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Author: Meghan Langseder

Meghan L has been elfing it since she joined the team in 2009. She enjoys coordinating exchanges, talking to organizers, and all things Christmas. Join her for an eggnog latte anytime at Elfster.com
Celebrity Book Club Hosts Book Exchange to Express Love of Reading

Celebrity Book Club Hosts Book Exchange to Express Love of Reading

Editor’s Note: Article originally published 6/2018. This awesome group of booklovers recently wrapped up another successful summer book exchange for 2019, bringing them together for their seventh Gift Exchange in the past two years using Elfster. They keep going and growing! Read any good books lately? As I stare at the stack of unread books that has accumulated on my bedside table, I’m overwhelmed by my options. Like many folks, my favorite indulgence is curling up with a really good…

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Elfster helps communities connect
50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster

50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster

At Elfster, we think every day should be a celebration!  It goes without saying: “ ‘Tis always the season of giving!” And since we’re in the business of bringing people together through acts of generosity all year long, we’re sharing the stories of some of the many ways people of shared interests are using Elfster to stay connected. Here’s our list — we checked it twice — of how 50 Amazing groups are staying connected and the ways you too…

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Sorority gift exchange.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Exchanges Sorority Sister Gifts in Honor of Sorority’s History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Exchanges Sorority Sister Gifts in Honor of Sorority’s History

Over a century ago, nine college co-eds attending Howard University—a historically black college in the heart of our nation’s capitol—had a common dream to make the world a better place. At the dawn of the 20th century, society as they knew it was mostly male-dominated and segregated. But despite the struggles they faced in their own lives, this inspiring group of collegians was well aware of the opportunities that being “college-educated women of color” brought them—just one generation removed from…

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weight loss encouragement gifts
Online Community For Members 50+ Shares Weight Loss Encouragement Gifts and Support

Online Community For Members 50+ Shares Weight Loss Encouragement Gifts and Support

They say, 50 is the new 30, and I’d really love to believe it. But let’s face it, age happens. When we become those “women of a certain age,” we may not always recognize the person gazing back at us in the mirror, either physically or mentally. Growing older with grace takes dedication to our own well-being, determination to face the challenges life sends our way, and lots of hard work. No one has all the answers (and I’m not…

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gifts for film photographers
Emulsive Hosts Global Exchange of Gifts For Film Photographers Who Love Their Art

Emulsive Hosts Global Exchange of Gifts For Film Photographers Who Love Their Art

“The machine-gun approach to photography—by which many negatives are made with the hope that one will be good—is fatal to serious results.” – Ansel Adams Decades ago, master photographer and industry influencer Ansel Adams may have used a special lens to catch a glimpse of the future when he made this statement about film photography. But could he have ever predicted just how far his art would come in the Digital Age? It’s hard to imagine, but I think he…

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music-themed gift exchange in honor of Phish
Phish Chicks Group Hosts Music-Themed Gift Exchange To Celebrate Band

Phish Chicks Group Hosts Music-Themed Gift Exchange To Celebrate Band

It’s not just the music; it’s the lifestyle. And for the past three decades, the rock band Phish has created a community of devoted, and some might say obsessed, fans all over the world who can’t get enough of the band’s groovy jams. If you love them, it’s easy to get lost in the band’s music as you soak in the love and happiness they bring with them on tour. Over the course of the band’s time together (and a…

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dads have gone digital
A Supportive Dad Blogger Network Gift Exchange to Celebrate Modern Fatherhood

A Supportive Dad Blogger Network Gift Exchange to Celebrate Modern Fatherhood

When I was a little girl, a homemade note hung by our back door for as long as I can remember. It was a note written by my dad and directed at my siblings and me meant to be read each time we left the house for school or to go play with the neighborhood kids. It said simply: Be the best person you know how to be. That’s it. It was nothing fancy—and far from a Pinterest-worthy inspirational canvas….

