I know that Elf Season can be a bit exhausting, so I’ve rounded up 25 Elf on the Shelf QUICK & EASY Ideas that take UNDER 5 Minutes!
I love our Elf on the Shelf, Jasper! I realized pretty quick into our 1st year of his arrival that lots of the ideas out there for the Elf on the Shelf were just very unrealistic for my families situation. First off, I didn’t have 15 minutes every night to figure out where I was going to hide him (or I’d be half asleep in bed and remember). Second, so many of the ideas had the Elf down low or in areas that my kids would have been tempted ALL day to touch him. I didn’t need to be worrying about that all day. I need QUICK Elf on the Shelf Ideas! So, I compiled this list of 25 Elf on the Shelf QUICK & EASY ideas that take UNDER 5 Minutes!
Also, don’t forget to check out my page of FREE Elf on the Shelf PRINTABLE Activity Cards! All of these ideas are super simple too and help bring a little twist into your Elf Season! You can find them all on my Elf on the Shelf Printables Page!
ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
These are all FAST, EASY and REALISTIC for families with little kids! If they aren’t perfect – then they can be modified to places up high or out of the way!
Don’t get me wrong – I’m super excited for when my kids are older and will have the self control to be able to not be tempted to touch our Elf. But, for now – that just isn’t an option.
I hope you get some fun ideas to incorporate into your ELF SEASON!!
Elf Sized Bingo Cards from Pretty Providence
This is too dang cute! I love the idea of setting up a game with stuffed animals, barbies, dinosaurs and more!
Elf on the Shelf Mission Cards & Envelope from Over the Big Moon
This is super fun and missions are so simple and cute! The envelope could be reused night after night too!
Draw Faces on Pictures from Simple as That Blog
We did this last year too and my boys thought it was hilarious! Just have your Elf draw funny faces on a picture using a Dry Erase Marker!
Elf Makes Cookies from Pretty Providence
This is such a cute idea! Use Cookie Crisp cereal to have your Elf make cookies!
Elf TP the Christmas Tree from CincyShopper
Last year we hid our Elf in our Christmas Tree, but I thought this idea of TP’ing the tree first was super fun!
We have boots, not stockings, but I still thought this was too hilarious not to share!
Secret Santa Message from Santa — have your Elf bring this back from the North Pole!
Elf “Bubble Bath” from Bombshell Bling
We don’t have Barbies in our home, but I’m thinking a Jacuzzi w/ Superheroes would be just as fun!
Minion Bananas from Fancy Shanty
Top Shelf of the Pantry – so no little hands can touch him! Perfect!
I thought would be fun clos to Christmas! What is it about toilet paper that is so funny? haha 🙂
Glow Bracelets (source unknown)
I have a box of Glow Bracelets leftover from the 4th of July, so I think this will be super fun to do!
Cold in the Fridge from New Mercies
This is hilarious and the kids will think that the Elf didn’t come back until they go to get breakfast!
We don’t have Pez dispensers, but this concept could work using Barbies or Superheroes – really anything!
We have a pretty large Entertainment Center in our house and I think the kids will love this! You can use yarn, ribbon or even just some string!
Who doesn’t have a Tissue box out and around during the Winter? Super quick and simple!
One day Elf just isn’t going to make it back, before Mom locks the doors.
Sack Race from Picklehead Soup
My daughter would love seeing all her stuffed animals racing our Elf!
Elf Riding Reindeer/Guiding Sleigh
We did one similar to this last year. Who doesn’t have some sort of Reindeer or Sleigh Decor?
You could really do this any day with any type of message! I think I’ll save this for the day after a day that my kids have been especially naughty!
My kids love their Fisher Price Nativity Set and they would love finding Jasper rocking Baby Jesus!
This one would be pretty easy too! We’ve got some big tires in our Lego’s!
Wrapping the Toilet
I can’t wait to hear what my 4 year old says about this – haha 🙂
Of course your Elf gets Hungry! What does your Elf like to eat?
Elf Sick Day
Don’t we all have a sick day every once in a while? So does our Elf!
Here’s another great idea for an activity! Click through to see the adorable letter that goes with it!
Little naughty Elf – tries trapping the kids
Hang in a Chandelier from The No Pressure Life
We have a pretty good sized Chandelier that is really high – this will be both fun and easy! I can see the kids running under it 20 times before finding him! hehe 🙂
Hang in Stocking or Boot
Looking for a few extra fun ideas – that may take a little extra time? I loved these!
