SantaThing 2019!

It's that time of year again—this is our THIRTEENTH annual SantaThing!

Important links
- SantaThing page
- SantaThing Help/FAQs
- Blog post
- Donations thread

You can edit your SantaThing entry at any time by going to the SantaThing page, and scrolling down a bit to "Your SantaThings." Each entry has an "(edit)" link to the far right of that line. Click on the member name next to a SantaThing profile to read about their preferences and leave suggestions!

Any questions? Post them in this thread, see the SantaThing Help page for FAQs, or email me directly at kate@librarything.com.

Perhaps I'm too quick off the mark, but the links all take me to a 'start a new topic' on the Book talk page.

>2 Peace2: refresh and try now!

>2 Peace2: things take a few min to get updated. :)

Thank you, Kate and all LibraryThing Elves.

Season's Readings!

So excited. Santa Thing is my most favorite time of year.

Yay!!! Love it.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I signed up. :)

This is my first time doing Santa Thing since I've signed up for LT!

It is so much fun to get books in the mail from my Santa! I love seeing what has been chosen for me. My past Santas have been very good to me.

Yay! SantaThing!

I appreciate being able to pick LT, Litsy, or Litsy and LT for the matching. Thanks for adding that feature. Or, maybe it's not new and I'm just noticing it. Cheers, either way!

I am not seeing where to enter my "valid receipt number" for my PayPal payment. Help?

There are a whole lot of exact duplicates in the Santa Thing glitch. Wondering if there's a glitch or did so many people mean to sign up with the exact same information.

I love the Christmas tree!

>14 seongeona: when you sign up there is a drop menu with how much you want to use for your SantaThing. You dont have to put a receipt number anywhere this year.

>15 lindapanzo: I inadvertently created two entries. Somehow I ended up starting the payment process before I had completed filling in my address details. I used to browser back button to return to the signup page, before hitting "Save and Pay" and heading off to Paypal. It was only after paying and returning to LT that I noticed that two entries had been created - one without complete address information, and one with. I can't tell if both appear to have been paid, but I only paid once. I've let Kate know. Maybe this is happening for others.

I still recon You should give a BADGE for Santa Thing Donors!

>19 guido47: I agree with that.

I am not seeing where to enter my "valid receipt number" for my PayPal payment. Help?

Sorry about that. We changed how payment works from last time. You don't need to do that anymore, and you are okay.

I still recon You should give a BADGE for Santa Thing Donors!

I'm in agreement. Any idea how we could do that? Crawl through old talk posts?

>22 timspalding: I have records of who donated for the last 3 years at least. I might have access to one more year. :)

My husband always jokingly tells me I would make a good secretary. Lol

>22 timspalding: I usually stay out of badge wars here on LT, because badges feel like the equivalent of wearing your favorite team's baseball cap. But, in general, badges that have to be earned with money are even more exclusionary.

Also: I personally don't want one for doing something kind with a little extra money I had. However, I no longer use the donations thread to make my donations, and this is the first mention I've made of my doings on Talk. I say this not to earn plaudits for any donations but to point out that finding donors might be more of an effort than Talk posts and records.

How are you going to define donors? Only public donors on the donations threads? Public and anonymous donors but only on those threads? What about people who sponsor friends, neighbors, relatives, or LT friends? How are you even to know? What about the anonymous donors who'd prefer to remain anonymous? How far in the past for the donations to count?

If you do make a badge, I hope you'll offer an opt-out for the people who don't want it. It might also be easiest to start it with 2019 donations. Alternately, you could go off an honor system and ask people who've donated to message you if they'd like a badge. That might perhaps be the simplest way.

How do you donate? Do you get to pick books?

I don''t think there should be a badge for people who donate. It sort of defeats the purpose of the donation. I like the idea of opting out if other folks think a badge is a good idea.

>24 libraryperilous: I have ran the donation thread for the last 4 or so years. I have always kept donations as a first come first serve basis to keep it fair. I have been approached privately for donations but have told them I was uncomfortable doing it that way.

There have been donors in the past who didnt to be made which I did make note about. I try my best to give a detailed report at the end of sign ups. I report who donated what with what code and who recieved it.

Awesome, thank you

The way we can participate without money is to recommend books, correct? Do we do that by leaving a comment/suggestion on a SantaThing participant gift page?

>29 aspirit: that is correct.

>30 mellymel171328: thanks.

>9 tealadytoo: Hee! I still have a brightly wrapped bookshelf from when I wrapped my unread books last year. Need to read faster! Looks pretty though.

A badge for donations feels a bit off for me, but a badge for participating would be nice, I think. I'd love to have a santa hat or a christmas tree on my badge page. Achievement unlocked! :-)

I'm convinced that, if we were to have a donations badge, it would have to be something you agree to. And I'm not sure it's a good idea. A participation badge would be good, though.

>18 rodneyvc: Thanks for reaching out, Rod. I've deleted your duplicate entry!

A participation badge would be fun and a way of showing involvement with the LT community and I wouldn't for see anyone having an issue with that.

However I agree to receive a badge for donation does seem off and I am sure many people who do donate don't seek or want any recognition for doing so. It may be the way or one way they choose to pay it forward to other people whom share common interest in books and reading.

I did SantaThing last year, and I really enjoyed picking out books, for a member of LibraryThing, and just sharing my love of books. I also sent two Christmas cards to two members, and one of the recipients, thanked me on my page. It was so nice, and made me feel all warm and snuggly inside😇

I haven't had much pleasant times with the card exchange. :( I always thanked those who names themselves so they know I got the card. I've done it every year since it started and I got one thanks. I even made bookmarks. :(

>38 mellymel171328: That's a shame, because you went to so much trouble. I wish I could make some bookmarks, but my hands are too shaky, and painful. Have a lovely Christmas:-)

>27 mellymel171328: I'm sure you have run your threads fairly and openly and have kept good records. I'm sure you also can appreciate that people have donated through other channels, including to personal friends or for other entirely commonplace reasons.

Tim, I think that charitable giving is a personal and private thing for many people and that you can't track all donations, even with Melissa's records. That's really all my long-winded >24 libraryperilous: meant. Apologies that I didn't just word it more concisely at the time of my post. :)

On the notion of a general participation badge—perhaps a Santa hat or a small icon of the Readjoice tome—I think that would be fine. Maybe expanding the definition of participation to members who also post suggestions or Talk comments? I think there are some people who do only those things.

Edited: markup error

>40 libraryperilous: I do understand and get what you are saying. I dont have access to LibraryThing as a whole because I am just a volunteer.

The participation badge would be even more awesome. :)

>41 mellymel171328: Yes, I actually would be excited about a participation badge. It would bring a little SantaThing cheer whenever one visited their badges. :)

And thanks for all the work you do on the donations!

