Elfster: The Secret Santa App Positive Reviews

The only gift exchange app you should use!LOVE this app! It’s so easy to use. My parents are in their 60s and even they figured it out. It makes it so easy to set up gift exchanges. You can set restrictions, so people can’t draw their significant others. You can create a wish list and find pretty much any item on the internet to add to it. You can message the person you drew anonymously, if you have a question about one of their gift ideas. You can list just “ideas” instead of actual products as well. You can send a thank you after you receive a gift. And you can very easily reuse a previous year’s gift exchange to set up the next year’s. I set up my 2024 exchange in less than 30 seconds because everything except the date was the same as last year! Last year, I got a survey from the UX team asking for feedback. Elfster really cares about their app, and their users’ experience using it. It really shows!.IvoryDoveWritingReviewsVersion: 2024.1107.27

Great AppI started using this app because of a company gift exchange. Then I suggested using it with my family’s Christmas exchange. And now I’ve convinced other families and friends to use it as well. The wishlists portion is great. My wife and I will look at the wishlist throughout the year for birthday’s, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and random gifts as well. I like that you can private message someone for more details without giving away who you are. If I had any gripe it’s that they’ve made it more difficult to add to the wishlist but I’m guessing they use referral links if you search the gift in their app. So since I didn’t pay for the app I can’t fault them for trying to push using the search in their app instead of adding custom. But I’d honestly happily pay for the app for some additional features because I like the app so much..BkelevateVersion: 2023.1213.1337

Great, but a few small changes would make fantasticLove the app finally made this year so much easier for gifts. HOWEVER, I’d love to see a family manager option for children who don’t have their own accounts. I just added a list for my son under my name. But can’t see if anyone purchased anything in his list because it’s under me. I could create a whole new account for him, but he is two and that seems a but dramatic. Or even this option for older kids (and spouses who won’t make an account) to make profiles for them without making whole accounts with a log in and password. Maybe a passcode to get into their list? But it’s under my account still? Would be great especially since there are things if other people do not buy for my 2year old id like to purchase. Baby list for baby registries has a feature you can even see on your own list if you insist on snooping, but that isn’t an obvious option to show you..RczapsVersion: 2023.1121.519

Wish List Worthy AppThis app is a dream to wish lists! I love the functionality that it gives gift buyers to see what’s still available to purchase versus what hasn’t been purchased yet (and how that is conveniently disguised from the gift seeker). The only things I’d like to see improved are the availability of pictures for gifts that are added with a copied link and a direct link to the product for gifts added with a copied link. It either doesn’t show a picture of the product or it doesn’t appear to be an accurate picture. It also appears that you can’t just click the link to go to the website. You have to copy and paste it into a browser, which isn’t hard, but it’s inconvenient, especially when gifts you find through the app will allow you to click the link and go directly to the product. Those improvements would boost my rating to 5 stars..The Magster💋Version: 5.4

It’s fantastic. Also Things that could make it better.Great app. I love that I can organize everything. I can find people easily. But only if they also use the app. What would make this app way better is if there were a way to share my wish list with people who do not use the app. If someone asks me what I want, and they don’t have the app, it’s a hassle to get them that information especially if they want specifics. Color, size, style, ect. Also a general information section would be nice. Call it a profile. That has my favorite food, color, number, maybe my size, and favorite brands. Hobbies. And things I don’t like. That would also be cool. That way if the shopper has something that’s not on my list they could figure out if it’s something I will like..Nerise95Version: 5.4.6

Great startI like this app a lot! There’s only some things I feel are missing: * free-text bio of a decent length * place to write allergies on one’s profile, whether they be food, flowers or other * longer notes on the wishlist * ability to rank items on one’s wishlist * ability to put something on the wishlist and somehow mark it like “something like this but not this exactly” * place to write favorite colors * place to put any measurements * ability to tag things on the wishlist to group them by category * a gift ideas list that everyone except the person in question can view, so people can share their ideas and collaborate esp if they have ideas for someone who isn’t their secret Santa * ability to invite someone via phone number, as there are some extended relatives I had more difficulty finding emails for but I had their phone numbers.~4*8F"&9Version: 2023.1121.519

SUGGESTIONSI love this app so much! But one problem I had this year that People couldnt mark stuff they got me on the list like when they put “mark as purchase” it shows only to them and not the other people looking at the list! I had few secret santas this year and also my family gets me stuff from my list! And because there isnt a feature of marking what get, I got duplicates. I think that if theres a feature that. If I am getting somebody a gift from their list I can mark it off that anybody looking at the list can see that this item is already purchased but it doesnt show to person getting the gifts so he is still surprised when he gets the gift and not know before hand which gift was already purchased. This would be super helpful. Please take it into consideration.MaryroseshaheenVersion: 5.1.4

