By now you probably understand that Elfster is a service which helps people stay connected, play a fun game, experience generosity, and bond together in a way that is both entertaining and responsible. Behind the [read more]
Every family’s heard it: “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.” [read more]
Let’s get one thing clear. We’ll wear white whenever we please. Hard to believe, but there are still some sticklers out there who maintain that wearing white after Labor Day is the ultimate crime of [read more]
Elfster is pleased to announce an all-new, open-door approach to the joy of gifting. Introducing: One-to-One Wishlist Sharing! Remember the pesky old “no peeking” policy for sharing your Elfster Wishlist? The one that said, “Thou [read more]
This may come as a bit of a shock, but not everyone in the North Pole is thrilled about this Christmas in July business. The “Politically Polite” Elf is rather non-denominational when it comes to [read more]
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 [read more]
Dad just wouldn’t be Dad without that little spark of, well, “Dadness” to him, right? We’re talking about socks with flip flops. Shamelessly boastful bumper stickers. An unparalleled enthusiasm for corny jokes. Your father isn’t [read more]
Looking to get in on the ground floor of the next big thing? Wish you could have joined Amazon or Google when they were just getting started? Always secretly yearned to be an elf? If [read more]
Page-turning is a great way to fan off on a hot summer afternoon. (Pool boys with palm fronds aren’t a bad solution, either.) But with the official start of the season just around the bend, [read more]
Just hear us out. If Christmas in July can be a “thing”, why can’t Halloween in May? Friday the 13th isn’t just about avoiding ladders and knocking on wood. (That stuff is mere “Child’s Play”, [read more]
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” [read more]
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! [read more]
To My Adoring Public, It has come to my attention that my approval rating has taken a dive down the proverbial rabbit hole in recent weeks. While I’ve still got a good number of “believers, [read more]
If revenge is best served cold, does it stand to reason that a thank-you 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 of your proper gratitude.
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:
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. [read more]
• I invented the Naughty List…
• People tell me I look like Cupid.
• You bring out the Yeti in me!
• I don’t wiggle my ears for just anyone, you know. [read more]
• Take it easy on the eggnog…
• Improve your snow-shoveling skills …
• Finally make a conscious effort to wash behind those pointed little ears…
Whatever your New Year’s resolution, there’s always one vice you can feel good about indulging in. (No, not reindeer tipping.) We’re talking about giving! When it comes to gift-oholics, we elves are proud to admit… We’re enablers!
To help make this year more memorable than ever, here are a few new ways to get your giving fix in 2011… only on Elfster!
These prime present opportunities have a tendency to sneak up on everyone. But this year, you’ll never forget a buddy’s birthday with Elfster’s helpful reminders in advance! If you’re still a hopeless procrastinator, don’t fret. Our customized Wishlist feature ensures that you’ll always find something meaningful, even when time is tight.
Cramming for an exam is about as fun as giving Blitzen a booster shot. Since your study group spends an awful lot of time hitting the textbooks, an Elfster gift exchange is the perfect way to inject some fun into your sessions. Find out your buddy’s favorite “Brain Food” or relaxation aid, and surprise them on test day with a “Good Luck” gift.
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Tonight, we’re throwing a season-end soiree to rival Mrs. Claus’s bachelorette party! In celebration of a Christmas well-done, the Elf Week Glitter Gala will honor our initiates for their hard work and dedication this Holiday season. Newcomers will be officially inducted into the Kris Kringle Club, enjoying bottomless eggnogs and cookie dough hors d’oeuvres (raw, of course).
Since New Year’s is just around the corner, we recommend you take a look at these handy Elf Help articles for your own party-planning pleasure!
• Selecting a Venue: Bonjour Events’ Dinner Planning Advice
• Eggcelent Eggnog Alternatives
At a great gig like the Glitter Gala, every elf is a winner! Here are some of the perks enjoyed by our new elf inductees:
• Official “Santa’s Helper” uniform
• A pair of the pointiest shoes on the planet
[read more]
This is the morning! If there’s ever a time for your angelic little snow bunny to unleash their inner “Naughty Kid” it’s today. Believe you we, they will take full advantage of this allowance! Billy hasn’t given up his slingshot all year for nothing…
When bouncing off the walls like a bonbon in a Piñata, children can make it difficult for a parent to keep the Spirit of the Season. So today’s Elf Week challenge is devoted to taming the tots during the Holidays. We call it the Whippersnapper Round-up!
Now, we know your little Sugar Plum is perfectly well-behaved, even on a day like today. But we suggest you take a look at these “Elf Help” articles anyway… For future reference!
• The Elfster Guide to First-Class Teacher Gifts
• Elfster Recommends: For the Kids!
• Green Santa: Eco-friendly Toys for Eco-friendly Kids
Now, for the highlights of the Whippersnapper Round-up…
Elf Ed currently has an air-tight grip on the lead, having dominated the infamous “Pass the Tyke” test. He managed to toss 98 youngsters across Santa’s lap in less than a minute with not one parental complaint! Ed says this gift is both an art and a science, but attributes his stamina to a daily dose of extra-caffeinated cocoa.
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On your mistletoes! Today is your final chance to grab those last-minute holiday gifts before Santa beats you to the tree. Now, we elves have spent an entire month posing for pictures in department stores across the globe, and frankly, our cheeks are getting tired… This Elf Week Mall Duty March sure has been a doozy!
