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Welcome to my BIC Dream!

It all starts with a single biro.

I’ve got a box of 50 BIC Crystal pens. Using only trades — no money changing hands — I’m going to see how far I can go. Can I swap my way from a pen to something life-changing… maybe a smart car, maybe a house?

It’s part social experiment, part adventure, and part proof that connections, creativity, and a little bit of cheek can take you anywhere.

Follow along as I document every trade, every twist, and every surprise.

From ink to incredible — this is Bic Dreams.

Here's the box! 50 premium Bic Cristal Biros! Ready for trading...

The Rules

The aim of the project is simply to trade my way from a box of 50 Bic biros to a whole host of goodies and charitable donations.

Whilst I’ll be pushing the boundaries of what I can get away with in terms of trades and end goals, there’s got to be some rules in place, to keep it interesting…

  1. Nothing illegal. Goes without saying really!
  2. No money trades hands. This is all about the trading. Adding money to the mix takes away the skill of the negotiation, so we just won’t do it!
  3. Postage and other costs. In line with no cash trading hands, we will not be able to pay any associated costs for trades, including postage/carriage etc. This will need to be incorporated into the trade from the other trader’s side.
  4. Imagination. I need big dreams to pull this off… The only limitation here is my imagination.
  5. Patience. They say that Rome wasn’t built in a day, well nor was trading up to a French holiday home from a ball point pen. This project could well take forever, but it leads to the next point…
  6. Fun. There’s no seriousness to this project – things will happen or they won’t! But it should be fun along the way.
  7. Transparency. Every single trade will be posted online for everyone to see. No secret swaps, no hidden deals — the fun is following the journey step by step.
  8. Fair Play. The goal isn’t to trick anyone — every trade should feel like a win-win. Creativity over cunning.
  9. Community Spirit. Anyone can get involved — whether you’ve got something quirky, useful, or just plain random to trade, you’re part of the story.
  10. No Take-Backs. Once a trade is done, it’s done! The journey moves forward, no matter what.
  11. Story Value. Sometimes it’s not about the size or price of the item — it’s about how interesting, unusual, or fun the trade is. Weird trades are welcome!

Targets & Trades

Every adventure needs a dream to chase — so here’s mine.

This grid will be filled with 50 target items: the big, bold, and sometimes bonkers things I’d love to trade my way towards. They range from fun little wins like an Xbox, to once-in-a-lifetime dreams like a holiday abroad, a smart car… maybe even a house.

So we’re starting with 50 Bic Cristal 0.8mm black biros, but where will we get to against our targets?! Below you can see the targets I’m looking to achieve, and if you hover over the image, you will see the current status of its set of trades. If you click the links, you can delve into the precise trading history that’s taken us to where we are to date.

These targets aren’t guarantees. They’re inspiration. A reminder that starting from a single Bic biro, anything could happen.

Some of them are realistic, some are wild, but every square represents the spirit of Bic Dreams: imagination, ambition, and a touch of cheek.

There’s only so many things that one can want in life at any one time, so right now we don’t have a full roster of targets – maybe you can suggest some?!

The real fun will be seeing just how close I can get.

XBox Series X, GTA6 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

#1 Xbox and games

Xbox Series X with GTA6 and MS Flight Simulator

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#2

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#3

I've wanted to fly forever! And a flying lesson is the first step

#4 Flying Lessons

A love affair with aviation, what better way to service it than become a part of it!

Twickenham; the home of England Rugby, and the scene of many battles on the pitch over its history. Who wouldn't want a peek behind the curtain of this national stadium.

#5 VIP Tour of Twickenham Stadium

A tour of the home of England Rugby

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#6

Oof, a coffee treat once a week...

#7 Coffee

£250 Costa Coffee Voucher – a little treat once a week!

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#8

The Sick Children's Trust - providing homes to families with sick children in hospital.

#9 Sick Children’s Trust Donation

One year’s worth of support for a room with The Sick Children’s Trust

The Tag Heuer Monaco watch; Gulf special edition - another famous motorsport watch.

#10 Tag Heuer Monaco Watch

Gulf edition

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#11

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#12

A villa-based holiday for four to the Disney and associated parks, and Orlando.

#13 Florida Family Holiday

Villa-based family holiday for four to Florida, including car hire and parks entry

We're looking to secure funds to sponsor one guide dog for life!

#14 Sponsor a Guide Dog

Sponsor a UK Guide Dog for life

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#15

A holiday cottage in the North Yorkshire Moors.

#16 North Yorkshire Moors Holiday Home

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#17

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#18

The Super Bowl - a trip of a lifetime!

#19 Super Bowl Trip

Trip for two to see the Super Bowl, to include travel, accommodation and tickets for two

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#20

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#21

THE American truck, not built for UK roads, but it'll be fun!

#22 Ford F-150 Raptor

Yes, an imported truck!

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#23

Super Yacht Trip in the Mediterranean

#24 Super Yacht Trip

Including travel, transfers and tips!

Indian food - possibly the best cuisine? Lessons to recreate amazing dishes.

#25 An Indian Cookery Course

Learn to cook a range of Indian cuisine with a cookery course

The Cartier Love Bangle is the classic symbol of love, and fashion!

#26 Cartier Love Bangle

Size 21, White Gold

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#27

The Range Rover - world's favourite luxury car.

#28 Range Rover

The quintessential English luxury car

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#29

A day's fly fishing on the River Test in Hampshire

#30 Fly Fishing on the River Test

A weekend’s fishing on one of England’s most famous chalkstreams

The Rolex Daytona is an iconic luxury chronograph, originally designed for professional racing drivers, renowned for its precision, durability, and timeless style.

#31 Rolex Daytona

Oystersteel or White Gold Panda

Driving a machine capable of crushing cars at 50mph across rough terrain - yes please!

#32 Drive a Tank Experience

Drive a 70-tonne, unstoppable war machine – why not?!

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#33

Who doesn't dream of a little French hideaway?

#34 French Holiday Home

A French holiday home, to accommodate at least four. Location TBC

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#35

A tour package to follow the British & Irish Lions on tour.

#36 British & Irish Lions Tour

A tour package for four to follow the full British & Irish Lions Tour

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#37

Learning to sea fish will require some new rods, reels and tackle!

#38 Sea Fishing Starter Gear

The essential kit to start sea fishing!

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#39

A year's family subscription to our favourite music streaming service

#40 Spotify Family Subscription

One year’s family Spotify subscription

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#41

Paying off my mortgage - the ultimate in a life of freedom!

#42 Pay Off My Mortgage

Yup, clear the mortgage and cut those living expenses!

Time to become nobility and a Lord of Sealand!

#43 Become a Lord of Sealand!

Yes m’Lord. Become instant nobility!

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#44

I'm looking for my dream home - something like that!

#45 My Dream Home

Simply the chance to have the home of my dreams…

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#46

The ultimate fast family wagon!

#47 Audi RS6 Avant

THE family estate to have

Here's one of our 50 Bic Biros, with which we're aiming to achieve some epic trades!

#48

Lessons to get a handicap, let alone lower one!!

#49 Golf Lessons

Frustrating, yes. But fun all the same!

It's a big dream, but let's get a farm!

#50 Buy Me A Farm

Yup, seriously! A farm to operate (and no, this isn’t borne from Clarkson’s Farm idealism!)

Trade With Me…

If you think you can offer me a suitable trade for any of my current items, or you just want to get in touch with me about the project, please complete the form below…

Name
I have read and understand fully the rules as set out?