Reply to post #15 (show post):
I almost ordered some things, but I'm stumped on an add on. I'm going to hit a store tomorrow because I don't feel comfortable ordering this.

Also, since I'm able, and enjoy, going to the stores, I do. I also hate ordering things directly to people, mostly because I personally get so much joy sitting down and putting the boxes together.

I've also started really enjoying giving away books that I own that I enjoy, or make me think of someone. Especially if I've read the books, I end up being able to connect that with them, and it makes it feel more personal for me.

Anyway, I hope to get the box out by Thursday latest. I'm actual rather fond of this box. I think the favorite boxes I've put together are this and the last box, though. I feel like I keep refining what to get, and what to do, so I'm unsurprised that these two are my favorites.

I ordered this one item to be sent to me and I'm going to send it out with the rest. It said I got 2 day shipping so I figured why not.

I enjoy giving and this gives me another reason. My friends say I do really well at gift giving because I put a ton of thought into this kind of thing. (Sometimes too much because the thought is never reciprocated.) I just enjoy the knowledge that I can bless people.

Reply to post #17 (show post):
I did give it a lot of thought. I actually checked my phone in the store and made sure everything was up to snuff.

I think I nailed it completely but we'll see. And I did consider doing the ship it to me with Prime, but I really, really just love perusing the stores and seeing what I can find. I also have multiple reasons for getting some of these things, so we'll see how that goes over. But I tend to overthink if anything.

My problem was there was only a single book on this person's wishlist and it's not something I could find in stores. :/

Thought is all that matters. If anyone says otherwise, well, they don't deserve your attention. :)

Reply to post #19 (show post):
I think so, too. I'd rather get a gift that shows thought than anything else. This book swap is amazing. Everyone does put thought into what they get, and that's why this is the only one I do.

That plus Jessica runs it, and I don't know how to find other groups, but I knew how to find this one...

ETA: by the way, I don't usually go by wish lists. I do stalk the blogs, especially of people I don't know. And their shelves. I study them, and see what they say about books, or their lives, and what they've read recently, and then go from there. That might be an option!

The only other swap I did was on Insta and the person that ran it seriously started CHARGING us to participate. If you had done less than 2 swaps with her you had to pay a $5 fee to enter because so many people would enter and then flake. So the fee was to cover "swap angels". But when you sign up, one of the questions is will you be a swap angel. I got really really mad and stopped entering. I had only done one swap, the minimum was $50 (I was the first to send out my end) and then she turns around and tells us all "spring swap will be a $50 minimum plus you have to send me $5 via PayPal to lock your spot. I have too many people not sending their ends and none if you are doing your jobs are swap angels." Uh, I volunteered as an angel multiple times and she never responded to me. I am not sending you money. I will gladly send an extra swap but I'm not PAYING to enter a book exchange. I was amazed how many other people were okay with this.

So I just stick with this now. You guys are a lot cooler anyway.

And as far as wishlists, this is the first time I've ever checked. I always send books I enjoy. This time I'm sending books I have loved personally plus a book they wanted. I thought I would shake up my routine.

Reply to post #21 (show post):
Fair. And ugh, I remember hearing about that swap now, and that sounds /horrible./

The box has been built. I half feel like a failure because I picked out an impossible, inhumanely impossible to fit in that box, amount of books - and I couldn't fit them all in. :(

I did get a tremendous amount in, though, and the additions I was worried about were a breeze thanks to a very helpful sales lady. I've got the address on the box, but I decided to become a sailor today instead of sending out the box. I was legit navigating on choppy water, aw, yeah.

And I need packing tape and there may be none in the house, which means buying it, and taping up a side. This was the most complicated box as far as getting everything in there! Buuuut... it should be on its way tomorrow. I am so excited about this, it's not even funny.

Ugh, this thread has turned into all me :/

Anyway, I sent it out, and it should be there by Saturday :D

Reply to post #25 (show post):
I love how much passion you have for this stuff. I am a terrible procrastinator, but do honestly try to find cool things for my swap partners. Sometimes I feel like I fail, but most of the time I think I do okay. Honestly, picking out a book is usually the hardest part for me. I'm just not great at recommendations because I don't read as much as ya'll do.

I just have to find a book for my box and then I'm done! The library had a few I was eyeing in their used book sale today. My kids distracted me. By the time I got back to them, they were gone. Darn kids.

Mine is all boxed and scheduled for pickup tomorrow. Almost 8 pounds. Lol I'm excited to see it delivered to the lucky recipient.

Reply to post #26 (show post):
It's the thinking about it that's tough sometimes: finding something they'll like without always knowing them well, to boot.

I'm not 100% all of my books will go over well, but I gifted tons from my personal library - so at least one should hit the spot.

And thank you. I do try to put thought into it, and I have been known to put it off. I had the time, energy and need to get out, and then I hate the box sitting for too long.

And Mallory, I didn't weigh it, but I tend to use flat rate boxes. Mine had to be taped shut and the person taking my money pointed out I made very, very good use of the box!

And what do you know. I'd gone to the store looking for one very specific item, and they didn't have it. Another branch did and I found out today just after I sent my box :/

That sounds like the kind of luck I have.