A first-timer at Bonnaroo recently shared plans to bring a large stash of items to trade and leave at their campsite — everything from glow-in-the-dark headbands and clay figures to kandi bracelets, pop-it fidget toys, and unique novelties like capybara sprouts and animal finger puppets. They wondered if that might be too much for the festival community.
The festival crowd’s verdict? There’s no such thing as “too much” when it comes to small gifts for the beloved “Take One, Leave One” box. Regular Bonnaroovians urged pacing out the items across the weekend instead of dropping all at once, and arranging a visible, easy-access table to encourage continuous exchanges.
This tradition thrives on generosity, with many attendees preparing hundreds of bracelets, stickers, and trinkets. Supplies run out fast, which only proves how eagerly these tokens of festival culture are exchanged and appreciated. Beyond the gifts, trading is a social highlight — a gateway to new connections and finding those one-of-a-kind festival treasures.
Bonnaroo’s communal gifting scene is a core part of its spirit. Sharing a wide variety of goodies keeps the energy flowing and bonds fest-goers in a collective culture of positivity and fun. If you’re bringing loads of goodies, just remember to spread them out — it keeps the take-leave tradition alive and buzzing all weekend long.
Source: r/bonnaroo