Click through the link to see more on this! Such a cute idea!
Soarin’ Elf
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Looking for some other fun ideas to incorporate with your Elf Season? Check out all of Elf on the Shelf Printable Ideas! Here are just a few of the most popular:
- Elf on the Shelf Printable Good Deed Cards
- Magical Recovery Kit for your Elf on the Shelf
- Elf on the Shelf Mission Impossible Envelopes and Cards
- Printable Elfisms
- Elf on the Shelf Printable Joke Cards
- + more!
If you’re looking for some fun Elf on the Shelf Outfits and Accessories for your Elf, check out this amazing shopping guide!
Hope these ideas help make your Elf season more fun! If you love them, I’d love you to pin the below image to help spread the word to others!
Also, if you’re looking for more fun ideas like this – check out these other fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas!
jhonny
What a fun post, Pam!
Kris
These ideas are super cute. Thank you for sharing!
Pam Dana
Happy to help! Merry Christmas!
Pam Dana
Of course! Merry Christmas!
Kai Reos
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now 😉
Wade
That is very interesting, You are a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for looking for more of your
excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks
Jonn
My daughter has now grown up but we continue the ritual. It makes for some great fun. Good laughs also. Thanks for the suggestions. Zip line will be a must.
Pam Dana
Yes! My kids LOVED that one the few times we’ve done it!
Ellie May
Hello
This has bin a great help I’m 10 and live with my Nan and I’ve got a eight-year-old brother and a five-year-old brother and they like love this stuff it’s really helpful to see so much inspiration in these Photos thank you
Pam Dana
Yay! I’m so glad!
preesha
super
Chauncey Deboer
I wanted to leave a review for your store on https://allvapestores.com but your listing is gone. What happened? Are you closed now?
Tammy
I drive a school bus. We have an elf on our Bus.I’m looking for new ideas for him this year. But remember the bus is in motion all the time.
Edward Hilliard
These are great
chicostake
Wow. What a bunch of ungrateful hens. This lady writes a nice article to give you ideas, and you read it then complain about “wasting resources”? I’m willing to buy toilet paper and marshmallows to see my kids’ faces light up. Sorry your kids aren’t so lucky! (you can still use most of these items)
chicostake
Wow. What a bunch of ungrateful hens. This lady writes a nice article to give you ideas, and you read it then complain about “wasting resources”? I’m willing to buy toilet paper and marshmallows to see my kids’ faces light up. Sorry your kids aren’t so lucky! (you can still use most of these items)
S
Great ideas
Jean
You could put him on an ornament and make it look like he is singing wrecking ball!!! =)
mommysavers
I love that these ideas don’t take very long. Some of the ones I’ve seen are way too complicated! I blogged some of my ideas here: http://www.mommysavers.com/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-creative/
Natalie
Our elf Rosie isn’t allowed too be too naughty or she will go in elf time out, I wasn’t going to get one but after a crying 5yr old because he thought he was doing something wrong that no elf lived in our house like his teacher and classmates I had to get him one.
KJ
Such cute ideas! But I know it took more than 5 minutes to wrap that toilet! lol
meg
I have this post bookmarked and it is getting me through Elf part of Christmas -THANK YOU!
PrissyMissy
Why would you want to teach your child a lie? Instead, why not try teaching them about Jesus and the real reason we celebrate Christmas? That is what is wrong with the world today, people are taking God out of it. Your telling your children if they are naughty they aren’t going to get anything, when you should be teaching them to give, not receive. I feel sorry for your kids when they grow up and find out you lied to them.
GMAFB
I bet God is so proud of you for coming here and passing judgment on this lady. Good for you.
gigiwells11
I am 11 and I know already I didn’t care now I help my mom with it for my brother. I’m not upset that my mom lied
Marleigh
Same. itś a fun way to get your siblings to behave (hee hee)
Nikole
I can’t believe you took time to leave such a rude comment to someone who is only trying to spread joy and cheer. Elf is supposed to be fun! If it’s not your cup of tea then just keep on scrolling, no need to comment. And listen to you, PrissyMissy, preaching about teaching about Jesus. Jesus would never have behaved the way you’re behaving, so maybe a take a lesson from him and be a true good human being instead of putting others down. 🙂
Toni
Just because you let the elf play games with your kids for fun don’t mean you can’t teach them the real reason for the season.. they can enjoy the fun and still learn too..