Great with room for improvementAn absolute game changer for getting gifts people actually want. Designed very well for what it does, but the app is a pretty buggy and there are a couple things that could make it better. I’m frequently logged out of the app. The app doesn’t like every website link. Sometimes if you try to add a link for a gift, it will say that it’s invalid. You can bypass this by saving it anyways and then going back to edit the details to add pictures/descriptions. Despite saying the link is invalid, it will still link to the website you’re after. I also wish that there were more options for privacy on wishlists. Unless you’re starting a gift exchange group, your only options are public or private. It would be great if you could set it to be visible to specific people only..IfaogdoyfitccutcitflfyVersion: 2023.1006.1147

Family Christmas GatheringI am the Matriarch of my family. We grew to be so large with so many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of a blessed family who want to live simply but still enjoy gift giving as a celebration of the birth of our Christ. Several years ago we found Elfster. It has been wonderful! I now start an announcement of our annual celebration and a name drawing for secret Santa gifts with minimal effort.! Our participants can join hen dream up anything they would like to have with a money cap, of course and store it on Elfster to assist the gift-giver with ideas of what they ‘likes’ are. It has been more than well-received. It has come to be the desired event for gift giving among adults. I am now considering having a separate drawing among the children. There is so much time spent eating and opening gifts that we really need to draw names among everyone involved so that there is still enough time for everyone to catch up. Thank you Elfster for the time you have spent perfecting your craft and for being there to excite but not overwhelm my family with the materialism of this world. And all this at no monetary cost to me! You are a Godsend..TamoraminaVersion: 2024.1120.28

Overall good, needs a little UX tweakingOverall is app is really great because I love that is easy for us to put wishlists together for the holidays and our birthdays and share this among our family and friends. It’s just that the user experience and functionality isn’t as thought out as I have seen in other apps. For any wishlist items that haven’t been purchased they use a “you purchased this” line of copy which makes it seem like you purchased it when you didn’t so I would rethink how that gets labeled. Also, when you try to add a link to your own wishlist, the form pops up and down and it can be difficult to paste your link in the wishlist form. This whole Elfster app is a really awesome concept it just needs a little bit more user experience testing and finessing..TLHK8Version: 5.8.3

It’s okayIt’s suppose to be a dream, gets everything in One place does the drawing for you and keeps it a secret. Let’s you make a wishlist and you can buy things for others in your party. One thing I do not like and it became very annoying is when you are adding something to your wishlist and use the ‘copy and paste a link’ option, you cannot add a picture and if you try the ‘write in your wish’ option you cannot add a link, the second you add a link it turns it into the ‘copy and paste link’ option and removes what ever title or picture you have. So essentially you either have a picture with no link in your wishlist or a link with no picture.Ash CardenasVersion: 5.4.4

Anonymous messagingI have been using Elfster for a few years now and I enjoy how easy it is to use and how user friendly it is. However I have finally run into a dilema, I am apart of a few secret Santas all exchanges where planned through Elfster however someone mailed me my gift already and I am not sure which secret Santa mailed me my gifts. I have an idea of a few people who it might be but not sure. I like that there is anonymous messaging, however I think it would be a nice added feature to be able to click on each of my exchanges and message my secret Santas from each one all while keeping their identity anonymous. This way I can ask which exchange I am receiving my gift from. Anyways that’s my dilemma other than that love everything else about it..HipappjdVersion: 5.8.8

I love this appThe ONLY reason I didn’t give the app five starts is because there are a few quirks that I’ve found while using it. A few of the members on my exchange had issues with creating their accounts and it not being available to complete or see details of the exchange once created. I also noticed that there was not an ability to send mass messaging to those involved. You have to send them individually under each persons profile which can be taxing. However, despite that the Elf’s in the customer service department are EXTREMELY HELPFUL and very responsive which I absolutely appreciate. I’ve talked to Dorothy and Peppermint several times to resolve my concerns. Outside of this, I absolutely L❤️VE everything about it..Chrissy’s ViewVersion: 2023.1204.1330

GREAT APP FOR SECRET SANTA GIFT EXCHANGEI love this app so much! It is very easy to download it and sign up for it and also very easy to start the gift exchange and invite people to it. You can set when you want the name draw to be, and there are many other cool features such as requesting people to give you a gift idea if they have not put one on their wishlist yet. I also love how easy it is to put something on your wishlist! You can search up what you want or even just a keyword and many options will come up. You can click on an option that you like, and the website to buy it will appear. All in all, this app is a must have, and perfect for secret Santa gift exchanges!!.OnlyreviewsgreatappsVersion: 2023.1204.1330

Fails with inviteesI have used Elfster for the past four years. I absolutely loved it and would have given 5+ stars. It’s great when it comes to excluding certain people in picks and the ease to set up. What I am ultimately disappointed in is that I can’t use my exchange from last year, although maybe I can but without a help button who knows. This means I have to add all the people from last year and they have to add all their info in again! Also, my biggest gripe is that I have invited 17 people but it shows 0 INVITES. I have a few elderly people that I was allowed to accept their invitation for them and just let them know who their secret Santa was…. Not sure how to handle that this year but will not use app again unless they correct this issue. There are too many apps out there..Mel_laVersion: 5.4.4

