+cat_in_the_hat72 Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 I am just starting out in the world of geocaching ( trying to save up the extra money to get a nice gps) and been looking through the site here. I found out about geocaching through an online friend and it really caught my interest. I have 2 small children who I try desperatly to get outdoors but the find it soooooo boring. Thought maybe a nice treasure hunt would be great to get the excited about being outdoors. My biggest question so far is what is considered good trade items? I'd like to round up a few things by the time I get my gps and really have no clue what to start with. I'd like to take some adult friendly items to trade incase I find something I can't live without and let the kids take some things to trade also. Is it acceptable to let my kids take some of their toys, given they are in good condition and traded evenly? Are cool or useful items from the dollar store good ideas? After reading the bad trade posts I'm scared to trade. LOL Thanks for the help. cat_in_the_hat72 Quote Link to comment
+Robespierre Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 Big CONTROVERSIAL topic: So, where I think the middle-of-the-road is, is this; real good is batteries for gps, nice $1 items fromt he dollar store, some items are ok from yard sales (but some would just be wrong). There are those who trade used McToys, and there are those who think $5+ items would be good. A lot of times I leave my signature item and take nothing...that way I stay away from the "trade-up" problem. If, however, the cache is average, I can trade Ty Beenies, and key chains, and things like that. The real thing is, don't trade a used golf ball for a 4-pack of batteries. Quote Link to comment
+Team FUBAR Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 I agree. It's a good rule of thumb to trade up. You know leave the cache a litle richer than you found it. There is no perfect trade item. Just try to trade atleast eavenly. and always always always remember adult stuff is good. But make sure you trade things you wouldn;t mind if your kids found. This is considered a family sport. Geo caching isn't really about what you take or leave, it's more about spending time with your family and friends and the thrill of the hunt. I normally only sign the logs and TNLN. Quote Link to comment
+AuntieWeasel Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 There's a store near me that sells novelty items. I find these are good if a cache is missing things for kids. Little whistles shaped like various things, little kaleidoscopes, little slinkies, squishy lizards, that sort of stuff. A buck or less, usually. Finding a place that sells nice small seashells or polished rocks is good, too. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 (edited) 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 Swiss Army knives (now banned ) water colors mini screwdriver sets allen wrench sets gel pens boxes of crayons or colored chalk emergency rain ponchos packs of AA batteries collectable coins (buffalo nickels, indian head pennies, SBA or Sacagawea dollars) 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 mini sewing kits folding scissors maps (hiking & road) software travel packs of Wet Ones or Baby Wipes Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars key rings bags of balloons velcro fasteners interesting buttons padlocks foreign money rolls of film lighters kazoos pin on round compasses Leatherman type multi tools (now banned ) movies on VHS & DVD office supplies (packs of paper clips, thumb tacks, Post-Its, etc...) Mylar emergency blankets new decks of cards (full sized and mini) new wallets individual packs of Armor-All & Rain-X wipes survival whistles small cans of insect repellent Wheresgeorgebills and stamps Geocaching.com hats, pins, patches and compasses Things not to put in caches Anything that you would ordnarily have thrown away. Heavily used, soiled, or broken items, bus ticket stubs, expired coupons, gift cards with 11 cents left on them, etc... Caches aren't garbage recepticles, though sometimes it's hard to tell. Edited August 17, 2004 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+cat_in_the_hat72 Posted August 17, 2004 Author Share Posted August 17, 2004 Thank you all for your help. Briansnat your list was so helpful, gave me a good idea of things to look for. Now just gotta get the gps and get out before the really cold weather sets in. cat_in_the_hat72 Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 Now just gotta get the gps and get out before the really cold weather sets in. That's the best time. No humidity, no bugs, great reception. Quote Link to comment
+JMBella Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 Now just gotta get the gps and get out before the really cold weather sets in. That's the best time. No humidity, no bugs, great reception. Agreed. Not too much I can add to Brians list but... Bookcrossing Books Travel Bug Tags Tape Measures Touch Light Mini Mag Lights Mini Binoculars Dog Toys (nothing scented) Lately my sig item is some kind of carabiner, usually with an LED on them. I'll leave one even if I don't take anything. Quote Link to comment
+cat_in_the_hat72 Posted August 17, 2004 Author Share Posted August 17, 2004 Cool weather dosen't bother me but snow and freezing temps do.LOL Plus with two small kids not exactly friendly to them either. I'd move to a warmer climate but I don't do well in the heat either. Guess I'll just have to suffer either way unless someone knows where I can find a place that has about 60 degree temps year round. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 unless someone knows where I can find a place that has about 60 degree temps year round England, but it rains every day. Quote Link to comment
+2qwerqE Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 I used to think I wouldn't want to cache in the snow and cold too. Until I tried it, (cabin fever!!) and decided it was FUN! You have the parks all to yourself, except the occasional cross country skier. No bikes whizzing past you; no critters to chew on you. Just dress in layers and have your water in a well insulated container so it doesn't freeze too fast. The big negative is that the cold, much below 20*, drains your batteries and causes your GPS LED display to move very slooowwwwllllyyyyy. Just keep the GPSr inside your coat as much as possible. There are tons of cold weather caching topics on these boards if you search for them. But winter is no reason to hibernate, IMO. Quote Link to comment
+Sputnik 57 Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 unless someone knows where I can find a place that has about 60 degree temps year round. Houston! Oh. I bet you mean Fahrenheit. Quote Link to comment
+badrangerbad! Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 I like it when someone leaves something wierd, that makes you go, "now you don't see one of those every day!" I found a cache in Germany with the wierdest looking fuse-type thing in it, I brought it home as a souvenir. If all else fails, I try to leave a coin from some foreign country. Those are usually interesting. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.