Walking through the doors of the Goblin Ball the first time can be exciting and filled with mystery. Who are these exciting creatures? What treasures can you take home with you to remind yourself of the friends and foes you have met along the way? Trinket trading has been a long standing tradition with the Goblin Ball, and if you would like to trick your way to a treat we highly recommend reading through this handy guide to see how you can add value to your night with little cost and little trouble.
An optional addition to the Goblin Ball events is Trinket Trading. It’s not compulsory but you will find that some of our creatures will give you a Trinket without asking for anything in return. Some guests have opted to bring presents to their favourite creatures, while bringing curses to others.
Want to trade with fellow guests? We have created this handy guide!
Some Notes to make sure the Goblin Ball Events continue:
No Confetti
No Loose Glitter
Nothing that could create a mess! We need to pay for magical cleaning of the carpets!
Now we have the basics, let's see what the secrets of Trinket Trading involves.
The Tradition of Trinket Trading
Trinket Trading is a custom that originated in the Faerie Rade of Melbourne. The Faerie Rade is an annual gathering of Fae Folk in Melbourne who join a grand procession through the streets of Melbourne every summer. The event is held by Golden Owl Events (separate to the.Goblin Ball so we HIGHLY recommend checking them out on the Web and on Facebook).
This custom was brought to The first Goblin Ball: The Ice Kingdom and has grown in popularity ever since! The first year saw various creatures trading spells, potions and poisons, and magical objects from their magical realms. Sound interesting? Read on!
What is a Trinket?
Trinkets are a great addition to any costume, but there is a difference. You design the Trinkets to compliment your character's costume, and give them away to fellow guests as a souvenir of the night. You can decide to trade something in return or give them out freely to those you like.
Trinkets are small, cheap but joyful additions to the night and shouldn’t cost too much. Go to the $2 shops and buy in bulk or the Reject shop. Get creative!
Past examples have been Gemstones, Blood of magical creatures, collectable cards, scrolls of stories and sometimes pre-packaged sweet treats. Pre-Packaged is important to ensure you don't poison other guests! No-one wants a food allergy on their hands even if the treat is cursed!
Your imagination (and budget) is the limit. Tell a story along with your Trinket to increase the value!
Most of the characters you meet at The Goblin Ball events have their own limited edition Trinkets to swap with you. These have included Rare coins, Gemstones and even Collectable Trading Cards!
Trading your Trinkets
After you have imagined your Trinket (we suggest planning along with your costume), decide it’s value. Is it rare? Do you have many or only a few? Do you have general Trinkets and a few rare items you would like to swap for multiple swaps or a Trinket of a higher value? It's up to you! The rare Trinkets can be swapped for multiple general Trinkets or for another rare Trinket! The trading game and value is up to you!
Making or sourcing Trinkets
Trinkets can either be made or bought online in bulk depending on how you want to trade on the night. Bulk items can be traded quickly but trading Trinkets made can be well thought out. You don’t need to spend money to make some amazing Trinkets. We suggest some of the following to allow your fellow guests to trade with you.
Easy Trinkets (Great ideas!)
Spell or Story Scrolls: Tell the history of your character or sell a spell scroll!
Gemstones or Glass stones: These can be bought at the $2 stores in bulk to add value.
Individual Tarot Cards or Angel Cards: Sometimes you can buy a pack of 50 for $10 on ebay! Give a guest a fortune reading for a Trinket trade and let them keep the card.
Advanced ideas (Rare Items)
Spell bags with a number of items: Cheap organza bags are great to include many items
Necklaces: Magic charms and treasures that hold magic from your home worlds!
Hand Made: Anything hand made, Voodoo Dolls, Bottles and even lip balms and soaps should be valued higher!
Trinkets are completely optional so if you want to come and collect some treasures on the night get creative! Some guests have created miniature books, Zines and even favourite recipes! Everything is up to you, your character and how you want to spend the night. Want to come and party? Bring Glow Sticks and Balloons!
Some Tips and Tricks
Bring a Trinket bag for you to collect your treasures to ensure you don’t get things muddled up. A simple repurposed book bag really helps!
Search ebay for items with the added word “Bulk” and then sort by cheapest or free postage! ORDER EARLY!
Ask guests if they have a Trinket to trade! It will help break the ice and by the end of the night you will know so many people!
If you want to create a cursed item be sure to make the trade passable onto their friends. You don’t want to curse a stranger so make sure they know they are cursed but give them a way to break the curse in a scroll.
Keep it light and fun! We are all here for a good night!