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End of Year Teacher Survival Kit: An Online Teacher Appreciation Gift Exchange

End of Year Teacher Survival Kit: An Online Teacher Appreciation Gift Exchange

(Originally posted 5/22/17) Believe it or not, another busy, hectic school year will soon be coming to a close. Students are already buzzing with plans for bidding farewell to the classroom in exchange for the carefree days of summer. And for teachers, the official countdown to their yearly vacation from the whiteboard has begun. I may be going out on a limb here, but I think they’re just as excited as the kids! Knowing firsthand how demanding the end of…

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yarn gift ideas
Talented Fingers, Generous Hearts: Everyday Knitters Gift Yarn, Ideas, and Inspiration

Talented Fingers, Generous Hearts: Everyday Knitters Gift Yarn, Ideas, and Inspiration

As a teenager looking for a creative outlet before the dawn of the internet, I learned how to knit. Sitting by my stepmother’s side, trading needles back and forth as she guided my clumsy hands, I came to appreciate the joy of being “crafty.” Though my knitting career was short-lived, my one and only project—a vibrant, rainbow-colored, shorter-than-most scarf—served me well on many chilly winter days (and was a point of pride). I don’t think I’m alone when I say…

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zogsports charitable giving team
Have a Ball with Charitable Giving by Joining ZogSports, the Largest Social Sports League

Have a Ball with Charitable Giving by Joining ZogSports, the Largest Social Sports League

It was arguably the worst day America had ever seen—a few moments in time that no American will ever forget. But, many stories of strength, fortitude, and positive energy have emerged in the years since the events of September 11th, 2001. One such story is that of Robert Herzog, founder of ZogSports, which has grown to become the most popular adult co-ed social sports league in the country. Each year, ZogSports has seen its membership grow. Over 100,000 fun-loving, sports-minded…

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How to create a You've Been Boo'ed Event Infographic
How to Create Hair-Raising Halloween Fun: A You’ve Been Booed Neighborhood Gifting Game

How to Create Hair-Raising Halloween Fun: A You’ve Been Booed Neighborhood Gifting Game

A slight chill is in the air. Pumpkins are creatively perched on porches all over town. And the neighborhood candy collectors will soon be dressed to thrill, hitting the streets on their sweet mission to fill their sacks all the way to the tippy top. From princess to pirate, minion to mermaid, as kids young and old eagerly anticipate the big night, the question of the season remains, “What are you going to be for Halloween?” Halloween only rolls around…

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potters wheel
Online Artisan Community Connects on Elfster to Share Unique Pottery Gifts

Online Artisan Community Connects on Elfster to Share Unique Pottery Gifts

By its very definition, generosity is an act of unselfish giving—and offering one’s own talent, time, and creativity to a new friend you’ve just met is a beautiful example of selflessness. Recently, a group of more than 50 potters from many corners of the globe got down and dirty for a Secret Santa gift exchange. They used the Elfster website to help them share amazing and unique ceramic art created with their own two hands. Creative Hands Reach Out To…

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Weight Loss Community Hosts Send The Love Campaign

Weight Loss Community Hosts Send The Love Campaign

Determination. Dedication. Motivation. Inspiration. All are key factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reaching goals, especially when we face the daily challenges of trying to eat healthy, getting enough exercise, or shedding a few unwanted pounds. But we may also realize it’s harder to take such a journey alone. One group dedicated to supporting and motivating one another through these difficult daily tasks was created to serve members of the popular Weight Watchers program from all over the United…

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Let’s Get Personal

Let’s Get Personal

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to spend some time with some of my favorite people on earth, my awesome cousins. We don’t see each other that often because, fact is, sometimes life and distance just get in the way. But once we started reminiscing about the days we spent splashing in the waves and basking…

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Disney Alums Celebrate The Best College Job. Ever.

Disney Alums Celebrate The Best College Job. Ever.

