10 Creative Elf on the Shelf Christmas Ideas We Love
- Merci Maman
- Personalised Jewellery Blog
- 5 Dec 2021
- 16187views
Elf of the Shelf is the perfect way to get into the festive sprit! It’s not only the kids that love it but the parents too. The phenomenon began back in 2005 and since then it has become a festive family favourite and Christmas tradition for many families across the across the world. Love it or hate it, the elf will no doubt be making an appearance within your home this December. From playing with the toys, to hiding in the Christmas tree, here is the ultimate guide on all things Elf of the Shelf this Christmas.
So what is Elf of the Shelf…
The craze began a few years ago with the aim to make your children think they are being good with the build up to Christmas. The elf acts as Santa’s little helper and checks your kids will definitely on the good list.
Every evening in December, parents hide the elf in different places around the home and in the morning, it’s the kids turn to find where the elf it. The more creative you get, the better! However, coming up with 31 creative ideas can be difficult. And time-consuming. This is why we have made the ultimate guide on the best places for your elves to hide.
We opened up to our instagram community and have selected the top posts on where your elf is hiding this Christmas. Read the ultimate guide below.
The main objective of the Elf on the Shelf
This whimsical tradition serves a dual purpose: it not only encourages children to embrace the spirit of the season through the thrill of waking up each morning to discover their elf's latest hiding spot but also fosters a sense of joy, wonder, and anticipation that encapsulates the essence of Christmas.
As families across the world adopt this playful practice, they create unforgettable memories and magical moments that children cherish long into adulthood.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is a testament to the power of imagination and the joy of the holiday season, bringing families together in a shared experience of mischief, laughter, and festive delight.
Elf on the Shelf: Our 10 Favourite Ideas
We have compiled our favourite Elf on the Shelf ideas to make your life easier this December. From our instagram community, to our office antics, read our top 10 below.
From frozen elf to isolating elf, have a look below!
1. Toasty Elf
Create a cozy scene by wrapping your elf in a mini blanket or a clean sock, sitting them near a pretend campfire made from rolled-up red and orange tissue paper.
Place miniature marshmallows on a toothpick as if the elf is roasting them. Remember, safety first: keep the elf away from real heat or flames.
2. Frozen Elf
Simulate a frozen elf by placing them inside a clear plastic cup or a small zip-lock bag, then surround them with small ice cubes or plastic ice crystals.
You can also add a mini scarf and tiny gloves to enhance the frozen look. Position the elf in the freezer overnight, then place them on display in the morning.
3. Isolating Elf
Set up a quarantine scene for your elf to reflect a lighthearted take on isolation. Use doll-sized items to create a cozy corner with a bed, a mini book, and perhaps a tiny mug. Craft a small "Do Not Disturb" sign as a playful nod to isolation requirements.
4. Tv Elf
Turn your Elf into a couch potato for a day. Set them up in front of the television with mini popcorn and a remote control (you can make one from cardboard). For added fun, turn on a holiday movie or cartoon and position the elf as if they've been watching all night.
5. Flossing Elf
Capture a moment of the elf maintaining dental hygiene by posing them with a piece of dental floss. You can use a small piece of thread as the floss and position the elf near a bathroom sink, perhaps with a tiny toothbrush nearby to emphasise the importance of dental care.
6. Stuck in the blind Elf
Create a humorous scene by carefully positioning the elf as if they've gotten tangled in a window blind.
Ensure the elf's safety by not placing them in a position that might stretch or damage the blinds. This setup can be a funny surprise in the morning, showcasing the elf's adventurous night.
7. Pea’d myself Elf
For a bit of bathroom humor, place the elf on or near the toilet with a few green peas scattered around. This setup can include a note from the elf explaining the silly situation. It's a lighthearted and humorous scene that's sure to get a laugh.
8. Gone to the spa Elf
Create a relaxing spa day scene for the elf. Use cotton balls for a fluffy robe, paper for a facial mask, and a shallow dish for a makeshift bathtub.
This serene setup can introduce kids to the concept of self-care and relaxation, making for a calm and humorous morning find.
9. Music Elf
Let your elf showcase their musical talent by setting them up with a miniature instrument. If you don’t have a mini instrument, craft one from household items or paper.
You could also position them near a speaker with holiday music playing, conducting or singing along.
10. Sunbathing Elf
Create a summer vibe in the midst of winter by dressing your elf in tiny sunglasses and laying them on a small towel or cloth.
Use a piece of paper to craft a sunhat, and position them under a lamp (not too close) to simulate warm sunlight. This can be a fun contrast to the chilly weather outside.
Elf on the Shelf Rules Reminder
Remember, keeping the magic of the Elf on the Shelf alive comes with a couple of important rules:
- No Touching the Elf: Touching the elf might make its magic disappear! Elves are magical creatures from the North Pole, and their magic is fragile. They need it to fly back to Santa each night to report on the day’s adventures. If they’re touched, they might lose that magic and their ability to communicate with Santa.
- The Elf Will Not Speak or Move When You’re Watching: Elves are shy and only move when no one is looking. This is part of their magic! They wait until the house is quiet and everyone is asleep to make their move to a new spot. It adds to the mystery, doesn’t it?
- Be Patient: The elf might not move every day. Sometimes, they find a spot they really like, or they need a little extra magic to get to their next location. It’s all part of the fun and suspense!
Following these simple rules helps ensure that the Elf on the Shelf tradition remains a fun, enchanting experience for everyone involved. Let the magic begin!
Our Top Tips
- Keep it simple: Find what you have around the house and go from there.
- Get creative: Online blog posts and forums are great places to get new ideas which are super easy to follow and make your own.
- Have fun: Don’t turn this festive favourite into a chore. Have fun with it and get all the family involved.
Check out our Elf of the Shelf Tiktok here!
