for someone else. Most of the stuff in the caches I've found can stay there, but from now on I'm carrying a few worthy items.

January 9, 2006

Thanks for all the good ideas! I'm still pretty new at caching (and loving it!), but have used things like mini flashlights, multi-tools, carabiners, mini clips, mini first aid kit (wish I'd bought more of those!), matchbox cars, compass keychains, lanyards, bungies, AA batteries.

I have a couple questions though: I bought a large multi-pack of Duracell AA's and made up some 2-packs of them to leave in caches. Is that acceptable, or do people prefer to get a sealed 2-pack of batteries? (I did wrap a bit of electrical tape around them so the + ends don't accidently connect).

I have a couple keychains with a mini-level on them. Cute, and useful too! But, will the liquid in the level freeze and ruin it? I'm thinking I should save them for spring, and hopefully they will be taken before winter comes around again.

Mizdeeds :blink:

January 9, 2006

In response to the freezing fluid in levels, worry not as all levels that I know of are spirit levels. They are filled with mineral sprits or some other non-freeze liquid.

I often trade a lot of fishing related stuff since a lot of the caches that I visit are near water. I also like to trade small tools, cards, and batteries.

Things that I like to find are, travel bugs, geocoins, multitools, knives( even though they aren't supposed to be in caches), and ......well thats all I can think of.

January 9, 2006

In response to the freezing fluid in levels, worry not as all levels that I know of are spirit levels. They are filled with mineral sprits or some other non-freeze liquid.

Thank you flannelman! I will put them in with my trade items for next time out.

I do love how much I've learned since starting geocaching. I have been to so many new places and learned some local history too. What a great game this is!

:blink: Mizdeeds

January 9, 2006

Uh, newbie here. What's a carbiner? :blink:

5.7k · January 9, 2006

Uh, newbie here. What's a carbiner?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabiner

If the question is: who, what, when or where, wiki has the answer, trust me!! A totally awesome site on the www.

:blink:

Edited January 9, 2006 by Team Cotati

January 9, 2006

Thanks Cotati, for the link. I refer to those as "those heavy duty key chain thingies."

January 10, 2006

I like mystery novels and bought some at my library's fund raising book sale. They sell off some of the older books that are not moving. After I read them, I thought it would be a neat idea to leave them in caches, like a geo-library. I like to hunt cashes on vacation and if I found a book that piqued my interest, I would probably trade a book, read it and trade again. I think other adults would do this.

I see some other people listed books in their posts. Mostly, I'm in it for the hunt and find, though. That's the fun.

PS to Criminal: I'm sure if the porn industry could make money at it, they would have already come up with a geo-porn.com site. :huh:

January 10, 2006

The female CEO of Magellan who needs a boyfriend/Husband?

January 10, 2006

I've bought a lot of pet-related swag to place in caches which I hope will be well-recieved. Haven't had a chance to trade much yet. Such as- cute dog collars, bandanas, toys, travel bowls, booklets, etc...

Your pet items would definitely be well-received in any cache Zoe-dog and I visit! One of our favorite items we found was a small rawhide bone -- she hides it all over the house (can't bear to eat it, I guess!).

Or better yet, check out our Doggone Good Cache if you're ever in Northern Indiana!

3.2k · January 10, 2006

Guns and or ammunition
Porn

Good whiskey

Knives

Your car keys

OMG would I love to find some good whiskey in a cache. :unsure:

1.5k · January 10, 2006

Ok, my mind went straight to the gutter when I read the thread title, had me crackin' up and opening to see the responses. So disappointing, LOL!

January 10, 2006

I just recently visited a "Fabric and Craft" store (of a chain) that is relocating to a larger building, and they had some really neat things 40% off regular price.

Paris - themed tape measures, might become a traveling item...

Vinyl-pouched folding scissors (great for purses or places where you DON'T want a sharp point stabbing you)

A great little sewing kit, with a mini-tape, mini-scissors and an assortment of thread and needles.

Before you guys think of the sewing kit as a girlie type thing, remember that they have come in handy when there was a need to stitch shut some gash just made with a sharp knife! It's keep you from bleeding to death on the way back to the truck... :unsure:

January 10, 2006

From now on Im leaving hand made Camo Duct Tape Wallets in all my caches.

For the fellas.

Z

January 10, 2006

I have been droping hand warmers and glowsticks.

January 10, 2006

Everything mentioned sounds good (except for the porn & whiskey )

We do the sewing kit and 1st aid kit regularly.

Something new we thought about was the induvidual packs of kleenex. Just bought several and will put them out as we go.

Matt- btw- I cache with my wife and 2 daughters, so wee need the kleenex! (spelling is correct!-pun is intended)

3.2k · January 10, 2006

I'd suggest Krugerrands. They are always a hit as swag.

January 10, 2006

UncaBee

I tried that link and it didn't work. Got a better address?

January 10, 2006

First time poster here. We've been caching since the spring. Was a little hard at first because of the TC now that he's older we're able to cover more ground. It's my husband, myself and 3 boys and we love the kid friendly caches but I really like all the ideas from you guys on what to take along for trade. We get tired of buying hot wheels and I refuse to let the boys take their happy meal "rejects". Looks like a great excuse to let the hubby run amuk in the tool aisle.

3.3k · January 10, 2006

Here are a couple of pictures of the adult swag, that I use.

Agent Fox

Secret of the Fox

Edited January 10, 2006 by Kit Fox

January 10, 2006

Kit Fox, i believe we are on EXACTLY the same sheet of music here.

And as for daring's comments...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for no more happy meal rejects.

Seriously...either the local Big Lots store, or your local Dollar Store/Dollar Tree/Dollar Whatever, has thousands of new and greatly appreciated items that fellow finders absolutely love to have for a measly buck out of your pocket.

I thought that I was maybe making a horrid mistake with my mini rant earlier in the thread, but I see that I am not alone. Thank you all!

January 11, 2006

I'm very new to geocaching, and I must admit I find it a little disappointing when I hike my way to a cache only to open it and find a couple of random mud-covered pieces of plastic.

Personally I try to put something useful in each cache I find, even if there's nothing there that I want to take. I picked up a few nice items from the dollar store (keychain LED lights, bungees, mini radios etc.), and I have a couple of really nice trading card game starter packs that I'm just waiting to put in a cache somewhere. Also the city of Boulder City collects items that are not allowed on planes from the airports in the Las Vegas valley and auctions them on eBay to help provide amenties for the city. Not only can you pick up some really good deals on useful items, but the money is helping people too. I also usually put a CITO bag or two in each cache I visit.

Things I would like to find in a cache include: bungees, compass, multi-tool or pocket knife, tools, carabiners, first aid kit, space blanket etc. Any useful objects, really. Being an adult with no children, I'm not keen on finding cheap plastic toys from Burger King or whatever. Nice items like beanies or neopets are cool though... I probably wouldn't take them myself, but they're nice for kids and collectors.

- Jen.

1.3k · January 11, 2006

Here are a couple of pictures of the adult swag, that I use.
Agent Fox

Ummm...

If I might ask... What is the small square item at the bottom center?

I know I said "Adult Swag", but I remember something very close in size and packaging that I kept in my wallet while a teen.

Just never knew they made them in cammo!!

1.4k · January 11, 2006

i often leave lanyards for those cachers who dont have there GPS on a neck strap. It is often posted by the next person that they too kthe lanyard, so i guess its a good idea.

January 11, 2006

where do you find the lanyards at

January 11, 2006

I just picked some up at a dollar store last weekend after reading this thread.

Adult Swag?

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