I think 18 bars of soap is too many for 5 people. The swaps I have participated in have required one bar per person, and yes all the soaps the same, but I think this could be flexible. So 6 people - 6 bars of soap so that everyone gets a bar of soap from each participant. I think this is more doable than 18 bars for 6 people. What do you all think? Liz