Elf on a Shelf… some families live for the magic and mischief, others… not so much. But for both Julie and Christine, this quirky little holiday tradition has been part of our December rhythm for years, and yes, we fully plan on keeping the chaos going.
This year, though? The Elf upped his game. He somehow snuck into my bag and made his way all the way to Ford Field. And honestly? It was hilarious. In between games there’s downtime, so I took him for a little walk. Within minutes people were asking, “Wait… why is the Elf at the MHSAA Football Finals?” And all we could say was, why wouldn’t he be? Watching fans giggle, point, and follow along to see where he’d pop up next was pure holiday joy.
A couple reminders from our long-standing Elf Rulebook:
• Kids do NOT touch the Elf. Period. Sometimes that means he temporarily “borrows” the remote control or claims certain objects as off-limits.
• If your Elf makes a mess… your kids help clean it up. Holiday magic + life skills = win/win.
And yes, the kids absolutely love it… but we cannot tell you how many times we’ve jolted awake from REM sleep with that full-body panic: “OH NO, THE ELF!” The struggle is real and very festive.
But we’re no longer letting this 4-ounce bundle of holiday mischief hold us hostage. Over the years, we’ve collected tons of Elf ideas, some classic, some clever, some borderline genius, and this year, we’re sharing a few more of our favorites.
Scroll to the end for more Elf on the Shelf inspo from seasons past… because the Elf might move every night, but good ideas are meant to be reused. 🎄✨
Been sick? Well, the elf must quarantine. As in, sit in time out. No North Pole Norovirus here. A small band aid across the face acting as a mask and place him (or her) in some sort of jar, or somewhere up and away – 5 days of quarantine to curb the possibility of the Elf introducing any new germs. A few days from a few feet away.
Elf slept like a baby with his head propped up with a diaper and he found a missing pacifier.
Let’s mess with Mom and prevent morning coffee until he is spotted.
The FLOOR IS LAVA – seems he used a few bows to boost himself up off the floor.
Tree up but not decorated? He sometimes hangs out in the tree waiting and watching.
Elf on a Shelf classic… Time to decorate the tree? Well this little mischievous holiday nuisance seems to love to get tangled up in a string of lights.
Gone fishing? Thankfully the Elf picked a bathroom that is not often used in the middle of the night.
In sticking with the same theme, wrapped it. Also grateful he didn’t choose the toilet used in the middle of the night.
Found him waiting in the refrigerator door last year – slurping syrup.
A “be nice” reminder – Incredible Hulk fists add to the “power” of the message.
Let’s get ready to decorate some cookies! Flour, sugar, sprinkles, beads… ELF GONE WILD. Sometimes he leaves a note. Here is he saying goodbye for the year.
Snow angels! Or the case here, Captain Crunch angels!
The other toys have had it. They seemed to have taped the Elf to the wall!
Got juice? Just hanging out here waiting to pack some lunches in the morning.
Let’s go toilet papering!
Waiting in the morning with a new hat. Here, some new Michigan State swag.
Just hanging out in an empty coffee cup.
Spent the night in the drawer, waiting for the first to join him for breakfast.
We make a few ornaments each year. One morning, the ornaments are sitting on the table with the Elf, ready to be decorated.
Here, working on that week’s spelling words! Elf loves hanging out in the Barbie Jeep, Dream Car or any other means of transportation made for similarly sized toys.
One night, we discovered the Elf hanging out with some friends reading a new book.
Last year, the Elf sat up all night long trying bracelets. Doubtful we will find this craft in the morning again.
Also last year, the Elf was found on the couch reading, “You are a Badass,” not only did the kids (who could read) find this amusing, it was nice to see the Elf do some work on self-doubting himself.
Letter boards*. Never ending possibilities. And the Elf on a Shelf always seems to scatter a few letters around to make it look like he, or she, really had to work. And again, the Elf visits the kids, the kids need to help pick up the mess. *one school mascot is the Bee, he had a play on words!
Our Elf is a game player. On more than one occasion he has been found battling it out with other toys – think Toy Story and FREEZE when Andy shows up. Battleship, checkers, Connect Four, UNO – you name it, this Elf is all in. Here he is sharing a LEGO Advent Calendar with some believers.
Want to make a book fort? Heck yes!
You do you… If it is not fun for you and your family, pass on the Elf on the Shelf! If it is fun or you have older kiddos to help, share some of your ideas here – [email protected] – we are always looking for new inspiration for this seasonal mischief maker.
The Local Moms Network also shared some Elf on a Shelf ideas, you’ll find 25 more ideas for your elf this holiday season HERE!
Here are some more Elf on a Shelf ideas from last year below!
