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Clever Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Kids Activities

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

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Looking for new Elf on the Shelf ideas? Every year, I try to plan out new activities for our shelf. Besides making Christmas crafts with the kids, participating in the Elf on the Shelf it’s one of my favorite holiday traditions. I will admit that it can be stressful when I forget to move the elf or can’t come up with a new way to move him. Don’t let that stop you from doing this fun activity for your kids. They will love it! 

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

I’ve rounded up the best Elf on the Shelf ideas including ways to help welcome your Elf, say goodbye, and help you celebrate all of those wacky days in between. From printables to letter board sayings, there are so many ways to add creativity to your holiday season. Be sure to share with other parents who could use help keeping the magic of this activity alive for years to come. 

Everything you need to know about Elf on the Shelf

Whether you are new to this activity or been doing it for years, here is a refresher course on everything you need to know about this fun Christmas activity for kids. 

What’s Elf on the Shelf? 

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that the whole family can enjoy. It’s quite simple to participate. The most challenging part is trying to keep up with the daily moves. 

  1. Adopt an elf
  2. Read the book 
  3. Name your elf

The rules are simple:

  1. Kids should not touch their Elf, or they will lose their magic!
  2. The elves can not talk, but they make great listeners. 
  3. Scout Elves return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prep for next holiday season! 

The fun is in the daily tasks

When Scout Elves return from the North Pole each night, they land in a different spot in your home. Not to worry—there is a range of ideas, both simple and extra creative, suitable for any and every Scout Elf! 

When does Elf on the Shelf return?

Most Scout Elves return to their families during Scout Elf Return Week—a week-long window at the end of November, leading into December. (This year’s Scout Elf Return Week will take place Nov. 24–Dec. 1.)

Ideas for Elf on the Shelf arrival

Don’t miss out on the fun of celebrating the arrival of your Elf. Whether it’s a simple breakfast or extravagant event your kids will look forward to their Elf on the Shelf Homecoming Party. 

Picking your Elf’s name

Naming your elf is the fun part! Have your kids select a name at the beginning. If you need help here are 20 Elf Names or you can choose to get creative. Still confused about what to name your elf? Use this Elf Name Generator to find your elf’s name. Whatever name you choose, it will be special and unique to your family. 

Elf on the Shelf ideas

Creative Ideas for Elf on the Shelf 

  1. Elf Hiding Spots 
  2. Lazy Moms Guide to Elf on the Shelf
  3. Fun and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
  4. Celebrate Elf on the Shelf with these Printables
  5. Elf on the Shelf Printables (Letter saying Goodbye and more!)
  6. Elf on the Shelf Idea: Candy Cane Jail
  7. Elf on the Shelf Dunk Tank
  8. Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Saying Goodbye
  9. 5 Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
  10. Christmas Story Elf on a Shelf – Free Printable Set
  11. Free Elf on the Shelf Christmas Baking Printable Set
  12. Elf on the Shelf for Busy Lives & Low Budgets
  13. Stranger Things Elf
  14. Elf on the Shelf Letterboard Ideas
  15. Kid-Friendly Elf on the Shelf Ideas
  16. Elf on the Shelf Gift Guide
  17. Elf on the Shelf Idea for Pokemon Fans
  18. Easiest Elf on the Shelf Idea
  19. Elf on the Shelf Clothing Ideas
  20. North Pole Breakfast with Elf on the Shelf

What to do when you forget to move your elf

Use these Elf on the Shelf forgot to move excuses when you need them! No judgment here. I have forgotten a few times in the past. Life happens! 

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Follow my Elf on the Shelf Pinterest board for more ideas to do at home! 

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By Michelle Hancock | November 15, 2019

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Meet Michelle

Dallas Blogger 

 Hi, I’m Michelle. My mission is to help moms believe in themselves through realistic parenting hacks that make life with kids easier and more fun!



