{"id":9816,"date":"2018-04-24T15:18:18","date_gmt":"2018-04-24T19:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=9816"},"modified":"2023-03-29T09:41:58","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T13:41:58","slug":"groups-staying-connected-with-elfster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9861\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Helping communities connect all year\" width=\"752\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-2048x1024.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect-540x270.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9833\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9833\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-9833\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-50-party-people.jpg\" alt=\"friends celebrating\" width=\"301\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-50-party-people.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-50-party-people-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-50-party-people-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-50-party-people-482x270.jpg 482w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Connect to celebrate your friendships. | Image courtesy: Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/secret-santa-generator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Elfster<\/a>, we think every day should be a celebration!\u00a0 It goes without saying: \u201c \u2018Tis always the season of giving!\u201d And since we\u2019re in the business of bringing people together through acts of generosity all year long, we\u2019re sharing the stories of some of the many ways people of shared interests are using Elfster to stay connected.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s our list &#8212; we checked it twice &#8212; of how 50 Amazing groups are staying connected and the ways you too can use Elfster to have a little fun as you strengthen the bonds with your family &amp; friends:<\/p>\n<h4>Creative Gifters<\/h4>\n<p>DIY &amp; Handmade gift exchanges hosted by our many artistically talented communities allow groups to take pride in their craft and focus on their particular area of creative expertise as they bring their art to life. We love how the knitters in the <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2017\/03\/29\/talented-fingers-generous-hearts-everyday-knitters-gift-yarn-ideas-and-inspiration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Everyday Knitter group<\/a> (#1)<\/strong> swap their precious supplies to inspire one another for their next project, while hand-crafted masterpieces from the heart are a favorite for creators of everything from <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2016\/10\/06\/online-artisan-community-connects-on-elfster-to-share-unique-pottery-gifts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">unique pottery gifts<\/a> (#2)<\/strong> to <strong>decorative wreaths (#3)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8779\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8779\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8779\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"gifts for film photographers\" width=\"301\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-2048x1335.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/GettyImages-592347645-59ab4e8db501e800113a7efc-min-1-414x270.jpg 414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8779\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Unique gifts inspire members of creative groups. | Image courtesy: Ozgur Donmaz via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/film-photography-royalty-free-image\/592347643\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Getty Images<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Photographers who are part of the monthly <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2014\/03\/31\/postcards-from-afar-photographers-share-talents-worldwide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Postcards from Afar<\/a> (#4)<\/strong> exchanges have spent the past few years sending their original photography on postcards all over the world, and members of the worldwide <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2017\/10\/20\/emulsive-hosts-global-exchange-of-gifts-for-film-photographers-who-love-their-art\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emulsive Film Photography<\/a> (#5)\u00a0<\/strong>community inspire one another to keep their art alive in the digital age by exchanging what they cherish most &#8212; weird and hard-to-find rolls of film.<\/p>\n<h4>Authors &amp; Bloggers<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9823\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9823\" style=\"width: 304px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9823\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/50-blog-lilyanddad-min-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Blogger connecting online\" width=\"304\" height=\"304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/50-blog-lilyanddad-min-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/50-blog-lilyanddad-min-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/50-blog-lilyanddad-min-270x270.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/50-blog-lilyanddad-min.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9823\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dad Blogger John Kinnear spends time connecting. | Image courtesy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.askyourdadblog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ask Your Dad Blog<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Connecting readers through a meaningful gift exchange is a great way to strengthen a community with a shared passion.<\/p>\n<p>Chantelle Ellem, creator of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fatmumslim.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fat Mum Slim blog<\/a> (#6)<\/strong> has inspired her readers to take action and give back through their annual Elfster gift exchange while <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2017\/07\/24\/supportive-dad-blogger-network-gift-exchange-celebrate-modern-fatherhood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dad Bloggers<\/a> (#7)<\/strong> get together to swap \u201cguy stuff\u201d for Father\u2019s Day and share their own tales of modern fatherhood.<\/p>\n<p>And speaking of passion, several <strong>indie authors (#8)<\/strong> of \u201csexy fiction\u201d host frequent exchanges with their devoted readers and join in the fun, too!