# I want to do a white elephant swap... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 4, 2001, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573 "2001-06-04T20:55:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2001, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/81 "2001-06-13T19:50:52Z")
[_] **Diane** - gotcha this time\*\*[_]pink kitten\*\* (strangely sexual vibe I’m getting from your name…sorry, but it’s true) **MikeTurk** - de-lurk, whydon’cha? ---
**Author:** ![pink\_kitten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9e8a1a/32.png) [@pink\_kitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pink_kitten)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2001, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/82 "2001-06-13T23:54:25Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by thinksnow \* \*\***[li]pink kitten** (strangely sexual vibe I’m getting from your name…sorry, but it’s true)[/li][/QUOTE] No, really? Where did you get it from? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pink\_kitten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9e8a1a/32.png) [@pink\_kitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pink_kitten)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2001, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/83 "2001-06-13T23:55:58Z")
Sorry about the bold mess :o ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/84 "2001-06-14T20:57:29Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by pink kitten \* \*\* > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by thinksnow \* > \*\***[li]pink kitten** (strangely sexual vibe I’m getting from your name…sorry, but it’s true)[/li][/QUOTE] > > No, really? Where did you get it from? 😉 \*\* You know, he wasn’t the only one…Me-ow 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/85 "2001-06-14T22:40:02Z")
Oh, I am SO in. (If I’m not too late) ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/86 "2001-06-15T00:28:00Z")
**Americans** , calculate your international postage rates [here](http://ircalc.usps.gov/). **Aussies** , do it [here](http://www.auspost.com.au/pac/int_parcel_type.asp) (Actually, Aussies do it _anywhere_). [sub] Parcel rates to the United States from Australia (in A$): \*less than 250g = $6.50 by air and $5 by sea \*250 - 500g = $11.50 by air and $8 by sea \*500 - 750g = $16 by air and $11 by sea \*750g - 1Kg = $20.50 by air and 14 by sea Parcel rates to the United Kingdom from Australia (in A): \*less than 250g = $7.50 by air and $5 by sea \*250 - 500g = $13 by air and $8 by sea \*500 - 750g = $18.50 by air and $11 by sea \*750g - 1Kg = $24 by air and $14 by sea [/sub] **UK residents** , check international rates [here](http://www.royalmail.com/International/calculator/) **Canadians** , [here](http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/rates/default-e.asp). **Import Restrictions to Australia** Hard to find a definitive list on the web, but basically similar to the above, with a special emphasis on organic material (Australia is an island, so we’re paranoid about quarantine issues), so no wood, leather, food, etc. **Import Restrictions to Canada** Senders should determine import restrictions from Canadian authorities before posting: bees and bees’ wax, condensed and dehydrated milk, conserves of fruits and vegetables, films, fish and fishery products, fruit, wheat, potatoes, onions, liquids and oils, manufactured goods bearing insufficient markings of origin, meat and meat products, medicines, plants, coins. Canada admits coins addressed to coin dealers or collectors only if uninsured. **Import Restrictions to the UK** Senders should determine import restrictions from United Kingdom authorities before posting: animals and animal products, pharmaceutical products, plants and plant products, radio transmitters, sealskins, vegetables, weapons. United Kingdom admits articles up to £15 value, except alcohol and tobacco products, free of duty and taxes. United Kingdom admits private gifts intended for the personal or family use of the addressee free of duty and VAT up to a value of £36 provided the following limits are not exceeded: Spirits (1 litre) plus wine (2 litres); tobacco products 50 cigarettes or 25 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50 grams of tobacco. **Import Restrictions to the USA** Senders should determine import restrictions from United States of America customs authorities before posting: Alcoholic beverages,animals and animal products,hides, pharmaceutical products, skins, tobacco and tobacco products, vegetable and other plant products, weapons, wool. USA admits duty-free genuine personal gifts not exceeding $US 25 value (excluding tobacco products and perfume). (source: Australia Post Official [site](http://www.auspost.com.au)) **thinksnow** , I’m using a new email address and I forgot if I sent you an email from my old web-based one, so expact a last minute one from me now. Apologies if it’s a duplicate. ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/87 "2001-06-15T00:53:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by TheLoadedDog \* > \*\* > Import Restrictions to Australia > Hard to find a definitive list on the web, but basically similar to the _above_… > \*\* Erm… _below_ ---
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/88 "2001-06-15T01:25:12Z")
[li] **Chef Troy** , welcome, you made it.[/li] **Loaded** , fantastic work, thanks. Remember folks, I didn’t think this up, **Cranky** did, so let’s give a big’ol “_Thanks, **Cranky**!_” That goes for everyone that has helped, and you know who you are. Officially, I’m making an arbitrary call that 12-noon (e.s.t.) tomorrow is the deadline. Remember, that’s Eastern Standard time, so mark you calandars accordingly. I’m gonna be a busy-enough little work-slacker tomorrow afternoon, sorting the **59** (!) Dopers we already have. ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/89 "2001-06-15T01:42:41Z")
