Elf kindness spreading
These last two years we’ve had a visitor fly into us throughout December, in the form of an elf on the shelf. If you are not familiar with this, I wrote about it last year. We had so much fun with our elf and the kids get very excited about seeing what he’s been up to and are very much looking forward to his visit again this year. However, some people are not keen on the idea of an elf on the shelf, as the elf generally gets up to mischief and can be a little naughty. If you search on pinterest for ‘elf on the shelf’ you will see what I mean.
I have read quite a few posts lately about ‘kindness elves’ which sound like a lovely idea. I have been trying to think of how I can remind my children about the true meaning of christmas….being kind, giving and being thankful, as it can so easily be forgotten. I thought, why not combine the two. Our elf on the shelf (Jack) can be a little cheeky (not too over the top, just a little funny playing with the kids toys etc), but also help to remind the children about kindness and thankfulness.
Here’s how we will have fun and spread some kindness of christmas at the same time.
This year Jack will fly in from the North pole on 1st Dec and with him he will bring a kindness task each day for the children to do. I have made a list here of possible kindness suggestions if you’d like to join us….
Elf acts of kindness ideas for advent
- Write a thank you card for the postman or binman
- Bake cookies and give them to your neighbours
- Give unwanted toys/clothes to charity
- Make a gift for a teacher
- Write a letter to an elderly relative
- Donate food to a food bank
- Compliment 5 people
- Give a hug
- Make a meal for someone
- Make an I love you card for a relative
- Be a friend to someone new
- Clean your room without being asked
- Help around the house (extra to any usual chores)
- Make a bird feeder
- Pick up litter
- Leave a nice note for someone (e.g. mummy, daddy, sibling)
- Tell someone you love them
- Help wash the car
- Call a grandparent for a chat
- Adopt an animal
- Take flowers to someone
- Make christmas decorations for someone
- Donate supplies to school
- Teach a younger child/sibling something
I am really looking forward to trying this out, having lots of fun at the same time as sending a good message to the children.
Why don’t you have a go at spreading a little elf kindness too!
Hi Karen, I had never heard of Elf on a shelf until recently and although I love Christmas and the buildup to the big day, I don’t think I would have been too enthusiastic about having a naughty elf to contend with as well as everything else that makes this time of year crazy, when the children were younger.
I do like the idea of the elves encouraging acts of kindness and if Jack can encourage your children to be kinder and to clean their room without being told then I’m all for it too!
Hope Jack doesn’t give you too much of a headache this year.
#MadMidWeekBlogHop.
Having Jack is fun, it means I can get creative too, but I really like the idea of him helping the children to remember kindness and giving over this christmas period.
I love the ideas on your list. Having elves around makes the run up to Christmas so much fun, especially when they aren’t naughty!
#MMWBH
Thank you, it does make the whole christmas period special and exciting
Love this, we did it too but with a homemade elf , looking forward to seeing his cute little face again! #MMWBH
Elves are great aren’t they x
We had an elf visit for the first time last year, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! I absolutely love adding the element of kindness in too, I’m definitely going to give this one a go! Thank you for the list of ideas, I’ll be poaching a fair few I’m sure!
Fab! The elves are so much fun, I hope you have fun this year!
I have heard of this idea too and I am currently making up little free printable cards for people to print out to use for their elves! Such an exciting time of year! Great list you have there and thanks for linking up with #MMWBH x
Printable cards would be great.
I love these ideas. We have had an elf visit for the last 2 years, actually last year he bought a friend with him so we have 2 now. I want to do something a little different with it this year, and have been thinking, along with finding up in funny places, he could bring an activity with him each day, so I might have to use a few of your ideas to help with my list.
#mmwbh
Ah fantastic, not sure I could cope with two
I hope you have fun
I love this idea so much. A friend was telling me about this concept today and I think it’s such a lovely thing to do x x
Thank you x
Great idea, a teacher I know has just had a few kindness elves made for her class, to highlight acts of kindness between the children.
What a great idea for a class
Oh now this is a lovely post. Thank You for reminding us what is important at this time of year.
Thank you. Christmas is about fun, but most importantly about kindness, so this is a great way to combine the two
That’s such a lovely idea and brings alot more to the ‘elf on the shelf’. x
#MMWBH
Thank you x
I love the idea behind the elf on a shelf. I’m trying to think up ways to make this Christmas special cause Agent M is hearing alot at school and asking so many questions. I have a gut feeling this might be Santa last year visiting our house
Will be sad when he loses the magic xx
Oh no, it’s so sad when the magic goes, but you can still make it a special time and have a lot of fun x
I love that you’ve already written up the acts of kindness. It’s so organised. Elf on the shelf is such a great idea, one I’m looking forward to introducing to Froggy next year. Although I might try to knit up his elf this weekend. Another fabulous post , thanks for linking up to #festivefriday
Thank you, i am very glad I have written the acts of kindness too, as time usually runs away from me in December. I hope you have fun with your eld when he makes an appearance
This is a great idea to help kids do acts of kindness. Great post
#festivefriday
Thank you