Noting Grace
Ding Dong the Elf on the Shelf is dead! I know I should be sad but, I’m kinda doing a happy dance right now. Do you have a love/hate relationship with that little doll like me? How many times have you turned to full panic mode because you had forgotten to move the elf? Well, friends, here are 15 Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you out this season!
A few weeks ago, our youngest came to us asking if Santa was real and, sadly, we knew that our time of Christmas magic had come to an end. No more setting out carrots and cookies on Christmas Eve, no more sitting on Santa’s lap, or writing letters with hopes of getting everything on their list. But, hurrah for no more moving that blasted elf!
For the past 6 years, every morning after our Christmas Tree (or Christmas ladder) went up, our Elf on the Shelf, Bud E., came to visit us and y’all – I was at war with that stuffed doll for the next month. Usually it was a last minute, slight of hand type of staging just to keep the kids’ belief alive, but it was always met with a sigh and eye roll from me.
I have collected 15 of our favorite elf shenanigans for you and I hope it inspires you with more fun ideas to help you through this holiday season.
The Fridge/Freezer
Our elf always made his first appearance in the freezer with a note explaining his acclimation to the climate since we lived in the desert for a spell, but I think it’s still a fun hiding place regardless of where you live!
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Dry Erase Fun
Our elf was rather mischievous, and there was at least once a season when the dry erase marker made funny faces on a family photos.
Bringing some treats
Our elf either brought some treats for our boys, or got into some that we had around. Seeing the elf covered in icing always brought the giggles.
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Snow Angels
In flour, powdered sugar or regular sugar – a snow angel is always a hit!
More snow angels
It was always fun to have him caught in the act, and this is a quick trick you can do with sprinkles as well.
Capturing the Elf
This relieved a bit of the angst seeing our Elf in some sort of prison – at least it brought me a bit of relief. This is a great idea to have the kids wake up to.
Romantic Interludes
Being in a house of stinky boys, dolls were definitely taboo, but I loved setting up our Elf with an old doll of mine and he reunited with her each Christmas. Long distance romance can be tough!
Elf in the Pantry
Just like the movie, our Bud E. loved his syrup – and this was a fun way to quickly bring the belly laughs!
The interceding Elf
I loved using our Elf as the go between with Santa and the boys behavior. Little reminders were always helpful!
Marshmallow Fun
This was super quick if you have toothpicks, marshmallows and a sharpie. Our elf loved building snowmen.
Elf in the Tub
Cotton balls make for the perfect Elf bubble bath – or you can use mini marshmallows!
Elf Shenanigans
And elf riding a chicken is always a win!
Hanging from a Chandelier
Seeing your elf as a trapeze artist at dinner time always was a sure win!
Christmas Eve Morning
Just as our elf arrived the same way each year, he also left the same. On Christmas Eve morning, he made up a batch of Reindeer food for the boys to sprinkle in the yard so the reindeer know where to land.
Becoming a Pro
Fellow mom blogger, Steph, from A Little Moore, has an awesome shop with handmade Elf costumes and accessories to trick out your elf that will definitely bring loads of laughs and smiles! You can visit her shop here to help you up your game! She even offers a printable calendar to help you stay on track with Elf ideas!
I hope this helped you out with new ideas, and while our magic is gone, we still have fun hiding our elf, and now the kids are in on it!
I love to hear from y’all! Scroll to the bottom and leave me a comment.
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