Staying connected with friends throughout the year can be tricky, especially when life gets busy. But what if there was a fun way to keep those relationships thriving and add a little surprise and joy to each month? Enter the “Gift of the Month” club! It’s like a Secret Santa exchange, but instead of just happening during the holidays, you get to enjoy it all year long.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate friendships and share thoughtful gifts each month, starting a custom gift of the month club is the perfect solution. Here’s a guide on how to get started, keep things fun, and use tools like the Elfster gift exchange app to make the whole experience stress-free!
Step 1: Get the Gang Together!
First things first—you need to round up your group of friends! Whether it’s a close-knit circle, family members, or even coworkers, gather a group of people who will enjoy the experience of monthly gifting. Ideally, you’ll want a group size that’s manageable (we suggest 5-10 people) so everyone stays excited and engaged.
After assembling your crew, think about how you want the club to run. A fun twist is to give your club a theme! Are you into pampering and self-care? Then consider creating a club focused on monthly gifts for her—think candles, skincare sets, or cozy socks. Or if the group is a mix, create a monthly gifts for him or her club, where you can pick gender-neutral themes like gadgets, snacks, or personalized mugs. A themed club adds a layer of excitement because it feels more tailored and personal!
Once your theme is decided, hop onto Elfster’s gift exchange app to set up your group. Elfster makes the logistics easy by automating name draws, sending reminders, and allowing everyone to share their Wishlists, so there’s no guesswork involved.
Step 2: Set the Ground Rules
Now that your club is forming, it’s time to set some ground rules. These will help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that the gift-giving stays fun for all.
Decide on a Budget
Gift-giving should be a delight, not a financial burden. Set a reasonable budget for each gift—something like $20 or $30 per month is usually a good range. This keeps it affordable while still allowing for thoughtful surprises.
Determine Frequency
How often will you exchange gifts? Custom gift of the month clubs usually run monthly, but if that’s too frequent, you could opt for bi-monthly or even seasonal exchanges. Whatever you choose, consistency is key to maintaining excitement.
Keep Your Wishlists Up to Date
One of the perks of using Elfster is that everyone can create and share their Wishlists. Make sure your participants are regularly updating theirs so that others can shop for gift ideas without the stress of wondering if they’ve picked the perfect present.
Step 3: Mix It Up with Fun Themes!
To keep things fresh, spice up each month’s gift exchange with a theme! Themes not only add variety but also inspire more creative and meaningful gifts. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Self-Care Month: Send cozy fleece blankets, face masks, or calming candles.
- Snack Attack: Exchange gourmet treats or goodies from different parts of the world.
- Eco-Friendly Finds: Gifting reusable straws, plant-based products, or recycled materials can make the exchange feel special and purposeful.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out other popular best of the month clubs—whether it’s snacks, books, or even monthly plant deliveries. These clubs offer subscription ideas that could be your next theme for the month! And if you ever feel stuck on what to give, Elfster’s curated gift guides are full of ideas that will make shopping for gifts a breeze.
Step 4: Add a Personal Touch
A great gift isn’t just about what’s inside the box—it’s about how you present it! Adding a personal touch to your gifts can elevate the entire experience. Handwritten notes, custom wrapping, or even a small inside joke can show your friend that you put extra thought into the gift.
Consider setting up a monthly reveal, where everyone opens their gifts together. Whether you gather in person or hop on a virtual call, these moments make the exchange feel more communal and fun. Maybe even plan some surprises for special months like birthdays or anniversaries to make them extra festive.
Step 5: Keep the Momentum Going
As the months roll on, it’s important to keep the excitement alive. Here are a few ways to ensure your gift of the month club doesn’t lose steam:
- Rotate Organizers: Switch up who organizes each month! It keeps things fair and adds variety since different people may have different organizational styles.
- Set Reminders: Use Elfster to set up automatic reminders so that no one forgets to purchase and send their gift. Having everything tracked in one place helps the process stay seamless.
- Celebrate Milestones: Mark special months with more elaborate gifts or group celebrations. This could be during the holidays, or on significant dates for group members—add that extra flair to keep things exciting!
Unwrap the Fun
Creating a “Gift of the Month” club with your friends is all about spreading joy, celebrating relationships, and finding fun ways to stay connected. With Elfster’s tools, you’ll make organizing everything easier, from the logistics of drawing names to shopping for gift ideas and sending out reminders.
And with the added themes, personal touches, and thoughtful planning, your club will become a highlight of the month for everyone involved.
