Well, long story short… He got socks. This low-risk-low-reward style of wishing is no way to get what you really want for the holidays, and does little to inspire the joy of giving in others.

That’s why Elfster is urging you to dream big this holiday season, and wish even bigger. For instance, say you want a pony… Go ahead and wish for the pony! We aren’t ones to neigh-say and tell you the idea isn’t practical. All you need is a little help from an Elf to make your wish official. So, if you’ll settle for nothing less than a pony in your holiday goodie bag, here are the 5 whimsical ways that Elfster can help you add that pretty lil’ Pinto to your virtual Wishlist:

Use the Elfster Browser Button

Install the Wishlist Browser Button and add anything to your Wishlist from any site on the web. First, find the pony of your dreams on any pony dealer website. Click the browser button to add him to your Wishlist. Confirm by clicking the pink Elfster text box that appears on the page. Congratulations! You’ve just wished for a pony.

Search our Database of Gifts

What if you don’t have a particular pony in mind just yet? Once you’ve signed-in, use the search box in the upper right hand corner of the Elfster homepage to peruse potential ponies. Simply type in the word “pony” and hit enter. The page will then be populated with all of the ponies and pony products you could possibly imagine. (The search will display all ponies that have ever been uploaded by the Elfster community.) Once you find one that catches your eye, see how popular that particular pony is by looking at the product description, which tells you how many Elfster “Likes” the little guy has earned.

Add the Link to Your Wishlist Page

You can also add anything to your Wishlist by going to the “Wish” page of your Elfster profile. From here, type in the name of the desired item (in this case “A Pony”) and click the "Add to Wishlist" button. Your wish can also take the form of a URL, from which Elfster will post the image of the item and its description directly to your Wishlist.

Scan the Barcode

Giddy up! With our newly released iPhone and Android apps, you don’t need to be anywhere near a computer to add that pony to your Wishlist. Simply use the app’s bar code scanning feature and your wish will be ready to ride!

Snap a Picture

Both of our Elfster Mobile apps come complete with a "Photo Wish" feature. Use your phone to take a picture of anything you’ve got your eye on, and add it right to your Wishlist, with or without a barcode.

Win a Pony! That’s Right, Win a Pony.

See? Wishing for ponies can be fun! If you’re ready to ride into the sunset on your own faithful steed, wish no more. Elfster is giving away one adorable animal companion just in time for the holidays. We’ll choose one lucky winner at random to receive their very own 3-foot-tall pink plush pony from Amazon. So what are you waiting for, Christmas? Go and get that pony, pronto!

Visit the Elfster Facebook Page HERE to Enter!

Photo credit: Vintage Fairytale , Big Plush

Elfster Mobile for iPhone

Ready…Set… Wish! Instantly add any item to your Elfster wishlist with all-new photo bar code scanning on Elfster Mobile. Check out your friends’ wishlists, ask them secret questions, see the hottest trending gifts, or check in on your “Secret Santa” exchange while you’re out and about. The app is free at the Apple Store and works with any iPhone and iPad.

*Elfster Mobile is also coming soon to Android. Please check back for updates.

Download Elfster Mobile for iPhone Here

Elfster Facebook App

Everyone’s invited! Keep tabs on your Elfster buddies and your Facebook friends in one place with the Elfster Facebook app. Users can organize a signature Elfster gift exchange while maintaining full use of their Facebook chat and activity feed. Better still, the app maintains all the features of the Elfster site, making it a fully-functional version of our Secret Santa service.

Download the Elfster Mobile Facebook App Here

Elfster for Google Chrome

Throw a party in your Chrome browser! With Elfster Chrome, you can organize your gift exchange with friends and family, share wishes using Elfster’s social wishlist feature, and catch up on all the latest and coolest trending gifts. The app is free and elves are standing by to make sure you and your buddies have a great time.

Download Elfster for Google Chrome Here

Photo credits: Robert S. Donovan

Among you are families and groups with long standing traditions being developed.  You have groups that are international, spread all over the globe, that are coming together to share an experience.   Some of you have experienced difficult losses and are finding some comfort and support by using Elfster together with friends.

We think these great stories of generous gift-givers deserve to be told. That’s why we’re pleased to announce:

“Elfster Spotlight”, a new regular blog feature highlighting real Elfster users!

We need your nominations.  Here’s what we’re looking for in an Elfster Spotlight:

• Elfster Heroes who’ve made a great tradition of exchanging gifts at Elfster.
• Ambitious Elves who are planning a huge gift exchange (Guinness Record, anyone?!)
• Extreme Elves  who are loving Elfster to the extreme .
• Elf Innovators who are finding interesting new ways to use Elfster.
• Storyteller Elves who’ve got an interesting Elfster story to tell .