>1 katemcangus: I've seen a handful of email addresses in people's SantaThing profiles, when they want an ebook sent to an address that is different from the one on file at LT. I wanted to suggest that it might be worth for this year or next even clearer instructions around where to put email addresses for ebooks, both so these people aren't unsuspectingly publicly exposed and so that you guys have a consistent place to check for "where ebooks should be sent". (I was actually expecting the "address" field at the bottom of sign-up to change to only an email address rather than a mailing address when an ebook store is selected, but I know that adds a ton of complexity, especially this year when we're already in the thick of it.)

Thank you SO much for this -- it's one of my favorite parts of the holiday period, and I eagerly anticipate it for months!

I think a participation badge would be fun. I love Santathing and I love the card exchange too. I look forward to both of these. Thank you for all your hard work to make both of these work.

SantaThing donations are now up! https://www.librarything.com/topic/313305

>45 timspalding: Yay! Thanks for all your hard work, Tim

I'm going to follow along with this discussion. I may only make suggestions this year, though. Haven't decided yet.

I'm joining this year for the second time. I had a blast participating last year. I actually did two seperate SantaThing submissions this year.

Looking forward to picking books for my Santee, Thank you to all who help organize this.

>45 timspalding: >17 mellymel171328: >1 katemcangus:

No Christmas Card Exchanges this year? Did I miss the link?

>49 Tess_W: They said they were going to do SantaThing first then the card exchange.

>49 Tess_W: What >51 thornton37814: said, Card Exchange signups will happen after SantaThing signups close! Try back next Tuesday, December 3rd.

We are in need of donations. If anyone would like to donate please head on over to the donation talk thread. :) If you can great, if not that is okay too!

I wish I could of joined in this year. :( I will be watching and suggesting where I can though!

>54 mellymel171328: Me, too, melly! I'm taking another year off this year. :-(

>55 LibraryCin: my car got totalted this year and that was a pain in the pocket book. Do you need a donation?

>56 mellymel171328: Oh, yikes!

I don't think I'll ask for one this year. I have once before, but I know there are so many more people in worse shape than I am, even if I feel that I don't want to spend any extra money on books. (My money, this year, has been going toward vet bills and medications, with my oldest cat in kidney failure. Luckily, due to the meds, he is still doing well!)

I do plan to pop in to comment on some of the others, though, and still make suggestions!

Once we start choosing books for people will there be a minimum price point for ebooks?

I see that my SantaThing entry appears twice on the list; my bank tells me I only paid once. Can one be deleted? The entry that requests ebooks is the one that should stay.

(well, my name appears three times, but one is a donation so that should be there, right?)

>59 Petroglyph: The new sign-up features have made duplicates a bit of an issue this year, I believe. I suspect they'll run some code to delete the dupes before doing the matches.

See this thread for the new donations feature. I'm sure TPTB can assign your donation.

I know I ask this every year and then forget again. I want to copy the text from the last time I did SantaThing. (I'm 90% sure I did last year.) I know it can be done so I spin my wheels trying to figure it out because I don't want to reinvent the wheel. (I AM going to copy it down this time in Evernote.)

Anyway, if I follow the links, say, through to SantaThing 2018, I see the blog post for it but when I click through, it brings me to this year's sign up page. I want LAST year's. Help?

>61 Morphidae: Staff have to do this manually, IIRC.

No real time for it now. I just hope I can remember to do it in the morning.

Me too!

>61 Morphidae: - I found mine from 2018 in a private comment on my wall. This year staff haven't been able to retrieve it.

We should start a thread that has all the info you want from previous years. Lol

SantaThing was to be officially closing at noon, but we will be keeping it open at least until 2pm as we finalize some issues.

If you haven't paid for your ST, now would be the right time to do it.

We're still open if anyone wants to join. We're trying to nail down some users who seem not to have paid.

Just realised and signed up, it’s 1:47am in .eu :)

Good night

We are good on donations :) thank you for everyone who donated this year. I promise you made a difference and brought joy to someone. :)

Any idea when we are going to be given our names?

Hey y'all, matches should go out today by the close of business!

SantaThing is now closed. Santas are being picked. By 5pm sounds good.

Okay, SantaThing santas and santees are picked! Check it out.

Gift-giving is not yet active. It will be by tomorrow morning. But you can see your Santee, and leave comments.

My apologies for the speed on things. I have endeavored to do two things:

1. Update the code so it's not terrible. The SantaThing code was written in 2007, added to piecemeal since then, and it is simply dreadful. It is slightly less dreadful now.

2. Do everything for Litsy too, and make them work basically the same way. More than 70 Litsy people signed up for SantaThing, and I needed to make sure everything was done two places, but--as far as possible--one way.

Thanks,
Tim

Yay!

Thanks, Tim!

I'm not a very good fit for my Santee and their requests. It happens sometimes, but I can tell I'm going to need suggestions. :)

They've listed some authors whose books they'd like, but I would appreciate some additional title/author ideas from anyone who shares the reading tastes of this entry.

Thanks in advance!

I don't know if it's possible to change my answers on SantaThing, but I have to have Paperback books. Thank you.

Tuke15

You can edit your description, but you need to ask us to change what bookstore you're using.

How do we link our Santee profile here without revealing their names?? I am going to need some assistance with one of mine for sure.

Can I change my bookstore?

>81 Tuke15:

Yeah, tell me which one you want.

I'd like to keep it at Amazon and specify that I need paperback books, only. Sorry, not trying to be difficult-my first year. If I have to change, in order to make the specifications, change it to:

Powell's
Paperback only.

Thanks.

I have a message from mellymel171328, that tells me how to change it, but there's a blank spot where my information is supposed to be. Maybe because I clicked the little box that said no one else but my santa/ee idk exact name to look at my info. I didn't know. If you're in there and can uncheck it, that would be great.

80> Are you worried about your Santee seeing? There are mechanisms in place to prevent you from seeing your own page (although there are ways to get around it).

77> I'm too good of a fit for my Santee. We have 316 books in common! I went through 210 titles from our "What you should borrow" page and only found 3 or 4 authors that might work.

Y'all forgot to warn us first-timers that we might see wishlists that inspires a sudden increase of our own to-read books. My Santee's lists are interesting.

It's so wonderful, every year, to find out who our Santee is. I want to reach thru the screen, once again, and hug this person who is my bookish soulmate. 📚📚💙❤

>84 BookLizard: Yes, my Santee seeing was a concern, I just knew based upon a quick look at their library that it is one that I will need suggestions for. The account is trojanpotat.

85> That's LibraryThing's gift to you!

87> I left several suggestions for you. That's another fun part - once your Secret Santa is revealed, you can go look at your page and see what suggestions other people made that your Santa didn't get for you (perhaps because of your budget or they just thought you'd like other titles better).