<\/p>\n<h4>Book Clubs<\/h4>\n<p>All year long, <strong>Book Clubs and Reading Groups (#9)<\/strong>, are using Elfster to share their passion for reading, as well as the authors they love. From ebooks to paperbacks, new or used &#8212; with an endless variety of genres &#8212; the possibilities for a great book exchange are endless! And don\u2019t forget about a birthday exchange for those <strong>Book Babies (#10)<\/strong>! It\u2019s never too early to love a great book!<\/p>\n<h4>Health &amp; Wellness Motivators<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9300\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9300\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9300\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/il_570xN.1409300731_e4mj-min-300x236.jpg\" alt=\"Weight loss encouragment\" width=\"300\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/il_570xN.1409300731_e4mj-min-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/il_570xN.1409300731_e4mj-min-343x270.jpg 343w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/il_570xN.1409300731_e4mj-min.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9300\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A little weight loss motivation. | Image courtesy: Etsy seller <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/shop\/WisdomInAJar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WisdomInAJar<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Embracing a healthy lifestyle sounds so simple. Eat less. Move More. Easier said than done. All it takes is a little motivation, so members of the Weight Watchers world are using Elfster to help them offer that extra boost of encouragement.<\/p>\n<p>Through \u201caccountability buddy\u201d gift exchanges, they share fitness-focused gifts as they <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2017\/03\/08\/weight-watchers-members-send-love-connect-using-elfsters-online-gift-exchanges\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Send the Love<\/a> (#11)<\/strong>, and even spread <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2018\/02\/06\/online-community-for-members-50-shares-weight-loss-encouragement-gifts-and-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">words of wisdom for the over 50 crowd<\/a> (#12)<\/strong>.\u00a0Taking advantage of modern technology, the <strong>Peloton Partners (#13)<\/strong> are matched with another elf to schedule a virtual bike ride and get to know one another, no matter where they are &#8212; no excuses.<\/p>\n<h4>On Campus and Beyond<\/h4>\n<p>Social gatherings on any university campus are bound to happen, so the possibilities for sharing school spirit are endless. University sports teams are using <strong>Secret Psych (#14)<\/strong> exchanges to get pumped for their next big tournament, <strong>Secret Sorority Sisters (#15)<\/strong> are happy to welcome new members with Greek goodies and personalized paddles, but there\u2019s nothing better than a little boost (as simple as a cup of coffee) from a <strong>Study Buddy (#16)<\/strong> to offer a shoulder to lean on when exam time comes. Students who <strong>share an interest in their own major (#17)<\/strong>, like one group of design students at University of California, Berkeley, have plenty in common when they swap tools of their trade.<\/p>\n<p>And here\u2019s a great idea for an new student icebreaker: to get to know one another when they first arrived on campus, the Columbia University Class of 2020 cleverly used Elfster to connect with each other as they attended <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2016\/06\/12\/ivy-league-bound-student-brightens-future-for-fellow-classmates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">new student orientation<\/a> (#18)<\/strong>, making the transition to campus life a little easier from day one.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9518\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9518\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9518\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/AKA2-min-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Sorority gift exchange.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/AKA2-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/AKA2-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/AKA2-min-405x270.jpg 405w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/AKA2-min.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Members of the Rho Xi Omega Chapter gather for their annual gift exchange. | Image courtesy: Exchange organizer Judith Fitzgerald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Alumni groups (#19)<\/strong> are keeping those college connections, but one amazing group of 14 ladies in particular is the tight-knit <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2011\/11\/30\/joy-to-the-dorm-post-grad-gift-exchange-goes-global\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Life After College: 14C Style<\/a> (#20)<\/strong> group, who hosted their first Elfster exchange as freshmen dorm neighbors at Boston University over a decade ago and have not missed a year since, no matter where their adult lives have taken them! Celebrating the bonds of sisterhood is important to many groups, especially the <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2022\/06\/08\/alpha-kappa-alpha-exchanges-sorority-sister-gifts-in-honor-of-sororitys-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">women of Alpha Kappa Alpha<\/a> (#21)<\/strong> who honor their sorority\u2019s history with their year-long exchange.<\/p>\n<h4>In The Classroom<\/h4>\n<p>From kicking off a brand new school year with <strong>motivational gifts for their classroom (#22)<\/strong>, to wrapping up the year with an <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2017\/05\/22\/end-year-teacher-survival-kit-encouraging-online-teacher-appreciation-gift-exchange\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">End of Year Teacher Survival Exchange<\/a> (#23)<\/strong>, and even those <strong>sharing the gift of knowledge (#24)<\/strong> as they use Elfster to pick partners for \u201cPeer Visits\u201d to prep for annual testing, we appreciate the teachers and staff who inspire, motivate and guide students on their pathway to success. Deserving educators everywhere, whether virtually or in the teacher\u2019s lounge down the hall, encourage one another and celebrate their commitment to education.