11 Big Ideas for Year-Round Gifting

• 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!

• Birthdays

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.

• Study Groups

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.

• Sports Teams

You might not be the star of the Bowling League, but everyone’s a winner when you set up a swap with your sports team. Even spectators can play! Team-themed gift exchanges are a great way to celebrate the playoffs or national championships. Get your group to add their must-have sports gear to their Wishlists, and the whole crew can root in style!

• Book Clubs

Elfster can put a fun new spin on your Reading Group’s selection process. Using a pool of your personal picks, your buddy can select one title from your Wishlist to go on the official reading lineup. This lets all members have a say, while keeping the element of surprise.

• Viewing Parties

Primetime television events are an easy excuse to throw a party, and with Elfster, you can now add gifting to the mix. Set parameters based on the type of programming you’ll be watching. For example, partygoers can exchange DVD’s of their favorite flicks at your annual Academy Awards soiree, or swap CD’s at a Grammy’s Bash.

• Pet Appreciation

Let your four-legged friends experience the joy of giving by setting up a gift exchange in their names.

• Block Parties

Get to know the neighbors by arranging an Elfster exchange within your dorm, apartment complex or homeowner’s association. It’s a great way to reach out to new members of the community, as well as catch-up with old friends.

• National Holidays

Keep the spirit of giving alive all year with themed gift exchanges according to national holidays.  Let the occasion choose the gift theme, whether it’s gag gifts for April Fools Day, or candy on Halloween!

• Off-beat Holidays

You probably won’t find “National Pie Day” or “Praise a Postal Worker Day” on your desk calendar, but Elfster will help you commemorate these whimsical events all the same. Start an exchange, making sure to draw names early on in the year (right about now is a great time!) Study your pick’s Wishlist to get an idea of their interests. Next, use a little internet research to find an off-beat holiday to commemorate that person, based on their personality or interests. Then, you can surprise your buddy with an unexpected gift once their oddball holiday rolls around.

• Concerts and Events

The same pre-emptive gifting technique can be used to plan memorable outings with your friends and family. Have everyone in the exchange select two tickets for an event that they would like (and are able) to attend. (For better planning, make sure all members add multiple options to their Wishlist.) Again, draw names early in the year. Use your buddy’s selections to find a date and event that works for you. Buy the tickets and enjoy the memories!

• Clubs and Organizations

If you’re inducting new members into your fraternity, sorority or other organization, a virtual gift exchange is a great way to learn more about those new faces. Also, a well-chosen gift will make anyone instantly feel welcome and part of the group!

Photo credits: Procsilas , Horia Varlan , Schlusselbein2007 , Petapotty , Steve Snodgrass , rick