Random Chitchat

[Daniel]

It’s so easy to go overboard with the gifting. But seeing the gratitude and joy on the goodies thread totally makes up for the temporary wallet strain!

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Zach wrote: "I have a short set of rules for gifting anyone aside from my assigned recip, to keep myself from going overboard:
1. It’s a book or author that I have heard of and/or read
2. It would make me happ..."

That sounds like a good set of rules to have. I do something similar. I do stay within the $5 range mostly and books on wishlist that I have personally read always catch my eye first. When I know I loved it, I buy it in hopes for them too as well.

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Daniel wrote: "It’s so easy to go overboard with the gifting. But seeing the gratitude and joy on the goodies thread totally makes up for the temporary wallet strain!"

I agree 100%😆

[Relly]

Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Isaiah wrote: "I don't even pretend. I go over every year on the ..."

I start off with a set limit then say you know what I can buy a few more and it goes on and on and on lol. Spreading the love ..."

I love doing this too. I set a limit and really try and keep to it too.
I buy a prepaid Visa and use that. I start with my recipient and then GR friends and if there is any left over I like to spread the joy around. but once the cash runs out that's the end

[Relly]

Zach wrote: "I have a short set of rules for gifting anyone aside from my assigned recip, to keep myself from going overboard:
1. It’s a book or author that I have heard of and/or read
2. It would make me happ..."

I tend to gravitate towards books I've read and loved on people's list.

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Relly wrote: "I love doing this too. I set a limit and really try and keep to it too.
I buy a prepaid Visa and use that. I start with my recipient and then GR friends and if there is any left over I like to spread the joy around. but once the cash runs out that's the end"

Oh, that is smart. Never thought of doing that.

[Relly]

Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Relly wrote: "I love doing this too. I set a limit and really try and keep to it too.
I buy a prepaid Visa and use that. I start with my recipient and then GR friends and if there is any left over ..."

It's the only way I can control the spend :-)

[Lisazj1]

Zach wrote: "I have a short set of rules for gifting anyone aside from my assigned recip, to keep myself from going overboard:
1. It’s a book or author that I have heard of and/or read
2. It would make me happ...

Maybe it’s selfish but I want to share the joy I have for these books, ...”

Not at all. I bet most people would choose a book they themselves have loved first if it were on the list of the person gifting. You know it made you happy so you want to share that. I’d do it. ❤️

[Kristy]

Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Anyone else say they are only going to spend X amount on gifting in this exchange and then end up going way over? 😂"

I don't even bother to set a limit because I know there's no use 😂. When I see someone wants a book I've loved I have to do it or sometimes just because it feels good. Sometimes you just need to share joy.

[Sheri]

Daniel wrote: "It’s so easy to go overboard with the gifting. But seeing the gratitude and joy on the goodies thread totally makes up for the temporary wallet strain!"

Exactly!!! Sprinkling bits of book love is a gift in itself!

[Sheri]

Relly wrote: I tend to gravitate towards books I've read and loved on people's list. *
"

I do this too! Seeing my favorite books on wishlists calls my name!

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Kristy wrote: ".Sometimes you just need to share joy."

I love that!

[Lisazj1]

Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Kristy wrote: ".Sometimes you just need to share joy."

I love that!"

Me too, and this is it exactly! I read somewhere that joy shared is joy multiplied. And it is. ❤️

[Leslie]

I love seeing all the book love shared too. And I agree, I will often get a book I love or one from a favorite author when perusing peoples lists. It makes me so happy. As for budget. What budget? 🤣

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Isaiah wrote: "Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Anyone else say they are only going to spend X amount on gifting in this exchange and then end up going way over? 😂"

I don't even pretend. I go over every year on the ..."

I do the same! Shopping makes me happy!

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Zach wrote: "I have a short set of rules for gifting anyone aside from my assigned recip, to keep myself from going overboard:
1. It’s a book or author that I have heard of and/or read
2. It would make me happ..."

I feel kind of similarly.

[Ami]

I wish I can say that I set a budget... but then I will be lying *lol*.

[Stephani]

How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided in elfster (Amazon US) :). I also "resent" the email from Amazon for the first 2 when I sent the book on 11/16. That day I also sent an annonymous note through elfster letting them know they had presents waiting. Still unclaimed. I realize it's only been 4 days but I thought I would ask...

[Nadine Bookaholic]

Stephani wrote: "How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided in elfster (Amazo..."

I usually wait a week before I start to worry, weekdays are hard for some. Personally for me this has been a crazy few days with my internet crapping out due to storms and wind so I just accepted a few that were sent days ago.
HTH

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Stephani wrote: "How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided in elfster (Amazo..."

