It’s almost time. The time that elves reappear from Santa’s workshop to watch over our children. In my home, our elf is a little naughty. Sprinkles is always getting into something! I’ve found that the tradition is more enjoyable when the elf does funny, cute, or cool things that the kids look forward to waking up to.
This is work. I’ve done Elf on the Shelf since 2010. When my son turned 11, we sent Sprinkles back to the North Pole for good. I was elated! Little did I know, a new elf would be back two years later. So, here we are; Year one. I have a plan! These easy and small acts are great for the days you don’t want to spend four hours building a treehouse for your elf. What you don't have lying around your home, you can pick up at the dollar store.
1. The Candy Eater - Open a bag of m&m’s. Stick your elf in midway. We normally get his knees to bend a little so he doesn’t look like he’s just laying in a bag.
2. The Avid Reader - Prop a book on the table, new or old, with a note. The note could read I brought a book for you ♥{insert elf’s name here} or please read this story tonight ♥{insert elf’s name here}. Prop the elf next to the book with the note on their lap.
3. The Tree Lot - You’ll need little debbies Christmas tree treats. These are hard to stand up with the wrapping, so we bend a paperclip into a L shape and tape it to the back of the tree. Write on an index card Christmas Trees For Sale $5. Tape the card to a toothpick and stick it in a marshmallow. Prop the elf next to the trees.
4. The Sprinkle Angel - Throw some sprinkles onto a table. Take your elf and create a snow angel effect. Note: This has a potential to get messy!
5. The Bone Eater - Get a couple of small dog bones. Crack one in half. Place two on the elf’s lap and the cracked one against his body. Leave a sign that says, “Yuck! The WORST cookies ever! Do not leave these for santa ♥{insert elf’s name here}”
6. Ball Pit Fun - Grab some pompoms and throw them in a bowl. Create a sign that says “Ball Pit Elves Only”. Stick the elf in the bowl and make they’re covered with pompoms.
7. The Bow Climber - Stick some bows on a smooth surface. Make sure at least two are really secure. Tape the elf’s arm inside two of the loops to give the appearance he’s climbing up the wall or fridge.
8. The Aerialist - Grab some string and loop it through an empty toilet paper roll. Tape on top of a door frame. Tape the elf’s arms to the string. We also roll a piece of tape and stick it to the elf’s bottom to secure it to the toilet paper roll.
9. The Fisher Man - Throw some Goldfish crackers in a bowl. Attach a thin string to a pencil. Tape the elf’s hands with the pencil sandwiched in. Tape a fish to the opposite side of the string. Dangle in the bowl of Goldfish.
10. Snowball Fight - Crumple up paper and leave within a small area of the room. You can even put them in a small bowl. Take an index card and write “Snowball Fight, anyone?” prop your elf next to the sign.
Good luck!
