Tipsy Elves
DealHoliday Cheer
Tipsy Elves, the holiday cheer, landed on the national radar after pitching the sharks in Season 5, and convinced Robert Herjavec to invest.
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From the show
The Shark Tank pitch
- $100K
- Asked for
- 5%
- Offered equity
- $2M
- Sought valuation
- $100K
- Deal amount
- 10%
- Deal equity
- $1M
- Deal valuation
The entrepreneurs faced the sharks in Season 5, Episode 12 in the episode that aired December 13, 2013, bringing their San Diego, CA business with them. Tipsy Elves, the holiday cheer, pitched in the Fashion & Beauty category, one of 239 fashion & beauty businesses to brave the Tank across all 17 seasons.
They came in asking $100,000 in exchange for 5% equity, putting a $2M valuation on the business.
Robert Herjavec made the deal at $100,000 for 10% equity. That priced the company at $1M, a haircut from the $2M the founders walked in asking for, which is how negotiations in the Tank usually go.
Across Season 5, 60 of 116 pitches ended in a handshake. In the Fashion & Beauty category overall, roughly 58% of pitches have landed a shark across the show's history.
The full story
Everything to know about Tipsy Elves
Tipsy Elves started as a maker of bold, humorous ugly Christmas sweaters and grew into a wider novelty-apparel brand covering holidays and seasons year round. The San Diego company was founded by Evan Mendelsohn, a lawyer, and Nick Morton, a dentist, who met at the University of California San Diego. They tested the sweater idea on the side before the business took off, betting that people wanted festive clothes that were intentionally over the top.
The pair came into Season 5 during the holiday-themed episode asking for 100,000 dollars for a 5 percent stake. They leaned on real sales numbers, showing the sweaters were already moving fast. Robert Herjavec connected with the founders and the brand's energy, and the two sides settled on a deal where Robert took a 10 percent stake, doubling the equity from the original ask in exchange for his money and mentorship.
Tipsy Elves stood out because the founders showed actual revenue and a clear seasonal hook, not just a fun idea. The ugly-sweater trend was surging, and the duo had the sales to prove they could ride it. Robert's belief in the brand, paired with two driven founders, set up what would become one of the show's most successful long-term investments.
Where Tipsy Elves is now
After airing, Tipsy Elves grew rapidly, expanding far beyond Christmas sweaters into Halloween costumes, ski wear, patriotic apparel, and matching outfits, including pet options. The Shark Tank exposure and Robert's involvement helped turn a seasonal novelty into a year-round apparel operation with strong repeat demand around each holiday.
As of 2026 Tipsy Elves is still operating and remains widely regarded as one of Robert Herjavec's most successful Shark Tank investments, with very large lifetime sales reported over the years. The brand sells through its own website and on Amazon and continues to release new seasonal collections. Treat any single-year sales figure as an estimate from public reporting.
Where to buy Tipsy Elves
Tipsy Elves products are sold on the official site at tipsyelves.com and on Amazon, covering ugly Christmas sweaters, Halloween costumes, ski wear, patriotic outfits, and matching family and pet gear. A purchase gets you intentionally loud, festive apparel built around humor and holidays. It is a strong pick when you want a standout outfit for a themed party or seasonal event. For everyday basics it is not the goal, since the whole point is the bold novelty styling.
Is Tipsy Elves still in business?
Read our 2026 update on where the company is now.
Sold on Tipsy Elves?
Check today's price and availability before it swims away.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Tipsy Elves?
Check current price and availability on Amazon. Note that some Shark Tank products are discontinued or sold under a new name. The company's official website is another option.
Did Tipsy Elves get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes. Tipsy Elves closed a deal for $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity, with Robert Herjavec.
Which shark invested in Tipsy Elves?
Robert Herjavec invested in Tipsy Elves ($100,000 total as aired).
What season of Shark Tank was Tipsy Elves on?
Tipsy Elves appeared in Season 5, Episode 12, which aired December 13, 2013.
How much was Tipsy Elves asking for on Shark Tank?
The founders asked for $100,000 for 5% of the company, a $2M valuation.
Who founded Tipsy Elves?
Tipsy Elves was founded in San Diego by Evan Mendelsohn, a lawyer, and Nick Morton, a dentist, who met at the University of California San Diego. They pitched the brand on Shark Tank Season 5 and partnered with Robert Herjavec.
What does Tipsy Elves sell now?
Tipsy Elves started with ugly Christmas sweaters and now sells novelty apparel year round, including Halloween costumes, ski wear, patriotic outfits, and matching family and pet gear.
Is Tipsy Elves still in business?
Yes. Tipsy Elves is still operating in 2026 and is often cited as one of Robert Herjavec's best Shark Tank investments. You can buy its products on tipsyelves.com and on Amazon.
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