The honorees’ stories will reach thousands of users and visitors to the site, and they’ll also receive personal props and shout-outs on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Here, fans of Elfster will see how these groups are using the site to better connect with friends and loved ones, and the groups will earn some web exposure in return.

To nominate a group, simply leave a comment including 1.) The name of your exchange, and 2.) A brief explanation of what makes the group special. Of course, we’ll be taking suggestions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well.

With the holidays well on their way, now is the time to really share your unique experiences with the Elfster community.  We can’t wait to hear and share your stories.

Photo credits: Mikko Luntiala , Jerine

“You don’t have to buy me anything this year!” Or, “I’ve got all the gifts I need, seriously.” And let’s not forget the old favorite, “Please don’t buy me a present.”

These are some of the more nauseating bluffs that seem to spike in popularity during the holiday gifting season. In our opinion, talk like that has no place in the home, and it’ll cost you a pretty penny in the Swear Jar if uttered in front of Nana.

So how can a well-meaning member of the family bring up the touchy subject of holiday gift-giving to their busy, budget-conscious kin? By suggesting a Secret Santa gift exchange, of course!

Now, the task of bringing up such a notion can be tricky, as pre-established holiday traditions are generally the toughest to alter. You’re going to need a game plan, and possibly a few months to wait for your family to come around. That’s why we’re bringing you a few tips to help get them onboard with a Secret Santa-style gift exchange as early as October. Here’s our advice:

Start Early

Plan a trial Halloween or Thanksgiving gift exchange. This smaller-scale swap will warm your family to the idea of a Secret Santa, and allow them to work out the logistics of the exchange under slightly less pressure than during the Christmas time-crunch.

Get Backup

Find an ally in the family who will attest to the genius of your idea. Two elves are better than one, and that extra support will help the other family members get excited about the exchange.

Embellish the Truth

Pretend that Grandpa secretly longs to do a Secret Santa exchange, but is too embarrassed to ask.

Highlight the Benefits

Win over the apathetic adolescent by explaining that buying for just one person will give them ample to loiter with their BFF’s at the local shopping mall. Create a supporting info-graphic chart to hang on the ceiling when they roll their eyes at the idea.

Use the Power of Suggestion

Ask how many people are in your giant extended family again. (You rest your case.)

Ask an Elf

Remember, Elfster makes Secret Santa easier and more fun than ever. The free online exchange organizer will help you invite participants, draw names, drop hints, ask secret questions, and follow your buddy’s wishlist without the holiday hassle.

Try Elfster’s Online Secret Santa Generator

Photo credits: Pink Sherbet Photography , CarbonNYC

Hard to believe, but there are still some sticklers out there who maintain that wearing white after Labor Day is the ultimate crime of fashion. Sure, we have our theories on where those crazy notions came from (Prima Donna polar bears, we’re looking at you…) But here at Elfster, we’ve got our own almanac of arbitrary style no-no’s.

We know what you’re thinking. With garishly stripped stockings and a jingle bell on each foot, an Elf’s interpretation of “fashion” is about as loose as a pair of control-top pantyhose. But that’s doesn’t mean we’re completely without standards. Just take a look at our top secrets to smashing seasonal style and judge for yourself:

• No rhinestone-studded beer goggles after New Year’s.
• No “I’m With Stupid” T-shirts before Valentine’s.
• Only artificial mohair after Groundhog Day. (Preferably pink.)
• No green body suits until St. Patrick’s Day.
• Mandatory Dunce Caps on April Fools’.
• Earth tones on Earth Day, if you please.
• No terry cloth mankinis after Spring Break ‘07.
• Mullets strictly prohibited after Father’s Day.
• No stars OR stripes before the Fourth of July.
• False Hillbilly teeth are frowned upon after Halloween.
• Feather boas must wait until Thanksgiving leftovers are finished.
• Pointy hats acceptable year round.

Do you have any seasonal style rules or other arbitrary fashion mandates? We’d like to hear them!

Now, will you please consider doing something about those socks…

Photo credit: Shandi-lee , AnnaKika

Looking for some pretty ways to show your patriotism this Independence Day? Well, thank your lucky stars and stripes, because Elfster has a handful of helpful hints. This weekend, we’re celebrating the land of the free by rounding-up a few complimentary party-planning ideas to help make your Fourth of July sparkle.

