Christmas
Those Crazy Christmas Toys
Remember how when you were little, there was always that one thing you wanted to see under the tree? Whether you were into the most obscure items or frantic for the most popular trinket of [read more]
Christmas
Christmas
Military moms support each other with Elfster ornament exchange
Sending your child off to college can be one of the most bittersweet moments for any parent. There is joy to see the success and independence that your child has achieved, as well as worry [read more]
Christmas
Scheduling For The Holidays: 3 Months And Counting
It sneaks up on us so fast…one minute the kids are going back to school. Suddenly, it’s time for Halloween. Soon, you’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving. Then it’s just a short month until Christmas. [read more]
Christmas
Holidays 101: Thinking Ahead
You may not be thinking of the holiday season yet; after all, it’s still three months until Christmas. But the holidays can be a frantic, if amazing, time of the year when you don’t want [read more]
Christmas
Secret Santa : Getting the Family Onboard
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]
Christmas
The Elf Week Glitter Gala: A Grand Finale!
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
Glitter Gala Highlights
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]
Christmas
The Elf Week Whippersnapper Round-up
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…
Current Standings
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.
[read more]
Christmas
The Elf Week Mall Duty March
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…
Current Standings
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]
Christmas
The Elf Week Reindeer Rally
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!
Current Standings
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]
Christmas
The Elf Week Lumberjack Jamboree
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…
Current Standings
Splitting a Sequoia-sized candy cane with a single swing of the axe put Elf Ed in an early lead this morning.
Christmas
The Elf Week Wrapping Paper Relay
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]
Christmas
Elf Week Kick-off: The Rookies n’ Milk Marathon!
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]
Christmas
Shopping Bag Chic: DIY Holiday Gift Wrap
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.
Christmas
Man-Up at the Mall: A Guy’s Holiday Game Plan
Three words: Extended Holiday Hours. If you’re a guy, the acronym probably sums up your opinion of seasonal shopping pretty well (“EHH…”). But unfortunately, this disinterest does little to shield you from the mall-time mayhem. One way or another, you invariably end up accompanying your wife or girlfriend to her yearend retail pilgrimage. And it doesn’t even matter if you’ve been naughty or nice!
“Sure, I’ll meet you in Sporting Goods in an hour,” she claims. But by lunch, you’re still waiting, and ready to take a candy cane to the gut just to feel alive.
At Elfster, we think the secret to avoiding the doldrums in a situation like this is to have a game plan. So to reach out to dudes the world over, we stepped away from our workbench and designed a detailed agenda to help whittle away those “extended hours” at the mall. We know it’s no trip to the lumber yard, but compared to twelve hours of world-class thumb-twiddling, we think it’ll suffice.
1:00 pm-
Find a bench, read-up on your Emotional Intelligence 2.0, and bask in your newfound popularity among single moms.
2:00 pm-
Lay low in the Men’s Room after the unexpected influx of marriage proposals.
[read more]
Christmas
Eggcelent Eggnog Alternatives
Like the great debate of “glass half empty or glass half full”, eggnog, too, can be a divisive subject. We elves happen to love the holiday staple even in our breakfast cereal, but we also understand that it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why we compiled a short list of eggnog alternatives for you to try at your next holiday party… Okay, so our motives aren’t pure as the driven snow (more eggnog for us), but that’s not to say we don’t think these recipes are every bit as delicious. Try them, and if you care to add a little “holiday spirit” to the recipes, we won’t tell Santa, either!
Cinnamon Apple Shakes
3 cups vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/2 tsp. rum extract (optional)
[read more]
Christmas
Sweet Smelling Ornaments for a Natural Noel
This year, finding eye-catching, affordable Christmas ornaments doesn’t have to feel like searching for the Eternal Fountain of Eggnog. (Oh, it’s out there…) But an easy, natural solution to tree trimming is as close as nearest the produce section!
We admit, sometimes the “smell of Christmas” can be about as subtle as a dip in a vat of aftershave, and the hunt for a more muted fragrance can be equally daunting.
