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🎄 What We’re Using This Christmas (Amazon Favorites)
Here are a few things we’re loving and actually using this Christmas season:
🎄Kids’ Christmas Activity Book (Amazon)🎄Christmas Playdough Kit (Amazon)🎄Christmas Book Set (Amazon)🎄Easy Gingerbread House Kit (Amazon)🎄Washable Christmas Stampers (Amazon)🎄Christmas Fun Game (Amazon)🎄Kids’ Christmas Craft Set (Amazon)If you’ve ever found yourself lying in bed at 10:45 p.m. whisper-shouting “THE ELF!!”, then congratulations—
you’re officially one of us.
I’ve been there… many times.
As much as my kids adore Elf on the Shelf, I’ve realized something:
Not every family wants the pressure, the late-night scrambling, or the daily cleanup.
Some of us just want the magic without the stress.
And honestly? It’s completely valid.
That’s why this year, I decided to round up 30 Elf on the Shelf alternatives that still bring joy, wonder, and Christmas excitement—but are way easier for parents. Whether you’re looking for something lower-maintenance, something sweeter, or something that aligns better with your family values, you’ll find an idea here that truly fits your home.
Let’s bring the magic back… minus the chaos.
Why You Might Want an Elf Alternative
Every family is different, and here are the main reasons I hear from parents:
✔️ You don’t want the “spy” or “reporting to Santa” theme
✔️ You don’t want to move something every single night
✔️ You prefer meaningful or educational traditions
✔️ You have toddlers who grab EVERYTHING
✔️ You don’t want to spend money every year on props
✔️ You just want something simpler but still magical
If any of those make you say “yes, that's me,” then these alternatives will truly help.
30 Easy & Magical Elf on the Shelf Alternatives
These ideas are designed to be cute, low-pressure, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and parent-sanity-saving.
1. Kindness Advent Cards
Instead of the Elf causing mischief, your child gets one small act of kindness each morning.
Examples:
• Hold the door today
• Give someone a compliment
• Donate one toy
• Draw a card for a family member
A gentle way to build connection and holiday spirit.
2. A Visiting Christmas Mouse
Think of this as “elf energy,” but calmer.
A tiny felt mouse hides around the house—but only moves when you feel like it.
A few times per week is enough.
Kids LOVE searching for the little mouse!
3. Christmas Gnome (Very Popular Alternative!)
Gnomes are cute, cozy, and totally welcome in December.
They don’t need a backstory.
They don’t need nightly chaos.
You can just… move them whenever you remember.
Simple. Magical. Done.
4. A “Kindness Gnome” With Daily Notes
This one is sweet.
Your gnome leaves encouraging messages like:
-
“I noticed how helpful you were yesterday.”
-
“Let’s spread kindness today!”
-
“You make the world brighter.”
And you only do it on days you have time.
5. A Christmas Fairy
A small fairy figurine brings tiny messages or activities.
This one feels whimsical and magical—especially for younger kids.
No spying.
No mischief.
Just gentle surprises.
6. Reindeer in Training
Instead of an elf, your child gets a plush baby reindeer learning how to join Santa’s team.
Ideas:
• Reindeer practices flying on the couch
• Reindeer “sleeps” in a cereal box
• Reindeer leaves a note asking for a carrot snack
SUPER cute and easier to stage than an elf.
7. Santa’s Mailbox
Place a tiny mailbox in your home.
Kids leave letters for Santa.
You respond when you want.
Simple, magical, and builds excitement with almost zero effort.
8. December Activity Jar
Write 24 easy holiday activities on slips of paper and let your kids pick one each day.
Examples:
• Bake cookies
• Watch a Christmas movie
• Read a holiday book
• Drink hot cocoa
• Look at Christmas lights
No props. No nightly setup.
Just fun, whenever you choose.
9. Nativity Countdown
Each night, move a new figure closer to the manger.
It’s a beautiful, meaningful tradition for families who want a faith-based option.
10. Christmas Book Countdown
Wrap 24 books (they can be reused each year).
Every night your child opens one to read.
TIP: Use library books or thrifted ones to save money.
11. A Friendly Christmas Dragon
Kids are obsessed with dragons right now.
A cute plush dragon can “visit” during the holidays and leave gentle messages about kindness, courage, or gratitude.
12. North Pole Postcards
Instead of moving a toy, your child receives a postcard from the North Pole each morning.
You can pre-write them all in one sitting.
No nightly stress!
13. Christmas Sticker Trail
This works especially well for toddlers.
Each morning, leave a small trail of holiday stickers leading to a surprise like:
• A coloring page
• A new sticker sheet
• A small note
• A holiday activity
Fastest setup ever.
14. Magical Snowman Buddy
A small plush snowman “visits” and does simple things like:
-
Sitting on the counter
-
Reading a book
-
Snuggling by the tree
Easy and adorable.
15. DIY Advent Calendar (Reusable)
Fill reusable advent drawers with tiny trinkets or activities.
