As the summer season gets underway, there are lots of activities to look forward to. Visits to the beach, warm days, and a more relaxed schedule are just some of the things that make summer great. And of course, a gift exchange is another awesome way to get summer started!
A group of mothers are making sure that their members will have a little something extra to enjoy this summer by hosting a family fun exchange. This allows them to get each other gifts that focus on what just might be the best part of summer- Family Fun. Some of the wishes include liquid bubbles, sidewalk chalk, ring toss games, board games, and other outdoor toys.
The group was formed when they were all expecting babies with due dates in November of 2012. They initially met on a What to Expect message board, and then migrated to a Facebook group. The group is over 600 members strong, and the women have been able to talk with each other, exchange pictures, and give and get advice.
No strangers to gift exchanges, these ladies have already hosted several gift exchanges, including a baby shower, holiday valentine and Mother’s Day exchange. Some of the exchanges have featured gifts for the babies, and some have allowed the mothers to get gifts for each other.
The group organizer, Tamara Cooper, is happy to be able to use Elfster to organize the exchanges. She likes that her group members can decide to participate in one exchange at a time, and still be part of the group, even if they are not participating in the current swap. Once the summer swap is over, they are planning to continue with more exchanges throughout the year.
In addition to the swaps, the members try to commemorate other events as well. They have created a subgroup dedicated to giving presents to group members at special times. These have included thank you gifts for a member that helped many others get through the challenge of breastfeeding, sympathy gifts when loved ones are lost, and homemade blankets to celebrate the birth of a “Rainbow Baby” (a baby born following a loss).
Sadly, seven members of the group lost their babies. One way the other members tried to support their friends through their terrible loss has been through fundraising. They are currently hosting a drive to donate money to each of these mothers. This will allow the mothers to use the money for whatever they may need. As one member posted, “these ladies are like sisters to us.” The fundraising site can be found here.
Elfster is incredibly proud to be part of the traditions that these women are creating. The support and friendship they have offered each other is wonderful. We’re especially excited to be involved with such an active and dynamic community. We are looking forward to seeing all of the upcoming exchanges. Happy Summer to all!
photo credit: Facenorth
artwork credit: ellaluella