77> Hi libraryperilous, could you remind me how to put in a link to my Santee’s profile without revealing their name as you did in your post? Thanks so much.

Is there still time to edit our shelves before our santa starts picking books? I need to go through my physical books later still to add what I have already. :)

>90 litwitch: Santas already have access to their matches and so may already be browsing your library for books to get or not to get... you may want to make a note on your SantaThing entry if you don't have time to catalog all of your recently added books (although The LibraryThing App is a super-fast way to catalog these days :) ).

Hi all. Second year in a row for me where it feels like I have an impossible Santee.

They haven't listed anything in their profile, we only have one book in common (which I haven't read as it is on my wishlist), and they only have 6 books in their library. I am literally stumped.

Someone was kind enough to leave a suggestion, but I'm not sure how they came up with those authors or where to even start.

Here is their Santa profile: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=429

Please help!

>92 greeneyed_ives: I would probably start by looking at the LT recommendations for the books they have catalogued.

You could also try https://www.fantasticfiction.com. On the author pages look at "Visitors to this page also looked at these authors" and from book pages "Similar books by other authors"

>92 greeneyed_ives: One way to get an idea for books is to look at their membership profile to see if they have written anything about themselves that would give you some ideas.

>93 calm: I left suggestions, and my logic for the choices.

>89 EllsieFind: Sure, no problem. I use HTML mark ups. Here's a handy dandy Green Dragon thread that tells you how to do fun HMTL stuff.

>84 BookLizard: Ha! The perils of too few or too many books in common ...

>85 aspirit: Definitely a hazard of the holidays!

>92 greeneyed_ives: Another thing you can do is check Goodreads for the username. It looks like there is a member, but the account is private unless you have a Goodreads login.

>93 calm: Thank you for the suggestion about the LT recommendations! I didn't think about that, and it might be a good option. I will also look at the website you suggested, to see if I can find any good selections for her favorite authors.

>94 ILuvBookplates: I was hoping her profile would help, but I still feel unsure. We have history in common, but it seems like her interest is medieval, which is not an area I have studied at all. I do appreciate the suggestion about a title for writing though!

>95 thornton37814: Thank you so much for your suggestions and your logic for those choices! I'm not familiar with that genre, so it helps to have some insight into what others might like.

>97 greeneyed_ives: By the way, you can get readalike suggestions for authors on LT, too. Go to the author page and click on 'If you like...' on the left-hand side of the page.

>96 libraryperilous: Thank you, thank you! I do have a Goodreads account and my Santee seems much more active over there. We still don't have a ton of reading similarities, but I feel much more confident selecting for them based on what I can see over there & the wonderful recommendations I have received here.

>99 greeneyed_ives: You're welcome, and yay that you could log in and get some ideas from it!

My santee has a very vague santathing form, only listing a few broad genres, we only have 1 book in common, does anyone have any ideas?

I can't find the store I sholud buy my Santhees gift from. :-(

>96 libraryperilous: Thank you!!

Hi Elves, my second favorite part of SantaThing is all the book suggestions, so I like to drum up interest for my own Santee to make sure they have lots of good recommendations for their wish-list. If you have a moment could you click here to go to my Santee's entry and make suggestions? I've got the first category covered as it is also a favorite interest of mine. I could use some guidance on the second two categories. Thanks so much!

Can anyone help with additional suggestions for my Santee? They would like Fantasy in all colors, shapes and sizes. I'd like to try something new within the fantastic genre. I like characters with good friends.

>102 guido47: They haven't given us that information yet.

>101 toast_and_tea: Do they say what NOT to get them? I would start by googling "best books for 2019" in one of the genres they do mention and see if anything interesting comes up. Once you can narrow it down to store, price and format it should be easier.

>105 Sally.Mander211: I've left some suggestions.

>107 ILuvBookplates: Seconding this idea. >101 toast_and_tea: also can post a link to the entry for suggestions.

>109 CryBel: CryBel It hasn't opened yet, at least for me either. I assume it will be soon.

Gift-giving is not yet active. Please see >74 timspalding:.

So the amount to spend isn't available either?

>112 dianeham: Still waiting on amount, store and book format. I've stopped looking for books for my Santees while we wait since all of that will effect choices.

Okay, buying is now OPEN.

I have yet to put the rules in place to minus value according to shipping at the different levels and in different stores. But I have to sleep a bit before I dive into that.

>114 timspalding:
Good work! Thanks!

Should I already know who I select books for? I assume that I will get a message?

>116 Oneironaut:
Go to the SantaThing page. Your santee is listed just above your own entry.

Just to clarify, if we have a Santee that is under a store's minimum purchase for free shipping, do we need to take $5 out of what is showing or has that already been deducted by LT before we see the amount?

Thank you.

>114 timspalding: Thanks, Tim. When I go to the Santee's entry, I see the amount to spend but the store is blank.

>120 libraryperilous: Likewise. I have an amount, but no store. Not sure where to shop.

I can see the store, but nothing to show how much I can spend, just "Price: $0".

>92 greeneyed_ives: I don't know if you found this already, but here a list of titles your Santee has recommended. there are 9 titles and I don't think they were all in her library. I think you can assume she read the titles she is recommending and guess that she read the books that she's making the read-alike recommendations about (or about which she is making, if you're a grammar freak).

Recommendations

I have a question. Are we supposed to assume our Santee wants print books unless it states otherwise? The store is just listed as "Amazon.com."

>118 ILuvBookplates: From the FAQs:

"... certain stores offer free shipping across the board, while others do not, or only offer free shipping above a certain price point. LT staff adjust the budgets on SantaThing profiles to reflect this. In all cases, if your Santee's store and price point combination needs extra room for shipping costs, the budget will simply be less $5 than what the Santee paid."

You are really NOT havining a good year this year.. I just looked at my Santee and it said $40, But I am sure I paid $50...
Let me check my Paypal account.

Guido.

>125 guido47: guido47 The amount you use for your Santee's books is the amount they paid ($40), not the amount you paid. The amount you paid ($50) is the amount that will be used to purchase books for you.

>125 guido47: The amounts don't always match exactly. You should get $50 worth of books from your Secret Santa.

>125 guido47: If I understand correctly, the amount you have to use for your Santee is the how much they paid

So, I should only buy $40 worth of books for my Santee? I am confused. In previous years I BOUGHT $x (usually $50, max amount) for my Santee. What has changed, and why?

I don't think I have become that Senile Only almost 73... but...bu...b...

PS I really wany to spend more on her!

Guido

129> You might be a better match for him/her than anyone else and that's more important than the amount spent. Quality over quantity. So yeah, you spend $40.

