Cosign on everything adpiucf said.... We actually made this changeover in 1996 when I was the NMC, and I was met with a LOT of resistance from some of the chapter members. And even still now that I advise them, they fight it. I know that they all want to spoil their diamond sisters, but some women, especially at my chapter, just don't have tons of money for it. There are those who get complete financial support from their parents and don't have to work to pay dues or tuition. And then others who have to work 20 hours a week to cover expenses.
The worst thing is to see some of the Alphas get lavish gifts and others get nothing. They can't help but think that their diamond sister doesn't care for them, when in reality they are struggling to make ends meet. This year, our chapter will have approximately 52 Deltas, and possibly 30 Alphas. (That's the way it always is, as we are a smaller state university where people start out and then transfer after a couple of years to a larger school.) Therefore, a vast majority of our chapter must serve as a diamond sister - so we can't just say, "oh, those of you who can't afford to get gifts, just don't volunteer."
It really has helped QUITE a bit by enforcing the policy of gifts coming from the chapter rather than the diamond sisters. I know that there is gift exchange going on under the table, but at least it isn't out in the open to make those who don't receive them feel bad. Basically we upped dues by 20.00 per year. This allows the NMC budget approximately 30.00 per Alpha on gifts. It might not seem like much, but when you buy stuff in bulk, you get much better prices, and the Alphas love their gifts!
Katie, I know this doesn't help your situation, but hopefully your chapter will soon catch on to the policy. Suggestions for you specifically:
1 - Check ebay! Usually some cute stuff on there that is cheap.
2 - Find some of the websites that sell in bulk, and enlist some other Deltas to go in with you and get 6 or 10 of a same item to reduce the cost.
3 - Like others have said, bake cookies, brownies, etc. Use the blue and white tube icing and write stuff on them.
4 - See if you can find some recently graduated seniors from this chapter or your old one who have things they'd be willing to give you or sell cheap so that new members can enjoy them as well.
5 - Get a lavalier that you start the tradition of being passed from diamond sis to diamond sis. She'll appreciate that next year and not having to buy one!
6 - Get a clear glass jar from the dollar store (or use an old soup or mayo jar) and get a $1 decal with letters to put on it. Fill it with Hershey Kisses or her favorite candy.
7 - Or do the same with a cheap white plastic coffee mug. (These two things happen to be sitting on my desk right now!!)
8 - Pass down some of your tshirts from your old chapter (or find someone willing to give theirs up). She'll love something that no one else will have!
9 - Get a plain bulletin board from Wal-Mart and decorate it for her with ADPi stuff.
I'll keep my eye out for you for anything that might be on sale.