Take a look at these great tips and tutorials from our favorite holiday events bloggers, and feel free to join the blog party by adding your own ideas and links!

Pretty Printables- Sparkler Holders

Porch Decoration- Patriotic Bunting

Party Favors – Let Freedom “Ring”

3D Cookie Cupcakes- Tutorial

Berry Lemon Napoleon- Dessert Recipe

Polka Dot Tablescape

Star Medallion- Tutorial

Pennant Banner Printables

Pie Decoration and Party Ideas

Tee-Shirt Pom-Poms- Tutorial

Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles

Red, White and Blue Kabobs

Confetti Popper Rockets- Tutorial

Photo credits: Lisa Storms , Simply Creative Insanity

Your father isn’t one to embrace new-fangled fashions or contemporary concepts, and some days, you’d swear he takes actual pleasure in embarrassing you and your siblings. But remember, this is the guy who taught you to ride a bike and haggle with a car salesman. The one who selflessly disclosed his top-secret mac and cheese recipe because you wanted to show-off at the company picnic. The guy who taught you more than you wanted to know about lawn-mowing and Murphy’s Law. Don’t you think it’s time to return the favor and teach Dad a few tips of your own?

To help bring him up to speed this Father’s Day, Elfster has a list of free activities to make modernizing Dad fun… He might even thank you for it later!

1. Set up Dad’s Facebook Account (or Revamp the One He Has)

You’ve avoided it long enough. This Father’s Day, take the time to walk Dad through the daunting online profile-building process, and help him send his first friend request. We shouldn’t have to tell you this, but don’t decline Dad when he friends you! The world will not end if your father finds out you like the Stones and not the Beatles (though he  will  be a little disappointed.)

2. Take New Pictures for the Wallet

You’d better believe Dad still carries around your fourth-grade school portrait, and yes, he’s still proud to show it off to the neighbors! Now that the braces have come off, and the overbite corrected, you might consider gifting dad with a more flattering image of yourself to share with his friends. (Just be sure to confiscate the older version.)

3. Introduce Dad to the Wonderful World of YouTube

Spend the afternoon catching your father up on the best viral videos of the past several years. If he’s missed out on this key facet of pop culture over the previous decade, you two will doubtlessly share a few laughs. Plus, Dad will finally understand what’s so funny about a “Double Rainbow”.

4. Help Revamp His Vocab

With a handy cheat sheet of modern day expressions, Dad is sure to pick-up some catchphrases that are a little more current than the preferred “You da man!” Laminate a pocket-sized list of definitions for Pops to use as easy reference.

5. Teach Dad How to Skype

A good old-fashioned phone call will never go out of style. But a simple video conferencing service might make Dad’s timeless words of wisdom a bit easier to convey (with the added benefit of visual demonstration!) Show Dad the ropes on Skype, and enjoy your quality time like never before.

6. Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans

Dads aren’t immune to the dangers of denim. “Mom jeans” certainly have earned a bad rap in the fashion world, but believe it or not, “Dad jeans” are becoming an equally egregious infraction. Since he’d rather not go to the mall on his hard-earned day off, bring the shopping experience to Dad this Father’s Day. Buy a couple of updated jean options for him to try on in the comfort of his own man cave, and let him pick the pair he likes. You can return the rejects.

7. Set up an Elfster account!

Remember the time Dad got you the Air Supply Greatest Hits album for Christmas? Well, it could have been avoided if he only had access to your Elfster wishlist. Give your Father the gift of gifting by taking the guesswork out of future holiday shopping.

Sure. These Father’s Day activities are no substitute for a sweet new pair of socks. And we don’t recommend attempting the entire list in one afternoon. (Dad is pretty cool already, and probably doesn’t need a  complete  overhaul quite yet.) But when used as a supplement to the perfect card-and-gift-combo, you can be sure that trying some of these bonding activities will make for one meaningful day for Dad.

Happy Father’s Day!

Photo credit: Kennymatic , Volantra,  ElvertBarnes

The last thing you want to do at a Cinco de Mayo celebration is anger a sugar-hungry six-year-old wielding a stick. Selection of piñata filler can make or break your hard-earned reputation as "coolest mom" this side of the border.

While every child has a different opinion on what candy he or she prefers, we think we can safely rule out a few unpopular choices. After careful empirical study, here’s what Elfster discovered make the Worst Piñata Fillers:

1.    More piñatas

2.    Swedish Fish – Not talking about the candy

3.    Flashcards of any form

4.    Peeps – what are those things, anyways?

5.    Popsicles

6.    Stale Mexican jumping beans

7.    Leftover Candy Corn – It’s “Maiz”, please.

8.    Tequila-flavored Push-Pops

9.    Cucarachas, not even chocolate covered

10.  Mayo packets –Though we appreciate the wordplay

Have we forgotten anything? Tell us about your best (and worst) piñata picks!

