My first thought when I saw a calling for elephant drops was the scene from Disney's Tarzan, where Terk tells him to bring back an elephant hair. Nobody else? Just me? XD

I think it'd be really interesting to have a 2-step craftable/exchangable item. My idea (of course, numbers can be finagled):

1. Elephant drops an Elephant Hair

2. x15-30 Elephant Hair given to Bidoo: "'What are these? Hairs? What would I do with hair??' Bidoo tosses the hairs to the ground. You retrieve a now messy Hairball and trudge your way out of his shop."

3. x3 Hairball given to Bree: "Hmm... I don't know what you expect me to do with Hairballs. But since you've made your way over, I can give you this Paintbrush. It's been sitting around for a while -- perhaps you'll find a use for it."

4. Final Use: Paintbrush can be used to customize wolves, equivalent to 10-15 apples -- 1 talent + something, or whatever!

Elephant Hair and Hairballs would be like event currency -- they can't be stolen, but they can be sold/traded for. I think that an alternative way to customize wolves would really bring uniqueness to lairs that can't afford to save bulk apples, or end up needing to choose between customs and, for example, their next premium membership. I know these are both luxaries, but just as examples.

The final Paintbrush would also encourage players to explore, and ultimately help balance the economy -- I feel like apple prices are constantly increasing, and bringing more mushrooms into the game (via much more exploring) would hopefully help it stabilize.

Time is called! Many thanks to all who entered. You guys have such great ideas that we have 3 winners!