I agree with Nadine. I would wait a week. My person is MIA as well. Sent them a gift and message and heard nothing back. They may just be busy. 2020 the year where life is just so hectic lol

[Stephani]

Nadine Bookaholic wrote: "Stephani wrote: "How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided ..."

Thank you!

[Stephani]

Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Stephani wrote: "How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided ..."

Thank you! Good to hear I'm not the only one. :)

[Sandra]

Ami wrote: "I wish I can say that I set a budget... but then I will be lying *lol*."

LOL, same. I just can't help wanting to spread the joy. Who cares about a budget, amirite, in the face of all this happy?

[Daniel]

I just bought all the gifts for my recipient, with different delivery dates set throughout the exchange, just in case the hubby decides I’ve gone overboard with the gifting and grounds me (lol)

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Daniel wrote: "I just bought all the gifts for my recipient, with different delivery dates set throughout the exchange, just in case the hubby decides I’ve gone overboard with the gifting and grounds me (lol)"

Hahaha- I'm worried about that too! I already got a talking to...

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Daniel wrote: "I just bought all the gifts for my recipient, with different delivery dates set throughout the exchange, just in case the hubby decides I’ve gone overboard with the gifting and grounds me (lol)"

😂😂

[Pam]

Lisazj1 wrote: "In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie, which I got last year as a gift and looooooved it!"

Sounds like I need to bump this one up on the Christmas TBR

[Pam]

Daniel wrote: "It’s so easy to go overboard with the gifting. But seeing the gratitude and joy on the goodies thread totally makes up for the temporary wallet strain!"

Yes!!! I tried not to go too overboard last year, but this was my favorite part of Christmas so I'm not even gonna pretend this year 🤣🤣🤣

I've gotten pretty neutral about Christmas gifts among the family (we're kid-free), so we've all but eliminated that around our household, but I will *never* feel neutral about buying books!!! And it turns out this is the perfect way to get that Christmas nostalgia back for me. It used to be a tradition with my grandmother and my aunts to go book shopping together with our gift cards when we were all in town for Christmas, so this brought back all kinds of good memories.

I love seeing the more obscure books that impressed me on people's wish lists, so I tend to put most of my focus there.

[Kristy]

Pam wrote: "I love seeing the more obscure books that impressed me on people's wish lists, so I tend to put most of my focus there. "

This^^^ I love going through everyone's wishlist (that sounds kinda creepy, oops 😳) and seeing all the new/old books I've missed.

[Isaiah]

Stephani wrote: "How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided in elfster (Amazo..."

I have had books unclaimed for over a year, but usually I don't worry unless my person says they haven't gotten anything. I resend the emails again at the end of the giveaway and send the anonymous note like you did. After that I just start shouting and messaging them xD

[Lila]

Lisazj1 wrote: "Lila wrote: "Hi, guys! Miss you all. Happy Gifting!"

Hey Lila!!! Where you been? We miss you too, I hope everything is well!! ❤️"

Hey, Lisa!

Yes, everything good. Just the evil day job getting in the way of my reading.

Glad to see you. Hope you're doing great!

[Lila]

Bookreader87(Amanda) wrote: "Anyone else say they are only going to spend X amount on gifting in this exchange and then end up going way over? 😂"

I don't know what a budget is for this exchange. :-) I'm blaming it on the elves. They love to give books away!

[Sheri]

Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Daniel wrote: "I just bought all the gifts for my recipient, with different delivery dates set throughout the exchange, just in case the hubby decides I’ve gone overboard with the gifting and groun..."

*giggle*
I might use the blog's email just for this very reason ;)

[Sheri]

Pam wrote: "It used to be a tradition with my grandmother and my aunts to go book shopping together with our gift cards when we were all in town for Christmas, so this brought back all kinds of good memories.."

Aww, I love this!
I just took my twelve-year-old to Barnes and Noble's last weekend...she had a gc from Grandma Great that she was saving and she needed some cheering up. I let her browse through the aisles for over an hour until she finally decided on The Diary of Anne Frank.
I've always read with her and in early elementary when she drifted away from books a bit, I let her read any and all graphic novels (despite dad's grumbles) because I wanted to keep her reading hunger alive. It seemed to work and makes me so happy to see her...still loving books. :)

[Lisazj1]

Pam wrote: "Lisazj1 wrote: "In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie, which I got last year as a gift and looooooved it!"

Sounds like I need to bump this one up on the Christmas TBR"

Oh yes, if you need something with feels and heartstrings and sweetness, this is it!! I haven’t been feeling too jolly today and I’m just about to reread it!!! 🥰🥰

[Lisazj1]

Pam wrote: "Daniel wrote: "It’s so easy to go overboard with the gifting. But seeing the gratitude and joy on the goodies thread totally makes up for the temporary wallet strain!"

Yes!!! I tried not to go too..."