Follow On Instagram

@modernmomlife
Instagram post 17976236731290460 Today was one of the hardest days of my life. I said goodbye to one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life, my grandmother. Her laugh was infectious and she spoke loud and with her hands - something I do too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ She told me Women can do anything! That I could do anything!  When I first stated blogging years ago, one of my favorite posts was about a phone call we had that forever shaped my life. 
Her message was clear: Stop and Smell the Roses. Forgive. Step outside your routine. Doesn’t sweat the small stuff. And for crying out loud: Have a sense of humor! 
I will miss you and love you always, sweet Grandmother! 🌹 https://modernmomlife.com/stop-and-smell-the-roses/
Instagram post 17892232828433383 THROWBACK:: When I played with my DSLR camera and captured these photos. Sure, they aren’t the most advanced but I love everything about them. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of kids is one of life’s greatest joys. On the blog, I’m teaching you how to take your own photos in front of the tree with your camera. Capture these moments before time passes you by! (This was two years ago 😢😭) #LinkinProfile #babiesdontkeep #Christmasjoy #diyphotoshoot #diyphotography #ChristmasTrees
Instagram post 17863341325581099 Feels like home! Things are coming together and I’m feeling somewhat more settled since our move. Give me your best places to shop from for holiday decor. Looking for some more items for my mantle! Also need a coffee table eventually but my dog loves lying there now. #FeelsLikeHome #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #Cozy
Instagram post 18080368810148226 🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! I hope you focus on the good and always find something to be grateful for no matter what fires you are putting out right now. One of the things I am grateful for besides my family is you! There’s a lot of noise out there online. I am thankful each time you like, comment and support this crazy blog life of mine! You keep my heart and coffee full. ❤️ No need to leave any other hashtag than #Thankful! (Photo by @nicolesunphotos)
Instagram post 18094593274110463 Had the best time at @kidzaniausa in Frisco! It’s a city run by Kids and open to the public! ⠀
⠀
The level of attention to detail is incredible. Every activity is hands on and provides children the opportunity to explore and try out different jobs. We will definitely be back! There’s so many activities so it’s definitely worth every penny of the admission ticket. ⠀
⠀
Things to note:⠀
✍️ There is a toddler area but most activities are geared towards the 5 and up age group. ⠀
✍️ Parents do not come inside the activities. Matter of fact, parents can drop off their kids (8 and up) and go shopping at the mall if they like. ⠀
✍️ Mooyah, Happy Taco and Pie Five Pizza are on site. ⠀
✍️ Passes are good for four hours of play. ⠀
✍️ Passport Perks are available ⠀
✍️ Adults have to pay too! ⠀
✍️ They have over 300 employees and customer service was top notch during our visit. ⠀
⠀
🎫 Get all the details here: https://usa.kidzania.com/en-us/ ⠀
⠀
#hosted #KidZaniaUSA #VisitFrisco #FriscoMom #FriscoMoms #IHeartFrisco #KidZaniaFrisco #KidZania #DFWMom
Instagram post 17844749164809163 Question: Do you make a list and a budget with it comes to holiday shopping or do you wing it? I admit, it's something I need to do better at. When we plan and have a budget, we do better meaning you spend less.  Head to ModernMomLife.com or the link in my profile to download this free holiday shopping planner. It will help you organize your shopping list and keep you in line with your budget. .
.
.
#Planner #Freeprintable #shoppingtips #budgetingtips #organization #blackfridayshopping

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Thank you!

Thank you for subscribing! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Instagram post 17976236731290460 Today was one of the hardest days of my life. I said goodbye to one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life, my grandmother. Her laugh was infectious and she spoke loud and with her hands - something I do too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ She told me Women can do anything! That I could do anything!  When I first stated blogging years ago, one of my favorite posts was about a phone call we had that forever shaped my life. 
Her message was clear: Stop and Smell the Roses. Forgive. Step outside your routine. Doesn’t sweat the small stuff. And for crying out loud: Have a sense of humor! 
I will miss you and love you always, sweet Grandmother! 🌹 https://modernmomlife.com/stop-and-smell-the-roses/
Instagram post 17892232828433383 THROWBACK:: When I played with my DSLR camera and captured these photos. Sure, they aren’t the most advanced but I love everything about them. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of kids is one of life’s greatest joys. On the blog, I’m teaching you how to take your own photos in front of the tree with your camera. Capture these moments before time passes you by! (This was two years ago 😢😭) #LinkinProfile #babiesdontkeep #Christmasjoy #diyphotoshoot #diyphotography #ChristmasTrees
Instagram post 17863341325581099 Feels like home! Things are coming together and I’m feeling somewhat more settled since our move. Give me your best places to shop from for holiday decor. Looking for some more items for my mantle! Also need a coffee table eventually but my dog loves lying there now. #FeelsLikeHome #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #Cozy
Instagram post 18080368810148226 🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! I hope you focus on the good and always find something to be grateful for no matter what fires you are putting out right now. One of the things I am grateful for besides my family is you! There’s a lot of noise out there online. I am thankful each time you like, comment and support this crazy blog life of mine! You keep my heart and coffee full. ❤️ No need to leave any other hashtag than #Thankful! (Photo by @nicolesunphotos)
Instagram post 18094593274110463 Had the best time at @kidzaniausa in Frisco! It’s a city run by Kids and open to the public! ⠀
⠀
The level of attention to detail is incredible. Every activity is hands on and provides children the opportunity to explore and try out different jobs. We will definitely be back! There’s so many activities so it’s definitely worth every penny of the admission ticket. ⠀
⠀
Things to note:⠀
✍️ There is a toddler area but most activities are geared towards the 5 and up age group. ⠀
✍️ Parents do not come inside the activities. Matter of fact, parents can drop off their kids (8 and up) and go shopping at the mall if they like. ⠀
✍️ Mooyah, Happy Taco and Pie Five Pizza are on site. ⠀
✍️ Passes are good for four hours of play. ⠀
✍️ Passport Perks are available ⠀
✍️ Adults have to pay too! ⠀
✍️ They have over 300 employees and customer service was top notch during our visit. ⠀
⠀
🎫 Get all the details here: https://usa.kidzania.com/en-us/ ⠀
⠀
#hosted #KidZaniaUSA #VisitFrisco #FriscoMom #FriscoMoms #IHeartFrisco #KidZaniaFrisco #KidZania #DFWMom
Instagram post 17844749164809163 Question: Do you make a list and a budget with it comes to holiday shopping or do you wing it? I admit, it's something I need to do better at. When we plan and have a budget, we do better meaning you spend less.  Head to ModernMomLife.com or the link in my profile to download this free holiday shopping planner. It will help you organize your shopping list and keep you in line with your budget. .
.
.
#Planner #Freeprintable #shoppingtips #budgetingtips #organization #blackfridayshopping
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