Elfster
{{Short description|Social networking software for gift exchanges}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Elfster
| logo = Elfster Logo 2010.jpg
| url = http://www.elfster.com
| commercial = No
| type = social shopping, social networking, wishlists
| language = English
| registration = not required
| owner = Peter Imburg
| launch_date = 2004
| license = proprietary{{Cite web|url=https://www.elfster.com/privacy/|title = The Elfster Privacy Policy}}
}}
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.[http://www.technologytell.com/apple/80844/christmas-apps-and-accessories-for-iphone-ipad-and-ipod-touch-2011-edition/ Christmas apps and accessories for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch] December 24, 2011
The website's features include a universal wishlist, an anonymous Q&A section, personalized gift recommendations, activity updates, and forum discussions.[http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/research-institute/secret-santa-goes-digital-with-elfster Secret Santa Goes Digital with Elfster] December 13, 2010 The company is headquartered in Delaware, United States.
History
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.USA Today, [https://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/services/2005-12-13-cyber-secret-santa_x.htm USATODAY.com - 'Secret Santa' exchanges made easier online], December 13, 2005Smart Planet, [http://www.smartplanet.com/people/blog/pure-genius/elfster-secret-santa-now-web-enabled/1109/ Elfster: Secret Santa Now Web-Enabled - SmartPlanet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418210136/http://www.smartplanet.com/people/blog/pure-genius/elfster-secret-santa-now-web-enabled/1109/ |date=2011-04-18 }}, December 9, 2009
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|date=September 2020}}
Services
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".PC World, [http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/000323.html Today @ PC World Secret Santa Gift Swap Goes High-Tech] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706120211/http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/000323.html |date=2007-07-06 }}, November 22, 2004
Elfster provides a series of tools for organizing secret gift exchanges such as automated event-organization, name pairing,Martha Stewart, [http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/creative-gift-giving-solutions#slide_2 Easy Christmas Crafts, Homemade Gifts, Gift-Wrapping Ideas - Martha Stewart], November 1, 2009 draw restrictions,Mashable, [http://mashable.com/2008/11/25/secret-santa-gift-swap/ Top 5 Secret Santa Sites to Give Back and Save Money], November 25, 2008 gift guidance, wishlists, and anonymous questions and answers.Mashable, [http://mashable.com/2008/11/22/secret-santa/ HOW TO: Put Secret Santa Online], November 8, 2009
Elfster helps with the logisticsFamilies.com, [http://computers.families.com/blog/elfstercom-your-online-secret-santa-helper Elfster.com: Your Online Secret Santa Helper - Computing - Families.com], November 28, 2007 of determining who wants to participate, drawing names,[http://thevivant.com/101-theme-party-ideas/101 Theme Party Ideas at the Vivant] September 25, 2013 and communicating the names that were drawn, while identities remain secretKiller Startups, [http://www.killerstartups.com/Web20/elfster-com-secret-santa-goes-high-tech Elfster.com - Secret Santa Goes High Tech | Visit elfster.com], December 16, 2007
In December 2009, Elfster collaborated with Claire's to create Secret Santa Circle,Kidz World, [http://www.kidzworld.com/article/21935-claires-secret-santa-circle-app-review], December 1, 2009 a temporary Secret Santa website for the jewelry retailer.New York Times, [http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/secret-santa-sites-offer-another-way-to-save-on-gift-giving/ Secret Santa Sites Offer Another Way to Save on Gift Giving - NYTimes.com], December 1, 2009
In November 2010, new features were added including trending gifts, activity updates and the ability to suggest and share gift ideas.Bonjour Events, [http://www.bonjourevents.com/thefreshtips/2010/11/2/elfster-when-secret-santas-need-an-elf.html Elfster: When Secret Santas Need an Elf - Fresh Event Tips -], November 2, 2010
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.elfster.com/ Elfster website]
- [http://www.pr.com/press-release/368469 Elfster.com Brings Secret Santa to Facebook]
- [http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-gift-exchanges-go-high-tech-with-introduction-of-elfster-en-espanol-amigo-secreto-135021353.html Holiday Gift Exchanges Go High Tech with Introduction of Elfster En Espanol "Amigo Secreto"]
- [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/fashion/recent-college-graduates-wait-for-their-real-careers-to-begin.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Generation Limbo: Waiting It Out]