Elfster would like to congratulate @askmeaboutmyplanner for winning the $100 Amazon gift card in our first-ever Instagram contest, #elfsterxmasinjuly. Thanks so much for sharing your photo of all the goodies you received in your Christmas in July gift exchange with the “We Love EC” group. All the stickers, markers, labels and tape are sure to help personalize, organize and enhance your Erin Condren (EC) life planner. The “We Love EC Christmas in July” Elfster exchange included 174 women from all over the United States who are self-proclaimed “planner addicts” who share a love for the happy, colorful and inspirational work of designer Erin Condren.
Thanks to all those who made our contest such a huge success – the elves were quite impressed with your creativity, so we’d like to share some of the highlights of how you celebrated Christmas in July.
Nothing could be better than welcoming a sweet baby into your life, so we agree that new mom @jencunning received the “Best Gift Ever” when she welcomed her new bundle of joy this July. Thanks for sharing that adorable “baby elf” photo with us and good luck with your new little guy!
A big shout out to @garycruz for expressing his holiday spirit with his kids on the beach in Pacifica, California. This San Francisco Bay-Area Dad, Husband, Triathlete and Professional Photographer shared his “freak snow storm” in July and we thank you for that magical treat in your awesome video entry!
When some sneaky little elves got a hold of @stephnmille‘s ipod to take a bunch of selfies with those big toothy grins, we loved the smiles and could just imagine the giggles! Thanks for sharing that happy moment.
And what Christmas in July contest would be complete without a cute dog dressed like an elf? Thanks to @bebomusik for sharing his photo of a dog who loves to celebrate Christmas all year long! We do, too!
Check out these and all of the entries in our contest on Instagram at #elfsterxmasinjuly and be sure to follow us @elfstergram.
With Christmas in July sadly behind us and summer fading fast, that can only mean one thing… It’s time to go Back to School!
Whether your kids are just starting preschool for the first time or you’re leaving the nest for the first time, Elfster can help get you get the school year started in style. Check out the latest for the classroom in Elfster’s Back to School Guides:
“For Teachers” features wishes to create an inspirational classroom. From toys and games to labels and laminators, it’s in our Guide. The elves are happy to help one group of Speech/Language Pathologists, who are already in the swing of things, as they exchange items for their own speech therapy classrooms all over the country. Have a great school year!
“Kids and Teens” will love the great ideas to start the school year out with all the right stuff. There are several gift exchanges going on now to welcome the new school year and one group of mommy bloggers from all over the U.S. came up with a great idea for the kids – Back to School Busy Boxes. Here is how it works according to the group’s exchange homepage: Create one “busy box” focusing on a pre-school age (approx. 2-3 yrs. age) learning concept. Brownie points if made with items easily available in one’s home or $1 spot/$1 store type finds, as to promote as “easy and frugal”. Take photos and write up how you created it. We will first share what we received, and then ask followers to try to make their own too. We will recap a week later with a link up sharing the How To. Elfster loves to be a part of such creative exchanges and we’d love to see your Busy Boxes! Thanks for the great idea Mommy Bloggers!
And our “Off to College” Guide highlights some of the essentials for any stylin’ dorm room. Sorority sisters of Alpha Phi Gamma are currently getting back to school with a Paddle Exchange among the members of their chapter/colony. According to the group’s website, The purpose of Alpha Phi Gamma is to bring together all women of different nationalities through bonds of friendship and sisterhood. Alpha Phi Gamma exists to provide service and Asian Awareness to the University and the surrounding communities for the betterment of society. It promotes Scholarship and academic excellence, personal development and leadership. The sorority’s National Philanthropy is the Fight Against Violence Towards Women. Good luck and thanks for using Elfster, ladies!
Be sure to Follow your favorite Guides to keep you up-to-date on the latest trends. We’d love to hear what you are wishing for, so click to Share Gift Ideas on the Guide with Elfster, too. We’d love to hear how you plan to go Back to School in style! You can visit us on Facebook or tweet us @elfster, or check us out on Instagram at #elfstergram.
And enjoy the last few lazy days of summer!
photo credit: @askmeaboutmyplanner, Lee Elementary School
