The Elf on the Shelf that Made the Nice List

Are you an Elf on the Shelf kind of family? I think the little guys is hilarious and adorable. I wanted to take a look at a different approach for this whimsical Christmas character this year. Let me introduce you to the Elf on the Shelf that made the nice list. This little guys does acts of kindness during the Christmas advent. He also encourages the kids to do nice things for others.

I am not against the Elf on the Shelf (affiliate link added for your convenience) pulling a little mischievous fun over the holiday season. I am not suggesting that you go away from the little jokester completely unless that is how you are compelled. I just wanted to offer up a little elf that is fun but also thoughtful and encourages kids to be kind as well. Some of you might want nothing to do with the Elf on the Shelf. If that describes you, I have offered a few alternatives that embodies the spirit of promoting the love that we celebrate this time of year. It is the love that God demonstrated when he sent down his son to reveal grace, truth and mercy to a lost world. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13

• Redefining the Elf on the Shelf by Bon Bon Break and Musing Momma –  I love this letter where the little elf is reaching out to the kids to have them help make Christmas magic by doing kind things for others.
• Elf on the Shelf: Write on by Crystal and Comp – I enjoy that this Elf on the Shelf notices and rewards good deeds. He can leave simple gifts, like the idea of giving pencils for the kids.
• Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast by Home Stories A-Z – How thoughtful of this elf to wake up early and make the family breakfast. I also adore the teeny tiny pancakes that are on the menu.
• Kindness Elf by Mommy Savers – Head on over to Mommy Savers to find out more about their kindness elf who sets a good example of thinking of others by suggesting things like baking cookies for the neighbors.

• The Elf Visits the Nativity Scene by Busy Kid Happy Mom – This elf knows the real reason for the season, so it’s great to find him kneeling at the manger to worship Jesus.
• The Generous Elf on the Shelf by Raining Hot Coupons – Here our friend is an example of generosity by delivering gifts for the kids to open throughout the Christmas season.
• Elf on the Shelf Printable Joke Cards by Over the Big Moon – Kids love jokes, so they will be delighted when they receive a special joke delivery from their favorite funny elf.
• The Elf Packs the Lunch by Raining Hot Coupons – I love the thoughtfulness and care the Elf on the Shelf took when packing the kids lunches. Aren’t the wrapped items hilarious?

• Give a Hand by Moms on Dealz – I love an Elf on a Shelf that is encouraging the kids to look for ways to bless others by being helpful. This elf definitely makes my nice list.
• Elf Delivers Chocolate by East Coast Mommy – The East Coast Mommy also was motivated by a nice elf. She has compiled another list of 20 kindness ideas, and I really liked that this elf brought his own chocolate elf to give to the kids.
• Christmas Donuts and Mini Donuts by Raining Hot Coupons – We all know that elves love sweets. I’m just so glad he has a heart of sharing. I love that he delivers donuts in the morning.

• Hot Cocoa Party by Sweet C Designs – The elf on the shelf can promote family fun time. This elf initiates a hot cocoa party so that parents and kids can have fun together.
• Movie Night with Elf on the Shelf by East Coat Mommy – This little guy also likes to promote family time. He brings a movie to inspire time together.
• Advent Countdown to Christmas by East Coast Mommy – This sweet Elf on the Shelf puts together an entire countdown to Christmas.
• Elf Kissing Booth by Living Locurto – When the elf arrives, he has to bring sweets for the sweets. What a thoughtful thing for him to do. Who can resist elf candies and kisses?

• Elf on the Shelf in the Word of God by Tracie Bauguess – This elf on the self was wise to dig into the Bible in the morning to seek wisdom and guidance.
• Toothpaste Fun by the Yummy Factory – You’ve gotta love an elf that leaves sweet messages and promotes dental hygiene.
• Elf Acts of Kindness by Mommy Savers – These printables and an elf promoting them will drive your kids to want to engage in random acts of kindness this Christmas season.
• Baking with the Elf on the Shelf by Clearwater Cottage – Here’s another great way your elf on the shelf can promote family bonding time this season – baking cookies together. He’s such a family man.

Alternatives to Elf on the Shelf

Still not convinced that Elf on the Shelf is for your family? I understand. It’s a personal choice. So, today I also want to give you 5 alternatives to the traditional elf on the shelf. These are meant to be more resources to bring meaning and purpose to your Christmas experiences this December.

• Your Christmas Angel – Your child can wake up every morning and go on a search for the hidden angel that has a special message for the day.
• The Kindness Elves by Educators Spin on It – The kindness elves are a special breed that come with all kinds of encouragement for kids to be nice. Head on over to the post to see how these kindness elves are used and get your free printable.
• Kindness Kids by Adventures of an Orthodox Mom – The Kindness Kids are another great alternative to the Elf on the Shelf. These kindness kids are an encouragement to serve people as we have been commanded by the Lord. This post is full of ideas you can do with your family to serve this season.
• The Kindness Elves by the Imagination Tree – These adorable elves focus on character building in kids. The elves are constantly appearing and making suggestions of something the kids could do to make a positive influence on their world. I love this concept.
• Elf Acts of Christmas Kindness Printable by Passionate Penny Pincher – These are great printable tags that you can add to whatever version of the Elf on the Shelf that you want to do.

I hope you have fun exploring ideas to take the traditional Elf on the Shelf to the next level…a deeper level with deeper purpose. Add in the fun. Add in the whimsy. However, challenge yourself to use this fun Christmas toy to motivate your children do a different level of character that truly reflects the heart of Christmas.

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

25 of the Funniest Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Boys by Your Modern Family

25 Super Girl Elf on the Shelf Ideas by Totally the Bomb

30 Totally Genius {and Easy} Elf on the Shelf Ideas by Totally the Bomb