Many fans of this suddenly popular Christmas “tradition” have used our World’s Smallest Post Service to send their children custom tiny letters and packages from their Elf On The Shelf. There’s a long history of Santa corresponding by snail mail, and it makes perfect sense that elves would do the same, in miniature.

Yet the more we learn about how parents are deploying their Elf On The Shelf, the more we wish we could re-write the official instructions. Or maybe just get rid of them altogether. Psychology Today cut the elf down to size back in 2012, and The Huffington Post published a similar takedown a couple years later. Parenting experts pretty much agree that the Elf On The Shelf program, when followed according to the official storyline, is problematic at best. It may even do lasting damage by reinforcing a message that good behavior isn’t its own reward. That makes your job as a parent harder come January.

But It’s Just a Stuffed Doll!

And all my kids’ friends are talking about it at school! She feels left out.

Okay! With the right approach, your Elf On The Shelf can still be part of a wonderful new family tradition. One that focuses on giving instead of getting, true imagination instead of rule following, and friendship instead of surveillance.

Ideas to Reimagine Your Elf On The Shelf

1. Throw the official rules away. Toss the storybook.

   

2. Announce that an elf has suddenly appeared. Let your kids ask questions and fill in the blanks through a guided Q&A.
   1. How might this elf have arrived here?
   2. Should we keep him?
   3. What should we name him?
   4. Why is he here?
   5. What might he do?
   6. How might he help us get into a spirit of giving (or whatever “the holiday spirit” means for your family)?
3. Guide the story you make up together to be in line with your family’s own values.
   1. Maybe the elf hangs out with you whenever you’re doing nice things for other people.
   2. Is he a special seasonal visitor that reminds the other dolls in the house to be kind?
   3. How about a silent personal shopper that helps you find the perfect gifts for people you love?
   4. Perhaps he’s simply a merry prankster that reminds us to be jolly.
4. Oh yeah, and consider letting your kids touch the elf if they want to. He won’t bite. Dolls are supposed to be grabbed, pinched, hugged, and otherwise smothered with affection. That’s kind of the point.
5. Remember that once you buy an Elf On The Shelf, you own it. It’s yours. You can make up whatever stories or traditions are most appropriate for your family. Sometimes following the rules is important, but this just isn’t one of those moments. This is about your family and your values.

Already Have an Elf On The Shelf?

How have you tweaked, rewritten, or otherwise repurposed your own Elf On The Shelf story?

The post Elf On The Shelf: Make It About Giving, Not Getting appeared first on The Leafcutter Blog.

1. Free Printable Letterhead From Santa Claus

We love this simple printable Santa letterhead because its free and its great for last minute letters from Santa. You can print it on any paper but a nice pulpy textured paper will look more authentic. If you’re really out of time, you can have Santa jot a quick note on Christmas Eve and then leave it by the plate of cookies to be discovered in the morning. Or send it through the USPS a week or two in advance to get that official North Pole postmark.

2. Instant Download Letter & Envelope Template

Popular Etsy seller My Party Design will create an instant Letter from Santa download for you with editable text. At purchase, you get a digital file for a letter, an envelope, and an address label to print at home. The file has default text that you can edit or change completely. They even give you instructions and have a helpful FAQ. The envelope comes designed with a reindeer stamp and a North Pole cancellation. Perfect to leave in the mailbox for your child to discover.

3.  Letter From Santa and Reindeer Food 

This elegant scroll is wrapped in ribbon and wax sealed. It’s sent directly to your child in a candy cane striped mailing tube along with a vial of reindeer food. You provide simple details about the recipient, and Legendary Letters sends it directly from the North Pole to your mailbox.

4. Parchment Paper Scroll From Santa

You provide the contents of the letter, then Etsy seller Artful Beginnings formats it to your specifications and prints it up on yellowed parchment paper with a hand drawn metallic edge. You can add hand painted gold or silver wooden finials for a hint of officialness. The scroll is 5 inches wide by a full 15 inches long. This fancy letter from Santa comes packaged in a kraft keepsake box that Santa can leave on Christmas Eve with the rest of the gifts.

5. Handwritten Letters From Santa

This letter from Santa option is hand-scribed on Saint Nicholas letterhead. It comes in an addressed and postmarked envelope straight from Santa’s workshop to discover in your mailbox. This option is simple and classic. With the right custom text, you can’t go wrong.

6. World’s Smallest Letters From Santa

A magical Tiny Letter from the World’s Smallest Post Service is small enough for the elves to deliver. These diminutive letters from Santa really make a big impact! Or send it from your Elf on the Shelf…

7. Foiled Santa Claus Stationery

This is a set of two pages “From the Desk of Santa Claus” complete with a postmarked red envelope with Santa’s return address. What makes this stationery kit stand out is the red foiled letter head. The snowflake postmark is perfect for leaving underneath the tree a few days before Christmas, as if it flew through the chimney and landed just for the recipient. This shop also offers beautiful ‘From Santa’ gift labels to add to the magic.

