Hacks
Ever heard of Elf on the Shelf? If you haven't, then where have you been hiding? I mean, it's okay, because the holiday season has only just begun, but just prepare yourselves for a whole load of funny, charming, and adorable elf-centric pics from here on out.
Sure, this interactive story may be a fairly new holiday tradition - first hitting shelves (quite literally) around 25 years ago - but, if it's popularity is anything to go by, this mischievous elf is here to stay.
So what exactly is this new festive phenomenon? Well, Elf on the Shelf started as a 2005 picture book titled Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The book centers around a pixie scout elf who happens to be a mischievous confidant of Santa. An actual Elf on the Shelf is included with the book too! And children do their best to behave when the elf is about for a very good reason.
Credit: Pick-Ease.com
Each and every night, the elf flies back to the North Pole to tell Santa whether the children have been good or bad. He then returns to the children's house, in a slightly different place from the night before, to prove he's been at the North Pole.
And the toy has now become a hugely popular Christmas tradition for both children and adults. In fact, they've even started making miniature clothing for Santa's little helper. They're pretty spectacular and make the holiday season that bit more special. What's more, they're a godsend for parents trying to encourage their children to be well behaved.
So without further ado, here are some Elf on the Shelf ideas to really brighten up not only your day but your entire Christmas...
1. Balloon Parade
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
Why not give your elves a nice set of balloons to keep them happy? It looks just like Christmas parades in the big cities!
2. Holiday Elf-Ercise
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
The elf-ercise setup allows Santa's little helpers to do some yoga-like stretches, getting them in good shape in time for the holidays (and it helps keep kids and parents limber).
3. Christmas Scooter
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
Giving your elf a Christmas scooter might seem like a hilarious idea, but you have to be careful in case they ride off - never to be found again.
4. Rainbow Ball Pit
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
Fortunately, there is a rainbow ball pit you can trap those pesky little elves in if need be.
5. Tightrope Tiptoe / Scout Elf Landing Net
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
The tightrope and the net totally go together. The tightrope allows the elf to get from place to place as stealthily as possible. But due to the possibility of sustaining injuries from a fall, his friends created a net for him to land on.
6. Sweet Wreath
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
How can you possibly resist this healthy yet sweet wreath made from fruit? It is made of kiwi and raspberries and the bow is made from deliciously red apple slices. It's a unique take on a traditional Christmas decoration.
7. North Pole Tug Of War
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
It's not exactly a traditional Christmas game but it's a fun one. But you might just need another elf to complete the scenario. Unless, of course, you want to use any of your kids' other toys.
8. North Pole Putt-Putt
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
A pair of elves playing golf? Now that's a sight for sore eyes! It's an excellent way of ensuring your decorations don't appear too traditional.
9. Christmas Angel
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
If you are, however, opting for a more traditional look then there's always the option of creating a Christmas angel with an elf at the center, then placing it on your tree.
10. Melted Snowman Ritual
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
The Melted Snowman is referred to as the North Pole Disappearing Act on elfontheshelf.com. But the entire thing looks more like a slightly suspicious ritual, right? I mean, doesn't a snowman automatically die if it melts? I think I'll pass on this one.
11. Elf Charades
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
After celebrating the parting of yet another snowman, the elves can then have a blast playing charades You can even make little charades cards for them if you have enough time on your hands.
12. Blowing Bubbles
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
Are these elves blowing bubbles? Or is just chewing gum? Who knows for sure?
13. Christmas Cheer Coupons
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
What we do know for sure is that using elves to deliver "Christmas cheer coupons" would be a total blast.
14. Holiday To-Do List
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
If you have things that need to be sorted in time for the holidays, you can always keep a list and give it to the elf.
15. Doing Regular Chores
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
You could just get the Elf to pretend to do regular chores. This could, perhaps, send a message to your children that they need to start helping out around the house.
16. Mini Marshmallow Men
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
Snowmen made out of marshmallows? It's a pretty odd idea. I mean, are we supposed to believe the elf eats the snowmen?
17. Season Caroling
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
You could even set up a scenario where the Elf and his pals go caroling around town. Maybe you could have them sing to the other toys around your home.
18. Holiday Hoops
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
If you want to set up a scenario where your elf is shooting hoops, then this is the one for you!
19. Crafty Ornaments
Credit: Elf on the Shelf
Ornaments are a classic way of celebrating the holiday season and if you add your mini-elf in, you're onto a winner.
20. Going bananas!
Credit: Stacy Molter Photography
If your kids are anything like my nephews (or me), then they'll also be huge fans of Despicable Me and Minions! If so, why not have a little fun with some bananas and a Sharpie?
21. Simple snow angel
Credit: Pretty Providence
So simple, but so effective! Use some flour to recreate some of that North Pole snow and have your elf make a stunning snow angel.
So there we have it: these have been some of the funniest ideas for your very own Elf on the Shelf. Why not take some inspiration from them? One thing's for sure, with ideas this creative, your kids will stay under the illusion that Santa's watching them!
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