Wild reindeer couldn’t drag us back into the mall after this rigorous event, but if Christmas snuck up on you, you might still have some last minute items to pick-up. Unfortunately, it’s a bit late for online shopping delivery, so you’ve basically got no choice but to brave the mall. Whatever you do, don’t panic! Just take a quick gander at these informative Elf Help articles, and you’ll be ready to crank the sleigh back into shopping mode in no time…
• Shopping Therapy: Mall Stress-Busters
• Man-Up at the Mall: A Guy’s Holiday Game Plan
Now, here’s what we’ve been up to all day with the Mall Duty March…
Elf Adrian has officially yelled “Dibs!” the loudest, earning First Place in this claims-staking event of the March. Apparently, he spotted an Amazon.com gift card he’s been jonesing for all year, and simply couldn’t contain himself. [read more]
Antlers Away! Today marks the midpoint of the Elf Week festivities, and we celebrate by paying homage to Elf’s Best Friend. The Reindeer Rally is a challenge that tests our way with the beasts, and also spruces the deer up in time for their Christmas debut.
In addition to rigorously training for the Rally, we elves have been diligently clipping the Reindeers hooves, making sure they produce that festive rooftop “Click, click, click!” sound that we all know and love. But whether your pet is a dog, cat, polar bear or penguin, we say they’re entitled to a little primping every now and again, and the holidays are the perfect time to show your appreciation! Giving your pet a Happy Holidays is easier than you might think. Just follow the advice of these handy Elf Help articles on the matter:
• Gifts for the Dog Who’s Naughty and Nice
• Ready for National Dog Day!
Now back to our coverage of the Reindeer Rally!
Elf Peter is in the lead, putting his final coat of shellac on Rudolph’s nose. (You didn’t think it shined all on its own, did you?) This task is a necessity for both aesthetic and weather-proofing purposes, and Peter is performing flawlessly. Looks like Rudolph will be named “Best in SNOW” for the 300th Christmas in a row!
The Talent portion of the competition has been dominated by Elf Shannon, who in Second Place, has choreographed quite an impressive routine for ole Blitzen. [read more]
In a season so heavily perfumed with pumpkin-spice-this and cinnamon-scented-that, today, we take a moment to stop and smell the sawdust. We of course, refer to the Elf Week Lumberjack Jamboree!
In celebration of all things “dude”, today we hold an event so manly, so swaggering, that the only price for admission is a well-articulated grunt. But be forewarned… The Lumberjack Jamboree is no hayride!
If all this “He-Elf” talk has got you just the teensiest bit intimidated, you might want to read-up on how to beef-up your Christmas holiday. To put some hair on your chin, we recommend a heaping helping of these hearty Elfster blog articles:
Man-Up at the Mall: A Guy’s Holiday Game Plan
Left-Brain Tips for the Right “Guy” Gift
Now, back to our live coverage of the Lumberjack Jamboree…
Splitting a Sequoia-sized candy cane with a single swing of the axe put Elf Ed in an early lead this morning.
Roll out the transparent tape, and get your elf-friendly scissors into cutting position. Today is Day 2 of Elf Week 2010, and the Wrapping Paper Relay is well underway! If you haven’t been training for this strenuous sporting event, we won’t lie… You’re at risk for some serious hand cramps. So before you get “wrappy happy” on an unsuspecting Hula Hoop, read our official Elf Help Gift Wrapping articles for a helpful series of holiday how-to’s!
• Shopping Bag Chic
• The No-Wrap Gift Guide
Now, back to the Relay…
Current Wrapping Paper Relay Standings
Running on top of a giant roll of wrapping paper is no small feat…and it’s especially challenging while crossing a swimming pool full of hot eggnog! Still, in Fifth Place, Elf David is managing to keep his balance rather nicely. David caused a stir earlier this morning when he entered the arena wearing some fancy footwear (pointy elf clogs with separated toes!) But David swears by them, and seems to think they’ll give him and extra leg-up in the competition. We’ll have to wait and see…
In Fourth Place, Elf Shannon has now advanced to the paper-sizing portion of the relay.
[read more]
We’ve gone Macadamia Nuts these past few weeks in preparation for Elf Week’s opening event, The Rookies n’ Milk Marathon. From stretching our stomachs at the All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Palace, to growing our milk mustaches just the way we like them, we haven’t worked this hard since Rudolph got stuck in the doggie door!
Well, it’s now officially “crunch time” and we’ve got all the delicious details of the Rookies n’ Milk events, right here on the Elfster Blog!
Remember, if you’re following the Elf Week competitions at home, be sure to keep an eye out for our updates this week. Check out these official Rookies n’ Milk “Elf-Help” articles in the meantime!
Current Standings
Elf Julie is presently in the lead, having successfully scarfed the North Pole’s entire population of gingerbread men. She is now speed-skating over Lake Freeze-Pop with the finish line in sight. But don’t count your turtledoves before they hatch! Julie is recovering from a brain freeze injury last week, and only time will tell how she holds up for the final moments of the race.
Buttered Rum is no match for Elf Peter who is chugging for Second at the Sleigh Bell Saloon.
[read more]
Is it just us, or does holiday gift wrap seem to be disappearing faster than a snowman in a sauna?
At many stores, all that’s left of your wrapping paper options are birthday and baby shower themes, which, you have to admit, you momentarily considered buying in a pinch. Though there are several ways to rationalize this thinking, the truth of the matter is, adorning your gifts with the announcement “It’s a Boy” will only cause confusion at the Christmas tree.
Don’t let the seasonal shortage in wrapping paper be your unraveling! We’re here to tell you, a simple, cost-effective solution is already in the bag…
Retailers are really stepping up their game when it comes to decorative shopping bags this season. Pretty ribbon drawstrings and glossy, eye-catching designs mean consumers look more chic than ever toting around their holiday purchases. So why not use these pre-made packages as your own wrapping material when you get home? With this solution, design and color scheme are already chosen for you, serving as a stylish, semi-subtle hint to the contents within.
A Few Tips:
• Keep the bag as flat and wrinkle-free as possible when transporting your goods.
• After emptying its contents, cut the bag vertically along one corner creases, stopping at the base.