Derry's new sensory Santa's Grotto receives £2,000 donation of Ai Elf 'Pixi' toys

A newly-created sensory Santa’s Grotto in Derry has received a generous donation of Ai Elf toys worth £2,000, just as the unique Christmas experience opens its doors to families for the first time.

Approximately 40 of the magical ‘Pixi’ Ai Elves have been gifted, with plans for the tiny, enchanting companions to be given to families visiting the Grotto on a first-come, first-served basis. Pixi can tell stories, teach new languages, and talk about all things Christmas and beyond. With its charming personality, Pixi is set to become a festive fixture in living rooms this year.

Annette and Gerry Harkin initially created the sensory-friendly Grotto experience in the back garden of their Rosemount home for their grandchildren, two of whom have autism. But after investing considerably on festive decorations and creating a peaceful, beautifully lit space, they decided to open it up free of charge to other families who may also benefit from a gentler, quieter Christmas experience.

Annette explained: “This is something I’ve been thinking about since last year, when my daughter, Shannon, took my grandson Jonah to see Santa. There were long queues and, as you can imagine, that isn’t ideal for a child with autism. She was dreading taking him again this year, so I wondered if there was a way Jonah could enjoy seeing Santa without the stress and anxiousness for both parent and child.

“That’s when I thought: ‘Why don’t we create a sensory Santa Grotto right here at our home?’ Gerry and I discussed it, and we agreed quite quickly to press ahead with it. We spent a bit of money buying the lights, decorations, and turning our shed into Santa’s Grotto, and that’s how it came to be. It felt too special not to share this experience with other families, so I posted about it on Facebook and have been inundated with bookings since!”

Kids receive Ai Elf gift in sensory Santa grotto

Annette and her grandson Jonah have already had the opportunity to try out Pixi the Ai Elf, and she is full of praise for the innovative toy. She said: “Pixi is amazing, and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I initially thought it might not work for Jonah, who is non-verbal, but I asked it to tell stories to him and it chatted away. He was absolutely delighted. I know I can tell a story or two, but not quite like Pixi!”

Stephen Ryan, one of the founders behind The Ai Elf, said: “We are thrilled to gift 40 of our incredible new Pixi the Ai Elf toys to the Harkin family this Christmas.

"What they’re doing in opening up their home to families with additional needs is nothing short of inspiring, and it will certainly provide a welcome outlet for many more children to enjoy meeting Santa in a comfortable setting. We look forward to Pixi popping up in plenty more homes this Christmas, and hopefully they all enjoy chatting with their magical new friend!”

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While demand is high for the sensory Santa’s Grotto, enquiries can still be made for bookings by direct messaging Annette Ryan Harkin on Facebook.

To find out more and to order Pixi the Ai Elf, visit yourfriendlyelf.com.