Pam Dana
Agreed! Merry Christmas!
Kaytee
I feel sorry you’re living such a miserable life that you have to pass judgement on parents making things fun during the holidays… please grow up.
Rosmarie Watson
You have never experienced a child’s life, let me tell you the most enjoyable times we had as children growing up. We had the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny’s, Valentine days to spoil our moms and dads and we all looked forward to the elf nights everyday counting down to Christmas day. We had such a wonderful childhood fun of love and closeness. I will continue giving then to my children and grandchildren. It’s part of growing up.
Pam Dana
I agree!
DkJe
Our Elf does a lot of charity for the holidays…. he brings stuff for the advent or lays out stuff to make cookies for the police dept or brings a box for our kids to fill up with toys to give to needy children or he will hide change all around the house so they can put in the bell ringers buckets.
gigiwells11
Thats cute 🙂
rj
How disappointing to read pessimistic commentary! These are great ideas and not overly costly since things already in the home can be used and even picked up from places like a dollar store as well. Have fun elves!!
Guest
i dont keep the hands together. There are too many things you can do and you need to cut apart the hands. i also take the hat off someties 🙂
lori baer
PLEASE be careful putting the Elf in a stocking with a weighted stocking holder. This is how my 2yr old ended up in the hospital with 5 stitches in his nose! We had ours hanging “just like pictured” and when we were not in the room he pulled it down to get a closer look. An the stocking holder fell down with it and sliced his nose open. Since then we do not even put up stockings until the night before Xmas. But all these other ideas are great! Can’t wait!
Kathleen Hart
I did this with my kids years ago (carrying on the tradition my mom did). My mom started this when I was a kid but it wasn’t the “Elf on the Shelf” hype (I was born in the 50’s) it is today, she just tried to keep the magic of the season going. When my kids moved away I stopped the tradition, but now with them living close to home and grandchildren, it’s time to start again..The one idea my mom and I did (which I don’t think anyone mentioned was our elf was tied up by stuffed animals or tied down by the cat Lilliputian style) because “we” were blaming the animals for the mischief he was causing. We (my mom and I) had a journal for our elf for when we went different places because he liked to travel, but us kids had to write a letter to Santa asking for special permission for him to leave the house…Santa said he could but wasn’t allowed in school because he might disrupt the class. We also had a journal for when he was mischievous to leave for Santa when he came for him.
Dudley
These posts are deeply disturbing. Please people, get a real life.
Jerry Knight
Dudley…Dude you are a DUD!
Barbie Doll
I feel sorry for you. I hope you find somewhere within you a little “spirit” in order to really enjoy life. Maybe a little pixie dust blown your way? Poof!!
jason
Dear dudley. Have a little fun. Or just continue being absolutely boring forever. Ok? Thanks! Merry Christmas Grinch
funnygirl
Dudley must not have kids!!!! because if you did you would do dumb stuff too just to see your kids laugh and be little…they grow up so fast. I would have LOVED to have an Elf when I was little. So you SIr need to get a real life! 🙂 Happy holidays!!!!
Jake
Those are great ideas – I especially love the glow bracelets one and the “Sipping Syrup” photo is really funny!
By the way, to get your kids in the Christmas spirit this year, check out this great Christmas app for kids – Elf Finder 2013: Search and Track Hidden Elves. https://itunes.apple.com/app/id734538351
They’ll have lots of fun this holiday season using the app to find Santa’s elves as they look for them under their beds, on book shelves, behind the TV, and anywhere else.
Michele Straube
Where and when did this Elf on a shelf thing start? I saw it on facebook a little last year. I feel i am depriving my daughter of something. She is 13 so i’m sure its too late. 🙁
Barbie Doll
Never too late! She will enjoy looking for him, and might even want to offer suggestions. It will be memorable for her!
gigiwells11
My mom started when I was 9 and her mom started when she was 16 so ots never to late 🙂
Lady Elf
Number 20 looks like Elf on the Shelf was doing blow all night. “Magic Elf Seeds, oh boy.
chrissy
Did you see number 6? LOL It looks like Elf on the Shelf had other intentions for that toilet paper….like that Maxim magazine in the corner LOL
Liz
Love the ideas- linking to your post in my blog (Simple Pleasures Of A Single Mom) since this is where I got a ton of great ideas for our elf! (My confession of the week was about my anticipation of the holidays!) Hope some of my readers give you a visit!
http://simplepleasuresofasinglemom.wordpress.com/2013/11/11/christmas-comes-early/
KeAr
I even slipped a piece of wire in each limb. Make him more limber and fun. Much easier for posing!
