[1] With [2] Elfster, using pen & paper to exchange Secret Santa names is now a thing of the past.

Using it is as easy as 1-2-3 …

1) Create a Secret Santa group
2) Invite the Friends, Family or Colleagues to join the group
3) Elfster will then pick and choose names at random, sending everyone their assigned Secret Santa

Creating a Secret Santa group allows you to specify a deadline when everyone needs to sign up and offers reminder services to those who have yet to accept the invite (see pic below). There is also an integrated facebook invitation option.

Once the group is created, a main page displays all your information and those invited.

When getting the invite, the person has the option to accept or decline the invitation. Once accepted, he will be given an individual page with the options to include his wishlist items. People who accept invitations become “Santas” with a Santa cap icon by their name. Those who decline are labeled “Scrooges” getting a lump of coal by theirs. Funny!

The wishlist area allows you to add a “wish list” and a “do not want wishlist”. That saves you from getting unwanted items or items you already have.

The beauty about Elfster is that you are not limited to creating one exchange, multiple exchanges can be made with the ability to interchange/ share contact information. Other features include search options (from Amazon) for that particular item you want and a random browse option for those who don’t know what they want.

Online equivalents include [3] SecretSanta.com, [4] amgoinginvisible.com, [5] TopsecretSanta.com and [6] Drawnames.com - none of which matches up to the features included here.

When it comes to fun, organizing and simplifying an exchange, you shouldn’t look any further than Elfster. Using this tool will definitely save time and better yet, the dread of pestering people to hand in their wish list for the exchange. It’s a pity I found out about this so late… nevertheless, I look forward to using it with the family next year.