Yes. It has always been that you spend the amount the person puts in. The person paid $40, so you spend $40.

Perhaps in the past it has been that you happened to have been paired with someone who spent the same amount you did.

(If, in the past, you overspent, someone on LibraryThing staff had to reduce your order for you.)

I wish I was able to get one of my two Santee's a little closer to their Purchase price, (0.83) short. But I was able to cover almost all of their requested topic/interest areas.

But I guess that gives a little cushion should prices fluctuate any between now and when the picks are ordered.

>132 wd40sw: A little bit under traditionally has been fine. Good job on maximizing their price point and covering multiple bases!

I know it's still a little wonky, but I like the new layout for the entries. It feels easier to navigate and a bit brighter, somehow. Thanks again, Tim.

>124 BookLizard: Yes, it will be print books unless their store says Amazon Kindle or B&N Nook.

>133 libraryperilous: This is my second Santa Thing, I just wanted to maximize it as much as possible because mine for a members child. So being education I just wanted to try and hit all of their requests.

I agree I think this layout is easier to use and for entering the selections information.

I miss the green ticks that showed a completed pick, was always exciting to see that mine was just waiting to be shipped.
>129 guido47: I'm with you -- would have loved to be able to choose more books!

I added all my picks for my Santee's SantaThing Profile, but there is no green check mark showing that it is complete. Is that ok?

My Santee wants books from Amazon USA. I, the Santa, am a prime member of Amazon, so the prices I see when I access Amazon include a discount for prime members. Should I go by that price or the list price? In the past, I've also had this question with Book Depository -- do we use the discounted price or the list price? Thanks.

>138 jburlinson: Log out of your Amazon account, search again, then use THAT discount price. I'm using the Firefox browser, so I actually just opened Amazon in a "new private window." That way I don't have to log out of my account - the private window doesn't track you so you're just not automatically signed in like you normally would be.

Great idea. I just tried it out. Turns out I'm seeing the same discounts as before. I guess my "prime" membership ain't as much of a big deal as I thought. lol

Thanks.

>140 jburlinson: Yeah, there is the free Prime Reading, but that's for yourself, not for gifts.

>120 libraryperilous: Thanks, Tim. When I go to the Santee's entry, I see the amount to spend but the store is blank.

Thanks for the heads-up. I have fixed the problem.

Likewise. I have an amount, but no store. Not sure where to shop.

Thanks. Fixed.

I can see the store, but nothing to show how much I can spend, just "Price: $0".

Sorry. There are ?12 that have no number. I need to comb through the receipts with @katemcangus to fill them out.

"... certain stores offer free shipping across the board, while others do not, or only offer free shipping above a certain price point. LT staff adjust the budgets on SantaThing profiles to reflect this. In all cases, if your Santee's store and price point combination needs extra room for shipping costs, the budget will simply be less $5 than what the Santee paid."

I need to add this logic.

You are really NOT havining a good year this year.. I just looked at my Santee and it said $40, But I am sure I paid $50...

To repeat what some others said, but from me, you will get what you paid for. But you might be assigned someone with a smaller or larger amount. So don't worry here.

Perhaps in the past it has been that you happened to have been paired with someone who spent the same amount you did.

Probably.

PS I really wany to spend more on her!

You are awesome. I'd love to accommodate you here, but I think it would put pressure on people to do this, if we allowed it.

But I guess that gives a little cushion should prices fluctuate any between now and when the picks are ordered.

Right. That happens.

I know it's still a little wonky, but I like the new layout for the entries. It feels easier to navigate and a bit brighter, somehow. Thanks again, Tim.

Thanks. It's ugly, but it's better designed on a deeper level, as it were.

I miss the green ticks that showed a completed pick, was always exciting to see that mine was just waiting to be shipped.

Thanks. I'll look into this.

>142 timspalding: Thanks for all the effort you all put in to make this work for us, greatly appreciated

I've just picked my gifts for my Santee and I'm 40 cents over. I'm happy to donate the extra as otherwise I was going to be several dollars under. Just let me know how!

Here's my link in case you need it:

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=462

>142 timspalding: Tim, thank you for all the work you are doing to get SantaThing running smoothly.

I have one question for you: When I go to my own entry and click Edit Entry I can see the correct $ amount that I paid but I can’t see the store I chose (which was Amazon.com). Does that mean my Secret Santa cannot see the store either?

Any suggestions for spending less than $5 that’s leftover

>146 IMBOS: I always try to find a good Mass Market Paperback to fill the last few dollars up!

>146 IMBOS: In the past, Dover Thrift editions of classics have been a suggestion, and I believe a few Signet and Bantam classics still are in the 3.95-4.95 range. If Book Depository or Amazon UK are the store, you also can find Penguin Little Black Classics and the Penguin Moderns for under $4.

If it's under $2 left, I believe that's considered close enough.

>107 ILuvBookplates: - He/She said no poetry. Here's the link: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=310

Okay, I need a generous spirit who's willing to pick for a late-addition member without a Santa. Any volunteers?

>150 timspalding: I'm available!

>151 libraryperilous:

Excellent. I need another one too now.

>152 timspalding: I'm available

My pick chose $40 for Amazon. Now it says I’m over $4.71 because $25 and under takes $5 shipping in red. Is that okay to leave it the way it is?
Thanks!

>154 Amnt7314:

Checking. May be a bug.

>154 Amnt7314:

Fixed. Bug was of short duration.

>156 timspalding: Bug was of short duration.

So, a mayfly, then?

@timspalding thank you!

I have Some array code showing on my santathing page with a huge line that doesn’t wrap.

My Santee paid a full $30 but the entry now shows in red that $5 has been deducted from their total for shipping even though the specific instructions read that "For Amazon.ca, orders under $25 must pay shipping." Can that be fixed? My Santees link is here
Thanks so much.

>160 EllsieFind:

Right. But you have to order $25 worth of stuff. Once you do, that shipping charge goes away. It's an incentive to get within $5.

>161 timspalding:

No, this is correct. In previous years we based it on price paid. So you had to pay $30 to get free shipping, because we paid shipping at $25. But I'll make the notice clearer.

Okay, I've changed it. It won't appear unless it can appear! That is, if you the member paid $30, shipping will be free.

I'm still seeing this on my Santee's page...will it disappear once I get the order above $25? They paid in $30.

Okay, profile messages have gone out now. The Santas were picked before, but various problems prevented profile comments.

As an aside, if anyone has some suggestions for my Santee, I'm glad to hear them (I have 1 or 2 in mind)! They're very broadly-read and all my favorite authors seem to already be either in their library or previously read.
https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=138

How is the LT staff going to know when we have completed our selections since there is no longer a green checkmark?

I have completed my selection, but did not see anything to check to say that I was done.