That’s why when we came across this project from younghouselove.com, we couldn’t wait to show you their simple solution!
If you’re as excited about the Elf Week Glitter Gala as we are, you’re probably spinning garland in anticipation at this very moment. But with homemade dried citrus ornaments, you’ll get the added benefit of aromatically accenting that Christmas tree smell without overpowering it. [read more]
Christmas
Shopping Therapy: Mall Stress-Busters
By now, we all know Santa’s stance on pouting, shouting and crying. (Apparently, we “better not!”) But we also know that one bad trip to a seasonal shopping mall is enough to make even Tiny Tim go postal. So what’s an elf to do when the stress boils over like a hot chocolate gone wrong? Use these simple relaxation tricks, of course!
At Elfster, we’ve been through enough holiday shopping seasons to know that deep, cleansing breaths simply won’t cut it when someone cuts in line. And there’s no mantra in the world that’ll make parking a delight. So you can chant a soothing “ho ho ho” if it’s any fun for you, but for the best stress management at the mall, here’s what we suggest:
Wheezey Does It
Losing your breath in the retail race can have your chest feeling tighter than Santa’s tummy in a man girdle. But when you start to hyperventilate, don’t panic! Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bagdoubles as a pretty nice respiratory aid. A few puffs in and out, and you’ll be back on your pointed little feet again in no time!
[read more]
Christmas
Tips To Organize An Office Secret Santa
It just isn’t the Holidays until Blitzen gets blitzen’ at the annual stable party… Let’s face it, Santa deals with enough awkward situations in his line of work. Fortunately, your office Secret Santa doesn’t have to, thanks to Elfster! With the high-tech help of anonymous questions and wish lists for every coworker, this year your workplace gift exchange can be more enjoyable than ever! And you don’t have to butter-up the IT Guy to do it. Elfster is so easy, a Garden Gnome could use it! Check out the demo and these starter tips:
Tip #1 Use the bulk invitation option where you can just type in a list of email addresses, or if you have a large company, use the sign up link and send it via email to your coworkers.
Christmas
Santa’s Choice: World Cookie Recipes
This Christmas, don’t be caught with your oven mitts off… We’re giving you a list of Santa’s all-time favorite cookie recipes from around the globe. With these international favorites on the plate, Santa is sure to stop by your place first this year!
Crumb roll, please…
• Raspberry, Olive Oil and Thyme Shortbread (Great Britain)
• Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki” (Ukraine)
• Ma’moul Cookies (Lebanon)
• Chocolate-Dipped Palmieres (France)
• Almond Cookies (China)
Christmas
Announcing “Elf Week” 2010!
With the holidays closing in faster than Rudolph on a sugar rush, we’ve now officially entered what the reindeer call “Mush-Time”… and the Claus has got no room for error on his team! That’s why the week of December 20th, we’ll be devoting our entire agenda to the training and initiation of Santa’s most promising, up-and-coming little helpers. It’s called “Elf Week”… and it isn’t for the feeble-footed! As the name implies, it separates the Oafs from the Elves, building character and moral fiber with each event!
So how does one train for such a rigorous week? You could practice by bobbing for halibut, or birthing a set of reindeer twins. You might even try brushing up on your coal-mining skills for Santa’s Naughty List. But you’ll be glad to know, as a loyal Elfster blog reader, you’ll get an extra leg up in the competition.
In honor of Elf Week, we’ll be showing you a slew of helpful tips, tricks and holiday advice right here on Wish Fulfillment, the Elfster blog! As the event approaches, keep your eyes peeled for our fun and informative series of posts called “Elf-Help”.
In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek at Elf Week 2010’s calendar of events:
[read more]
Christmas
Guest Post from Bonjour Events: Holiday Dinner Parties – Selecting a Venue
Are you the lucky one who gets to pick out the holiday dinner party for your law firm, playgroup or charity board? There are so many restaurants it can be overwhelming to start but below [read more]