Beth Gem
I’m sorry but these things are really freaky and would probably give most little kids nightmares with half of these ideas posted!!!!
Cristy
You evidently DON’T have kids so you can not imagine the joy that this little elf brings to our house every year. Even now, my 8 year old “suspects” but won’t dare say that he thinks it’s me. He CHOOSES to still believe in the magic of the season. And we haven’t have a single nightmare…
jason
Dear beth. Grow a heart. Merry Christmas Grinch
Crystal
Are you kidding me!! The kids jump up in the morning and go on a hunt to find our elf every morning, they love him and his crazy antics!
overthebigmoon
I agree with Crystal! My little ones run around every morning search for our elf! You for sure don’t have to use these ideas – I was just sharing what I knew my kids would enjoy (and they have)!!
Kate @ GreatestEscapist.com
I somehow doubt that wrapping the toilet will take less than five minutes.
Jennifer Dill
I had the exact same thought!
And what a waste of money a lot of these ideas are!
Wasting a whole bag or two of mini marshmallows by dumping them in the sink?!? Toilet paper all over the tree? I can’t afford to waste resources like this…
AEvans
You could use newspaper instead of wrapping paper and cotton balls instead of marshmallows…newspaper is being recycled and cotton balls can still be used after…just a thought 🙂
Tara
This women who came up with these ideas , does not have ” 15 minutes” but time to wrap a toilet??
Melissa I. Hill
I wrapped it in less than five minutes and only spent a dollar at the dollar store on the wrapping paper. My kids thought it was great!!
Roslyn Mommy
I took a slightly different approach with our elf last year. He would appear in a new spot every day, with a poem he had written to my son. No “naughty” tricks. I don’t know that I want to write 20-some new poems again this year! I bought several ornaments at the end of the season last year that Hermie will be bringing as gifts this year.
Nancy Kircher
We did one when we put him in a roll of toilet paper and held on to the end and rolled him down the stairs. and another was he made a snow angel in the incing sugar on the floor. WE bought our kids sleds and made a trail of marshmallows to his prize.
RMJ
Our Elf (Sneaky) eats ALL the leftover Halloweed candy….every dang year. He leaves a mess with wrappers and everything! The people at work love this trick 😉
Lisa
Brilliant!
serenitynot
great theme for a horror flick..and I thought chucky was scary…
serenitynot
gift wrapping the toilet spells smelly disaster..I’m just sayin..unless you plan to use it as toilet paper
katy
Are elves a bit to chubby to do any of these though hes done xmas tree in xmas paper and photo frames lol
Chelle Weston
I love the toliet one thanks for some new ideas going to repin this so I can make sure to have it 4.5 months till the elf comes back
Jar1176
You should check out The Pajama Elves by Hayden Edwards. It is the story of elves
at the North Pole who sew magical pajamas that help children sleep on Christmas
Eve, so Santa can visit unnoticed. Another fun Christmas tradition for
families!
Denise Willowbabyphotography
We have been doing this for years. This past CHristmas I found my twin girls getting dressed in the hallway and asked why they weren’t getting dressed in their bedroom… They said they couldn’t because Freddy the Elf was hanging from their chandelier and they thought it would be creepy to get undressed in front of him. My husband and I laughed so hard at that!
666ilovenick
how did he wrap the tolit ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
666ilovenick
the tolit 1 so funny xoxoxoxoxox lol lol lol lol
cammie
Some of these are really cute, others not so much. The drawing on pictures? Next thing your 3-8 year old will find a sharpee and draw on pictures. I wouldn’t have the elves do anything that you wouldn’t want your child to do. Sends mixed messages. Also nothing that could be dangerous. Like one person tied shoes together as a rope from second floor to first. A young child is very likely to do that and end up falling. Another had the elf take a toy boat out on the lake.
Lisa
I am glad you were able to find a few cute ideas. That is the goal of a round up is to help a lot of people find ideas. You know what is best for your family, others know what is best for theirs. We all have to make choices based on our individual children, and try not to judge others for doing the same. We are all here to support each other.