ElfsterThis software is VERY difficult to use and navigate. It’s hard to delete old wishlists, it’s hard to delete things off your wishlist that are there in error that you meant to add to a child that you manage wishlist. Editing anything is very hard every time, if you click on the pencil in the upper right corner of an item on your wishlist which on any other site allows you to edit or delete, this takes you to the website to buy it instead. These thing are very frustrating and time consuming on an app/site that is supposed to create an easy way to do a gift exchange..KimP12345Version: 5.8.8

One big issue (unless I’m dumb)App is great, efficient, relatively easy to use. But why in the world does it notify friends from previous exchanges when I add to a wishlist when that specific wishlist’s visibility is set to an exchange that does not include that friend. You should be able to turn off the notifications that are sent due to your adding of a wishlist item. I don’t want a friend seeing what I add to a wishlist that’s specific to a family exchange. Much less getting NOTIFICATIONS for those wishes. I’m literally blowing up the phones of dozens of people that I did exchanges with in the past that I’m not exchanging with this year. And I shouldn’t have to make every single one of them disable notifications for this. It should be an option for me.HopefullydisappointedVersion: 5.8.6

Family group of 20 first time usingThe app is really good, I have a group chat with 20 people in the family so I decided to give this app a try. It is definitely worth it, was able to copy and paste messages to bug my family to sign up. There’s options to make a wishlist for each person and I think it will be a good idea to be able to keep as a tradition. This app has everything you could ask for, we just got our draw today so I’ll update later but as of now it’s a really convenient app. We’re using for Secret Santa right now but there seems to be a lot more use cases..Appstar413Version: 2024.1107.27

Wish List glitchy if chrome is your defaultUpdate: I figured out the issue is that the iPhone default browser must be set to safari. I had set mine to chrome, and this was causing the issue. I’ve updated my rating to reflect this. I have used elfster for years and have loved it! For some reason this year the wish list portion keeps crashing on my iPhone. It won’t allow me to open the link to view/buy. Sometimes after being idle it will say there’s a problem with my log-in, but not allow me to click to enter log-in info. Force close doesn’t help, and I have to uninstall and re-install. Please fix these new glitches! Good news is web interface works just fine..MNsweVersion: 5.1.1

Love the new updateI love the look and ease of use with the new update. I use Elfster with family and friends for Christmas (love the gift exchange feature) and birthdays for my kids. It’s such a great way to inform those who ask what my kids want/need. After using this app for 6+ years now the only feature I wish it had was knowing who marked purchased which items. So often my kids open all their gifts without me present (because I’m busy hosting and such) and it would be nice to be able to refer back to the list to thank people who got specific items that the kids really wanted/ needed..MarcvicVersion: 2024.829.14

App error and crashesEvery year the app works great. Accept this year. We have 17 people who participate in Pollyanna. Literally EVERY SINGLE PERSONS app NEVER loads, crashes while on it, and constantly gives the error message of “unknown error” or a message of “

Easy to use year to yearMade family gifting easy the last few years. Lots of features but it’s not overly complicated. Wish it was easier to search for certain retailers within the app, but that’s how they keep it free - funneling you to their partner retailers. However it allows you to input a link to any product from any website. The web browser version an add-on for your Chrome browser where you can click the Elfster button from any retailer website. Makes it easy to set your wishlist. And you can have multiple wishlists to manage all the kids..IscreamuscreamVersion: 2024.1120.28

Some issuesSometimes the site is hard to navigate. And some issues develop from the website versus the app. Was having issues with drawl names commonly repeating the same names from the past. Also when looking at a wish list, it doesn’t seem to show on the app when the wish list was posted so you don’t know if it’s from past years or current. Sometimes it seems finicky in creating groups and joining exchanges. We had to redo it a couple times because something had a glitch. Right now somebody that I normally can see wish list for I can’t. I’m not sure what the issue is exactly but it just seems like a finicky system.CrlreeseVersion: 5.4

Great when it worksI’ve been using Elfster for over 5 years and we love the ease of signing up, drawing names, and creating a list. The only issue I’ve been having is the app will sign me out randomly and I can’t sign back in via Google or my log in. I get the same error message. There is no rhyme or reason why this happens that I can identify so it seems like a system glitch. I’ve emailed tech support in the past. I usually have to re-download the app once or twice a year to correct which is a bit annoying. Other than that it’s our go to for exchange year after year..DERW19Version: 2023.1103.944