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>&#8220;You never need a reason to plan a fun secret santa gift exchange to bring happiness to your own social circle or online community&#8230;&#8221;<\/em><\/h3>\n<h4>Parents Supporting Parents<\/h4>\n<p>Gifting never goes out of season for the thousands of <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2014\/12\/15\/celebrating-the-season-through-the-eyes-of-a-child\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">groups of expecting parents, stay-at-home moms &amp; dads, moms of only boys, burned out parents of twins &amp; triplets<\/a> (#25)<\/strong> (yikes!), parents celebrating birthdays for the kiddos, or mom squads pampering each other who use Elfster to connect for any occasion! From <strong>Punky Moms (#26)<\/strong> in the UK who are raising \u201crad kids\u201d to <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2012\/11\/02\/military-moms-support-each-other-with-elfster-ornament-exchange\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">West Point moms<\/a> (#27)<\/strong> who honor their children who serve, a gift from the heart is well-deserved.<\/p>\n<h4>Fandoms &amp; Collectors<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8655\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8655\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8655\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Phish-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Gifts for a Phish fan\" width=\"301\" height=\"226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Phish-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Phish-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Phish-360x270.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Phish.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8655\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Phish Chicks give gifts to celebrate the band they love. | Image courtesy: Exchange organizer Margaret Spahr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So what are YOU really into. When it comes to pop culture, we all have that one thing &#8212; our favorite band, an awesome television series, the coolest comic book &#8212; that we just can\u2019t live without!<\/p>\n<p>Fan groups love to celebrate with themed exchanges &#8212; like the musically-inspired <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2017\/09\/27\/phish-chicks-group-hosts-music-themed-gift-exchange-to-celebrate-band\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phish Chicks<\/a> (#28)\u00a0<\/strong>who really dig their favorite band, the tight-knit <strong>Zamily (#29)<\/strong> who can\u2019t get enough of the Zac Brown Band, the costume-obsessed <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2015\/11\/07\/inspired-by-the-beauty-of-outlander-costumes-elfster-group-shares-their-incredible-talents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Outlander<\/a> (#30)<\/strong> fans who adore the wardrobes of their favorite TV series and the <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2016\/01\/22\/hogwarts-running-club-puts-its-best-foot-forward-to-help-those-in-need\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harry Potter-loving Hogwarts Running Club<\/a> (#31)<\/strong>, who always put their best foot forward.<\/p>\n<p>As crowds of <strong>Disney Fanatics (#32<\/strong>) are celebrating their favorite princesses, <strong>Star Wars fans (#33)<\/strong> are hosting exchanges focused on their collections of figures, models and memorabilia, while <strong>Fiestaware lovers (#34)<\/strong> recently hosted a dish towel exchange related to their shared love of the colorful and timeless tableware.<\/p>\n<h4>Sports Lovers<\/h4>\n<p>There is no sitting on the sidelines when it comes to an Elfster gift exchange! Whatever team you are rooting for, swapping your favorite gear is a sure way to cheer your team on to victory! After a long season of managing a fun sports league with generosity as its core value, leaders of the <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2016\/11\/17\/have-a-ball-with-charitable-giving-by-joining-zogsports-the-largest-social-sports-league\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ZogSports league<\/a> (#35)<\/strong> took their fun seriously with gift exchanges all over the country.<\/p>\n<h4>Style &amp; Fashion Makers<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9826\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9826\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9826 size-medium\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog50-lilly-quote-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Lilly inspired gift\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog50-lilly-quote-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog50-lilly-quote-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog50-lilly-quote-270x270.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog50-lilly-quote.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9826\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lilly lovers spread happiness. | Image courtesy Etsy seller <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/shop\/PinkCactusDesign?ref=search_shop_redirect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PinkCactusDesign<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><i>\u201cStyle is a way to say who you are without having to speak.\u201d <\/i><\/p>\n<p><i>&#8212; <\/i><i>Rachel Zoe<\/i><\/p>\n<p>From the bright, bold statement embraced by <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2015\/03\/16\/lilly-lovers-celebrate-their-zest-for-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lovers of Lilly Pulitzer\u2019s<\/a> (#36)<\/strong> timeless look, to the comfortable, laid back look of <strong>LuLaRoe (#37)<\/strong>, communities with a passion for fashion love to share their style with others with similar taste.<\/p>\n<p>Makeup lovers who are part of the <strong>Glam Gift Exchange (#38)<\/strong> are helping each other to feel pretty as they share gifts to put their best face forward.<\/p>\n<h4>Foodies<\/h4>\n<p>As they say, the way to a person\u2019s heart is through their stomach! So what better way to make a friend than sharing your <strong>hometown favorites (#39)<\/strong>. Local goodies are being shared this spring in the <strong>\u201cYou Enjoy My Food\u201d (#40) exchange of delicacies<\/strong> and Ireland\u2019s most popular snack foods are making their way from the Emerald Isle to places all over the world in the <strong>\u201cSisterhood of the Traveling Taytos,\u201d (#41)<\/strong> an exchange for expatriates who miss their hometown yummies! As summer nears, <strong>BBQ lovers (#42)<\/strong> will be celebrating the season with gifts to make your mouth water and <strong>beer lovers (#43)<\/strong> will be brewing up some fun! And don\u2019t forget dessert for the sweet-tooth in all of us &#8212; <strong>cookie exchanges (#44)<\/strong> aren\u2019t just for the holidays!