Etiquette for Gifts/ Flowers | Page 2 | Golden Skate

Etiquette for Gifts/ Flowers

pmidi

Rinkside
Joined
Aug 26, 2014
Hello everyone. I've been in the background enjoying the many threads and this is my first post. I'm going to Worlds and I can't believe it! This will be the first time that I will be attending a live skating event and I have had many questions answered by reading the various threads. I have a question about gifts that are thrown on the ice. Would TD Gardens have vendors selling wrapped flowers or stuffed animals? I don't know if I would have room in my suitcase to bring gifts but I would love to throw gifts to some of my favorite skaters. I really appreciate all the information that is shared by everyone. So nice for a novice like me.:)
 

dorispulaski

Wicked Yankee Girl
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Country
United-States
Congratulations on your first post pmidi! Welcome to Golden Skate!

Although all competitions are a bit different from each other, there are almost always vendor stands selling items, some of which would be appropriate to throw as gifts to the skaters. In the US, the only flowers available have been plush stuffed roses and such at events I have been to in the last 10 years and more. Apparently a decision was made not to allow real or artificial flowers, even when wrapped, because the wrapping tended to break apart sometimes when thrown, making at best, a mess to clean up, and at worst causing a danger to the competitors.
 

narcissa

Record Breaker
Joined
Apr 1, 2014
What's the etiquette for asking for autographs/photos? I imagine it'd be hard to do that after competitions, but what about practice sessions?
 

iluvtodd

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Country
United-States
What's the etiquette for asking for autographs/photos? I imagine it'd be hard to do that after competitions, but what about practice sessions?

I've done that after the skaters' practice session with much success. Just be patient if there are a number of other people waiting @ the same time.

If I have pics for a skater from a previous show/competition, I try to give them to the skater/coaches after the practice session. If that doesn't happen, I put the envelope/card in a zip lock bag & throw it on the ice after the free skate performance. I always include our names & home address. I have received lovely notes from Mirai, The Shibs, Ailssa C., Yuka Sato, Max (in Max's case, a Jewish New Year card in September following a summer comp), usually with an autograph pic as well!

Message to Tammi - Will we be allowed to bring small stuffed animals to the TD Garden?
 
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karne

in Emergency Backup Mode
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Country
Australia
What's the etiquette for asking for autographs/photos? I imagine it'd be hard to do that after competitions, but what about practice sessions?

For me - I would only ever approach when the skater seems the least busy. I would be highly reluctant to approach during or just before/after a practice session because that's their working time, they're focusing and concentrating on what needs to be done. And knowing how little I want to socialise immediately after a hard practice - though I am a bit of an introvert - I definitely wouldn't want to jump on them pretty well straight after.
 

iluvtodd

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Country
United-States
karne, many of the skaters have been more than gracious to talk to the fans once their practice sessions are over. Don't be shy!
 

cheerknithanson

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Country
United-States
For me - I would only ever approach when the skater seems the least busy. I would be highly reluctant to approach during or just before/after a practice session because that's their working time, they're focusing and concentrating on what needs to be done. And knowing how little I want to socialise immediately after a hard practice - though I am a bit of an introvert - I definitely wouldn't want to jump on them pretty well straight after.

I feel you. Sometimes it's hard for me to talk to some people straight up. Especially dudes. Just my nature. And sometimes I will stumble on my words and sound like someone who's more severe than me. Like someone will have to be there talking to them already in order for me to go up cause it'll just be a continuation. If I do become able to talk, I most likely won't be able to make eye contact. Like I'm so horrible at it.

Now I won't be able to go to the practice sessions as I only bought tickets to see the men's FP. But still practice or not, it'll be difficult for me.
 

jax

Rinkside
Joined
Oct 9, 2015
Just threw my 2 cents in here.
Never approach the skaters before they skate. They are trying to focus on what they need to do. After they skate, they tend to change clothing and then go find seats or other skaters. That is a great time to talk to them or give them a special gift.
If you want to send them a note or letter, you can always send it to their rinks. I have seen skaters reading fan mail while they sit down and have a bite to eat between practices.
 

Skater Boy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
For the only two competitions I've been to, I simply threw hand-knitted gifts onto the ice. If it was a pair of socks or mittens or hats for an ice dance or pairs teams, I would use a hair tie to keep them together. If you want to throw hand-knitted gifts onto the ice, it's better to throw hats, socks, mittens, and gloves onto the ice. Sweaters, blankets, and scarves are a bit too big and will have a harder time getting onto the ice....well maybe if you roll the scarf up like a cinnamon rolls and same with a blanket and use a tie to keep it together (Though with a blanket you'll probably need a lot of ties) that could work, but smaller is better....

