These days most of us don't need to trade wooden chairs for pork roasts, but trading should still have a role in our lives. It is a fantastic way to save a little dough. You can get nearly anything on trade: clothes, photographs, art, help around your house, christmas gifts, etc.
RJ and I just traded for family photographs. Our friends have a photography business and we needed some Christmas card photos taken (we can also use framed images for gifts!). We are poor in cash but rich in jackets (RJ works in the garment industry) so we made a little trade.
And don't use the excuse that you don't have anything to trade. Everyone does! Trade your time. Do you have a crafty neighbor that knits? Offer to babysit her children while she pulls out her yarn. She would probably love the quiet time and you'll be able to give your mom a handmade scarf for Christmas. Or trade baby-sitting for an artists painting (just to a little extra baby-sitting to compensate for the materials used). Are you good at organization? Offer to organize your messy friend coat closet in exchange for a few new books from her library. The list is endless.
Need a new wardrobe? I've heard of people hosting Trading Parties. Everyone brings a few of their used (but good condition) accessories and/or clothing items and they let the bartering begin. You could do the same with CDs, DVDs, or, as a good friend wisely suggested, baby toys!
Be creative. Have fun. And let me know your ideas too!
