The Elf on the Shelf® Santaverse™ is full of magic, storytelling, and of course, kindness. And when it comes to spreading goodwill across Canada, no North Pole helpers do it better than the Elf Mates®

These magical companions are here to inspire young hearts to be more thoughtful, caring, and generous this festive season, and beyond. 

Meet the Elf Mates

Three Elf Mates with name tags for each three

The Elf Mates® are Santa’s special helpers on a mission. These magical friends work year-round to share the values of giving, helping, and standing up for others. With compassion in their hearts and a sparkle of North Pole magic in their boots, Elf Mates® are here to guide kids through a magical season of kindness. 

Each Elf Mates has a special role: 

  • The Elf Mates Chef reminds us to share with those in need 
  • The Elf Mates Toy Maker encourages giving over receiving 
  • The Elf Mates Cobbler encourages us to put ourselves in others’ shoes while being grateful for what we have  

They each wear unique uniforms, earned through acts of generosity, and they invite your child to join them in a very special holiday tradition: the 25-Day Kindness Challenge


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:

  1. Making a Christmas card for a friend or neighbour.
  2. Donating outgrown toys to a local charity shop.
  3. Helping set the table for family dinner.
  4. Leaving a kind note for a teacher.
  5. 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.


How Does It Work? 

Each day, your child chooses one kindness challenge or prompt from your Kindness Corner. The prompts are simple and designed to suit everyday life in a Canadian household. 

Some great examples of how to do this include: 

  • Helping a sibling tidy up their toys 
  • Holding the door open for someone 
  • Writing a thank-you card to a teacher or neighbour 
  • Donating gently used winter clothing 
  • Shoveling snow for a family member 

Every act of kindness, big or small, counts. And each one helps your child feel empowered, proud, and connected to the real meaning of the season. 

Two Elf Mates one in a wheelchair with a donation station.

How to Join the Challenge 

It’s easy to get started, just follow these steps: 

  1. Adopt an official Elf Mates® 
  1. Create a “Kindness Corner” in your home with your Elf Mates and daily prompts 
  1. Let your child choose one challenge each day to complete with your support 
  1. Celebrate each act, with a hug, a high five, or even a sticker chart 

Why Kindness Matters

AThe holidays aren’t just about what’s under the tree, they’re about how we treat one another. When children practice kindness, they learn empathy, build stronger relationships, and develop emotional intelligence. 

With their Elf Mates® by their side, every kind act becomes a memory your family will cherish. 


Join the Elf Mates® Kindness Challenge!

Family of three, mother, daughter, son with three Elf Mates playing in front of Christmas tree.

Encourage your child to talk about their kind acts and how it made them feel. Then, help spread the message by sharing your family’s Elf Mates® moments using 
#ElfMatesKindnessChallenge on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Together, Canadian families can generate a wind of kindness that reaches from British Columbia to Newfoundland, and all the way back to the North Pole. 


Learn More

And if you’re looking for more magical ideas to bring kindness to life, explore our: