“The new strollers are literally so difficult,” she said. “Why don’t they make it like this anymore?”
When most parents think about the Elf on the Shelf tradition, they picture Scout Elf.
A Scout Elf is Santa's official helper who visits a family's home during the Christmas season and reports back to Santa Clause each night to help him manage his Naughty and Nice lists.
But those who are privy to the Elf on the Shelf Santaverse know that the tradition is bigger than Scout Elf.
In fact, the Santaverse has expanded so much over the years that many families now host more than one magical visitor — and each one comes with its own role in Santa’s bustling North Pole operation.
READ MORE: When does Elf on the Shelf start? Everything you need to know for Scout Elf Return Month!
That’s where Elf Mates and Elf Pets come into play.
Unlike Scout Elf, who’s bound by the “no touching” rule and spends each night flying back to Santa with behavior updates, Elf Pets and Elf Mates encourage kids to engage with the season in meaningful ways.
Elf Pets act as lovable companions who help power Santa’s mission through acts of kindness, while Elf Mates are Santa’s community-minded helpers who model good character and inspire kids to do the same.
Plus, let’s be honest — Scout Elf could use a friend or two when they get homesick.
So, whether your kids are new to the Elf on the Shelf tradition or already running a North Pole outpost in your living room, Elf Pets and Elf Mates help round out the experience — and here’s how they do it.
What are Elf Mates in the Santaverse?
You can think of Elf Mates as Santa’s “boots-on-the-ground” team.
They’re approachable, hands-on and ready to remind kids that Christmas magic isn’t just something you sit around and wait to watch happen — it’s something you help create with a little Christmas spirit.
There are three Elf Mates in the Santaverse: the toy maker, the cobbler and the chef.
One of the main differences between an Elf Mate and Scout Elf is that Elf Mates don’t report back to Santa each night — and, yes, they can be touched without losing any of their Christmas magic.
They also report for duty year-round, while Scout Elves are only home for the holidays.
READ MORE: How to introduce Elf on the Shelf to your kids for the first time this holiday season
Better yet, each Elf Mate champions a different pillar of good character, giving families an easy (and fun) way to weave kindness, generosity and creativity into their already-exciting holiday traditions.
You can learn more about the story of Elf Mates by reading “Elf Mates: Giving Santa a Helping Hand.”
3. Elf Mates Toy Maker
The Elf Mates Toy Maker loves to give away toys just as much as they love making them!
According to the LumiStella Company, they encourage kids to “make a toy or gift for someone less fortunate, or perhaps to donate unused toys to a charity where they can bring a smile to another child.”
After all, Christmas isn’t just about the gifts you receive — it’s about the gifts that you give.
“Since I’m handy and playful, I use whimsy and charm / to bring fun at Christmas and never do harm / I’ll remind all the good little girls and boys / to give something away when they get a new toy,” the site reads.
2. Elf Mates Chef
The Elf Mates Chef is Santa’s culinary-minded helper.
“Since I use food as the way to the heart / I’ll cook up kind acts to set me apart / I’ll remind kids who have a very full tummy / to give something to those who need something yummy,” the Chef’s poem reads.
They encourage kids to think beyond their own plates and find small, meaningful ways to nourish others.
“Whether by reducing food waste, lending a helping hand in the kitchen, or donating to a local food bank, the chef inspires you to share a little more bounty with those who might need it,” the website continues.
1. Elf Mates Cobbler
The Elf Mates Cobbler specializes in making shoes, but they can craft any type of clothing.
“Since I love shoes and the clothes that match with it / I’ll bring warmth to each home with flair and wit / I’ll remind kids who have more than enough / to give something away before they grab up more stuff.”
They encourage kids to give the gift of clothing as they grow out of the ones they wear.
Whether it’s passing along a winter coat that no longer fits or choosing to donate gently worn sneakers, the Cobbler reminds families that sharing warmth is one of the simplest ways to spread Christmas cheer.
What are Elf Pets in the Santaverse?
Now that you know what Elf Mates are, let’s talk about Santa’s furriest friends.
Much like Elf Mates, Elf Pets are designed for year-round enjoyment — meaning they don’t report to Santa each night and can be touched or played with all year long without losing their Christmas magic.
They also each play a specific role in the Elf on the Shelf Santaverse.
READ MORE: The most adorable (and random) Elf on the Shelf name ideas for your Scout Elf
The three Elf Pets you can add to the family include the reindeer, arctic fox and St. Bernard.
Each Elf Pet comes equipped with its very own storybook to help children understand the role they play in the Santaverse — and each come with a special golden charm that harnesses their Christmas magic.
The LumiStella Company also released animated specials for each Elf Pet for your child’s enjoyment.
3. Elf Pets Reindeer
The Elf Pets Reindeer is one of the most beloved additions to the Santaverse — and for good reason.
These gentle, snuggly companions help Santa’s sleigh fly by collecting and storing Christmas spirit in their magical, golden heart charms, which can be found dangling from the reindeer’s collar.
On Christmas Eve, the magic swirls and the reindeer grow to full size to help pull Santa’s sleigh.
The Elf Pets Reindeer stars in its very own animated special, “Elf Pets®: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue,” which can be purchased on DVD through Santa’s Store, which is operated by the LumiStella Company.
2. Elf Pets St. Bernard
The Elf Pets St. Bernard is Santa’s loyal helper devoted to spreading cheer through acts of kindness.
Their giant spirit barrel charm, also located on their collar, fills up with Christmas cheer every time a child lends a helping hand, comforts someone in need or shows compassion for their neighbors or community.
You’ll know you have an Elf Pets St. Bernard by the special heart-shaped mark on their right ear.
The St. Bernard pups star in their very own animation, “Elf Pets®: Santa’s St. Bernards Save Christmas,” also available on DVD, and come with their very own storybook to read with your little ones this holiday.
1. Elf Pets Arctic Fox
Last but not least, the Elf Pets Arctic Fox brings a little winter wonder into the home.
In “Elf Pets: An Arctic Fox Tradition,” kids learn that the Arctic Fox’s icy tail sends magical “Northern Lights” signals throughout the night sky that guide Santa and his sleigh as he travels around the world.
The fox’s crystal snow globe charm ensures Santa can travel safely and swiftly on Christmas Eve.
When you’re done reading the storybook, don’t forget to tune into the fox’s very own animated special, “Elf Pets: A Fox Cub's Christmas Tale,” to help bring your child’s wildest imaginations to life.
Elf on the Shelf doesn’t have to start and end with Scout Elf
Elf Pets and Elf Mates bring something to the Santaverse that Scout Elves simply can’t do alone.
They turn the magic of the holiday season into something kids can touch, play with and practice — not just observe from afar. Plus, they’re not limited to the classic December fly-back schedule of Scout Elf.
In other words, they open up a whole new world of Elf on the Shelf ideas for you and your family.
They can join your Scout Elf for nightly mischief (to be regretted in the morning), curl up in a doll bed, “help” bake cookies with Chef or tag along in the car for school drop-off with your child’s St. Bernard.
They can also host kindness challenges throughout the year, deliver tiny “make-a-toy” prompts to be donated later or sit out on the counter next to the cookie jar reminding kids to share their treats.
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So whether you’re building an elaborate North Pole scene in December or looking for small, meaningful moments throughout the year, Elf Pets and Elf Mates give families an easy way to keep the spirit alive.
