15 Ideas for the Elf on the Shelf

Need some new ideas for the Elf on the Shelf?  The time of year is quickly approaching when the Elf on the Shelf returns from the North Pole to be Santa’s little eyes during the holiday season!  In our house, while we are packing the kids in the car for the Thanksgiving weekend at the grandparents, the Elf on the Shelf appears to wait longingly for our return at the end of the weekend.

The Elf on the Shelf is now widely available in most large chain stores and many local bookstores carry them as well.  The Elf on the Shelf consists of a simple 12 inch elf accompanied by a hardcover book telling children the story of why the Elf is visiting with the from the North Pole.  There’s even a special certificate where kids can name their Elf.  Our Elf is called Clifford because we were REALLY into Clifford the Big Red Dog the year the Elf first visited!

Each night the Elf magically flies to the North Pole to give Santa a report on whether your little cherub has been bad or good.  The next morning, the Elf always finds himself in a new spot around your house.  With a little planning you can have a whole season’s worth of ideas to keep your little ones anxiously awaiting for the Elf’s daily return.

Here are some ideas for the Elf on the Shelf to keep this fun family tradition interesting.

1. Elf got into the cookie jar (spread cookie crumbs around counter and guilty looking elf)
2. Toilet paper fight – between the elf and your bathroom
3. Barbie and Elf play date
4. Elf on the toilet seat
5. Color drawings of Elf and your kids…. from the Elf
6. Trapeze artist Elf on the chandelier
7. Forgot to move the Elf (S$*!) – make up a story about the comfort of last night’s spot (and quickly)
8. Elf with mom’s favorite coffee mug
9. Have the Elf take pictures of him/herself with your cell
10. Elf dressing up in doll clothes
11. Have the Elf bring your child stickers or small books of their favorite hobbies, characters or stories.
12. Crafty Elf – leave glitter, paper shreds and scissors with the Elf in your child’s craft area
13. Elf who brings miniature size (Elf size) treats (whoopee pies made with Keebler mini cookies and icing)
14. Hanging upside down in the fridge Elf
15. My favorite – make it personal.  Last year my daughter was in love with all things related to the Nutcracker ballet.  I saw that a local ballet company was selling a package of about a dozen different cardboard character ornaments from the classic story.  Every couple of nights the Elf brought another ornament until she had the compete collection.  She loved it!

Got a creative idea for the Elf on the Shelf?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Other holiday articles:

• Why Do We Wrap Gifts
• Behind the Scene Secrets of Santa’s Sleigh