Gift Exchanges Archives - Page 5 of 8 - Good Cheer

After a Month of Self-Sacrifice & Spiritual Growth, a Party is Certainly in Order

Eid al-Fitr falls on May 12 this year and celebrations will continue into the next day. As someone new to these traditions, I was eager to learn more about the festivities surrounding the celebration of [read more]

Black Girls Read Books, Too

Meghan L

Just as every book has its own story to tell, so too do the eyes that are cast upon their pages. Through the lens of an author of color, they share the diverse voices of [read more]

A Freilichen Purim! Gift Basket Ideas to Celebrate Spring, Community and Life’s Joys

Brian B

Late winter and early spring are, for everyone, imbued with a sense of rebirth and excitement. It’s a time to escape the long winter—and look forward to the light. For the Jewish people, though, it [read more]

Board Game Community Puts Spotlight on Generosity

Meghan L

When I was a kid, my family was really into playing board games. For my brothers, I’m sure it was all about the strategy and a little “friendly” competition. For me, it was all about [read more]

Cookie Exchange Raises the Bar on Holiday Baking

Meghan L

Here at Elfster, we consider ourselves experts on pretty much “all things holiday” — we are elves after all! Picking the perfect presents, keeping tabs on Santa’s nice & naughty lists and helping your holidays [read more]

Why I Hated Gift Exchanges Before Elfster

Garmen C

The first time I ever participated in a gift exchange was in college. I’m not sure how I escaped my entire life before that point without having taken part in one, but when I heard [read more]

Don’t Let Distance Deter You From Celebrating the Holidays

Garmen C

Event planning is my happy place. In fact, when my husband tried to throw me a birthday party for a milestone age that shall not be mentioned, I couldn’t let him. Well, actually I tried [read more]

Good Secret Santa Gifts to Ask for When You Can’t Think of Anything

Brian B

There are two very, very simple questions that always leave me stumped: 1) What kind of music do you like; and 2) what do you want for Christmas/birthday/etc.? I listen to music all day, dozens [read more]

4 Secret Santa Party Themes to Up the Creativity

Teresa H

Getting into a festive party mood is rarely difficult if you’re a party planner like me. I’m always ready to see family, friends, neighbors, and college pals in person, online, or a combination of both. [read more]

LGBTQIA+ Podcast Fans Swap ‘Coming Out Boxes’ for Pride

Meghan L

As summer soon turns to fall, it’s hard to believe it has been over five months since we first heard the two words that would come to define 2020: social distancing. Way back when, as [read more]

3 Fun Gift Exchange Games for Family Gatherings

Teresa H

My great-grandmother Irene set up games for us to play as a family during every birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift exchange. In the summer and fall, it was croquet in the backyard. The winner received [read more]

How to Use a Pick Names Out of a Hat App

Brian B

As a lifelong Chicagoan, I have a lot of baseball hats that I’ve been wearing for a long time, showing off my love for the White Sox. I have hats I’ve been playing softball in [read more]

5 Children’s Gift Exchange Ideas to Get Everyone Involved

Teresa H

As an adult, you probably look back over your childhood and remember how you received so many gifts. Now, as a parent, you’re likely the one giving them. But, whether you’re on the receiving end [read more]

The Benefits of a Birthday Wish List App

Brian B

It always seems a little unfair that your birthday is only 24 hours long, doesn’t it? You wait a whole year for it, and even if you act all nonchalant, you know it’s coming. You’re [read more]