Elfster

Social networking software for gift exchanges ElfsterType of sitesocial shopping, social networking, wishlistsAvailable inEnglishOwnerPeter ImburgURLhttp://www.elfster.comCommercialNoRegistrationrequiredLaunched2004Content licenseproprietary Elfster is a proprietary software application providing social networking features related to "secret Santa" style gift exchanges. It is available, without charge, as software as a service, via a website and via mobile apps for iOS and Android. The website's features include a universal wishlist, an anonymous Q&A section, personalized gift recommendations, activity updates, and forum discussions. The company is headquartered in Delaware, United States.

[edit] Elfster was founded by software engineer Peter Imburg in 2004 after hearing about the difficulty his wife and sister had when trying to organize a Secret Santa for their family. In November 2011, the website reached 2 million members. In Christmas of the same year, the Elfster Facebook App was launched for mobile device users. The app also serves as an extension of Elfster.com's service.[citation needed]

[edit] Elfster can be used to create wishlists and organize online gift exchanges. Users can find friends in Elfster, and follow their wishlists. Items can be added from any site online, and with the Elfster mobile app, bar code scanning allows items to be added on the go. When organizing an online gift exchange, Elfster draws names randomly and allows users to ask their draw partner questions anonymously - maintaining secrecy in a "high-tech way". Elfster provides a series of tools for organizing secret gift exchanges such as automated event-organization, name pairing, draw restrictions, gift guidance, wishlists, and anonymous questions and answers. Elfster helps with the logistics of determining who wants to participate, drawing names, and communicating the names that were drawn, while identities remain secret In December 2009, Elfster collaborated with Claire's to create Secret Santa Circle, a temporary Secret Santa website for the jewelry retailer. In November 2010, new features were added including trending gifts, activity updates and the ability to suggest and share gift ideas.

Elfster taps into the age‑old secret Santa tradition while solving the modern headache of coordinating groups across apps, emails and office chats. By letting participants create private wishlists, it removes the awkward "what does Sue want?" guessing game, and the anonymous Q&A lets you ask clarifying questions without blowing your cover. The platform’s real‑time updates mean you can see who’s drawn, who’s still to shop, and even send gentle nudges, which keeps the exchange on track during the hectic festive season. This blend of tradition and tech has turned Elfster into the go‑to tool for everything from office pot‑luck gift swaps to family‑wide Christmas draws, cementing its place in contemporary holiday rituals.

Start by inviting all participants to the same ‘draw’ and encourage each person to fill out their wishlist with specific price ranges and interests – the more detail, the better the recommendations. Use the anonymous Q&A to clarify any unclear wishes; this prevents last‑minute panics and keeps the mystery intact. Set a clear deadline for gifting and enable the reminder feature so nobody forgets the date. If you’re managing a larger group, the built‑in forum can be a handy space for sharing festive jokes or coordinating theme days. Finally, explore the mobile app for on‑the‑go updates – a quick glance while you’re in the shop can spark the perfect last‑minute idea.