Elf on the Shelf: Santa’s big toy recycling project

Our elves are back! Tallulah Tippi Twinkletoes and Sammy Shimmering Stardust are back for their third year, and their little brother Georgie Giggles Glitterbug is back for his second year!

This year, our elves are taking part in Santa’s big toy recycling project. Yes, that’s right – Santa has found a cunning way to help parents get the kids on side with that pre-Christmas toy declutter to make room for the new gifts that will arrive on Christmas Day!

Our elves have brought a great big gift bag for my three children, Little Miss E, almost 6, Little Man O, four, and 20-month-old Toddler Boy I in which to place all the toys they have grown out of.

Attached to the bag is this little poem, explaining all about the toy recycling project.

Santa’s toy recycling project

All across the world

Are lots of girls and boys

Who really love to play

But they don’t have many toys.

And while Santa’s working hard

To make as many presents as he can,

He’s asking round the world

For kids to give a helping hand.

This great big bag we bring you

Is empty as you’ll see,

But we’d like to see it full

Of toys you no longer need.

Everything will be given

To other girls and boys,

Santa likes to recycle

And that also includes toys.

So anything you don’t need

Please place it here inside.

We elves will tell Santa

That you’ve been so very kind.

And when you’re opening your presents

And having fun on Christmas Day,

Think about those children,

And how much they love to play.

Do feel free to use this poem if your children would like to take part in Santa’s Toy Recycling Projec – I’d just be grateful if you could let people know it came from Cardiff Mummy Says. Santa is asking parents to help him by taking the toys to their local charity shop, or to pass on to other children you may know who will appreciate them.

It doesn’t matter if you’re not doing Elf on the Shelf – maybe Santa himself could have sent the bag. For me, it’s a way of encouraging their children to think about people less fortunate than themselves and to take some responsibility for passing on toys they no longer play with.

And if you do want to join in with Elf on the Shelf, it’s not too late – find out more here.

Let me know if you give it a go either in the comments section below, on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page or by tweeting me on @cardiffmummy

You can see all my Elf on the Shelf and other Christmas posts here.