Kindness Elves, an Alternative to Elf on the Shelf

Kindness Elves are a wonderful alternative to Elf on the Shelf. I first learned about this fun Christmas tradition from my friend who does it with her boys every year (thanks for the inspiration, K). She uses a small elf ornament she got from her Mom.

Since this is our first year doing the kindness elf tradition, I needed to find elves that would work for my plan. The elves I found are 6 inch boy/girl elves with cute little hats called Blessings Buddies. Sadly, they are out of stock, but they are very similar to these elves. Update: They are back in stock! Here is the link.

I know there are many people who absolutely love Elf on the Shelf. I think the crazy antics they get into are very fun. But, I am not crazy about the idea of telling my kids an elf is watching them and will report back to Santa. I also don’t want to give my toddler any more ideas on how to make a mess. She makes plenty of creative messes on her own (you can find a few examples on Instagram). There is so much more to Christmas and the holiday season then Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve.

I love the idea that the kindness elves focus on acts of kindness for others and celebrating the holiday season.

I want to teach my children about the giving season. I want to encourage them to take joy in doing things for others and enjoy the little moments the Christmas season has to offer. Like watching Christmas movies together and drinking hot cocoa.

I plan to introduce the Kindness Elves on December 1st and have them suggest a new activity each day. They will move overnight and will leave a note for the kids with the activity for that day. For those that want to follow along, I’ll share photos each day on Instagram.

There last visit will be on Christmas Eve. They will ask us to bake cookies for Santa and leave our Christmas Eve box to be opened after dinner. (Our Christmas Eve box generally has new pajamas for each child, popcorn, hot cocoa, and a new movie to watch together)

We have a few family traditions I plan on incorporating into our plan with the kindness elves:

• Opening our Christmas Eve box
• Watching Christmas movies
• Decorating gingerbread houses with cousins
• Wrapping Presents
• Picking out a Christmas Tree
• Decorating the house
• Making ornaments
• Baking cookies for Santa

Acts of Kindness:

• Baking bread or muffins for our neighbors
• Making Christmas cards for Grandma and Grandpa
• Taking Mommy’s car to the car wash
• Picking out and delivering a toy to Toys for Tots
• Helping Mommy make breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Picking out a Christmas present for Daddy
• Taking the dog for a walk
• Cleaning something around the house
• Read a new book about the giving season (I have my eye on this Berenstain Bears Book)
• Making presents for friends (like this play dough recipe)

What do you think? Do you prefer Kindness Elves or Elf on the Shelf?

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