>162 timspalding: Thank you, Tim. It worked perfectly when I chose the books.

>166 pantsu: I added a couple.

>166 pantsu: wow, they have most of my favorites as well! Not all though---will contribute suggestions later when I am home.

I think I have REALLY lost the plot!. I found a book for my Santee, on Amazon.com. Now how do I transfer this info. to my Santees page.

OK. This is a second hand book. Maybe LT doesn't like used books? But can't find an ISBN.

Guido.

>170 guido47: LT requests that you do not select used books from Amazon. They may become unavailable before the order can be placed. If you need help selecting, many people here are willing to make suggestions!

>170 guido47: I think it should be listed under product details?

Thanks #171, #172. i did suspect that LT didn't like used books. Don't agree, but...

Guido

The problem with used books is that they change price, that they may not arrive in time, and that we can't guarantee the user wants a used book. I love them. But a lot of people think a used book is gross—and sometimes they really are gross.

In the old SantaThing, we could see which ones had been picked and which had not so we could focus comments/suggestions on those not picked.

HELP!!!!

My Santee still has the auto $5 for shipping deducted from her spending money. What can I do? I spent the $25 allotted up to $1.17. Do I actually have $6.17 to spend, or am I skunked?

P S I LOVE used books, too.

Would anyone care to give some more suggestions? I'm having a hard time finding titles that fit the description of what's desired. Everything I have considered is either too costly or too used 😑. Thanks!

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=450

I'm quite confused. Last night I managed to get both my Santees to within pennies of their budgets. Then this afternoon when I was double-checking the choices I made last night, it was now telling me I had gone over by nearly 5 dollars because Amazon and shipping and all that. So I changed my book selections to fit the lesser amount. Is that correct now?

>177 seongeona: Suggestion made

>177 seongeona: I've left you a suggestion, but Powell's has a weird website and often you can find new copies of the books you want if you click on the used copies' links. Over on the right hand side of the book's page, there should be a 'More copies of this ISBN' link that takes you to a page for the new edition of a book. If you have something in mind and it shows up as used, it might be worth double checking to make sure there isn't a new copy also available.

>168 EllsieFind:
>169 amaranthe:
Thank you for the ideas!

My main problem with Powell's seems to be if a book I want is available in brand new condition, it's $1.00 too much! 😠

>182 seongeona: You can always donate the extra dollar or so yourself if it's really hard or you really want a particular book for them

Thank you for your work. Much appreciated.

How do I know that my selections went through? I added both books but there is no "done" button. I'd hate for my Santee to miss out.

>185 TheFlamingoReads: See message at >142 timspalding: -- Tim is looking into it I believe

Wow, I didn't know we could donate the extra $$. That helps alot. Thanks! And thank you to everyone who left great suggestions for books.

>183 Tropical-Library: >187 seongeona:. I thought Tim requested that we not donate for overages. >142 timspalding:

Will anyone but Santa and LT staff be able to see the books that have been picked for Santees? Currently they're not visible to us unless we're that person's Santa.

>189 cbl_tn: Yes. That's something that seems to have been omitted in this version of SantaThing. I miss it too. It's always interesting to see what people come up with. Also it enables people who know the person really well to comment if they know the person will not like something or comment if the pick has fallen into one of the "Do not pick" categories.

>188 tealadytoo: >183 Tropical-Library: >187 seongeona: Yes, I also liked it when we were able to donate a little bit more for overages. It really helped when the perfect choices were just a little over.

I've juggled and rearranged and the very best I can do is either $0.57 over or $4.78 under.

Is it still the case that we can leave a message for our Santees to see on the 25th by posting a comment on their SantaThing page when we've finished picking? It looks like things are working slightly differently this year compared with last year, so just wanted to double-check as it doesn't seem to be mentioned on the help/FAQ page.

>192 RidgewayGirl: I priced mine out to within 8 cents, but the next day I was under by about the amount you are. I added a Penguin Little Black Classic. They run under $5.00. (With the bonus that if prices go back up, it can be easily jettisoned.)

I've convinced. I'm going to make it possible for everyone—except the Santee—to see the picks.

How do I know that my selections went through? I added both books but there is no "done" button. I'd hate for my Santee to miss out.

I see a number of people have wondered it. There's no done button per se. It's done when you think it's done. But I'll look into it.

Wow, I didn't know we could donate the extra $$. That helps alot. Thanks! And thank you to everyone who left great suggestions for books.

Er… there's no functionality to do this. And I don't think we'll add it. Frankly, the fact that people don't hit amounts exactly helps us pay for shipping overages and so forth. Believe me, we're losing money on this, but I'd prefer not to lose more.

Changes I've made:

1. You can now see the gifts added by other members.
2. If you aren't the santa, the gifts are not totaled and they don't have prices. This is to avoid criticism. Also, people may not be done.
3. Name of bookstore now has link. I gather some people thought "Print" meant to buy them wherever, but they should be paper books. I didn't think of that. "Print" is LibraryThing's local bookstore, and the name just means that to us :)
4. Some of the stores now have a link to the currency converter.

I'll get the checkmarks working later.

>196 timspalding: You can now see the gifts added by other members.

Thank you! :-)

I'm having trouble with this whole shipping thing. My person chose $20 at Amazon. So, I ordered $20 worth yesterday and things were fine. When I went back today, it said "Nope, you're over because of the $5 shipping". So, I deleted one, and added a much less desired choice but it was only $4.69 so fit in the restraint. After I saved that gift, NOW it says, "Oh, you've still got $5 to spend!" So, I deleted the cheap one, and the page says I have $9.86 remaining.

Which is correct? $20 worth of books, or $15?

I was clicking through and noticed one person had selected chocolates with part of the SantaThing funds. If I'd paid $50 expecting the funds to be used for books, I'd be very disappointed someone squandered my book funds for chocolates. Perhaps that person is a diabetic? That would not go over well.

>198 owlie13: I've also noticed that it's no longer subtracting the $5 shipping for my Santee.

>196 timspalding: Thanks! The checkmarks also are useful for targeting orphan Santees at the end of the picks.

>195 timspalding: Yeah, the last couple of years, people would make a donation to LT and let the Elf know it was for overage. It wasn't widespread, afaik. I did it once because I was over by around $5. However, I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't seen a few other people do so. So, it did kind of add a bit of accidental peer pressure. I'm cool with your decision not to allow it.

>196 timspalding: Thank you so much for adding seeing other Santa’s picks back in!!

>199 thornton37814: To be fair, the santee specifically asked for tea and chocolate, probably not knowing that's not allowed.

>199 thornton37814: That Santee specifically said they like chocolate and tea, so it does, in fact, make sense. I'm sure LT Elves will remove those items and send a book instead, but it's hardly a terrible thing for a person to say they want chocolate with their own money. A handful of people also request used books yearly, even though LT doesn't send them. It doesn't make their Santas bad for picking used books at the requests of their Santees.

