A number of concerns emerged as we began discussing what we would like included in a typical package. Of course, this sort of thing is subject to infinite levels of personalization, but some of you might benefit from the product of our contemplations. Before we get to the idea of contents, however, it is very important to discuss packaging.

In an age of concerns over unidentified, suspicious packages and containers, it is imperative that it be clear what someone has discovered. To this end, we encourage the use of clear gift wrap. This will protect your gift from the elements while still allowing its contents to be clearly visible. Cellophane can be found at many variety stores, gift shops and greeting card stores. It is also important that the package appears to be a gift at the distance from which it will likely be first noticed. A brightly colored bow should suffice.

To make this a cohesive, archivable project, cards identifying this project and pointing people to the website should be attached to the packages. If you're dropping a gift during a holiday season, you might consider including a card specific to that holiday. You could also use a more general greeting card, or even a simple piece of paper with a handwritten note. No matter what kind of card you use, it should include the note "Finders Keepers" and the Project Gift Drop website address.

Now, for the contents. Because this is as much about the giver as the receiver, we expect a lot of variety and new ideas to be injected into the project by individuals. That said, we have developed a rough prototype of a highly personalizable package that will contain enough variety to optimize the probability of the receiver enjoying the gift. Of course, there will be the inherent excitement of discovering such a package, but we (as in all of us participating) will get so much more out of this if we have a sense that the gifts will be special by virtue of the nature of the contents.

Prototype: The packages Ataraxia and I will be assembling in the early stages of our own participation will include the following items:

1] A book- Budget determining, we see this as something that we can purchase used, new or even extract from our personal collections. The important things is that the books be something we, ourselves, would enjoy receiving as a gift (if we didn't already have such a thing). Keep in mind the varied interests of the public at large. If you have a hobby that will only interest participants in that hobby, the gift might not be as adored as something of more general interest. Ataraxia came up with a good example. Her love for and knowledge of riding horses might not translate into a good, universally useful or appreciated gift. However, a book containing general information about equines, or a collection of short stories about horses, could be appreciated by someone who's never ridden a horse. Field guides to local flora and fawna is also something anyone can enjoy, as these books provide information about one's immediate environment. Just a consideration to apply to your own discretion.

2] A mix CD- What better reflection of one's personal nature than a compilation of music he or she would like to share. We would only suggest that a broad range of tastes, possible finders and ages be considered. This is, by no means, a prohibition against explicit lyrics. That is to your discretion, but if you do include music containing profanity, references to violence, sex or other mature themes, it would be suggested that you include a note of caution. Such a warning, if you choose to include one, should include the nature of the theme and on what track it will be encountered.

3] A trinket- This is what I consider to be the crowning element of the gifts I will be dropping. A book and a CD are very personal, but they are also the sort of thing one might loan a friend. When I wander into antique stores, browse yard sales or even when I stumble around a variety store, I see things that I think I should get for myself one day- for my own home. Sometimes I do, and sometimes it just never happens. I will be, when I can, purchasing such items to include in my packages. As with the other items, try to keep a wide range of possible receivers in mind.

You are, of course, not required to include three items. You are not limited to three items. You don't have to follow these guidelines. They are food for thought and offer a lot of room for personalization. Cost will be a consideration for many of us, so the ideas we are suggesting tend to be thrifty in nature. In the spirit of giving, however, if you find yourself in a position to be more generous, that would add excitement to the whole process. Also, if you are a creator... an artist, including a piece with which it is hard for you part, will increase the impact of the gesture for you and for the receiver.