Looking through a makeshift telescope – Set your elf up with a toilet paper roll turned into a telescope, looking at the stars or out the window. It’s a charming and easy setup. 16. Laundry Day Fun

This is a great one if you have two elves, but if you don’t just set them up to play against one of your child’s favourite toys. In some cases, they could also disappear when touched, such as when a dog might get a hold of them. Naughty elf is sliding down the stair’s in one of the family’s slippers! Try adding some string so elf can hold on and make it look like a sleigh. 22. Elf is sewingThis delightful generator is a fun and lighthearted way to discover your unique elf name, perfect for holiday parties, gift exchanges, or simply to bring a little North Pole magic into your home. Elf brings Santa’s “nice” list to show your child, with their names on it! You can just do this on your computer and print it off in a nice font, or try handwriting it if you have good handwriting! Idea from Growing Clan 19. Sharing drawings Is this some kind of elf inception? Whether your family has two elves or you just want to gather up some other toys for a Christmas movie night, this scene comes together using a cupcake wrapper, popcorn and a personal viewing of "Elf" on a laptop. 25. Could use a little help here! Make sleepy elf a bed out of a box of tissues, using some folded up tissues as a pillow and a tissue as a duvet. 44. Swinging from the ceiling

Some teachers (and parents) use the Elf on the Shelf to monitor for bad behaviour, but a positive behaviour focus allows you to integrate an Elf on the Shelf or other classroom visitor into your Ppositive reinforcement. Try setting your daily visitor up in a spot in the classroom where they can ‘catch kindness’ during the holiday season.

What Age Should You Start Elf on the Shelf?

Wrap the Elf in tin foil, including making him a little hat, then hang him from a ceiling light using string. Add some cut out stars (use foil for these too) to make it look like he’s in space. 55. Elf is raiding the piggy bank Having a sleepover with other toys – Arrange a sleepover scene with the elf and other toys, complete with a tiny blanket and pillow. It’s a cozy and adorable setup. 22. Cotton Ball Snowman This one isn't for the faint-hearted... surprise your kids with a balloon and streamer barricade at the door of their bedroom. Set your own early morning wake-up call with colourful balloons, streamers, and tape, then leave the party-loving elf somewhere up high to keep watch. If your little ones have a sweet tooth, why not get your mysterious elf in on the action? The elf could sit on top of its very own little hot chocolate station with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and anything else you like to add to your winter-warming drinks. Drink up with the family, and enjoy! The next day put out two Kinder Eggs, or similar egg-shaped treat, instead of the real eggs. This one gives you two days of ideas! 4. Elf is riding on a sleigh

Everyone is a pro at video messaging these days, so bring the fun to your elves with a simple printout of a magical Zoom call (complete with Santa!) and a laptop set-up. 36. Cirque du Elf-e. One thing I don’t do, is threaten my kids that Sparkles is watching them and they best watch their behavior or Santa may get a bad report from the day. Practicing elf yoga – Pose your elf in a simple yoga position, maybe with a piece of paper as a yoga mat. It’s a fun way to promote physical activity in a playful manner. 20. Artist at Work

Email Newsletter Sign-up

Do you have a sewing machine? Get elf making something on the machine with Christmassy fabric, and drape a tape measure over their shoulders too! You could do something similar with a knitting set. 23. Elf has a wash Elf has one or more eggs (depending on how many kids you have) on the kitchen counter plus a little dish with glitter or sprinkles inside. Name Tags for Christmas Parties: Add a twist to your holiday party by using your elf names on name tags.

Walk down the steps and put the elf on the tree. No need to overthink this one! 57. Down the hall ... or steps! For a humorous setup, entangle your elf in a string of mini Christmas lights (or use a small piece of yarn decorated with beads to resemble lights). Position the elf as if it was in the midst of decorating and got a little wrapped up in the process. Challenge your year 2 students to write a narrative that explains what THEY think the elf does at night after you have left the classroom. Make some paper chains so that you have a few loops, then leave some extra so it looks like Elf has been caught in the middle of making paper chains! Via Me Becoming Mum 39. Cowboy ElfThis Elf on the Shelf tradition is easy to uphold and follows three simple rules: First, children cannot touch the elf or he will lose his magic. If this happens, no worries, just set some cinnamon next to the elf overnight and his magical powers will revive. Second, the elf does not speak or move while the children are awake ( Psst—for all parents out there, wait until your kids are asleep before you move your elf). The biggest rule of all? Have fun! What Age Should You Start Elf on the Shelf? This activity not only brings the winter wonderland indoors but also offers a tactile experience for your toddler. It’s a great way to involve them in a fun, hands-on activity, where they can help the elf build the perfect little snowman. This idea adds a touch of winter magic to your home and is a delightful way to celebrate the festive spirit of the season. 23. Beach Day Test your North Pole skills with this favourite Scout Elf game. Hook and hang the peppermint candy canes and Santa’s Scout Elf one by one. Build the longest chain to win. Play with two sets for an added challenge. Fun for all ages! Say goodbye to your Elf with a special note or letter. See you again next year! FREE PRINTABLE ELF ON THE SHELF ACTIVITIES: 24 CHALLENGES