How to Toy Declutter with Free Printable Santa Note

INSIDE: How to get the kids to do a Christmas toy declutter with printable note from Santa. Teach kids to give to the less fortunate.

Starting December 1st, I go from a mom of three to a mother of four. And it’s all because of “Sammy”. You know, the Elf on the Shelf character, that arrives in a (messy) flurry of fake snow, month-long goofy antics and lots of stumbling around in the dark by a mom or dad awoken in a panic that they forgot to move this little guy.

Needless to say, Sammy brings a lot of fun to our home.

2018 Update: I must’ve had too much eggnog because in addition to Sammy, we’ve added “Ginger” and now their reindeer sidekick. #whatamithinking

Goofiness aside, he can also do a lot of good. Like bringing with him a note from the Big Guy in Red to get the kids to do a pre-Christmas toy clean out to donate those toys to other children in need.

So heat up your printer and make some early Christmas room in your home…

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To my surprise, the kiddos met this request with great enthusiasm. I’m sure the thought of new stuff was a motivator but getting a personalized note from Santa can certainly make a (small) dent in their play room!

Since everything in December revolves around this silly Elf on the Shelf character, it only made sense that Sammy returned from his magical nightly visit to the North Pole with a personalized note from Santa.

how to teach the kids to declutter toys

Those kids filled that donation bag almost too quickly – and with some items that mom later rescued – but they enthusiastically rose to the challenge of giving to those less fortunate. And isn’t that what the season is all about?

how to get kids to donate their toys

Download to print out at home. Link below. For personal use only.

Note from Santa for pre-Christmas toy clean out

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12 Comments

Florence @ Vintage Southern Picks on November 12, 2017 at 5:55 pm

Wow, so good to know your kids got into this so enthusiastically! I think it’s a great idea too! Pinned.

Teresa on November 16, 2017 at 12:26 pm

I love it! I did the same with my kids last weekend – minus the cute note. We managed to declutter a lot, though I would have liked to put aside even more for donation. This is a great idea for encouragement, though, thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!

Leslie on November 16, 2017 at 3:29 pm

I LOVE this idea! Our kids could definitely stand to purge a good portion of their toy stash. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!

Marie on November 21, 2017 at 7:30 am

This is such a smart idea! What a great way to get kids on board with decluttering before Christmas! Thanks for sharing your printable with us at Merry Monday this week.

Stefanie on November 28, 2017 at 8:14 am

That’s such a great idea! We definitely need to do this!

Natalie on November 30, 2017 at 9:13 pm

What a smart idea! This makes it sooo easy to reinforce giving back – love it!

DazzleWhileFrazzled on December 1, 2017 at 4:52 am

Thanks Natalie! I totally agree.
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The Afterschool House on December 2, 2017 at 8:09 pm

Super cute idea! I love the genius idea of incorporating kindness with elf on the shelf.

DazzleWhileFrazzled on December 3, 2017 at 10:53 am

Thank you! The kids were eager because the elf asked, not mom!
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DIY Home Sweet Home on December 13, 2017 at 9:09 am

This is so perfect! Thank you!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home on December 19, 2018 at 6:58 am

This is such a fantastic idea! Love the letter, and the way it is written, so clever!

Our Hopeful Home on January 3, 2019 at 10:58 pm

Wow, those were the days. We had THREE elves visit each year, one for each of the kids. Some years it was exhausting to figure out new ideas for them and their antics. But the kids loved them! And your idea is a great one, wish I had thought of it. xo Kathleen

How to Toy Declutter with Free Printable Santa Note