Jennifer Dill
I agree, as well as the hot tub/jacuzzi night with Barbie. Really?!? How is that something you want your toddlers/preschoolers/children of any age to think is appropriate?!? By himself, it’s a bubble bath, and cute. With Barbie, it’s QUITE sexually suggestive.
don
last year i laid the elf on the ground and poured ketchup all around him. i put a knife on the ground near. i then made footprints out of coco powder leading out of the house. sooooo funny my kid was crying for days
Melissarodrigues
Mine were never together. My hands have been apart but I also bought it a few years ago. Lol
Amy
Some of these are SO cute! I am also careful that our elf (Apple) doesn’t do anything naughty (making a mess, TPing the tree, basically doing anything I wouldn’t want my 3 year old to do.) Seeing as the elf is there to report naughty behavior, it baffles me that some elves are doing naughty things. Thanks for some great ideas- love the book reading! 🙂
MAMA DEEDS
my daughters birthday is in December, I had cake crumbs around our elf and icing on her face, also I am trying to potty train my son so there was a big note on our bathroom mirror reminding him to use the bathroom !!!!
latti
As a christian, I know that we are not supposed to indulge in anything dealing with “magic” according to Gods word. We need to be careful of what we let our kids deal with.
Lisa
I think there is a big difference between this and “magic.” After all Santa uses magic to get to all the boys and girls in one night. Santa is a symbol of Christ. You should check this book out.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967357101/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ovthbimo0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0967357101
As a christian I think you would love it! It goes step by step how Santa
is a symbol for the Savior. My children love it.
Merry Christmas.
Really??!?
If that story were actually in the Bible you would have an argument. As it stands you can find all sorts of “finding God in” books. Even in Harry Potter. Just because a work claims symbolism that doesn’t make it Biblical.
tweeter76 IAMSWITZERLAND-1/09
How about this…Christ wasn’t actually born in the winter. The reason his “birth” is celebrated in December is because Christians hijacked it due to Winter Solstice being celebrated. If we want to celebrate the month of December with the Elf on the Shelf…we should be allowed to without neo-Christians saying we’re doing something wrong. What’s good for my family doesn’t have to be good for yours.
Ashley
Great ideas!! To add to list…We have had toothbrushes frozen in blocks of ice (water in tupperware) with elves sitting on top and snow angels made from flour 🙂 Kids love their elves!!
Katie
This morning our Elf had a note from Santa to my kids saying there was a message sent to my email for them that was from Santa. It was a video message that was personalized for each kid. The note that our Elf had said Your Elf Stevey has told me that you are having a hard time being good. I have sent each of you a message to your mom’s email. Please watch. Merry Christmas! SC. So they watched their video and the look on their faces was priceless! Especially my two youngest. If you would like to have a message sent to your kids go to portablenorthpole.com. Merry Christmas 🙂
mammahohoho
I thought the elf was there to watch the kids & encourage good behaviour. Not get into mischief
Ashley Holmes
we have had our elf for two years now, I loved the idea but didn’t like the little elf that comes with the book. So away I went in search of the perfect elf. Not too big not too small, I purchased a stuffed pose-able very very cute elf from the local pottery/craft store. I have not seen many people doing this but my kids love ours and he is adorable and pose-able as well. So don’t feel limited to the basic elves, create your own elf on the shelf with a more to your taste little sprite 🙂
Aideen O'Malley-Hammes
I bought an Elf and his name is “Fritz”. We don’t have children liviing here (but we have 7 Grandbabies with another little Angel due in March), but I started this for my husband the other day and he loves it. It’s nice to see him LOL.
Suzan
I did this for my husband and the secretary at work. They both just loved it. The secretary couldn’t figure out who was doing it & made it all the more fun.
Nicole
Love these! So cute! Definitely stealing some. =) I “hacked” our Elf,
Eddie, to make him hang, bend, and climb! (Wire, magnets, velcro.) It
was super-easy! If you (or anyone) wants to check it out, I made a tutorial on my blog
at:
http://lifesolovely.com/2012/12/01/elf-on-the-shelf-mod-in-easy-steps/
-Nicole
Lish
Hey Pam, I just got my Elf and I am very excited to see how my kids respond. Thanks for the fun ideas 🙂
Kellee
Okay…I am not trying to be a dud! All these ideas are awesome and probably have the kids (and the Elf hider) in fits of giggles. If the kids are supposed to be good (I have younger kids) and Mr. BoJangles (in our case) is naughty – does the whole ‘the elf is watching, you better be good’ lose its impact? Just curious…this is our first year. Thanks!