THE BEST GIFT GIVING APP EVER!!!!This app is just so great me and my friend wanted to do a gift giving for Christmas, so me and her both got the app, and it’s just super helpful because we didn’t want to get each other something that the other person wouldn’t like so one of the features on the app is a big help because you can make a wishlist and add anything you want You can also look at other peoples wish list and you can also start like secret Santa’s and all that stuff you can also add any of your friends that have the app and overall it’s just a great app and I really recommend it!!!!.Anna Banana 12Version: 2024.1107.27

So far so Good….and a SuggestionThis is our 1st year taking Elfster out for a spin and so far so good. Previously we used Checked Twice but had to switch because the app didn’t work as well. The one thing they included that we wish Elfster had is the ability to suggest a gift for friends for other friends to see. It could either be kept secret from the recipient as a surprise gift or left public for the recipient to see the suggestion. This is especially great when kids are part of the exchange. We hope you’ll consider it! Other than that there is definitely a learning curve for using Elfster but we are starting to get the hang of it..RenKizdelkVersion: 5.4.6

Love Elfster...just not the appMy family has been using Elfster for Christmas for many years. We all love it. The app can use some TLC. I downloaded it for quick access but it’s not working the way the site does. I have two child accounts set up and it only gives me access to one. Also, my wishlist is showing me the items that have been purchased from it. So now I know exactly what I’m getting for Christmas. Luckily, I’m emotionally mature and my husband needs all the help he can get for holiday shopping. Otherwise, this may have ruined Christmas!! Definitely removing the app and logging in direct to site moving forward..LADYRED427Version: 4.2

Love this app!!This app is amazing!!! It makes finding a gift for someone SO EASY! We can easily do Secret Santa even if people don’t know each other very well. The only thing I would add is a description option for your profile! That way other users can go to your profile and get a short description of their person. This can include: personality traits, likes, dislikes, height, weight, favorite color, etc. This would be especially helpful so we don’t have to keep writing our info for every item. Other than that this app is wonderful! I use it every year!.Shelly_316Version: 2024.1014.23

Person456I love Elfster. I love how it had literally everything. The one thing that I would say though is that I hope somewhere in the near future you would make the wishlist easier to access. You have to click so much buttons to get to the wish list and I think having it easier to access would make the experience much better; but I love everything else. Like how you can get something with a certain amount of money, if your on a budget. Honestly Elfster is a wonderful app and I fully recommended it to people. Have a wonderful day!😁.Peach305Version: 2023.1113.1428

Very handy, wish I could tap one button to refresh the date on an item on my wish listVery handy, wish I could tap one button to refresh the date on an item on my wish list. Every year my family uses Elster for gift exchange, and it is convenient. One thing that would make it more convenient would be for items that went unpurchased from last year, that I could tap one button to refresh the date to make it look like those items were just added. Otherwise people who are looking at my list wonder if I still want the items that were added a year ago..Matthew Wolfe 1Version: 5.8.6

Great app and websiteElfster is perfect for secret santa, especially in times on COVID when you can’t meet up to draw names from a hat. The only problem I’ve found with the app is that when I add items from another app using the share link the items says they’ve been added, but then when I open the elfster app and look at my wishlist the items aren’t there. It could just be taking a while for the list to update, but you would think after one day it would show on the list. Other that that glitch I really enjoy the app and the interface is really user friendly..Nene4488Version: 5.0

Good for Individuals, not so much for families with kidsI really enjoy this app to get gift lists out to multiple people. They do have a “family manager” option so you can create lists for your children or whomever. The only negative to this option is that you are not able to see if a gift was purchased for them. I add to the list throughout the year because we use the app for Easter basket ideas, birthdays, and Christmas. The issue comes in when you go to buy something you don’t know what has already been purchased because you can’t access the list in the “gift giving” view, only in the “add” view. Other than that I would rate this app 5 stars..Rusty StrangerVersion: 2024.111.1015

Some limitationsOverall pretty good! Some minor glitches that came up: (1) I gave Elfster access to my contacts to make things easier for me to invite , but strangely Elfster could only see some contacts and not others. I double checked and they are all in my contacts, but for some reason Elfster couldn’t see half of them. (2)There doesn’t seem to be a way to add a link for the wishlist on the iPhone app as you can on a computer, so I’ll have to jump onto the computer to add those links, (3) The app froze a couple of times and had to be shut down. Other than those issues, it’s a cute and handy app!.SnowElf_9978Version: 5.4.1

AMAZING!This game is a really great game. It allows me to connect with my family and exchange gifts with each other. There is one elf leader that draws names. Everybody (including the elf leader) gets people (out of the people your doing it with) that they have to buy a gift for off of their wish list. Example: I buy a gift for someone else and they don’t know it’s me. Someone is also buying a gift for me but I don’t know who they are. At the date that the elf leader put it to to exchange gifts everyone says who they were buying gifts for and we enjoy our gifts while eating delicious food..I don't zVersion: 4.4.4

