One of the most exciting parts of geocaching is discovering the treasures tucked away in hidden containers. These trade items—sometimes silly, sometimes practical, sometimes surprising—bring a personal and tangible connection to fellow geocachers around the world. However, there’s a golden rule: Take something, leave something of equal or greater value. And with that comes responsibility.
Leaving thoughtful, safe, and appropriate items helps preserve the integrity of geocaching and ensures that the experience remains fun for everyone. So what makes a good trade item—and what should be avoided? Let’s explore!
The Purpose of Cache Swag
Geocaching isn’t just about finding containers; it’s about discovery, creativity, and community. When you leave something behind in a cache, it becomes a message—a small, silent interaction with someone else on the trail. Great swag:
- Encourages participation, especially from kids and families
- Adds personality to the experience
- Shows respect for the game and fellow cachers
But for this to work, everyone needs to follow some basic etiquette.
What to Leave: Swag That Makes People Smile
Here are geocaching-approved items that are typically safe, fun, and appreciated:
1. Small Toys & Trinkets
Miniature figurines, plastic animals, bouncy balls, or toy cars are favorites—especially for younger geocachers. Make sure they are clean, dry, and fit in the container.
2. Keychains or Pins
These items are compact, collectible, and practical. Personalized keychains or travel-themed pins can be a nice touch.
3. Patches, Stickers, and Magnets
Swag that reflects your location, interests, or geocaching identity is often a hit. Just make sure they’re weather-resistant and won’t get damaged by humidity.
4. Handcrafted Items
Handmade bracelets, origami, drawings, or small trinkets show thoughtfulness. If you have a creative streak, this is your time to shine—just avoid materials that degrade quickly.
5. Foreign Coins or Tokens
Unusual currency or souvenir tokens can be exciting to find. They’re small, collectible, and often spark curiosity.
6. Geocaching Tools
Mini pencils, log rollers, tweezers, or waterproof baggies can be a welcome find, especially in caches that are often exposed to the elements.
7. Trackables (if you understand how they work)
Trackables like Travel Bugs and Geocoins are not for trade—they are meant to move from cache to cache with purpose. Only take them if you plan to log them and move them soon.
What NOT to Leave: Swag That Spoils the Fun
Some items can ruin caches, cause safety issues, or even lead to cache removal. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Food, Candy, or Gum
Even sealed, food items attract animals and insects. Rodents have destroyed entire caches for the chance at a granola bar. Keep snacks out of caches!
2. Perishable or Fragile Items
Candles, soaps, or anything that can melt, freeze, break, or leak are a hard no. The inside of a cache gets hot, cold, and often damp.
3. Sharp Objects or Tools
Even small blades or multi-tools can pose safety risks—especially with kids involved. If it could hurt someone, don’t leave it.
4. Illegal, Inappropriate, or Controversial Items
No drugs, alcohol, tobacco, fireworks, or political/religious propaganda. Geocaching is a family-friendly activity, and caches should reflect that.
5. Personal Information
Avoid business cards, flyers, or marketing materials unless they’re geocaching-related and tasteful. Caches aren’t bulletin boards.
6. Dirty, Used, or Broken Items
Don’t treat a geocache like a garbage bin. If it’s not something you’d enjoy finding yourself, don’t leave it for someone else.
Tips for Great Swag Choices
- Waterproof Packaging – Put your items in small resealable bags to protect them from moisture.
- Weather Awareness – Think about how your item will hold up in heat, cold, or rain.
- Age Appropriateness – Many caches are found by children. Avoid anything that isn’t kid-safe.
- Respect Cache Size – A film canister won’t fit your Hot Wheels collection. Make sure your item fits the container.
- Leave No Trace – Ensure your item doesn’t create waste or harm the environment.
When in Doubt, Go Simple and Thoughtful
Sometimes the best swag isn’t flashy—it’s meaningful. A well-written note, a handmade token, or a small item that reflects local culture or nature can become someone’s favorite find of the day.
And remember: You don’t have to trade to enjoy the cache. Many experienced cachers choose not to trade at all—they simply enjoy the hunt.
Trackables: Not Just Any Trade Item
Trackables are a special type of item that has a unique tracking code. These include Travel Bugs and Geocoins. They are meant to travel from cache to cache with a specific mission (e.g., reach a particular country).
- Only take a trackable if you can move it soon.
- Log it correctly on the app or website.
- Never keep it or trade it for personal items.
If you’re not sure what to do, leave it for someone else.
Conclusion: Leave It Better Than You Found It
Every geocache tells a story—not just the one written in the logbook, but the one told through the items inside. Whether you’re trading for fun or leaving something behind to brighten someone’s day, make choices that add to the magic of geocaching. Swag should surprise, delight, and inspire curiosity.
So next time you hit the trail, pack a few thoughtful items, avoid the no-nos, and help keep geocaching fun, safe, and respectful for everyone.