Photo Credit: Ralph Hockens

What’s worse than getting caught in the rain? Having to endure the awkward moment when you, bone dry and under your umbrella, must walk past an unfortunate soul who has forgotten his or her own!

There’s a terrific opportunity for April altruism here.

Play the part of the silent hero (bonus points if you have a trench coat) and use the opportunity to hand-out a poncho. Stock your purse with some inexpensive “emergency” solutions and pass them out when you happen to catch someone up the creek without a poncho. (You can find them at many drugstores for under a dollar!)

If you want to go the extra mile, you can customize the labels with fun and inspiring messages. We included a few “Poncho Printable” templates and instructions here to help get you started. But feel free to customize with your own unique words of encouragement!

Here are a few ideas:

· Real men wear ponchos.

· Congratulations! You’ve had a “stroke” of luck!

· Throw ponchos, not punches!

· Went to work without an umbrella and all you got was this lousy poncho…

· Today, you’re the head poncho!

· Umbrellas are overrated.

· Free recyclable shower curtain.

· Well, the rain dance worked.

· Don’t worry. This doesn’t legally obligate you to join my cult.

· Hey Rain Man, don’t be a hero.

Have any more ideas to help brighten someone’s day? Comment below to tell us what your “Rainy Day Rescue” might say!

If revenge is best served cold, does it stand to reason that a thank-you note should be plated piping hot? Not necessarily.

Here we are, almost three months into 2011. Practically one quarter of the year has passed, and it seems like only yesterday you were jamming to holiday hits, wondering just what figgy pudding really was.

But by now, you’ve probably discarded the tree and paper snowflakes. And if you’ve forgotten to send your holiday thank-you notes, well, you’ve literally dis-carded more than that! Your friends and loved ones have (regrettably) been gypped.

If the guilt is finally starting to creep in, don’t fret. We might be glorifying procrastination here, but Elfster believes that a late thank-you note actually presents a golden opportunity for extending holiday cheer… And pleasant surprises are simply never a bad thing!

Are we making you feel any better? Now that you’ve found the necessary motivation to write a belated holiday thank-you note, here are a few strategies to give it character and tact:

“Let’s not tell Santa about this, shall we?”

Reference to a higher authority will help the recipient to remember that no one is perfect. Try to mention the special “powers that be” in your life to customize the message.

“I may be forgetful, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate… Wait, what was I saying?”

Acknowledging your flaws is an excellent first step to recovery, and a little humor goes a long way in that process. By playing off of your shortcomings in a belated thank-you note, the addressee will be pleased to hear you’re on the road to recuperation… even if you aren’t quite there yet!

“I forgot to tip the mailman… Frankly, I think he’s got it out for me.”

The good old-fashioned “Blame Game” can be a useful addition to your late thank-you note. Just make sure it’s all in good fun.

“Just to be fair, let’s say I wait 3 months for a ‘You’re Welcome’… Deal?”

Negotiate an informal act of contrition to give the recipient a sense of justice in your thank-you note. A self-imposed sentence of equally “rude” behavior is the recommended punishment, but don’t be too hard on yourself!

“I was under the influence of eggnog…”

The holidays can have an intoxicating effect on everyone. Explaining this in a humorous way will likely resonate well with your audience.

“I was going for a record on the longest delayed thank-you, but I caved!”

Try making your procrastination a virtue. Your belated thank-you recipient just might be flattered by how much you care!

“I knew that telepathic thank-you card was too good to be true!”

Who’s to say some unseen obstacle didn’t keep you from sending a timely thank-you note? The thankee might just be willing to suspend their disbelief if you craft a whimsical and entertaining backstory to account for the note’s tardiness.

“Thank you for everything!”

Using the humorous ice-breakers above will doubtlessly soften the blow of your belated thank-you note. But as a final word of advice, be sure to always end your message in sincerity. Tell the person how much their thoughtfulness has meant to you, and assure them that your late timing is no indication of their importance in your life.

Okay, okay, now dry your eyes. Time to get writing! Comment below to share what your belated thank-you message will say, and see what others are writing.

Photo Credits: Alex E. Proimos , Lady Dragonfly CC- International Orchid Symposium , Pink Sherbert Photography, izik , vistamommy