Swap parties have regained popularity because of the economy. It's a great way to get together for a home party without having to sell or buy anything, and it's eco-friendly. People are putting a modern twist on it. Here's how:

GREEN AND FRUGAL: One reader, Lori in Illinois, shares: "Bring all of those extra, unused (greeting) cards from years past and exchange them. You can have a craft exchange, too. Have each guest make five of their favorite crafts. At the exchange, everyone gets one craft from each person. Now all of you have just done some of your gift shopping for the year."

CLOTHING SWAP: With some women being let go from high-profile jobs and seeking new employment, and other women who were stay-at-home moms returning to the workforce, they're able to swap business attire and casual clothing without spending a dime. Additional swap-party ideas include plants, seeds and perennials, baby gear and toys, budget recipes, coupons, home decor, books, games, CDs and DVDs.

PLAN IT: You should have criteria such as how many items each guest brings and in what order guests can exchange their items. For example, you can draw names from a hat. And if there are two people interested in a single item, you can do a random drawing to decide who gets it.

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@

frugalvillage.com.