I LOVE Elfster BUT….Love this app- the only thing is I wish it was better at linking photos from websites when you add a wish in. It’s a pain to have to screenshot every item I add to out a photo in. So far the only website I’ve used that populated the photos on this app is Target- and occasionally other sites but they’re often blurry or off. It’s not the worst thing- definitely still worth using- use to makes lists for all my family, to get my extended family gifts, to post what my kids like, etc so super convenient and would definitely give 5 stars if it wasn’t for the photo upload issues..CycygvhvVersion: 5.9.1

The Only App Our Family UsesOur family has been using this for years now. As we got older, we needed a way to cut back on over spending during the holidays. We decided to do secret Santa with a budget, so we don’t go broke every year shopping for everyone in the family. It’s great because every year you can add or subtract people, depending on plus ones at the time. There’s also features where you can make sure someone doesn’t pick a certain person, to eliminate getting your spouse or someone you got lash year..GsknanhvkvjfjjffknVersion: 2024.1127.29

Great site for family gift exchangesOur family has used Elfster website for past 4 years for our family Christmas exchange. It is quite easy to navigate. It’s great to get someone what they really want and to see there joy getting the things they want. It helps to eliminate the guess work out of getting a special gift. It’s also easy to adjust to changes when some family members drop out. This site is also helpful for birthdays too, just look at what someone’s wish list for a gift they want..Bbthms56Version: 5.3

Pretty great wish appI love this wish app and I’ve been using it for almost 5 years. My friends and I always use it for Christmas and I also like to use it for keeping track of the things that I want. One thing I wish this app can do is to allow us to select multiple individuals for who gets to see my wish list. I know there’s a way to select multiple groups. But if we want certain individuals, we only pick one. I would like to be able to pick more than one person! Overall, a great app..ForeverThatGuyVersion: 5.9.1

So convenientMy friends and I have been using Elfster to do our secret Santa exchange for the past 4 years. It’s super convenient that it draws for you and you can set up rules like who shouldn’t get who (if someone has a spouse). It also has the Wish list feature where people can add to a wish list that you can see so that you don’t have to guess what they would like. You can also see other people’s wish list in case you’re wondering what someone else might like who you didn’t draw but still want to get something for. Love the convenience of Elfster!!!.Emn3260Version: 5.1.3

Small bugsSometimes it’s just difficult to use the app. I’ve tried writing a simple word or item to put on my lists but it always makes me put a link. another annoying feature is that on a phone (at least on iphone xr ios 14) you can’t see the description of the wishlist if it’s too long. the description will cut off and the info can’t be seen. other than that it’s a great app and pretty useful except for the fact you have to make an account and follow someone to mark something as purchased. tldr: it’s annoying a good amount but a useful app.Lynxx__Version: 5.4.5

I can join in the fun!This app makes it so much easier. I can now join in and the wish lists make it nice for people to know what you want/like. There are a few things that would make it better. First off, adding generic items isn’t obvious and easily overlooked so people don’t do that. I wish they added a write in option for what event or place, not just mail or party. Also, a date range would be helpful. I’ve been in several where you have more time, not just one day or time..Kings #1Version: 2023.1121.519

Funnest and Easiest way to shop!The elves are so helpful and cheery. They always give a fun elfy response which takes some stress off the Christmas season. Buying gifts for my family is so EASY now. And if you ever do have issues the elves get right on it. Not only do I use it in the Christmas season but anytime I need to get a gift for someone. There is plenty of ideas to help you find the perfect gift (when the receiver doesn’t have an Elfster wishlist). So happy me and my family got this app! Nothing but good to say about it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.PROballer 683Version: 2024.1216.33

Usability and Performance Issues but great ideaThe pros: - Love the idea of making wish lists and sharing - Great that I can add any wish from any source (when it works) - Visual design is delightful and friendly - Lots of functionality (although buried and hard to use) Needs some work in terms of design and performance: - Loading animation when you open the app is kinda silly. - Adding links as wishes needs help. You should be able to add a photo to any wish you make and photos should be automatically pulled as well as other metadata - Getting to and from your wishlist should be way easier - Adding wishes in general should be way easier (the grandparents will not be able to, I can already tell) - Navigation needs a lot of streamlining. It’s all over the place. - The fact that you can follow anyone without restrictions feels like a privacy issue - Privacy settings are buried and completely off as default. Please tell me no one can see my address unless I opt into sharing it…right?.DelEagleEyeVersion: 5.4.3

Elfster makes it easyIn my family, the adult siblings and their spouses draw names for our annual gift exchange. I got frustrated trying to draft our senior parents to draw names and figured that surely there was an app for that. Elfster makes drawing the names really easy. I set it up so that no one can draw their spouse’s name or their own. This is the third year we’ve used it and it takes less than 5 minutes to set up a new gift exchange. I’ve started using Elfster’s wishlist as my universal wishlist, too. Instead of sending an email with a bunch of links or sending links to multiple sites’ wishlists, I put everything in one place and send one link. I can link from various sites and add notes and descriptions. Elfster has taken much of the stress out of choosing and requesting specific gifts and is definitely the way to go for drawing names for gift exchanges!.Pursuits go ugzugxugxigxigVersion: 2024.1011.22

