This is a great time of year to teach your kids more about service and what it means to serve others. I love using our Elf on the Shelf to help achieve this as well. Instead of getting into mischief, he leaves little challenges for my kids each day and it really helps them to be more dedicated and pointed in their efforts.
Not only do these daily service ideas for kids help them get out of their comfort zone and do more service, but it also opens up the lines so we can talk about their challenges and make sure that they can accomplish their tasks.
We added close to 40 ideas with space at the bottom to write more of your own. I would love to hear more ideas from you and what else you can think of to add to this list.
We are sharing a DIY Advent Calendar Friday, and these would be perfect to add into some of the days so you and your kids can do them (like take treats to a neighbor or make cards for Grandparents and mail them).
Here are some of the Service Ideas for Kids:
| Do a chore for a sibling without telling them |
| Help when asked without complaining |
| Pick up any garbage you see today and throw it away |
| Secretly write a note telling someone you appreciate them |
| Do something for someone you don’t know very well |
| Secretly take treats to neighbors |
| Prepare (or help) make dinner for your family |
| Say something nice to everyone to talk to today |
| Be positive all day—no complaining or fighting |
| Draw a picture for a family member and leave it for them to find |
| Clean your room and do your chores without being asked |
| Plan a service project for your family to do and do it |
| Volunteer at a shelter or food bank |
| Make a homemade present for a family member and wrap it |
| Make treats and cards and take them to a rest home |
| Make treats to give to law enforcement and fireman |
| Make goodie bags to give to your teachers |
| Go caroling and take treats to neighbors |
I hope that this service prompts helps your family to become more outgoing and looking for ways to help others every day. These are also good to continue to do throughout the year and not just during the Christmas season.
If you don’t have an Elf on the Shelf, you can order one from Amazon and get it in plenty of time for December 1! Be sure to pin this image for later so you can reference it whenever you need it.