<\/p>\n<h4>Just to Say Hello<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9827\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9827\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9827\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-letters-by-claireWALBH1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"handwritten letters\" width=\"301\" height=\"226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-letters-by-claireWALBH1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-letters-by-claireWALBH1-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-letters-by-claireWALBH1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-letters-by-claireWALBH1-360x270.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9827\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A handwritten note brings joy. | Image courtesy:\u00a0\u00a0Silverpebble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>\u201cThere is something gentle and authentic about a handwritten letter.\u201d<\/em> &#8212; Emma Mitchell, Elfster exchange organizer and creator of <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2016\/03\/18\/the-handwritten-letter-project-sparks-creativity-in-pen-pal-group\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Handwritten Letter Project<\/a> (#45)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Through her year-long exchange, participants from all over the world took the time to hop offline and put pen to paper to send meaningful messages to one another. The idea caught on big time in the UK, as hundreds of members of the uber popular <strong>Happy Mail (#46)<\/strong> and <strong>Mail A Smile (#47)<\/strong> communities continue to send cheery greetings by snail mail every month to spread joy.<\/p>\n<h4>Celebrating Our Heroes<\/h4>\n<p>Elfster is particularly pleased to help connect members of the military members, first responders, as well as those who support them on the homefront. Since 2012, as wildland firefighters\u00a0 are bravely battling blazes, their\u00a0<strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2014\/05\/28\/as-wildland-firefighters-battle-blazes-loved-ones-exchange-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">loved ones<\/a> (#48)<\/strong> continue to use Elfster to lend a supportive hand. And <strong>First Responders (#49)<\/strong> who are fans of the Drinkin\u2019 Bros. podcast developed more personal connections with another hero.<\/p>\n<h4>Pet Lovers<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9851\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9851\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9851\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/blog-50-secret-piggies.jpg\" alt=\"mini pigs love\" width=\"261\" height=\"249\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but still worth celebrating! | Image courtesy: <a href=\"https:\/\/countryandvictoriantimes.com\/2014\/01\/13\/valentines-day-piggies-pic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Country &amp; Victorian Times<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>They\u2019re loyal, faithful and love unconditionally, so it\u2019s no wonder pet lovers are so passionate about their pride and joy!<\/p>\n<p>Dog lovers in the <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2015\/01\/23\/for-the-love-of-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Doodle Family group<\/a> (#50)<\/strong> has been celebrating their canine companions for the past several years, with gifts sure to please even the finickiest pup.<\/p>\n<p>And last but certainly not least &#8212; As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so mini pig owners all over the place are squealing with delight as they swap treats and toys for their <strong><a href=\"\/blog\/2018\/01\/23\/a-cupid-worthy-valentines-day-gift-exchange-game\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Secret Piggies<\/a> (#51)<\/strong> every few months!<\/p>\n<p>You never need a reason to plan a fun secret santa gift exchange to bring happiness to your own social circle or online community. It takes just a few clicks, doesn\u2019t cost you a penny and is the perfect way for folks to get to know one another even better\u2026 beyond the social media comments.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Are you a part of a community connecting on Elfster? We&#8217;d love to hear your story too! And if you are looking for inspiration for gift giving ideas perfect for your community&#8211; no matter what the occasion &#8212; be sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/shop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shop Elfster<\/a>. Elfster\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elfster\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a> page is also sure to offer some any time ideas. You can also follow Elfster on Twitter <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elfster\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Elfster<\/a> and on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/elfster\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Elfster<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\">At Elfster, we think every day should be a celebration!\u00a0 It goes without saying: \u201c \u2018Tis always the season of giving!\u201d And since we\u2019re in the business of bringing people together through acts of generosity <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\" title=\"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster\">[read more]<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2753,"featured_media":9861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[739,534],"tags":[738],"class_list":{"0":"post-9816","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-community","8":"category-gift-exchanges","9":"tag-communities"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster - Good Cheer | Elfster Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How 50 different groups use Elfster year-round to stay connected and have fun. From book clubs to weight loss and fan groups to sorority sisters and much more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster - Good Cheer | Elfster Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How 50 different groups use Elfster year-round to stay connected and have fun. From book clubs to weight loss and fan groups to sorority sisters and much more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Good Cheer | Elfster Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elfster\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-04-24T19:18:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-03-29T13:41:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Meghan