OfficeMax's 'Elf Yourself' is back, and more souped up than ever

Tis the season to be jolly ... really jolly! That's because the OfficeMax elves are back, and they're more social-media savvy than ever, according to the retailer. ElfYourself.com, the famed site powered by JibJab Media that allows you to morph yourself and others into dancing elves, has been integrated with popular social networks like Facebook, Twitter and others for this holiday season. I tried using the new capabilities and was able to pull a picture directly from Facebook to paste it on my elf. Once I found the perfect dance—a groovy disco tune (there are two new options: Hip Hop Elves and Singing Elves)—I was presented with this groovy video. I was then given the choice of uploading the creation to my Facebook wall or sharing it via Twitter. I thought purchasing greeting cards and mugs with my elf on them would be a little much, but you can do that also. OfficeMax says it wants to spread a little joy in a recession. And why not? Download the video for $4.99 and burn a CD for Mom and Dad. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

—Posted by Elena Malykhina