>203 norabelle414: >204 libraryperilous: I guess I didn't notice that. I just thought it was strange when I was reading books selected.

Can we have some clarification on the $5 shipping? My Santees both have $20 limits. As with owlie13 above, a few days ago I had my picks within pennies of $20. Then yesterday when I was checking the choices I made, it suddenly said that I was $5 over the amount due to shipping so I changed my selections to reflect that but now this afternoon it says I am $5 under. I'm only going to change this one more time but I'm not going to do that until I know for sure.

>199 thornton37814:

Agreed.

>206 ILuvBookplates:

Yes. It was hidden. It's back now. You're $0.25 over. Don't worry about it.

>122 faerywings: Store: Print (http://www.printbookstore.com)

Gift Amount: $50

>137 DominiqueMarie: Yup, it's ok! Tim is working on adding the check marks.

>145 EllsieFind: Your Santa will be able to see your preferred store.

>167 sallylou61: Tim is working on adding the green check marks. And if something's incomplete, we'll let you know.

If anyone wants help with suggestions I am happy to help! Or suggestions on their own page too :) There are so many entries I don't know where to start suggesting!

>213 Cfraser: My entry is a wishlist one this year, but I'm happy to have suggestions of which titles I should bump up the ol' TBR—or any I should nix. Thank you in advance! I love comments, and I usually don't draw too many.

>213 Cfraser: I'd be happy for anyone who has ideas to leave suggestions on my SantaThing page - if they're not picked by my Santa, I can always browse for when my Thingaversary comes around :D

>213 Cfraser: Oh, and I noticed that this entry has requested some help. I left an additional comment, but they could use some more suggestions, I'm sure.

>215 Peace2: Will add a couple :)

>213 Cfraser: And another entry that has requested help. I picked for both of these Santees last year, so I feel a bit like I've cheated by leaving suggestions again this year. :)

>214 libraryperilous: libraryperilous Commented on it - interesting wishlist

>218 Cfraser: Thank you, both for the suggestion and the compliment.

>215 Peace2: I made some suggestions, might do some more later, you have read so much!

I'd also love for anyone with suggestions to comment on my entry! :) If my Santa doesn't pick them I can add them to my TBR list.

>221 litwitch: made a suggestion
> 216 >217 libraryperilous: added some ideas too

If anyone is looking for names to give recommendations to, I'm always happy to take all the recommendations to heart. No, it's not that I can't find something to read, I just love to find a book I hadn't heard of, or considered before. Those extra titles are one of the things I look forward to every year.

I love getting recs! I've been orphaned more than once by my previous santas and I always ended up with so much to read from others' comments. This is a great community to be in!

I'm still working on my Santee. They've requested a genre I'm not familiar with but the nice clerk at my local bookstore made a few suggestions when I went in for gifts tonight. YAY! :D

>223 RidgewayGirl: made some suggestions

I love getting recommendations too, so feel free to give me some too if you have the time or inclination! But don't feel obliged either :)

>221 litwitch:, >223 RidgewayGirl:, >224 genesisdiem:, >225 Cfraser: I've left some recommendations. Comments are one of the best parts. (Although I think I may have left Kay a slightly heartwarming rec. Sorry about that.)

Well bugger, I thought that was more "don't by extra books" than stopping us throwing in some extra to cover overages the way we have been. That was really helpful and it was nice to be able to help out that little bit extra. Oh well.

Thanks Tim -- it wasn't so much a functionality as some of us chipping in $5-10 to help cover the extra when you really had a great fit but not *quite* enough money, or other people had the issue. I do realise it's probably extra work for you guys though.

They're making a suggestion for their Santa to spend their own money on them; it's not as though they're buying it for someone else who is expecting books. Your $50 gets you $50 worth of books -- they're just being a bit more flexible :-)

Green checks are up.

>230 timspalding: Awesome, thanks Tim

I would love some feedback on my picks for my Santee https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=503 as I have gone slightly over.

Edit - made some changes, now slightly under so hopefully got it right.

I would also be happy to see comments for myself

I have to say that trying to order - key word TRYING - has been an unpleasant experience. I had six books picked out for my Santee, all of them by well known authors in the genre, and they were all out of stock or used. How am I supposed to get books picked out in time?

>233 Morphidae: I had that same experience with a very small budget at Powell's last year. Things in stock cost just a couple dollars more than the amount provided or if priced within the limit, they were used.

It looks like picks are still open or at the very least I can leave comments. Could I get some help with http://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=261?

In the comments, I provided which books I tried.

ETA: It was so easy to pick for them because our tastes are very similar. I simply picked favorite authors that weren't in their library. That's what I'm looking for - new authors for them.

>235 Morphidae: All but the first one look like they're available new from Powell's. It's a bad website layout, but if you click on the link to the used edition, you'll often see a 'More copies of this ISBN' on the right side of the page, if any new copies also are available. It's super frustrating!

>232 calm: I'll leave some suggestions for you on your entry.

>235 Morphidae: I left the links to the new editions for you.

>237 thornton37814: Thanks for doing that, Lori.

Question: Are we supposed to estimate tax, somehow?

>233 Morphidae: I left you a few suggestions for books that are available as new books and fit your Santees likes. If you aren't able to find enough books that are new and available in the price range, fill in what you can and when they start placing the orders they will ask everyone to try to find a book worth x amount of dollars.

I had toyed with the idea of using Powell's as my store choice this year but glad I didn't. I have not had a pleasant experience using the site for my Santee this year. And the site isn't smartphone friendly for me, either, in addition to being too expensive or too out of stock. I would love to give business to not-Amazon stores, but, alas ...

>241 seongeona: I always breathe a sigh of relief when I'm assigned a not-Powell's Santee.

>242 libraryperilous: I have only had a Powell's Santee one time and while it was originally very frustrating trying to find books in stock that were new and the right combination of prices, once I finally decided to go in an off-beat and unexpected direction and yet in line with what the Santee's interests were, it became much easier.

>239 aspirit: I am going to say no. I may be wrong, but I am still going to say no.

I'm still stuck :(

>243 ILuvBookplates: that's the answer I want! (lol)

I do wonder if LibraryThing is losing dollars on almost every order to spare us from having to guess at the applicable taxes. That wouldn't be surprising considering how much the LT team does for us all, though it does seem strange that the FAQ only addresses shipping, not anything about taxes.

Whatever the situation, I want to make sure to have put the most accurate price in for my Santee's order.

>232 calm: I made some comments on yours :)

>244 toast_and_tea: what are stuck with?