I am sure I am not the only one who once dreamed of being a Disney princess when I “grew up.” Don’t get me wrong, the whole elf thing is certainly awesome, but just imagine spending all your days in the most magical place on Earth! For one lucky group of Elfster users — and Disney lovers extraordinaire — that dream really did come true, as they were once lucky enough to spend their college days with the ultimate job…

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Celebrating Summer at the North Pole And Beyond

Celebrating Summer at the North Pole And Beyond

It seems that summer is the new winter here at the North Pole these days. Surf’s up for Santa and while the elves are busy monitoring the naughty and nice list, plenty of great exchanges are in full-swing. As a matter of fact, over 500 new exchanges have been created on Elfster in just the first two weeks of July! Our friends in the fun-loving “Our Disney Ohana” group led by one of our favorite elves, Sandra Rumsey, are gearing…

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Set Your Sights On Easy Summer Travel

Set Your Sights On Easy Summer Travel

Do you have your sights set on a great getaway this summer? Whether you are taking in the local scenery or taking off to a faraway destination, Elfster has what you need to make the most of your summer travel. Our helpful Summer Travel Gift Guide and a few handy travel tips are all you need to make planning and packing a breeze. Your world awaits!       Tip #1 – Pack Precisely Going by car? Or by plane?…

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6 Simple Tips For Your Best Backyard Summer Soiree

6 Simple Tips For Your Best Backyard Summer Soiree

    Make your backyard party sparkle for the 4th of July — and all summer long — with these six simple party tips for planning a great gathering with family and friends. From a laid-back barbecue to a sophisticated soiree, Team Elfster has gathered the must-haves for the perfect summer party plan in our Summer Fun Gift Guide. And there are plenty more great ideas found in our most popular gift guides, too.         1.  Set…

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Ivy League-Bound Student Helps to Brighten the Future for Fellow Classmates

Ivy League-Bound Student Helps to Brighten the Future for Fellow Classmates

It’s high school graduation season and I applaud those who are taking that life-changing walk across the stage, cheered on by family and friends. Tassels and mortar boards will be flying as inspirational words of wisdom are imparted to the eager grads. It’s finally time to celebrate their accomplishments and begin the next chapter of their lives. For many, with diplomas in hand, the next step will be attending college, which is certainly a very exciting time, but at the…

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Think Outside the Box This Father’s Day

Think Outside the Box This Father’s Day

Stumped by how to celebrate the great dads in your life this Father’s Day? I was too, so I decided to ask around. Anyone need another ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ coffee mug? “Comes in handy for breakfast in bed — hint, hint.” Need another fun and colorful tie? “Not so much.” So what do you really need?? “Nothing.” Not much to go on there… The obvious answer, since no dad will ever admit that they really ‘need’ anything, is to give…

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5 Awesome Ways To Make Summer Great for The Whole Gang!

5 Awesome Ways To Make Summer Great for The Whole Gang!

Memorial Day weekend has arrived and so has the unofficial start of summer! For my family, that means packing the kids and the dog in the car and making the four-hour journey up to our beloved lake house in the mountains. It’s a magical place that takes our family back in time — where we all love to unplug, kick back and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Not only does Memorial Day weekend allow us to enjoy time…

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Global Express Delivery Company Goes The Extra Mile for Elfster Gift Exchange

Global Express Delivery Company Goes The Extra Mile for Elfster Gift Exchange

It is a well-known fact that making personal connections in the workplace leads to increased happiness and raises employee loyalty, but sometimes it’s not so simple when your business is spread all over the globe, with over 56,000 employees in 200 countries. For the elves at Elfster, connecting communities is what we do best, so imagine our delight when we found one such company using our “Elfin Magic” to connect its greatest asset — its employees — from all over…

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Spring is in full swing, so whether you are creating your own backyard oasis or planting a bountiful vegetable garden (or maybe both!), it’s time to get outside and get your garden growing. Does your garden to soak up the sun or is it made in the shade? Either way, we’ll help you get your hands in the dirt and your heart back to nature. Need a little inspiration? Check out Elfster’s Gardening Gift Guide, which features fresh, new garden essentials…

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may the fourth be with you
Awaken Star Wars Fans and May the Fourth Be With You!

Awaken Star Wars Fans and May the Fourth Be With You!

Star Wars Day! A day when fans from far and wide (and maybe even from a galaxy far, far away…) will celebrate the unofficial holiday which pays tribute to all things Star Wars. May the 4th is the worldwide day when fans show and share their love for one of the most popular film franchises of all time. What started as a play on the phrase, “May the Force be with you,” grew as the associated grassroots movement caught hold….

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