Who Are The Elf Mates® and How Do They Work?
Who are the Elf Mates®?
Elf Mates are Santa’s official Champions of Kindness, special elves from the arctic forest who help children perform thoughtful good deeds and inspire acts of generosity, giving and care throughout the year.
How do Elf Mates® work?
Each Elf Mates character, the Chef, Cobbler or Toy Maker, arrives with a poem from Santa inspiring a specific good deed. Children choose their act of kindness and learn the importance of goodwill.
What age are Elf Mates® for?
Elf Mates are designed for families with children aged 3 and up. Their kindness missions and values grow with your child, making them a meaningful companion for little ones and older children alike.
Can you touch Elf Mates®?
Yes! Unlike The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elves, Elf Mates are made for cuddles. Children can hold, hug and play with them freely, they stay with your family all year round and never lose their magic.
About Elf Mates
The Elf Mates are a special crew of elves, including the Chefs, Cobblers and Toy Makers. Together they have been quietly helping Santa in a way that goes far beyond the workshop.
Their mission is to remind families and children everywhere why it’s better to give than to receive.
Each Elf Mate has it’s own personality and arrives with a poem from Santa, outlining one thoughtful good deed for your child to complete. Every act of kindness sends Christmas magic back to the North Pole, and straight to Santa’s Nice List.
Elf Mates are Santa’s truest pals who promote kindness and good deeds all year round.
Get to Know the Elf Mates
Each Elf Mate, whether it’s the Cobbler, Chef, or Toy Maker, has their own unique role in encouraging kindness and giving back. They’re the perfect companions to teach kids that Christmas is about more than just gifts, it’s about giving back!
Elf Mates®
Toy Maker
The original artisans of toy design and creation, each Elf Mate Toy Maker comes with a poem reminding kids to ‘craft up’ kindness and serve up some kindness by donating toys and games they no longer need to others.
Elf Mates®
Cobbler
Shoe crafters by trade, each Elf Mates Cobbler comes with a poem reminding kids to ‘step into’ good deeds by giving clothes or shoes away before getting more themselves.
Elf Mates®
Chef
A sweet treat specialists by trade, each Elf Mates Chef comes with a poem reminding kids to ‘stir up’ delicious treats as well as generosity, by encouraging them to give some food or treats away to those who might be in need.
How do Elf Mates work with The Elf on the Shelf®?
Unlike Scout Elves who report to Santa, Elf Mates inspire good deeds and spread cheer year-round at home. So even after Christmas is over they are still by your little one’s side.
They’re a fun way to encourage kindness and imaginative play and instil important values in children.
To introduce them alongside The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf, try creating a rescue scene, perhaps the Elf Mates are helping your Scout Elf by mending their boots or preparing a surprise treat. A tiny sleigh made from toy blocks or candy canes adds a magical touch and creates a memorable moment for the whole family.
Discover More About Elf Mates
1. Read Their Book
You can watch our storybook read-along of Elf Mates: Giving Santa a Helping Hand.
2. Introduce the Elf Mates to Your Family
A “special delivery” from Santa is a great way to ensure a magical arrival.
3. Read the Poem and Work Together
Each Elf Mate comes with a special poem outlining a positive deed they need your child to complete to help them spread Christmas cheer!
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ Page.
The Elf On The Shelf®
Elf Mates®
How The Elf Mates Support Child Development
Elf Mates are more than cheerful North Pole friends, they help children practise caring choices, build confidence and understand the joy of helping others, all through simple everyday moments families can share together.
Encourage Everyday Kindness
Elf Mates help children spot small ways to be kind, from sharing with others to offering a helping hand when someone needs it.
Build Confidence Through Caring
When children see the good they can do, they begin to feel proud of their choices and more confident in who they are becoming.
Inspire Good Deeds & Smiles
With Elf Mates by their side, children are gently reminded that kindness, patience and generosity can be part of every day.
Create memories that last a lifetime
Elf Mates give families a simple way to talk about feelings, celebrate good deeds and make kindness part of home life.
Explore More Elf Mates Fun
Explore Elf Mates ideas, activities, printables and kindness inspiration for families. From seasonal crafts and fun family games to simple ways children can practise kindness, discover helpful ideas that bring Elf Mates magic into everyday moments.
Where to Buy
The Official Elf Mates® Products
Official UK Santa Store
Order directly from the official UK store, full product range, guaranteed authentic, delivered to your door.
Find a Store Near You
Hundreds of UK retailers carry the official range, visit a store near you today!
Find a StoreExplore the Santaverse™
The Elf on the Shelf® lives within a wider magical world, the Santaverse™. Discover more of the wonderful characters that make up the Santaverse and make every day memorable.
The Elf On The Shelf®
The original Christmas tradition featuring Santa’s official Scout Elf who returns each night and surprises families every morning.
Meet the Scout Elf
Elf Pets®
Saint Bernard, Arctic Fox & Reindeer, each with their own storybook and North Pole mission. They keep Christmas going!
Noorah™
Noorah™ is Santa’s magical Arctic fox, bringing wonder, warmth and extra North Pole magic to your Christmas tradition.