Thank ME? are you out of your mind? You’re doing the work! I just think up unpractical ideas, lean back on my couch, and whine about how I can’t implement them. It takes someone else to actually hammer out the logistics and take on the task of organizing the thing. You’ve got it down to where all I have to do is cackle maniacally as I carefully pack my treasure into a box, tape it shut, and smack a label on. ---
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/90 "2001-06-15T01:48:11Z")
What are you talking about? I’m send you the file with everyones info, you’re arranging and mailing everything…right? _Right?!_ ---
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/91 "2001-06-15T16:03:24Z")
Okay, time’s up. Put your pencils down and close your books… If you don’t see your name already in this thread, you’re SOL me buck-o. I’ll get to work on randomizing and email everyone this afternoon. Remember, the point is to send something you have, but don’t really want or need (exception: no holiday fruit cakes.) ---
**Author:** ![purrplebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/90ced4/32.png) [@purrplebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purrplebear)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/92 "2001-06-15T17:16:22Z")
No, no, no, noooooooo. Darn it. Dag nab it. I finally remember to read this thread, and it’s too late. I missed the deadline. Unless… Point of order, **thinksnow**. You said noon, but not which time zone. It’s currently 12:15pm according to my 'puter. So, if it’s not too late, sign me up. Email on the way in a sec. ---
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/93 "2001-06-15T19:22:13Z")
> [@](#): > > Point of order, **thinksnow**. You said noon, but not which time zone. It’s currently 12:15pm according to my 'puter. Well, let’s see… > [@](#): > > Officially, I’m making an arbitrary call that 12-noon (e.s.t.) [today] is the deadline. Remember, that’s Eastern Standard time, so mark you calandars accordingly. I’m gonna be a busy-enough little work-slacker tomorrow afternoon, sorting the 59(!) Dopers we already have. Although, my little purple-haired friend, you may have noticed that I did, in fact, include you…I’m feeling rather generous today 🙂 Emails are all out. Let’s see what happens. **\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_** Oh, and another thing: In, what, a week maybe, y’all wanna fire up another thread so we can rave about the wondrous treasures we’ve inherited? I’m thinking that the first person to get something could start it, _or_, if the MODS prefer, we could just continue this thread…? ---
**Author:** ![purrplebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/90ced4/32.png) [@purrplebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purrplebear)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2001, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/94 "2001-06-15T19:38:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by thinksnow \* > > > [@](#): > > > > Point of order, **thinksnow**. You said noon, but not which time zone. It’s currently 12:15pm according to my 'puter. > > Well, let’s see… > > > [@](#): > > > > Officially, I’m making an arbitrary call that 12-noon (e.s.t.) [today] is the deadline. Remember, that’s Eastern Standard time, so mark you calandars accordingly. I’m gonna be a busy-enough little work-slacker tomorrow afternoon, sorting the 59(!) Dopers we already have. > > Although, my little purple-haired friend, you may have noticed that I did, in fact, include you…I’m feeling rather generous today 🙂 > > Emails are all out. Let’s see what happens. _BLUSH_ _Oops_. Now don’t _I_ feel dumb. That’s what I get for being in too much of a hurry to read the whole thread. Thank you very much for including me, that is very generous of you. I’ll go check my email right now. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2001, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/95 "2001-06-16T00:17:00Z")
I got my name to send to!!!Oh boy!!! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2001, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/96 "2001-06-16T00:23:44Z")
Gots mine too… now, what does it cost to ship an accordion??? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2001, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/97 "2001-06-16T00:57:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by FairyChatMom \* > \*\*Gots mine too… now, what does it cost to ship an accordion??? > > 😃 \*\* An _accordion_? That all? Geez, I’m gonna ship my ex! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2001, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/98 "2001-06-16T02:14:12Z")
Gots my name, too! _Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh_ Going to the post office on Monday!😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jeannie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e480ec/32.png) [@Jeannie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeannie)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2001, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/99 "2001-06-16T03:06:24Z")
Just wondering…are we trading names, or are you passing them randomly? IOW, does the person whose name I got in my email today also have my name, or does someone else? Did that even make sense? I am so tired today… ---
**Author:** ![Arden\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@Arden\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arden_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2001, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573/100 "2001-06-16T03:27:04Z")
Hehehehehehe… Mine will be going out Monday. That gives me the weekend to decide what to foist… I mean, gift someone with. Hey. In appreciation to all the effort [b[thinksnow\*\* has put into this, I think we should all send _him_ something! 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-a-white-elephant-swap/67573.md?page=6)