>245 aspirit: They eat the taxes and any shipping that isn't covered by the money they deduct for shipping.

>244 toast_and_tea: I'll leave some suggestions.

>243 ILuvBookplates: Off the beaten path is a good SantaThing technique. :)

>244 toast_and_tea: Are you trying to fill in about $10?

>244 toast_and_tea: looks as if I was too slow in answering you. At least your Santee will have another recommendation at the end of this event.

>250 aspirit:. for the last $5, do/can I get another book or is that for shipping?

>251 toast_and_tea: on my side, I'm seeing that the two books I listed would put you under by only a penny. You wouldn't need to account for shipping, because the total is over $25 at Amazon.com. Are you maybe logged in and seeing discounts?

Oh okay. I don't know if I have wiggle room for a third book, unless it's a kindle book - can I do that?

I picked out two books, and it says I have $5 remaining, but it says $5 shipping?

>253 toast_and_tea: if you're under $25, LT will show that you need to leave $5 for shipping. You'll need to get between $25 and $30.

I don't think we're supposed to mix ebooks and paper books. Finding a new (not in the Marketplace) book at that price point is tricky. Let me see....

>253 toast_and_tea: He had $30 as the price point so nothing will be taken out for shipping. A kindle book can't be added since the store he picked isn't Amazon Kindle. It can be hardcover or paperback or a mix but no Kindle selection.

>255 ILuvBookplates:. Okay. I'll probably just change some things then.

Glad to read it wasn't just me who struggled with Powell's website and limited stock.

>254 aspirit: so I got a 21.00 book and now I have $4 left. No matter what combination of books I try I can't get this right and I want to get them what they want and at least one book from their list

If anyone would care to add some recs to my own personal SantaThing list, that would be awesome. I found so many new things to put on my wishlist after last year, plus the great books I was actually sent!!
https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=498

We don't have a local bookstore where I live (which I HATE) so it's often hard for me to go browse and see what's new and cool in books :/

So, I am spending $50 on Amazon.com for someone.

How come it's telling me this:

"Shipping: $5
Remaining: $45.00

* For , orders under $25 must pay shipping. See Store Specifics."

I assume I just ignore that and just pick out $50 worth of stuff, anyway?

>258 toast_and_tea: the system is fooling you. There's $9 left, because $5 frees up when your order is over $25.

>260 LibraryCin: similar problem. When you enter over $25, LT drops the $5 shipping notice.

Ok, so I have like 50 cents left. This is the best I can do :P

>262 toast_and_tea: Woot!

>263 aspirit: will he be refunded any money I don't use?

>261 aspirit: Thank you!

>264 toast_and_tea: No refund. The small underage go to help offset LibraryThing’s costs. .50 is good work on your part.

I've spent almost 4 1/2 hours picking out books for two Santees because of the ridiculousness of Powell's. (And they're still not right.) I'm almost reluctant to do this again next year.

>259 pantsu: already had given you some suggestions. I too love getting suggestions

This is my first year participating in SantaThing. I have books picked out for my santee, but I'd love it if people want to add suggestions to my SantaThing page, as I'd love to have ideas for new things to read in the new year. :)
https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=228

>268 Cfraser: YOU!! Everywhere I turned I kept hearing about A Memory Called Empire, mostly from you. There was a SIX MONTH wait on the ebook at the library, then Amazon went and put it on sale for $2.99, but for a limited time only, so I just HAD to buy it for myself. So if you recommended that my Santa buy it, would you mind commenting on my thread that I was too impatient to wait? LOL Thanks.

>267 Morphidae: Morphidae: Those were my exact thoughts last night. Hours and hours and hours. I ended up choosing a book I really didn't want to choose just because I finally found something in that price range. Now I'm desperately hoping my Santee likes it and has never read it. I feel bad for feeling bad.

>269 bettyetters: I left you some suggestions. Welcome to SantaThing!

>213 Cfraser: Thank you so much! I would love more suggestions on my own entry, if you have time. I know the orphan Santees' come first.

>262 toast_and_tea: Way to go! It is always a challenge to get that last book just right yet so satisfying when it all works out. I'm still struggling with my choices tonight. I thought I was done. I liked my choices but I have over $2 left and the more I thought about that the less I liked it. But if I change my choice to what I think would be an even better choice, I still don't have much left over for a second book. So many of the books that I've found in the Santee's preference groups are sold by third parties which I think is against the rules. Sigh. Back to my EXCEL spreadsheet ...

>270 BookLizard: I really enjoyed A Memory Called Empire. Hope you do as well!

>270 BookLizard: sorry, it was such a good book that for those interested in scifi I couldn't help but suggest. Your books have been picked I see and include another book I really like (but haven't been suggesting)

>274 EllsieFind: I wouldn't bother changing it for $2. It's not like that money is being wasted. It's not going to Amazon - LT will use it to offset some of the costs they pay for shipping.

Think about it, people. How many of you would like to spend $2 more for a book you'd like LESS - just so you wouldn't "waste" the 2 dollars? Especially since you then have to invest your precious time actually reading the more expensive, less enjoyable book.

I think this is one of those cases where it's better to give than to receive. Seriously, I already have SO MANY books I want to read. I participate because 1) it's fun to guess what someone else might like 2) it's fun to give and receive recommendations, and 3) it's fun to get some sort of surprise on Christmas. How many people have offered to spend their own money because they want to get something for their Santee that's just out of price range?

It would probably be just as fun or even more fun if it wasn't for real. What if money wasn't involved? What if everybody just picked 3 titles to recommend to their "Santee." If you wanted to play, you would just have to promise to read 1 of the 3 titles recommended to you by your Santa. More people would be able to play because it wouldn't cost a thing. You wouldn't have to worry about the cost or shipping or if it would arrive on time. Would be a lot less work for LT and just as fun, I think.

>268 Cfraser:
Thank you so much for adding suggestions!

>269 bettyetters: Suggestions added!

>273 EllsieFind: made a suggestion

>277 BookLizard: Ooh, I love the idea of a recs SantaThing!

I think people try to get as close to the total as possible because they don't want someone to feel like they've lost money on the venture. But quality over quantity is a good thing to remember.

I love the picking and suggestions more than the receiving, although I've always received good choices. It's just that my home library is mostly aspirational anyway, so the books I receive sit on the shelf for a few SantaThing cycles.

>277 BookLizard: I love your book recommendation exchange idea! I love getting and making suggestions. I have to admit, though, I like getting those secret books in the mail, too.

I did end up going back and changing my selections. I whined about it but I actually think it is fun to find that perfect last book that meets the budget as closely as possible but isn't a throw-away.

I'm so happy the green check-marks are back. Off to make a few more suggestions.

>280 Cfraser: Thanks so much!!

How do I look into another persons library for Santa Thing? I want to see what they already have.

