5 Elf on the Shelf Ideas You Haven’t Thought Of

The Elf on the shelf is the best Christmas tradition since stocking stuffers. What kid doesn’t love the mischievous antics of that little Elf? The Elf on the Shelf is fun, playful and magical. Every year parents scour the internet looking for new and fun ways to surprise their kids each morning. However, there is one area of creativity that is going untapped. Not only can we have fun with our Christmas Elves, we can also promote charity among our children during the holiday season. Here are some great ways to give back through the Elf of the Shelf tradition.

• Think local. Have your Elf “bring” a toy from the North Pole for Toys for Tots or another local organization. Pose your Elf with the toy along with wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and a little note explaining why helping others is fun.

• Think Global. There are many organizations that reach children worldwide; one of these is Samaritan’s Purse. They have a shoebox drive every year that sends small hygiene items and candy to children in need all over the world. Pose your Elf next to a globe or world map with a sticky note that says, “Give here”.

• Think Random. Random acts of kindness can be a lot of fun. Pose your Elf with an envelope of cash asking your kids to pay it forward. Children can pay for someone’s breakfast in a drive thru line, or give a few extra dollars to a Salvation Army bell ringer.

• Think of others. Have your kids send a Christmas card to someone who may have been unkind them this year. Pose your Elf with some holiday stationary and a note about the meaning of genuine kindness. Not only will this teach your children about forgiveness, it also underscores the good will of the Christmas season.

• Think about helping. There are homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food banks in every city that need help every year. Pose your Elf next to a newspaper article with a sticky note attached saying, “Want to make it on Santa’s Nice List?”

Hopefully, as your ‘Elf’ encourages your kids to participate in giving back they will fully experience the joy of the holiday season in a more meaningful way. It is never too early to teach kids how to be good citizens, neighbors and friends.

Merry Christmas!