The Elf Pets have been bringing extra holiday magic alongside The Elf on the Shelf since 2014. These best-selling favorites are beloved for spreading Christmas cheer, bringing extra giggles, and adding a touch of magic to every holiday season. Many of you have asked for more ideas on how they can create festive fun alongside your Scout Elf, and we’re here to help!
Even though Elf Pets have their own important jobs for Santa Claus, and most of the time they’re content to just snuggle up or play, here are 10 fun ways Elf Pets and other Santaverse characters can inspire a little more Christmas cheer when paired together.
Christmas Eve Sleepover with Saint Bernard Puppies
Dogs love to snuggle, and your Elf Pets® Saint Bernard is no different. Your elf and pup might decide to set up a cozy sleepover! With tiny blankets and pillows scattered about, the Saint Bernard puppy can be found cuddled up, keeping watch over the family’s Christmas spirit as everyone dreams of sugarplums.
For an extra dose of interactive fun, your elf might encourage the kiddos to join them in a sleepover that night with a kid-sized blanket, pillow, cushions or fort-making fun.
Special Delivery with the Reindeer
Some mornings, your Elf Pets® Reindeer might surprise you by creating a sweet little sled made from two mini candy canes and a small chocolate bar. Using icing to hold it all together, they cleverly position the candy canes as runners, with the curved ends at the front.
Then, they decorate the sled with tiny bows and festive sprinkles before proudly “pulling” it across the room, adding a touch of holiday cheer to your day, or they might choose to leave all the materials out for your kid to build them a “practice sleigh”. After all, they’ve got to stay fit for their big day.
Letters to Santa Delivery with the Scout Elf Express
Sometimes, your Elf Pets may be seen “delivering” letters straight to your Scout Elf, who then takes them directly to Santa. The Scout Elf Express Delivers Letters to Santa Kit, a fan favorite item, makes it easy for kids to send their wishes, and seeing their Elf Pets take on this special task brings extra holiday magic! Find the kit here.
Christmas Treats with Pups
During the night, your Elf Pets® Saint Bernard and Scout Elf might sneak into the kitchen to whip up a festive surprise—a recipe for “human dog treats” that both pets and people can enjoy! Made with simple ingredients like flour, oats, peanut butter, and applesauce, these treats are easy to bake and safe for pets.
Kids will love rolling out the dough and cutting out fun shapes, all thanks to their Elf Pets leaving this magical recipe behind. Your Elf Pets Saint Bernard and Scout Elf are sure to bring smiles (and wagging tails) with this special baked surprise. Check out the printable recipe card.
Did you know? The Elf on the Shelf Family Cookbook is here and has fun recipes that feature Elf Pets, too.
North Pole Storytime with Elf Pets Fox Cubs and Scout Elves
On winter nights, Scout Elves know a magical story time adds to the festive season. Of course, The Elf Pets® Arctic Fox cub eagerly joins in, curling up close to listen with wide-eyed wonder.
Your Scout Elf can leave a scattering of favorite Christmas books, decorate with twinkling lights and leave plush pillows, soft blankets, and a make-your-own mug of hot cocoa for little minds to cozy up beside them.
As the fox cubs nestle in, the scene becomes pure Christmas magic, bringing to life stories of snowy adventures, sparkling stars, and holiday wonder. Want more books to choose from?
Reindeer Games
Some mornings, your Elf Pets® Reindeer might organize a mini “Reindeer Games” event, setting up tiny obstacle courses or games that encourage either kid playtime or as part of an elf set up. With medals and little trophies, it’s sure to be a spirited start to the day!
Build a Kindness Chain with the Saint Bernard Pups
Every day leading up to Christmas, The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf might encourage you to add a new link to a kindness chain, promoting little acts of goodness that Elf Pets® Saint Bernard pups can watch over.
To make a kindness chain, simply cut strips of colored paper, about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long, and write an act of kindness on each. Loop the strips into circles, interlock them, and secure with tape or glue to create a chain that grows daily. Each link represents a small way to bring joy to others.
The Saint Bernard will proudly oversee these acts, reminding kids that every kind gesture adds to the Christmas spirit they need generated to deliver to Santa on Christmas Eve. Leave the kindness chain out so the Elf Pets Saint Bernard can share all the holiday cheer with Santa!
Arctic Adventure Obstacle Course
One morning, The Elf on the Shelf might set up a mini “Arctic Adventure Obstacle Course” with the Elf Pets fox cub or reindeer as participants! Using everyday items, they could create a tiny course with snowy slopes (cotton balls), tunnels (rolled-up paper), and even a little ice rink (a shiny piece of foil).
The Elf Pets can be seen mid-course, hopping over obstacles and racing to the finish line, with your Scout Elf cheering them on! Kids will be delighted to see the Elf Pets adventurous side and might even be inspired to set up their own course for more fun.
Ready to Experience Extra Christmas Cheer?
Elf Pets are more than just plush companions—they’re magical beings who bring stories to life and make every Christmas moment a little more special. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, playful antics, or cozy snuggles, these adorable helpers bring the spirit of the North Pole right to your home. And while they have their own important jobs for Santa, they spend most of their time snuggling, adding warmth and extra giggles to the playfulness of the holiday season.
Find your perfect Elf Pets at The Elf on the Shelf shop and get ready to wake up to a little more magic every morning this Christmas!
Discover TWO Bonus Ideas with Santaverse Characters
Here’s two extra ideas with more characters from The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse. These characters aren’t Elf Pets, but they sure love helping Santa and being included in fun ideas with The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves!
Little Grunt Hosts a Toy Testing Party
Little Grunt, the most un-abominable yeti ever, just wants to play and grow up to be Santa’s official toy tester like all the other SnoBiggie yetis at the North Pole. Some mornings, he might be spotted running a “Toy Testing Lab” right in your living room, and he’s not alone! Your Elf Pets love to join in the fun, helping Little Grunt examine blocks, plushies, and other toys. They might even leave out playthings for kids to try alongside them. Find Little Grunt here so the crew can enjoy playful moments together.
Bogies’ Hide-and-Seek Challenge
The Santaverse has a few playful little friends, and the Elf Pets love their little moody, Bogie™ friends. Bogies love hiding things, so you might find them setting up a fun game of hide-and-seek with small toys, ornaments, or even snacks. Kids can wake up to clues and surprises, all thanks to the clever little Bogies. And the kids can bring their Elf Pets along with them on the scavenger hunt! Even finding a Bogie itself only adds to the holiday fun, and at under $10 they are a super smart find! Need a Bogie? Find them at Walmart!
Want to learn more about Bogies and their variety of moods? Read this blog to discover why Bogies are a top Christmas plush character and how their mood matching trend can support your child’s social-emotional expression.