We have a few different sig items out there and we enjoyed creating and distributing each one. It is cool to see a cacher create an item that speaks to their identity and leave it behind as a "gift" for another cacher to collect.
I got my ideas for sig items from seeing what other cachers had created and adapting the ideas to something that was appropriate for us, affordable and fun. I didn't think either board member went "off topic" by posting other sig item photos because I found that to be very helpful. I also appreciated the mention of a crafting table at events as that is a great breeding ground for sig item ideas (as well as being really fun for the kids).
When you start a thread, sometimes others will approach your topic from an angle you didn't expect. I have enjoyed this thread and every single idea from every single person that took the time to post to it.
If you want to try cross country skiing, start with a small country