The Elf on the Shelf® Santaverse™ is full of kindness, creativity and compassion. And when it comes to spreading goodwill, none of Santa’s friends do it quite like the Elf Mates®, three kind-hearted elves from the North Pole who inspire children to help others through everyday acts of kindness.
These cheerful elves have been helping Santa share love and generosity for generations, and now they’re here to encourage your family to do the same with the Elf Mates® Kindness Challenge, a 25-day journey filled with fun ideas to nurture empathy and bring joy to others.
Meet the Elf Mates
The Elf Mates® are more than Santa’s toymakers, cobblers and chefs, they’re champions of kindness. Each one teaches children a different way to make a positive difference.
- Elf Mates® Toy Maker inspires little ones to “craft up” kindness by giving away toys or games they no longer need.
- Elf Mates® Cobbler encourages children to “step into” good deeds by donating clothes and shoes.
- Elf Mates® Chef reminds everyone to “stir up” generosity by sharing food and sweet treats with others.
Together, they show that even small actions, like helping a neighbour, writing a thank-you note, or including someone new in a game, can make the world a brighter place.
You can find the Elf Mates® range at leading UK retailers including Sainsbury’s, Poundland and Lidl, and online through official North Pole partners.
Find Elf Mates online:
How the 25-Day Kindness Challenge Works
Over 25 days, your child will take on one small challenge each day that encourages kindness and empathy through play. These daily acts help build confidence, compassion and emotional awareness, all while having festive fun with their Elf Mates® friend.
Each day’s activity can be as simple as:
- Making a Christmas card for a friend or neighbour.
- Donating outgrown toys to a local charity shop.
- Helping set the table for family dinner.
- Leaving a kind note for a teacher.
- Feeding the birds in your garden or local park.
Your child’s Scout Elf or Elf Mates® can help guide the challenge, perhaps by leaving a note, setting up a scene, or bringing a daily prompt from Santa’s workshop!
For families who love festive traditions, it’s a wonderful way to combine imagination and kindness during the countdown to Christmas.
Why Kindness Matters
Acts of kindness do more than brighten someone’s day, they help children build empathy, gratitude and social confidence. Taking part in the Kindness Challenge encourages kids to see that thoughtfulness and generosity are things they can practise all year round.
According to child development experts, learning kindness through play helps children:
- Strengthen emotional intelligence.
- Build positive relationships.
- Develop a sense of purpose and pride.
And as Santa’s own helpers, the Elf Mates® remind us that kindness doesn’t need to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, the smallest gestures, like sharing a treat, offering to help, or saying “thank you”, can make the biggest difference.
Join the Elf Mates® Kindness Challenge!
Ready to spread some Christmas cheer? Encourage your child to join the Elf Mates® Kindness Challenge and complete one kind act every day for 25 days. With each activity, they’ll grow their confidence, spark creativity and discover the true joy of giving.
You can keep the excitement going by sharing your family’s favourite acts of kindness on social media using #ElfMatesKindnessChallenge. From baking biscuits for neighbours to helping at a local food bank, every small gesture adds to a wave of festive goodwill.
With the Elf Mates® by their side, your children will see that kindness isn’t just for Christmas, it’s something magical to share all year long.
Learn More
And if you’re looking for more magical ideas to bring kindness to life, explore our: