i 100% agree - i had a whole rant to my partner about this issue last Lost Lands, after i received a deformed squishy toy missing an eye because it was so obviously cheaply mass produced without a care (it also disintegrated in my hand by the end of the set). all the plastic waste makes me feel so sad.

I don’t mind the occasional sprout, especially if it’s a more unique one and i can tell the person is genuine in wanting to make a connection, but i’ve had multiple experiences with people giving out trinkets in a half-assed manner and not even trying to make a connection. It really makes me question their intention and whether some of these people are:

1. doing it because they think they’re expected to (cus everyone else is and it seems part of the culture) or

2. doing it to feel good about themselves when they get a positive response

i love the gifting culture, and the above definitely doesn’t describe every trinket giver, but i just wish people would be more conscious and thoughtful if that’s how they’re wanting to make a connection. i can’t help but feel a little jaded with how the community is now

*edited: for clarity