Kids Rugby World Cup Swap

** Friday 30th Sep- Sign Up's are now closed ** 

Thanks everyone for signing up, details heading your way shortly!

The Rugby World Cup has been going for a few weeks now here in New Zealand and the excitement and support for not just the All Blacks but for all the teams playing has been amazing. It's also been really neat to see my 4 year old interested in and learning about the countries in the tournament at her pre-school. In her class each child has been given a country to represent and hers is Canada- here is a pic of the flag she made (love that maple leaf!!) and a pic of her waving it madly during the Canada v Tonga game the other night.

So I had an idea...I love how having a blog is such a great way to connect with people from all over the world.  With Amelie being so into learning about other countries I thought it would be fun to do a swap with some of you overseas readers so your little ones can learn a bit about NZ and my little ones can learn about your countries. And then I thought that maybe some other kiwi bloggers would like to take part too. 

So is there anyone from Canada and any other countries that would like to receive a little box of treats to learn about NZ? Like this...

...and send us a few goodies from your country in return?  I am wanting to swap with a few people from other countries but I thought if I get more than one person wanting to do a swap from Canada for example I could match up some other NZ bloggers to do a swap.
If you're keen here are some ideas for things to put in your swap parcel- I found most things from 'Dollar Value' and the supermarket.  I'm not suggesting putting all of these things in, just whatever you feel would be a neat parcel of things to receive yourself.

• cookie cutter in the shape of an animal from your country or another icon
• picture book (I'm sure we'd all be happy with a second-hand book from your country! I found this cloth book and puzzle at a second hand shop)

• coins- kids love money from other countries don't they :)
• postcards
• stickers
• stamps

Found these cool All Blacks stamps at the Post Shop

• travel brochures from your home town/city/country
• toiletries eg: soap
• Sweets/lollies- probably the most popular thing to send!!
• Colouring in book or pages printed from internet- just search google for colouring in pages
• Stationery
• bookmark
• Magnet
• Key ring
• Brooch
• Flag
• If your children are old enough they could write a letter or draw a picture 
• Handmade or store bought softie animal
• A handmade bag, purse, wallet, apron etc using some fabric printed with icons/images from your country

I'm going to have to organise the swap on a 'first in first matched up basis' as I'm guessing I'll get more kiwi's interested than people from other countries just based on who reads my blog. If I end up with a lot of New Zealand swappers and not enough from other countries to swap with would you still be keen to swap with another New Zealander?  I know that it would still be fun for my girls to learn about New Zealand even if it isn't quite as exciting as a package from overseas. If you would still like to swap with a kiwi if all the other swappers are taken let me know in your email message.

I'm sorry in advance if I am unable to pair up a swap partner with you- here's hoping we get a nice even number of swappers and lots from other countries! If I can't pair you up you could try contacting a blogger friend personally and seeing if they would like to do a swap with you maybe :)

So if you're interested could you please copy and paste this into an email messaage 

Name:
Country you are from:
How many children you have and their names and ages (if you don't want to put this that's fine, just your name will do:
Address: 
Blog website if you have one (you don't have to be a blogger though): 
For kiwi swappers -are you still keen to swap with another kiwi if all the other overseas swappers are taken? yes please/no thanks

and send to to megan (at) mousehouse (dot) co (dot) nz

Sign ups will close next Friday the 30th September and it would be great if you could send your parcel by the middle to end of October. Sorry I haven't given much time to send the parcel (should have written this post ages ago!) but I really want to do the swap while the buzz of the World Cup is happening.  Also I would feel really bad if someone didn't receive their swap package so please make sure you are able to commit and send your parcel by then before you sign up thank you :)

Thanks heaps and really looking forward to hopefully getting a few emails soon. And hope my rather long winded explanation makes sense!
Megan x