Removes the stressful part of XMasI’ve been using this app for about 2 years now. I absolutely love it and always recommend it. It helps with keeping your lists organized, getting the right gifts, and even helps with staying on budget. It’s extremely convenient for all parties involved. Just add gifts from wherever and if everyone follows the app you won’t end up with multiples. Also you don’t have to keep answering the “what do the kids want this year?” Question. The answer is already there..Purposeful212Version: 2023.1204.1330

Great for organizing wishlist from multiple websitesI started using this app when a work friend started a Secret Santa, but I like how you can save items from pretty much any website so I kept using it as a running wishlist. The only thing I don’t like is that when you write in a specific wish, it almost always gets the photo wrong and you have to save and upload it yourself. It used to have a feature where you could choose which photo you wanted from all the images appearing on the page, idk why they got rid of that..Jedi PigeonVersion: 2023.1213.1337

Love the changesElfster is so much easier this year, simpler to remove old wishes and quick to add new. Notifications are easier to work thru as well!.Love the updates !Version: 2024.1028.24

MochaI like to be able for free to draw names. And that is why 3 starts. However I take one start for no use friendly navigating through the app when need to change the info of participants and one start less for no been able to fix the list when you make a mistake. I made a mistake by having a name twice. the participants that received a name don’t want to do the draw again no way to fix it. Try to contact the application representatives no response..Car0507Version: 2024.1028.24

Great for WishlistsI didn’t even have an exchange, but I used elfster to make my Christmas list, and it worked perfectly!.Anonymous302294Version: 2024.1014.23

Amazing AppThis is my 3rd year of using this for my family’s Christmas exchange. I love that you can create a wish list to help your secret Santa..Stef3312Version: 2024.1011.22

Used this for years, highly recommendIt’s great for gift exchange, you can add restrictions for couples or the person you got last year, anything- there’s also a wishlist function that you can anonymously mark as purchased even if you have multiple exchanges from different sides of the family or whatever. It’s actually such an awesome app I constantly recommend it to everyone We use the wishlist and “marking as purchase” feature for birthdays, mothers/Father’s Day too!! It’s so easy to use. My only complaint would be that I wish when re-drawing for next year that automatically they selected or had a button to press that excludes the person you had in last years exchange. You have to do it all and it can be very tedious.Cholie olieVersion: 2024.924.18

Fun to useI’ve used this app multiple different times during different Christmas exchanges, either between friends or old coworkers.Mj_fnxVersion: 2023.1213.1337

Need improvementsI would probably like this apps so much if I could send a gifts to my friend with the 3rd party participating with this company, otherwise what’s the point. I was just frustrated because in order to send this gift from Amazon I will need to ask my friend’s address to send this as a gift, so what is the point of Elfster asking our information like address if we could not able to add them at the Amazon or we could not even see it from Elfster apps. 🙄.JMG GLTVersion: 2023.1213.1337

FunFun.NeilsaelmanVersion: 2023.1204.1330

GreatSo easy to use.PanfriedspamVersion: 2023.1204.1330

PerfectWorks great! Not only for Christmas. Only downfall is users that don’t mark wishes as bought. Perhaps that field could somehow be validated?.#one1wonVersion: 2023.1121.519

Perfect for coordinating gift exchanges every yearThis app is great for coordinating gift exchanges with groups of people. You can add wish lists that others can see so they have ideas on what to buy you. Super user friendly and I use it for multiple sides of the family every year..MadSkotVersion: 2023.1121.519

Wow.Just wow..Con Gor 94Version: 2023.1121.519

ReviewEasy to use and very useful for Christmas 🙏🏽.ELogik_Version: 2023.1113.1428

Which groupWhen I view my wish list how do I know which group it is for?.???###$$$$Version: 2023.1113.1428

ElfsterThis app is a five out of five because you get to show your other friends or family members what you really want Christmas or any other holidays and Halloween and stuff like that and you can buy it also anything that you wish for and your friends can buy it for you too last.AA cuteyVersion: 2023.1103.944

Just what I needed!Hosting a secret santa has never been this easy!!!.SuperBaguioKidVersion: 2023.1103.944

Awesome appThis app is so good when it comes to setting up a wishlist for any occasion. I really like this for secret santa. makes things much easier.MoshagyVersion: 2023.1103.944

Love!I’ve been using this app for years now! Very helpful and can include everyone in the gift exchange, even the organizer!.StarlafoxVersion: 2023.1006.1147

Best app for secret santa!We've been using this app for years and my family loves it. Makes it easy to do secret santa when we live all over the province. The wish list option is so helpful but keeps the suspense of gifting. I’ve recommended this to many friends!.GymmmmyVersion: 2023.1006.1147

