shiraz Archives

Bored by that ever-present elf during the holidays? Here’s how to switch it up this year

There’s no pressure like the holidays to create lasting memories for our kids, but some of us aren’t ready to take on the nightly task of moving an elf around the house. Who wants to get out of bed because they forgot to set up an elaborate scene for Santa’s helper, night after night? If you’re looking for funny alternatives to Elf on the Shelf, look no further. We’ve got some funny, kind, and grown-ups only options we think you’ll love.

The Kindness Elves

kindness elves are alternatives to elf on the shelf — The Imagination Tree

As an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf, the Kindness Elves have arrived for the holidays to encourage littles to carry out acts of kindness every day this season. Each bundle comes with two Elves, accessories, a beautifully illustrated Storybook, and the 12 Days of Christmas Kindness ePack to get families spreading kindness in no time.

Available at The Imagination Tree Store, $59.

Santa's Lazy Gnome

Developed by a tired mom who couldn't keep up with the Elf on the Shelf tradition, Santa's Lazy Gnome is perfect for parents. Santa has hired a gnome to report back to him for his naughty and nice list, which means your family's guy can hang out on the mantle all. Season. Long. WIN! You can order your gnome on Lazy Gnomes for $29.

Shepherd on the Search

The Shepherd on the Search ($22) is a faith-filled way to celebrate Christmas. During the Advent season, parents read the story of your shepherd's journey then hide your shepherd! Every year is a new opportunity for your shepherd's journey to start anew and end on Christmas day as the shepherd finds his way to the manger.

North Pole Ninjas

The North Pole Ninjas ($6) are all about spreading kindness, and it shows in the beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the ancient legend that the North Pole Ninjas use for new recruits. The kit includes a plush and huggable "sensei" to guide Ninjas on their journey to carry out 50 special tasks, each packed in a special envelope. Your mission? To spread the holiday spirit, kindness, and love.

Reindeer in Here

Reindeer In Here ($24) comes with a book and plush reindeer that celebrates how being different is normal! Your reindeer is a friend sent by Santa as the first gift of the holiday season and encourages kids to take their new friend on the go, so they can get to know your family and help Santa deliver their Christmas wishes. Created by a dad who wanted a positive Christmas tradition for his children, this tradition celebrates our individuality. Get this funny alternative to the Elf on the Shelf here..

Mensch on a Bench

Hanukkah will have some extra Funukkah with The Mensch on a Bench ($30) hardcover book and a 12-inch plush doll of Moshe the Mensch ($30). (For those not down with the lingo, "mensch" is a Yiddish word that means roughly "a good guy.") Kids will learn the story of Hanukkah with the help of Moshe. Moshe the Mensch tells the story of how he was present at the Temple in the time of Judah and the Maccabees, who defeated the Greeks and watched over the Menorah as everyone slept. Now he can help watch over yours!

Peep On A Perch

Now you don’t have to wait until Christmas for a magical friend thanks to Peep On A Perch ($6). That sugar-coated marshmallow chick we all know and love to eat is now in plush form and ready to join your family in the countdown to Easter. Designed to inspire good manners and kindness in kids, the Peep On A Perch works the same as the Elf.

with additional reporting by Shahrzad Warkentin

Forget milk and cookies. When you shell out $5 for a box of tasty Girl Scout cookies, you’ve earned the right to enjoy a handful (or more) after the kids go to bed. Better yet, why not pair off your evening snack with a nice glass of wine? Ah, but which wine goes best with which cookie? Before you open every bottle in your wine fridge, we already did the heavy drinking—er, lifting—for you.

Here are the best Girl Scout cookie and wine pairings, as tested by us.

Thin Mints

While Thin Mints are the reigning champion when it comes to cookie sales, they are one of the most difficult cookies to pair with wine, all because of that delicious chocolate and mint flavor combo. If you really must pair these with anything other than milk, make it a sweet dessert wine like a Sherry or Muscat. Not a fan of sweet wines? Go for a softer red like a Merlot or Syrah.

Samoas & Caramel deLites

As the most decadent cookie in the Girl Scout collection, the Samoa or Caramel deLite should be paired with an equally sweet and rich wine. Pour a glass of of dessert wine like a Tawny Port to go with this caramel, coconut and chocolate confection and you’ll be in dessert heaven.

Tagalongs & Peanut Butter Patties

A rich, full-bodied glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is essentially the wine version of this popular well-rounded cookie. Combining sweet berries with savory notes, a cab sav is the perfect complement to the Girl Scouts' tasty marriage of chocolate and peanut butter.

Trefoils & Shortbread

Compared to the rest of the assortment, the oldest of the Girl Scout Cookie offerings may seem plain, but when paired with wine, the sweetness of these buttery vanilla shortbreads shines through. Pair them with a Moscato or a Riesling to really bring out their vanilla notes.

Do-si-Dos & Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Pair these salty, sweet peanut butter cookies with a soft, fruity red like a Merlot, Shiraz or Pinot Noir for the perfect balance.

Girl Scout S'mores

What’s more summery than roasting s’mores over a campfire? And the only wine that absolutely screams summer fun is Rosé. A light, sparkly glass of the blush-colored wine, or even a Sparkling Rosé, pairs perfectly with this sandwich cookie. If you're snacking on the chocolate-coated variety of this Girl Scout cookie, opt for a sweet dessert wine like a Port or Sherry.

Lemonades & Lemon-Ups

The light, lemony goodness of these crispy cookies pairs perfectly with a citrusy, but sweet dessert wine like Riesling.

Toffee-Tastic & Caramel Chocolate Chip

These gluten-free cookie varieties have a mild, not-too-sweet flavor with a biscotti-like texture that pairs well with a creamy, nutty white wine, like a Chardonnay and Viognier. If you're really feeling the biscotti vibe, try dipping it in a dessert wine like a Ruby Port.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: iStock

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