Andrea
I feel the same way and unfortunately, I was looking for a response too. 🙁
Cassy
Whenever our elf does something naughty, the next night he does something to apologize like writing “I can be good” sentences on the whiteboard or sending the magic seeds. Santa sent a letter and said sometimes elves are naughty just like children. They really get a kick out of it.
Bdowd
Our elf only acts up in response to our children’s behavior. So when our kids have a naughty day our elf has a naughty night! We have a discussion in the morning how we need to be on our best behavior so that Santa lets “hart” come back next year! 🙂 hope this helps!!
Hali
What are some examples?
KokMomma
I’m on the same page with you. I found on another blog, a mother who used the elf not the traditional way, but as a teaching point for her kids to teach the elf how to behave. She didn’t use the elf on the shelf story, instead she sent him in the mail to her children with a letter from Santa Clause that asked her children to spend the Christmas season teaching their elf about grace, and goodness. I think it is a better approach, and my kids have responded really well to it, and in turn have been really well behaved as a manner for teaching the elf.
Nicole
I have to say, I don’t really see any of the above ideas as “being bad”. Jokes or harmless pranks are not bad behavior.
Lisa
I think it is up to individual families to find what works for them. There are obviously people who feel strongly that elves should not act up and there are others that think its super fun. Do what works for your family.
NK
I think we can all agree that no matter how much we use the elf on the shelf as a way of getting our kids to behave, unless there is some kind of follow through it won’t work. When our Elf arrives he brings a letter from Santa that asks the children to behave and be good listeners, we also added that if they weren’t good their elf would disappear and not return until they did something good, like a choir. I’m not really big on using Christmas time excuses. We are Catholic and while doing these little things are fun we really incorporate lessons Jesus has given us instead of Santa’s elves. We also try and do volunteer work or random acts of kindness to keep the kids attention on being Kind and remembering why we are celebrating Christmas. Its fun!!
Sarah
I love all these ideas…I was cracking up reading them. This will be the first year I’m starting elf on the shelf and I can’t wait!!!! I ordered mine on amazon and it should be here in the next couple of days!!!! Can’t wait to wrap the toilet my five year old is going to laugh so hard! Lol
Stephani W
Some cute new ideas I hadn’t seen yet on other sites – thanks for sharing!
Misty
Are the kids able to play with and touch the elf? I have seen several things where they can and then some where their not suppose too. We did it last year and didn’t allow the kids to touch the elf but didn’t know what others were doing..
Ashley
According to the story, no one is suppose to touch the elf or he( or she) loses his magic:however, we received a special note from Santa that said the kids could touch him because he needed a snuggle…they love the fact that they can take the elves to school—sometimes the kids will come back to class and their elves have made a mess in the classroom!! 😉
Elizabeth
I can’t wait to try some of these out! Here are the pranks our elf “Stocking’ has pulled off http://www.hawaiidiscountblog.com/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-christmas-traditions/
polly
I just love this elf idea but where do you buy one? I need one for this year?
mommy manda
Bass pro shop has them…
sali
LOL.cute
LOLOLOLOLOLOL
overthebigmoon
Target has them and you can order them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XR6MBQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000XR6MBQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ovthbimo0b-20
Amy
These are great ideas! Thank you!!
Bella Guiness
I was wondering if I am supposed to keep our elf’s hand’s sewn together or not. Looks like some of the photos that they cut their elf’s hands loose but in others they seem to still be sewn? Don’t want to ruin ours by cutting them apart if I’m not supposed to.
mommy manda
I was wondering the same thing!
jenney
you could cut them and them put some velcro on his hands for when they need to be together!
Kaija
Hey! I’m ten! I get to help my mom with the elf on the shelf for my little brother. We cut the string off so he is posable. Also we Velcro it.
Pam Dana
Great ideas!! I bet you’re a super helper! Thanks for the comment!
overthebigmoon
It’s just up to you – what you prefer. I keep our Elf’s hands together, cause I like to be able to hook him over and on things, but my sisters have cut theirs!