JoyA great way to exchange gifts without the hassle of having receivers and get her is being upset.Little Leo62Version: 5.8.6

ElsterI like the idea of it and it is well executed, though the interface icon tablet could be improved..Eggs BenediVersion: 5.9

Good, needs progress!I’d like to see this app become iPad compatible, since it’s a bit of a pain to shop for items from a cellphone..SamalicanVersion: 5.8.7

Not very intuitiveBut my guess is that over time, it will become more so. A terrific idea..Samiam9663Version: 5.8.6

No “How to” instructionsI find it difficult to add items that are not on amazon..ADK1961Version: 5.8.6

My opinion on this appThis is the best app I have ever used in my entire life, it’s fun for the whole family or friends I would recommend everybody in existence to download the app and start living life. Do not use if you do not have any family or friends it will not work to well by yourself lol.Darion KwazyVersion: 5.8.6

Love using this app. Glad it exists! Easy and efficientIt is an app that is straightforward and very easy to use. Good job!.1MsVVersion: 5.8.6

Amazing. You actually made it harder to use.You used to be able to add a wish simply by including a link, and choosing a photo from the source. Well, you screwed that up. Awesome..B1gr3dd0gVersion: 5.8.6

NiceLove this app.GnsbfVersion: 5.8.6

App is extremely laggyMy friends and I use this app for secret Santa but half the time the app is so laggy and will not load anything. Please fix your app..Vic.MleczkoVersion: 5.8.3

No simple unsubscribe from emailsReally, that’s about it. The app is useful,I guess, but the emails are persistent. I thought there was a rule (part of anti-spam legislation) about promotional emails needing to have a simple unsubscribe button— this company requires you to log in to change your preferences. Will be unregistering and deleting the app..MarcusiologistVersion: 5.8.6

Fun and works wellMy work has been using this for well over 10 years for birthday and Christmas draws. Works well for what we need it for. It has improved since we started using it!.Dani-02Version: 5.8.3

ConvenientIs very convenient to use with large groups and then you can just add your wishes for everyone to see. Although half the time it cannot find the link to what I’m asking for.FaigyoVersion: 5.8.2

:)Really great for doing secret santa and the wish list feature and secret q & a work perfectly!!.AllanmacdonaldVersion: 5.4.5

Wish I could properly add item pricesSeems great so far, but I wish there was a specific line to add prices in. I have to add the price in the notes section. The app does not recognize what the price is on its own or when it’s written in the notes, meaning that the price filter in the wishlist is useless since it can’t filter by price when the app has no idea what it is.Fruitbat778Version: 5.8.2

Great app to take the guess work out of giftingAs an economist, it is more efficient to buy a gift the receiver will actually use. Only 4-stars because all. It suggests is Amazon. Please support your own community by buying local..YanualedVersion: 5.4.6

GoodWe use this app for our family secret Santa. But, I’ve gotten the same person, 3 years in a row. It’s linked to Amazon, and that’s a pro and a con. This app is also based the in United States, so make sure you’re shopping on Canadian sites! I like that I can simply text a wish; or simply add a link. That feature is pretty awesome. That’s why it has 4 stars- I can add pretty much anything to my wish list easily once I downloaded the app..EmmC444Version: 5.4.5

Wish list restrictionsAll wish list items are American, would be great to have items in Canada.124689097532146890008733124689Version: 5.4.5

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Elfster: The Secret Santa App Negative Reviews

Not User FriendlyI created an exchange. I got an email of who I had “drawn” and filled out my wishlist so I thought it worked. I even got an email that said “We’ve finished drawing names…” My mom got the invitation and I got the notification that she RSVP’d. Again, all signs pointed to it worked. My brother said the link doesn’t work. He was getting an error. He has a gmail account, nothing crazy. And he tried 2 different browsers, Google and Safari. Weird. He was traveling so we chalked it up to wifi/connection issues. The next day, my mom asks, “So when do I know who I got?” Uhmm…excuse me? So I open the Elfster app and saw the “Draw Names” button so I tapped it again. She got an email immediately and got the name of who she should buy for. Didn’t I already do that yesterday? She follows up with, “When will dad get his email?”. Uhmmm…what??? When I hit Draw Names isn’t it drawing names and sending emails to EVERYONE? So when I go back to the Elfster app it tells me that my dad is unassigned. I didn’t know what to do at this point, there were no instructions. He was on original list; he was not added later. It was at this point I had to send an email to everyone to say DISREGARD any emails from ELFSTER. We are back to Santa’s Secret Keeper instead. It doesn’t have the wishlist feature, but at least everyone gets the email with no issues and they know who they’re buying for!!!.LaynieboggsVersion: 2023.1204.1330