Once it’s filled, your job is done for the month.
Zero daily labor.
16. The Holiday Dinosaur
If your kids love dinos, this is GOLD.
A small dinosaur does funny things like:
-
Eating toy trees
-
Wearing a Santa hat
-
Reading a Christmas book
Less pressure than an elf—more giggles.
17. Christmas Kindness Chain
Each day, your child adds a link to a paper chain with something kind written on it.
By Christmas, you have a HUGE chain of kindness.
Great visual reminder of holiday spirit.
18. Holiday Treasure Hunts
Hide a small treat and leave a clue.
And you only do it once or twice a week, not daily.
Kids still feel the magic without overwhelming you.
19. Gingerbread Friend
A plush gingerbread toy “visits” and leaves little notes.
This one feels warm, sweet, and super simple.
20. Christmas Bear
Choose any teddy bear in Christmas pajamas and let it “visit.”
Move it when you remember.
Your kids will still be obsessed.
21. A Christmas Countdown Candle
Light a special candle each evening.
Kids LOVE the ritual, and it feels calm and magical.
22. Letter From Santa Advent
Write 24 short letters from Santa.
They can be funny, sweet, or inspirational.
Example:
“Today, look for someone to help. Santa sees your kindness!”
Do it weekly—not daily—if that feels easier.
23. DIY Christmas Village Helper
Place one figure from your Christmas village in silly places.
A snowman in a mug?
A little house “on vacation” on the couch?
Easy and adorable.
24. The Christmas Camera Tradition
Set up a little toy camera or printable “North Pole camera” and say it magically captures kindness.
It encourages good behavior without pressure or fear.
No moving parts.
No tracking.
Just a cute prop.
25. A “Nice List” Ornament Game
Each morning (or whenever you remember), place a small ornament on the tree with your child’s name and a sweet message.
By Christmas, your child sees the tree filled with love.
26. Christmas Coloring Delivery
Each morning, leave a holiday coloring page or printable.
This is PERFECT for busy mornings.
TIP: Use your own store’s printables or free ones online.
27. A North Pole Penguin
A penguin plush is just as magical but easier to pose.
Great for toddlers since they hold up better than elves.
28. Snowflake Fairy (Cutest Option!)
Drop a paper snowflake somewhere each morning with a tiny note.
Kids LOVE collecting them.
It also becomes a keepsake.
29. Christmas Craft Box
Fill a box with super easy crafts (stickers, glue, pompoms).
Your kids pick one each day or a few times a week.
This keeps them busy and cuts down screen time.
30. Holiday Gratitude Elf (But Not the Shelf Kind!)
If you still want the elf look but not the daily madness, try a “Gratitude Elf.”
They show up occasionally with a note like:
Low-pressure, meaningful, and easy to keep up with.
How to Choose the Best Elf Alternative
Here’s what I personally recommend thinking about:
1. Your kids’ ages
Toddlers love simple, visual ideas.
Older kids enjoy clues, notes, and challenges.
2. How much time you realistically have
If you’re busy, choose a weekly tradition instead of daily.
3. Your family values
Do you want something silly?
Something educational?
Something faith-based?
Something gentle and connection-focused?
4. Your mental load
This is NOT the season to overwhelm yourself.
Choose whatever feels light and joyful.
Benefits of Switching to an Elf Alternative
Here’s what so many parents tell me:
♥️ Less stress
No nightly panic or guilt about forgetting.
♥️ More meaningful traditions
Kids remember kindness and connection more than silly messes.
♥️ Better for younger kids
No fragile props or “don’t touch!” rules.
♥️ More flexibility for parents
Skip days, change things, repeat ideas—no pressure.
♥️ Cheaper
You don’t need a whole Elf prop kit.
♥️ Kids still have the magic
Because it was never about the elf—it was about the experience.
What If Your Child Still Loves the Elf?
You don’t have to ditch it entirely!
You can do a hybrid:
-
Bring out the elf only on weekends
-
Have the elf bring kindness notes
-
Have the elf stay in one spot all week
YOU get to choose the rules in your home.
Final Thoughts: Magic Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
At the end of the day, our kids don’t need Pinterest-worthy displays or perfectly staged elf scenes. They need:
✨ Our presence
✨ Laughter
✨ Simple traditions
✨ Moments that feel special
If Elf on the Shelf stresses you out, you are not alone.
And you are absolutely allowed to choose something easier.
All 30 of these alternatives are meant to make December feel lighter, calmer, and more joyful—for both you and your children.
I hope you found the perfect idea for your family.
And if you try one, I would LOVE to hear which one you picked!
If you want more Christmas inspiration, fun activities, and magical ideas your kids will remember forever, make sure to check out my other holiday posts. And if you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or pin it on Pinterest—it really supports my blog and helps more moms find stress-free Christmas ideas. 💛
Leave a Comment
Have you tried an Elf on the Shelf alternative before?
Which one are you thinking of using this year?
Tell me in the comments—I love hearing your ideas and stories!
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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