>284 jeanie0510: you can see their library by clicking on their name

I entered in my picks for my Santee but I noticed the prices had changed from when I made my list in MSword earlier this week.... so I added a few extra in the comments in case they're needed to swap out when buying time comes around. There were so many choices! :D

>239 aspirit:

No. Don't worry about tax. LibraryThing loses money every year—also, we donated more than $500—but it's a battle between left-over money and overages.

I entered in my picks for my Santee but I noticed the prices had changed from when I made my list in MSword earlier this week...

This is also a problem. If books change too much, we have to drop something. But we try hard not to do this.

I realize nobody offered suggestions for my Santee. I made some selections already, but I'm open to suggestions.

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=162

Anyone interesting in acting as a Santa for another entry? We've got some to assign/lingering who need someone to pick their books. Let me know!

>289 katemcangus: I'm available!

>290 libraryperilous: Excellent! Tim and I will assign you someone. I'll let you know when it's done - though it might not be until later this afternoon.

>291 katemcangus: Thank you! I'll check back this evening and make my picks.

I’m available too

I'm looking for a rec for RidgewayGirl. I was hoping to find a book that has disability/chronic illness/chronic pain at the heart of it.

I am also available. I will check back this evening.

>294 gentlespirit512: Oh, you've already picked the one of which I thought, and she's rated the other one of which I thought 5 stars. I hope someone else can chime in with a good one.

I can help with an orphan Sunday but not Monday.

>297 Helenoel: sadly that won't open up until after the deadline.

>289 katemcangus: I am available too

What was the one you thought of that she rated 5 stars? It might have to go on my wishlist. I'm intrigued!

>300 gentlespirit512: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. I loved Carson McCullers so much when I was a teenager. I wonder if she'd hold up on an adult reread.

Hi Kate, sure! I am available if you need someone. :-)

I'm available to help with orphans. I am retired, so no constraints on my time.

If someone wants the one I was assigned, it's cool with me if LT elves reassign it. I won't get to it until tomorrow, anyway, because I've developed a splitting headache, ugh.

ETA: Feeling better, so I finished my picks. Thanks, Kate!

>289 katemcangus: Available and at the other end of the world so in a good spot for middle of the night emergencies

>292 libraryperilous: Your additional Santee has been assigned. Thanks so much for your help!

>293 Capybara_99: >295 LadyoftheLodge: >297 Helenoel: >299 Cfraser: >302 NicoleW: >303 Sally.Mander211: >305 Tropical-Library: We're all set for now, but if we have any additional orphans, I'll let y'all know. Thanks for your offers to help out!

Just out of curiosity, with the new coding, does the red box no longer show up around comments from the assigned Santa themselves?

>308 caras_galadhon:

I'll go make it so.

>307 katemcangus: Thanks for letting us know. I remain available if/when another comes up.

I'm someone who chooses Powell's because it's local to me (Pacific Northwest) and I just love wandering through the physical store (and I like to support local businesses). But if it's that much trouble for Santas to find books, I'll change my choice for next year.

Holy smokes. Member @BookLizard alerted us to a new rule at Powell's—that shipping is free if we order by December 13. We can do that!

So I reached out to the 28 members whose Santas chose Powells. If they want, they have $5 more to play with.

>272 libraryperilous: >279 tealadytoo: Thanks! Looking forward to reading the comments after the event is over.

>307 katemcangus: no problem, I'm also on the other side of the world if that helps

>312 timspalding: Huzzah! And three cheers for @BookLizard!

Edited: lol, "Eggnog"

Thank goodness for "eggnog"! An extra $5 really helped 📚

A tip for everyone planning on participating next year.

If you want to re-use or tweak this year's requests, you might want to save your list of likes and dislikes in a separate document. Next SantaThing you won't have access to this year's page (well, not unless you ask a staff member to dig through the archives and message you a copy), but right now there is still time to access your entry (by clicking on "Edit entry") and copy/paste the contents where you can get at them next year.

Is there a rule how sales are handled? I picked books from a store that had sales on but not end date, so I picked as though the sales weren't there, since it was only a couple dollars difference, but I was still left with over $3 that I would rather have put towards something. Wasn't sure if it was a risk or not. I did put in some secondary options in the comments just in case something went wrong.

I have a thought that last year there were slots for back-up picks. Is that not a thing this time around?

>318 WeeTurtle: I don't know that there is anything official, but I put in an extra option and noted in the comments field that it was a backup in case a different title went out of stock.

>317 Petroglyph: Thanks for the reminder. Especially as I was told when asked, that it was not available this year.

294, adding one that meets your description. I share a lot of favorite books with her.

Yeah, if you want to add extras with a comment note about not getting it if it's over, that's fine.

Okay, we're about to start asking for help for unpicked Santas!

I'm starting a new thread.

Thanks! That'd be fantastic.

>317 Petroglyph: Thanks for the suggestion - I've done a quick copy and paste.

I see that a number of comments have been left for me (not that I can see the comments - just that I can see there are some!) - thank you to everyone who has left me (or my Santa) a suggestion.

Gifts chosen. Glad to help.

I was not able to pick for my person by yesterday, but it looks like it's been done. Is there anything else I need to do?

>327 Matthew.Archibald: Nope, you're all set!

SantaThing ordering is DONE. I hope you all enjoy the books you receive!

>329 katemcangus: Merry Christmas and thanks for the boatload of work you all do to make this happen!

I asked for ebooks via Amazon and so far I have not seen any email about anything about them. Maybe I am missing it?? I even searched for Librarything in my email and Amazon.com but I haven't seen anything.

>331 SweetReaderMA: Those are set up in advanced to be delivered on a certain date, Christmas Eve I think.

>331 SweetReaderMA: My Kindle ebooks arrived this morning and I "accidentally" opened the emails.

>333 BookLizard: Mine arrived this morning too, with interesting and eclectic choices. Very fun. Thanks, Santa!

>334 tealadytoo: The comments weren't unlocked yet though. Something for me to "open" on Christmas Day. I'm pleased with my gifts, too. I think I read one of them already but it was years ago. If it's not in my LT library, it's been over 10 years and a re-read probably wouldn't hurt. Was one of my favorite authors ages ago.

Okay, everything should be open. I'll check in later, to see if there are any problems.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all. I hope you had fun!

T

>336 timspalding: Only problem I have is with Amazon. They will not let me exchange a kindle book. I borrowed The Dutch House from my local libray, and it happened to be one of my SantaThing gifts. I finished it on 12/24, and then the notices from IT arrived the same day. Even though I downloaded it on 12/14 and it is marked Borrowed in my digital content list they say that I already claimed the book and it can't be exchanged, and only the IT admin whose name is on the account can request a refund. Bummer.