Great Concept - Horrible FunctionalityLet me preface by saying I’ve been using this app for the last 3-4 years for my immediate family, my husbands family, and my coworkers secret Santa exchanges and each year I hope that things get better but they don’t. Every year there’s always glitches or issues with wishlists, exchanges, or profiles entirely. Last year I was logged out of the app and when I logged back in I was told my account didn’t exist - even though I was the creator of 3 exchanges that year!!! I had to start over from scratch creating a new profile and 3 new exchanges for everyone!! This year, some people are seeing other peoples updated wishlists and others are not - even when they’re marked public and updated for their designated exchange! I’m exhausted from dealing with these issues and it over complicating my 3 year exchanges, it’s causing more stress and work than if we did it the old fashion way. I truly beg the creators take my review into consideration and PLEASE fix these bugs and glitches!! The app, when it works, is amazing and super helpful for me to setup and run these exchanges but it’s never that easy or simple!.Kels😏Version: 2024.1120.28

PLS FIXI have run into every single “sorry it’s not working” page imaginable. i have tried multiple emails, multiple links, safari, the app itself, u name it and i cannot get it to work properly. once i was FINALLY able to join my group secret santa, the website is not only hard to navigate but it also takes AT LEAST 25 years to load each page if at all. my friends have also experienced similar difficulties out of no where. one second it will be working and the next it just glitches and stops working. please, i beg u to fix this because this is a cute idea for an app, however in its current state it is entirely unusable by those simply looking to do secret santa with their friends this holiday season..SidudyshjwsidudpVersion: 2023.1121.519

Impossible to find pre-existing groupsThis app had a great idea with terrible execution. The group I was trying to join gave me their exact group name exactly with capitalization, etc. I cannot locate it after many days and hours. Where is the search function? It’s either hidden or doesn’t exist. Or its search parameters are primitive. This is an unfriendly platform. It doesn’t even meet search parameters for 1990. I’d give it 2 stars if it was difficult, but possibly able to navigate. But it’s not. I’d give it 3 stars if my generation could navigate, but it might be difficult for the elderly. 4 and 5 stars don’t depend on usability - they have higher bars to meet. So this app earns less than 1 star for someone who grew up with computers in the 70’s, coded for over 25 years. * Anyone creating a list may have a different experience..MLP225Version: 5.1

Stop keeping me half logged inWhy do you force me to logout then login. My account still displays but nothing populates. Do better! It’s so annoying..NotyourpeopleschampVersion: 2024.1028.24

Fix bugs!!App crashes and closes after almost every input or action. Very frustrating! And very surprising for such a highly rated and reviewed app..JofraaaayVersion: 2024.924.18

Immediate crashApp immediately crashes after opening it. Interestingly, this only happens if you’re logged in, not when it’s newly downloaded. Fix ASAP please!!.WallflowerbeanVersion: 2024.924.18

Constantly forced to re-login2fa is a stupid feature for this app. Every time I close the app, I am forced to login with my email or some other way. This happens several times per day when just trying to add items to my wishlist, and it’s ANNOYING AF. Only using this app until I don’t have to after Christmas. Too annoying to use regularly..RizzkillerVersion: 2023.1204.1330

Wishlists visible to your exchange?It would make a lot more sense if you can set your wish list privacy to be seen by only the people in your exchange. That way you can create a wish list for each different exchange you’re part of and avoid duplicate gifts..MattchungzVersion: 2023.1121.519

Keeps loadingUpdated to this version and now keeps saying “loading”.Mocha168Version: 2023.1121.519

So confusingThis app is very confusing to use. No one can see my wish list why is this is happening!!.I’m mad and sadVersion: 2023.1121.519

App is constantly down !App is always down !.PrisbennyVersion: 2023.1103.944

EaseNot that easy. I started a new group for this year and it just somehow used last year‘s and got very confusing. Also, not easy to change things around like if you find a spelling mistake I don’t know how to correct it change the draw date couldn’t figure that out. I’m draw the draw because it was accidentally done by two people and shouldn’t be done until Friday the third. Can you help.2020SpringVersion: 2023.1030.1107

Visually appealing, poorly designed.The app sucks! Size and colour aren’t separated. Certain Canadian websites are blocked from it like Cartersoshkosh.ca. There is no way to search by url, you have to upload (using iso device) from website or search using words. There’s no way to pop in a url to search an item and add all details like other gift apps work..Val222Version: 6.2.1

Password Reset Link Doesn’t WorkMake sure you don’t forget your password. Trying to get help logging in is impossible and the password reset link doesn’t work. Annoying.Rockafella5Version: 5.8.6

Photos don’t load when using own linksWhen providing your own links to websites the photos no longer auto load. They always used to do this and now I have to take a screenshot photo, and add it in separately..Crystal CelticVersion: 5.8.6

ClutteredThe app works as intended. However, I hate how busy and cluttered it looks. You are assaulted by gift “recommendations”, which really are ads! And it’s really hard to add items from a website other than Amazon! Not worth it..LrcbrtVersion: 5.8.3

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