And also what I did this year since the hats I made for 7 skaters for Skate America were made of non-machine-washable wool, I had to make tags with a warning and told them how to wash them. So like if you gave them something with special washing instructions, make sure you put it on there so that they'll know.

PS: The more there are together of knitted objects or the smaller and more compact it's balled or folded up, the further it'll go onto the ice. It was a good thing I was in the 1st row because my throw sucks LOL.

Wow so thoughtful. I wish I were skating I would love a hand knit blanket or scarf. Have you heard of Loopy Mango. i wanted to learn how to knit one of those then I found out they cost like 150 dollars to make one and are 300 in the store made. Wow that is loopy and you won't have any money for mangoes afterwards :(
 

cheerknithanson

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Country
United-States
Wow so thoughtful. I wish I were skating I would love a hand knit blanket or scarf. Have you heard of Loopy Mango. i wanted to learn how to knit one of those then I found out they cost like 150 dollars to make one and are 300 in the store made. Wow that is loopy and you won't have any money for mangoes afterwards :(

I don't know what that is actually.
 

Skater Boy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Whatever you give do it with a good heart. Be considerate about not hurting anyone ie too heavy or sharp edges or it falling apart on the ice which may be dangerous to future skaters. liquids are dangerous, heavy items, metal items, I know someone once threw homemade bath products - it was lucky no one got hit forget about possible spillage. keep in mind the skater might not be able to keep everything and it often gets donated to the local hospital. Skaters especially lesser stars really appreciate the support though:)
 

cheerknithanson

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Country
United-States
Whatever you give do it with a good heart. Be considerate about not hurting anyone ie too heavy or sharp edges or it falling apart on the ice which may be dangerous to future skaters. liquids are dangerous, heavy items, metal items, I know someone once threw homemade bath products - it was lucky no one got hit forget about possible spillage. keep in mind the skater might not be able to keep everything and it often gets donated to the local hospital. Skaters especially lesser stars really appreciate the support though:)

Speaking of heavy stuff. I remember at Skate America this year when some fans threw blankets that were in those plastic cases with zippers and a few landed on the judges' table....lol. It was hilarious though.
 

Skater Boy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
I don't know what that is actually.

Google it. It is a type of wool - very thick and expensive. Very very chunky - look up handknit Nantucket throw - its the rage. Very trendy. i knit one for a friend and I am a beginner in well under 2 hours - may have been an hour I wasn't really keeping track as I did it in bits and pieces.
 
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cheerknithanson

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Country
United-States
Google it. It is a type of wool - very thick and expensive. Very very chunky - look up handknit Nantucket throw - its the rage. Very trendy. i knit one for a friend and I am a beginner in well under 2 hours - may have been an hour I wasn't really keeping track as I did it in bits and pieces.

I'm sure you can get thick, chunky wool from knitpicks. MUCH cheaper alternative.
 

Layback11

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
The only thing I can add to this is don't hit anyone. I have an awful throwing arm and have given several spectators a stuffed strawberry to the head at competitions, which is to be avoided if possible. :laugh:

As for what to throw-in the past I've done skating gloves (they wear out insanely fast, so it's always useful to get some backup pairs), but this time I made greeting cards based on a few of my favorite skaters' costumes. Hopefully I'll be able to throw them from my seat; if not, I'll probably try to track down the skaters and give them to them in person, but that would be hard so hopefully I can just throw them.
 

Skater Boy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
I'm sure you can get thick, chunky wool from knitpicks. MUCH cheaper alternative.

Nope, this stuff is pretty special merino wool and like super super thick (thicker than your finger). I think Gracie would love one. I don't think Patrick would not like it but I could see Hanyu enjoying it and Javier saying what the heck I guess I can wear it (actually I can see Paddy doing the same - he is a good sport). Radinova would be super thankful and cute. rippon would wear his with pride before Ashley would rip it out of his hands and use it as a wrap lol.
 

cheerknithanson

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Country
United-States
Nope, this stuff is pretty special merino wool and like super super thick (thicker than your finger). I think Gracie would love one. I don't think Patrick would not like it but I could see Hanyu enjoying it and Javier saying what the heck I guess I can wear it (actually I can see Paddy doing the same - he is a good sport). Radinova would be super thankful and cute. rippon would wear his with pride before Ashley would rip it out of his hands and use it as a wrap lol.

Knitpicks does have merino wool that's of a good price. I'll share you a link.

http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Biggo_Yarn__D5420217.html Well this bulky one is 50% merino and 50% nylon, but there's thinner option of 100% superwash merino wool.
 

Skater Boy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Thanks - I think handmade gifts are so nice with a card. Though I don't think you understand Loopy Mango wool is like over 1/2 an inch think - so it literally takes two rows and you have one inch knit - maybe even less = actually some Loopy mango is probably an inch wide and solid so it does't squish down a lot. I think fashionable skaters would love them as scarves
 
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