L\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@elfster\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@elfster\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Meghan L\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Meghan L\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/174e4ab725790274750b17f13080ece8\"},\"headline\":\"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-04-24T19:18:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-03-29T13:41:58+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\"},\"wordCount\":1949,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"communities\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Community\",\"Gift Exchanges\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\",\"name\":\"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster - Good Cheer | Elfster Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-04-24T19:18:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-03-29T13:41:58+00:00\",\"description\":\"How 50 different groups use Elfster year-round to stay connected and have fun. From book clubs to weight loss and fan groups to sorority sisters and much more.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg\",\"width\":2400,\"height\":1200,\"caption\":\"Elfster helps communities connect\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Good Cheer | Elfster Blog\",\"description\":\"Christmas Gift &amp; Holiday Party Game Ideas\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Elfster\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/elfster-text-logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/elfster-text-logo.svg\",\"width\":150,\"height\":37,\"caption\":\"Elfster\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elfster\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/elfster\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/elfster\",\"https:\/\/pinterest.com\/elfster\",\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/elfster\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/174e4ab725790274750b17f13080ece8\",\"name\":\"Meghan L\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mml-headshot-150x150.jpeg\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mml-headshot-150x150.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mml-headshot-150x150.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Meghan L\"},\"description\":\"Meghan L has been elfing it since she joined the team in 2009. She enjoys coordinating exchanges, talking to organizers, and all things Christmas. Join her for an eggnog latte anytime at Elfster.com\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/author\/meghan\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster - Good Cheer | Elfster Blog","description":"How 50 different groups use Elfster year-round to stay connected and have fun. From book clubs to weight loss and fan groups to sorority sisters and much more.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster - Good Cheer | Elfster Blog","og_description":"How 50 different groups use Elfster year-round to stay connected and have fun. From book clubs to weight loss and fan groups to sorority sisters and much more.","og_url":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/","og_site_name":"Good Cheer | Elfster Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elfster","article_published_time":"2018-04-24T19:18:18+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-03-29T13:41:58+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2400,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Meghan L","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@elfster","twitter_site":"@elfster","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Meghan L","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/"},"author":{"name":"Meghan L","@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/174e4ab725790274750b17f13080ece8"},"headline":"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster","datePublished":"2018-04-24T19:18:18+00:00","dateModified":"2023-03-29T13:41:58+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/"},"wordCount":1949,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg","keywords":["communities"],"articleSection":["Community","Gift Exchanges"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/","url":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/","name":"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster - Good Cheer | Elfster Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg","datePublished":"2018-04-24T19:18:18+00:00","dateModified":"2023-03-29T13:41:58+00:00","description":"How 50 different groups use Elfster year-round to stay connected and have fun. From book clubs to weight loss and fan groups to sorority sisters and much more.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg","width":2400,"height":1200,"caption":"Elfster helps communities connect"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/2018\/04\/24\/groups-staying-connected-with-elfster\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/blog.elfster.net\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"50 Amazing Groups Staying Connected Year Round On Elfster"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/","name":"Good Cheer | Elfster Blog","description":"Christmas Gift &amp; Holiday Party Game Ideas","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Elfster","url":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/elfster-text-logo.svg","contentUrl":"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/elfster-text-logo.svg","width":150,"height":37,"caption":"Elfster"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elfster","https:\/\/x.com\/elfster","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/elfster","https:\/\/pinterest.com\/elfster","https:\/\/youtube.com\/elfster"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/174e4ab725790274750b17f13080ece8","name":"Meghan L","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mml-headshot-150x150.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mml-headshot-150x150.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/mml-headshot-150x150.jpeg","caption":"Meghan L"},"description":"Meghan L has been elfing it since she joined the team in 2009. She enjoys coordinating exchanges, talking to organizers, and all things Christmas. Join her for an eggnog latte anytime at Elfster.com","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/author\/meghan\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/How-Communities-Connect.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2753"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9816"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9816\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}