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 generosity, giving and care throughout the year in homes across Canada.
How Do Elf Mates® Work?
Each Elf Mate character, whether the Chef, Cobbler or Toy Maker, arrives with a poem from Santa inspiring a specific good deed. Children choose an act of kindness and discover how small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference.
What Ages Are Elf Mates® For?
Elf Mates are designed for families with children ages 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. Elf Mates can stay with your family all year long without losing their magic.
About Elf Mates
The Elf Mates are a special crew of elves, including the Chef, Cobbler and Toy Maker. Together they have been quietly helping Santa in a way that goes far beyond the workshop.
Their mission is to remind families and children across Canada why it’s better to give than to receive.
Each Elf Mate has its 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 playful companions who help Canadian families show kids that Christmas is about more than receiving gifts. It is also about giving back and making a difference.
Elf Mates®
Toy Maker
Creative toy makers by trade, each Elf Mate Toy Maker comes with a poem reminding kids to ‘craft up’ kindness and serve up some kindness by donating gently used toys and games so other children can enjoy them.
Elf Mates®
Cobbler
Shoe crafters by trade, each Elf Mates Cobbler comes with a poem reminding kids to ‘step into’ good deeds by donating gently used clothing or shoes to help neighbours in their community.
Elf Mates®
Chef
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 share food or treats and support people in their community, including through a local food bank.
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 all year long at home. Even after Christmas is over, they can stay by your little one’s side.
They’re a fun way to encourage kindness and imaginative play and instill 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 building 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!
Looking for more ideas? Explore our Canadian blog and family guides.
The Elf On The Shelf®
Elf Mates®
How Elf Mates Support Positive Family Values
Elf Mates are more than cheerful North Pole friends. They help children practise caring choices, build confidence and discover the joy of helping others through simple, everyday moments Canadian 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 & Big 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
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 Canadian 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 Find
Official Elf Mates® Products in Canada
Find a Store Near You
Official Elf Mates products are available from trusted retailers across Canada. Check the store locator and contact your chosen retailer before visiting to confirm availability.
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 to the North Pole each night and surprises families in a new spot every morning.
Meet the Scout Elf
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Extraordinary Noorah™
Extraordinary Noorah is Santa’s magical Arctic fox, bringing wonder, warmth and shimmering North Pole magic to Christmas traditions across Canada.