Letters From Santa: A Few Final Tips

• After you’ve written a draft, have a friend or relative pen the final letter from Santa so your hand-writing doesn’t give you away.
• When responding as Santa, make the response as personal as possible. Remember, Santa knows everything and everyone!
• If you want to go the extra mile, you can put your letter in an envelope and have the US Postal Service officially postmark it from the North Pole. They have handy step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.

Be sure to tell us about your own Santa letter traditions in the comments below!

The post Letters From Santa: 7 Magical Options appeared first on The Leafcutter Blog.

Here is our list of thoughtful, high-quality gifts that are sure to surprise the tea lover in your life.

Gifts for Tea Lovers: Mugs & Cups

Heart Shaped Cup and Saucer Set 

What better gift for a tea lover than a pretty tea set with a touch of whimsy? These gold-rimmed tea cups have an indent so that when the cup is full it makes a heart shape. The different colors allow you to mix and match to your heart’s content. 

• Retail price: $69.99
• Where to buy: Modcloth.com
• Customer Reviews: Such a cute gift, comes ready to give in a round satin lined hat box. Makes having friends over for tea so fun. They are delicate but not too fragile.

Tea Bag Pocket Mug

These stoneware mugs make it easy to curl up on the couch and stay there. You won’t have to get up to dispose of your tea bag. Your tea loving friend has plenty of mugs, but they probably don’t have one with a built in pocket. Each mug is handcrafted so no two are alike.

• Retail price: $34.00
• Where to buy: UncommonGoods.com
• Maker: JoAnn Stratakos creates each piece of pottery in her Pennsylvania studio. Each mug is hand-dipped in glazes that JoAnn creates herself.
• Customer Reviews: The mug is uniquely beautiful and very practical. It will be sure to become their go-to tea mug.

Tea Infuser Mug Set

Another beautifully hand-made option is this wheel-thrown, hand-drawn, and hand-painted ceramic mug set with infuser and lid/saucer. The infuser is large enough to let tea leaves properly expand and the lid keeps the tea hot when steeping and then acts as a coaster when it’s done brewing. In addition, this mug set is dishwasher and microwave safe. Check out the Toast Ceramics Etsy shop to see other patterns and the rest of their beautiful hand made offerings. 

• Retail price: $80.00
• Where to buy: Toast Ceramics (etsy.com)
• Maker: Jackie Matelski operates her one-woman ceramics shop in Madison, WI. Comfort and function are her main goals, she wants her pieces to be your favorite item in the cupboard.
• Customer Reviews: The prettiest mug I have, I threw out all my other inferior mugs. The craftsmanship is wonderful and worth every penny.

Infuser Travel Mug

This travel mug is specifically designed for the busy tea drinker. To use, fill one end of the mug with tea and hot water, screw on the lid and flip over to drink. The filter end allows you to use loose leaf tea, a tea bag or even sliced fruit or herbs. The silicone sleeve helps keep the tea warm. For when its too hot outside, this travel mug can also be used for iced tea or fruit infused water. One of the best gifts for tea lovers with a modern design aesthetic.

• Retail price: $28.00
• Where to buy: Amazon
• Customer Reviews: Super convenient for busy people. Great item, the only con is that the lid is screw on/off so not convenient for drinking in the car. This mug is large (20 ounces) so it lasts during my long commute.

Gifts for Tea Lovers: Creative Tea Mixes 

Chai Dice with Organic Spice & Herb Kit

Chai Dice encourages creativity, spontaneity, and an exploration of new intriguing flavors. For a complete chai experience, add on the optional Organic Spice & Herb Kit. The kit includes enough ingredients to make about 50 cups of chai with 24 different certified organic ingredients and a mesh tea strainer. It comes packaged up in a large stamped cotton sack.

• Retail price: Dice Only $16.00, Dice and Spices $54.00
• Where to buy: LeafcutterDesigns.com
• Maker: Leafcutter Designs
• Customer Reviews: Perfect gift for the tea drinker who has tried it all. A fun and unique approach to making tea. 

Tea of the Month Subscription

Your tea lover might have their own favorite brew, but variety is the spice of life! Why not let them sample new blends every month automatically? The one tea per month subscription option includes one specially selected seasonal tea, an extra tea sample, brewing instructions, and pairing suggestions. Each month’s tea delivery is enough to make around 15-20 cups. There are options to purchase a  3, 6, or 12 month subscription. 

• Retail price: One Tea/Month $10.00, Two Teas/Month $16.00
• Where to buy: PlumDeluxe.com
• Maker: Plum Deluxe specially blends tea in their studio in Portland, Oregon. They take the effort to source organic, non-GMO and fair trade ingredients.
• Customer Reviews: A great gift that I get to look forward to every month. The tea smells and tastes so good! Not only do you get marvelous teas, there is a wonderful newsletter with all sorts of inspirational and motivational messages and recipes.