Tammi Rae
There are several tutorials online where people cut their hands apart, sewed velcro to them and even inserted 14 gauge wire into their arms/legs to make them bendy for even more fun poses. http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/hack-your-elf-on-the-shelf-tutorial/
Nicole
I cut mine and attached velcro! It was super-easy, and I also inserted wire so he’s more pose-able. I posted a tutorial on my blog:
http://lifesolovely.com/2012/12/01/elf-on-the-shelf-mod-in-easy-steps/
Let me know what you think!
Nicole
melissa
I went and bought heavy wire to do my elf I bought this year, only to not be able to insert ot because at his elbows and knees it is sewn shut 🙁 Hmm it must be a new feature to try and make him more sturdy??
myrubygirl.com
We cut ours and when I need to hook her over something, or I need her to hold something, I use well hidden straight pins…
Lindsay Pickard
I cut the hands apart and i also take off the hat sometimes. you can glue it back on if need be.
spunjo1221
I think you can do whatever you want with them. You paid for it.
Susan
You can buy elfs with velcro. I have 1 for my son.
Pam Dana
Yes! You totally can!
Sharon
I cut mine apart to do more things with her.
Dorcas Troche
These are so funny! Our elf had a potential magic loss on Thanksgiving and my eight-year old almost had a nervous breakdown.
overthebigmoon
Be sure to keep our Elf on the Shelf Magical Recovery Kit handy in case it happens again! http://overthebigmoon.com/elf-on-the-shelf-magical-recovery-kit/
Emily
Thats just too funny!!
MumofC&D
Rudy, our Rascally Reindeer, is going to decorate our tree with undies this year. This should really tickle the fancy of our 2.5 and 4.5 year old boys! Toilet humour is BIG in our house right now!
Laura
Our Elf’s name is “Twinkle”, and this is a tradition that’s been in our family LONG before “EotS” became popular. I had an Elfen friend when I was a kid (I’m in my 40’s). But I’ve been running out of places for him to hang out, so I’m really glad I stumbled through your site. I’ll definitely be using some of these ideas. We have plenty of Lego People, so I see Twinkle reading books to them. And I am SO wrapping the toilet!!
Andrea Kiser
My two kids elf on the shelf dolls are name catrina and A.J
Michelle
Ours is Twinkle also! Pinterest has some great EotS ideas! Merry Christmas!
Amy Lanhardt
Great ideas!
We have some more Elf ideas over at our blog!
We’d love it if you’d take a look!
http://makinglifewhimsical.blogspot.com/2012/11/we-believe-in-christmas-magic.html
Have a whimsical day!
Danielle
I’m super interested in doing this, this year. I’m curious to know what the story is that goes along with elf and stuff..
Lisa
You can order it through Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XR6MBQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000XR6MBQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ovthbimo0b-20
kelly
Go to bed bath and beyond and use 20% coupon and save $6 bux
Danielle
I am in LOVE with our elf Princess.. we have done many of these ideas and more..
We have put Barbie sunglasses and tied a scarf around her neck in the Barbie convertible. Made a mess in the kitchen with flower, and went to a bakery and bought gingerbread cookies and Xmas cupcakes, put spatula in he hand so it looked like she made them.. my favorite was when my girls touched her. The next morning she was flat on her face between the window panes. I told our girls Princess tried to fly but had lost her magic. We sprinkled her with pixie dust and sang xmas carols to her all day. She recovered of course! Put her on top of the Xmas tree with the angel on the ground. can’t wait to see what princess does in 2012.. fond of the zipline idea :O)
Heather J
Great idea about losing her magic! This will be our first year with an elf, and I know my kids will touch ours.
gootz34
can’t wait for our elf to return Thanksgiving night…. these ideas will make this season tons of fun!!!
randi
omg these are the cutest ideas ever i am using most of these and cant wait.
Heidi Schilling Fowler
What a fun post, Pam! I love the kid trap and the hot air balloon ride!
Lori Hunt-Gentry
I am wrapping the toliet this year!!! haha!
Jamey Tobler
I have never done Elf on the Shelf, and seeing these easy cute ideas makes me want to! 🙂 My hubby thinks it is just one more way to lie to the kids, so I would just need to get him on board.
Jen
My husband was in a similar situation. Reading him the story that actually goes with the elf totally got him on board. He picked out a name and wanted me to take the girl elf I picked out and get a boy:-)
overthebigmoon
So fun Cassie! Can’t wait to see it!
Cassie Osborne
I can’t wait to start our Elf on the Shelf! I have a pack coming out for it.