Elf notes ideas: 24 kind things your elf can say
Many families have a little Christmas elf who "visits" in December and leaves notes for the kids. The notes are often the best part. A short message in the morning can make a child feel noticed, encourage a good habit, or just make them laugh.
This guide gives you 24 kind note ideas, one for each morning from December 1 to Christmas Eve, plus tips for writing notes that feel warm rather than like a behavior chart.
Why kind notes work better than warnings
It's tempting to use an elf as a way to keep kids in line: "Santa is watching!" That can work for a day or two, but it can also make December feel stressful for some children. Notes that notice the good things a child does tend to feel nicer for everyone. Kids hear that they were kind, brave or helpful, and they often want to do it again.
A good elf note is usually:
- Short. One to three sentences. Young readers can read it themselves, and you can write it quickly at night.
- Specific. "You helped your sister find her shoe" is better than "You were good."
- Warm. It sounds like a friend, not a judge.
- Fun. A small joke, a silly sign-off or a question keeps it playful.
24 kind elf note ideas
Hello and welcome (week 1)
- "I'm back! I missed you all year. I can't wait to see what fun we'll have this December."
- "I flew in last night and the North Pole is buzzing. Everyone says hello!"
- "I noticed how nicely you said good morning today. That made my whole elf day."
- "Did you know elves love jokes? Tell me your best one tonight. I'll be listening."
- "I saw you share your snack. Sharing is my favorite thing to see."
- "You worked hard on your homework even when it was tricky. That's called being brave."
Kindness and helping (week 2)
- "Thank you for helping clear the table. Santa's workshop runs on helpers like you."
- "Today's challenge: give someone a compliment. I bet you'll make them smile."
- "I saw you being gentle with the dog. Animals know who is kind."
- "You said sorry and meant it. That takes a big heart."
- "Can you draw a picture for someone who might be lonely this week? I'll help deliver the good feelings."
- "I love how you play with your little brother/sister. You're a great teammate."
Gratitude and fun (week 3)
- "Tell me three things you're thankful for tonight. I'm thankful for you."
- "The reindeer were practicing loop-the-loops last night. Dasher only crashed into one snowbank."
- "Today let's say thank you to someone who helps us, like a teacher, a bus driver or a mail carrier."
- "I noticed you kept trying when the game got hard. Keep going, you're getting better every day."
- "Elf fact: we eat our cereal with syrup. Want to try a tiny taste today? (Ask a grown-up first!)"
- "You cleaned up your toys without being asked. That's elf-level awesome."
Countdown to Christmas (week 4)
- "Only a few more sleeps! Can you help make a card for someone special?"
- "I've been telling Santa all about the kind things you've done. He's smiling."
- "You made someone laugh today. That's a gift that doesn't need wrapping."
- "Let's do something kind for a neighbor today. A wave and a 'Merry Christmas' count!"
- "Tomorrow is a big night. Get lots of rest, and don't forget to leave out something for the reindeer."
- "I have to fly home tonight with Santa. Thank you for a wonderful December. I'll miss you until next year!"
Tips for writing your own notes
- Keep a small list. During the day, jot down one nice thing each child did. At night, you'll have a ready-made note.
- Write in a slightly different style. Tiny handwriting, a colored pen or a little drawing makes it feel like it came from someone else.
- Use their name. A name at the top makes a note feel personal.
- Give equal attention to siblings. If there's more than one child, make sure each gets noticed, even if one had a tougher day.
- Skip the threats. If a day went badly, the elf can simply say "Tomorrow is a fresh start. I believe in you."
- Mix in easy challenges. "Give three hugs today" or "Find something red in every room" adds a small activity without extra prep.
When you forget (it happens)
Almost every parent forgets at least one night. A few easy fixes:
- "I was so tired from flying that I fell asleep! Here's a double note today."
- "Santa called an emergency elf meeting last night. I'm back now."
- Keep two or three pre-written notes in a drawer for nights you're exhausted.
Keeping it easy on yourself
The notes are supposed to be fun for you too. If writing 24 notes feels like a lot, print them ahead of time and just add a name or one line by hand. If you have multiple kids, one shared note on the kitchen table works fine some days.
Common questions
What age are elf notes good for?
Most families start around ages 3 to 4 and continue until about 8 to 10. For pre-readers, read the note aloud; for older kids, the notes can include riddles or small challenges.
Do I need a toy elf to use these notes?
No. Some families just leave notes "from the elves" without a doll. The kind messages work either way.
What should the elf say on the last day?
A warm goodbye: thank the child for a fun December, mention one or two kind things they did, and say you'll see them next year.
Want it ready to print?
Prefer notes that are already written and decorated? The Keepsake Depot 24 personalized elf notes printable has one kind note for each morning in December, ready to print and leave out.
See the 24 personalized elf notes on Etsy
Holiday sale: 20% off in the Etsy shop through Dec 4.
More ideas: all Keepsake Depot guides.