Basically you gotta set the list to Shared. Public lists are searchable via the database by your profile name, while Private restricts access to your own session. Shared generates a unique URL that acts like an access token for anyone you send it to. It wont show up in public searches. Just grab the link from the Invite button and send it to your family.

> I see options for public and private and shared and I just dont get the difference. Honestly, those Amazon settings are a total headache when you're in a hurry. I've spent way too much time fiddling with them over the years. You definitely want the Shared setting... Public is a nightmare because it shows up on your profile for the whole world. If you choose Shared, you'll get a specific URL to send to the fam. Just make sure you pick the View Only invite so they dont mess up your list by mistake. Actually, if you find list settings too clunky, I sometimes use Cart To Link for these group things. It's basically the easiest way I've found to share my whole Amazon cart without giving someone my login info or worrying about privacy. It just keeps things simple and reliable. Good luck with the surprise in Chicago!

Just saw this. Honestly, Amazon list management has become such a mess lately and it's super disappointing. To add to the point above, I tried doing this for a graduation party last summer and even with the shared link, half my family couldn't see the items because of some weird login glitch. It used to be great but it's just not as good as it used to be... definitely caused a lot of stress for my event. I'm not sure if those settings even work right anymore tbh. If you are still struggling, you should probably just search for Amazon list sharing guide on YouTube. There's a great video by a tech reviewer that explains the hidden privacy toggles way better than I can here. Or honestly, just check the Reddit threads on the Amazon sub, they have a whole updated guide because the UI changes so often and the official help pages are basically useless now.

🙌

Can confirm

To add to the point above: Honestly, the most important thing for a surprise is naming the list something totally boring. If your sister accidentally sees a notification or an email and the list is called Chicago Surprise Baby Shower, you are totally toast. Just name it something like Household Supplies or Office Gear for now. Basically, you just need to go into the list, hit the Invite button, and select the View Only link. That link is what you send to the family. It is not searchable, so the general public wont ever find it. I also suggest checking the box for Keep purchased items on your list in the settings if you want to stay organized, though it might be better to let them disappear so you dont get duplicates. Just make sure you toggle off the spoil my surprises setting if you really want to be safe, but that is usually more for the list owner. If you are doing this DIY style, just stick to the shared link and you will be fine.

Been doing these surprise lists for years and Amazon still finds ways to make it confusing. Since you are in a rush for this Chicago shower, here are a few things to watch out for so you dont accidentally blow the surprise:

• Never choose the View and Edit link when sending it to the whole family. People always accidentally delete stuff or mess up the quantities when they have edit access. Just stick to View Only.
• Check your list name. If you named it Sisters Baby Shower and she follows your profile, she might get a notification or see it in your recent activity. I usually name mine something boring like Cleaning Supplies until the event is over.
• Watch the shipping costs. If family members buy from different sellers, those fees add up. Tell them to look for the Prime items first to save cash.
• Tweak the spoiler settings. If you want to see what is bought but want it hidden from her, make sure you are the only one with the login. Just keep that link in a group text and you will be golden. Good luck!