I’ve gotten the same as my boys have gotten older. They don’t really care about gifts anymore, not like they used to, so it’s just not as fun. That’s one of the reasons why I love this so much. ❤️

LOL, with my dad’s family, we drew names when everybody grew up. And we’re all so ridiculous, we’d end up exchanging bookstore gift cards all around! 😂 We ended up quitting. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Renée]

Pam wrote: "Lisazj1 wrote: "In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie, which I got last year as a gift and looooooved it!"

Sounds like I need to bump this one up on the Christmas TBR"

I'm all about cozy and/or Christmas romance this year, definitely adding this one!

[Sheri]

Lisazj1 wrote: "Pam wrote: "Daniel wrote: "It’s so easy to go overboard with the gifting. But seeing the gratitude and joy on the goodies thread totally makes up for the temporary wallet strain!"

Yes!!! I tried n..."

Awww, this is sweet and hilarious!

[Sheri]

Renée wrote: "Pam wrote: "Lisazj1 wrote: "In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie, which I got last year as a gift and looooooved it!"

Sounds like I need to bump this one up on the Christmas TBR"

I'm ..."

A lovely elf dropped off this goodie in my box, I can't wait to read this one!

[Lisazj1]

Sheri wrote: "Renée wrote: "Pam wrote: "Lisazj1 wrote: "In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie, which I got last year as a gift and looooooved it!"

Sounds like I need to bump this one up on the Christ..."

I started my reread last night. They're so stinkin' cute! 💕😍 I mean, it's not all hearts and rainbows, there's issues too. Also admittedly, I'm a huge sap anyway, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! 😁

[Pam]

Kristy wrote: "I love going through everyone's wishlist (that sounds kinda creepy, oops 😳)"

Ha! I will probably have gone through everyone's twice by the end of the exchange if it makes you feel any better :)

[Pam]

Sheri wrote: "I just took my twelve-year-old to Barnes and Noble's last weekend...she had a gc from Grandma Great that she was saving and she needed some cheering up."

Sheri, I love this! Bookstores have always been mood-lifters for me, too. I used to do this with my nephew and loved watching how much he would light up. Bookstores as a happy place is such a great lesson

[Lisazj1]

Pam wrote: "Kristy wrote: "I love going through everyone's wishlist (that sounds kinda creepy, oops 😳)"

Ha! I will probably have gone through everyone's twice by the end of the exchange if it makes you feel a..."

Hah, same! I think everybody does it though. 😁

[Pam]

Lisazj1 wrote: "LOL, with my dad’s family, we drew names when everybody grew up. And we’re all so ridiculous, we’d end up exchanging bookstore gift cards all around! 😂 We ended up quitting. 🤷🏼‍♀️ "

Yes, exactly! My husband's sister, sister-in-law and uncle are all teachers (or retired teachers) and I think it was the year they all bought each other the same book -- which they had all already read, of course -- that we finally convinced the in-laws it was ok to minimize the gift-giving

[Lisazj1]

Pam wrote: "Yes, exactly! My husband's sister, sister-in-law and uncle are all teachers (or retired teachers) and I think it was the year they all bought each other the same book -- which they had all already read, of course -- that we finally convinced the in-laws it was ok to minimize the gift-giving"

We did the same, it was only for the nieces, nephews and grandkids from then on. That's the fun stuff anyway!

[Sheri]

Pam wrote: "Sheri wrote: "I just took my twelve-year-old to Barnes and Noble's last weekend...she had a gc from Grandma Great that she was saving and she needed some cheering up."

Sheri, I love this! Bookstor..."

I agree...book stores ARE happy places!!
When I lived in town (before we moved to BFE) I used to spend my lunch hour in the cafe...reading and of course, soaking up book joy all around me! :)

[Stephani]

Stephani wrote: "How long do you wait before you get worried about your person not picking up thier gifts? I've sent 3 books (2 on 11/14 and one on 11/16) using the links and instructions provided in elfster (Amazo..."

Update: Thank you to all who responded!! My person did claim their gifts so I was able to give more. 🎁💝🎀🎄

[Monica]

I feel like a creeper bc I get on here to read comments but rarely post anything. I read to see who hasn’t gotten gifts yet so I can gift them something. I think half the fun is opening your email and seeing a gift waiting. We all deserve a little happiness lol

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

☆Monica wrote: "I feel like a creeper bc I get on here to read comments but rarely post anything. I read to see who hasn’t gotten gifts yet so I can gift them something. I think half the fun is opening your email ..."

I agree!

[Trio]

☆Monica wrote: "I feel like a creeper bc I get on here to read comments but rarely post anything. I read to see who hasn’t gotten gifts yet so I can gift them something. I think half the fun is opening your email ..."

so nice!