NovelTea Tins

These tea tins are more than meets the eye. Each beautifully designed tin book hides an equally delicious tea inside. Once your recipient is done with the tea they can use the tin to store keepsakes (or more tea!), it’s a two in one gift! The teas are paired with punny plays on classic book titles. For example, Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Earl Grey” contains Wilde’s Rosy Earl Grey Tea Blend. Each tea comes in a 3 oz. resealable bag complete with proper brewing instructions.

• Retail price: $35.00
• Where to buy: NovelTeaTins.com
• Maker: NovelTea Tins was able to launch their product after a very successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Based out of Berkeley, California the company is slowly launching more flavors and funny book titles as the company grows.
• Customer Reviews: I love the creative and unique homage to classical literature. I often recommend this as one of my favorite gifts for tea lovers who also enjoy classic literature.

Gifts for Tea Lovers: Creative Accessories  

The Tea Towel

This smart infographic tea towel is as cute as it is informative. It’s a thick absorbent cotton towel that also doubles as a conversation piece.

• Retail price: $14.00
• Where to buy: UncommonGoods.com
• Maker: Stuart Gardiner is a London-based artist. He injects a sense of humor into his designs, offering an enlightening take on favorite food and drinks.
• Customer Reviews: I got this for my mother, who is a tea enthusiast. I thought she would use it in the kitchen, but she liked it so much, she decided to frame it instead!

Bear Honey Pot

This modern take on the traditional honey bear is a great addition to any tea tray. The hand-painted stoneware bear comes with a wooden dipper. 

• Retail price: $20.00
• Where to buy: Anthropologie.com
• Customer Reviews: Great quality, functional and priced very well for what you get! Love this adorable kitchen staple!

Tiered Tea Cake Stand

A tiered stand made out of vintage plates is charming for a tea party or everyday use. This small server instantly elevates a chat over a cuppa into a fun tea party for two. 

• Retail price: Prices vary, the one pictured is $22.00
• Where to buy: Pretty Dish (etsy.com)
• Maker: Wendy of Pretty Dish upcycles mismatched vintage china into new and beautiful tea party accessories. She also sells the most adorable vintage dollhouse furniture.
• Customer Reviews: Beautiful piece and fantastic purchase. Arrived very quickly and as described.

The “Perfect” Tea Strainer

With the varied options for brewing tea, it can be hard to narrow down a great tea infuser. This stainless steel fine mesh infuser was created to be the be-all-end-all. It is large enough for tea leaves to expand to their full flavor potential and the mesh is small enough that particles will not escape into your brew. It is the perfect size to fit into most standard sized cups and teapots. Also included is a ceramic coaster to rest your infuser. 

• Retail price: $12.00
• Where to buy: DavidsTea.com
• Maker: Davids Tea 
• Customer Reviews: I have brought several other tea infusers in the past, but this one puts all of them to shame.

Novelty Tea Kettle

Add a little fun to the morning tea ritual with a novelty tea kettle. These designs come in a cute gift box, ready for gift giving. These kettles are made of enamel on steel (both inside and out) and the handle, spout and lid knob are made of durable plastic. Fun for kids and playful adults alike! 

• Retail price: $35.00 – $38.00
• Where to buy: Chicken, Giraffe
• More Reviews: Such a great addition to my kitchen. Looks great sitting on the stovetop when not in use. Love the train like whistle versus the normal high pitched shriek that kettles usually have.

Gifts for Tea Lovers: Bath & Garden

Tub Tea

Does your friend love tea so much they want to bathe in it? Give them herbal bath tea and they can! The mix of herbs is specially selected to relax the body and mind. Each kit comes with a large tea bag and easy instructions. Simply place in a warm bath and enjoy!

• Retail price: $7.99
• Where to buy: Hickory Ridge Soaps (etsy.com)
• Maker: Hickory Ridge Soaps is a small family owned business in Indiana. The company grew from a need to find natural, chemical free alternatives for getting clean.  
• Customer Reviews: A tea bath is the perfect end to a stressful day.

Tea Plant

Let your tea loving friend grow their own tea! Even if they have brewed every type of tea out there, they probably have never grown a tea plant. The kit comes with supplies to grow two plants in pots and detailed instructions to make sure you get started right.

• Retail price: $12.00
• Where to buy: Plants From Seed (etsy.com)
• Maker:  Plants From Seed is a UK based company founded by John Watkins. He grew unusual plants for years before putting all that experience into little kits for others to do the same.
• Customer Reviews: Great gift for tea lovers. Can’t wait to watch the seedlings grow.

The post 14 Special Gifts for Tea Lovers appeared first on The Leafcutter Blog.