Elf on the Shelf can be a very magical, wonderful, overwhelming, and dreadful holiday tradition. All jokes aside, it is one of my favorite parts of the holidays but it can be a daunting task each night.The excitement on my kids' face each morning is what keeps me going and trying to top my setups year to year. However, the terror is real when you wake up in the morning only to realize you forgot to move the dang elf. It has happened to the best of us and I am terrified of letting my kids down and ultimately losing the Elf magic for good. In an attempt to combat the dreaded morning shock, I like to plan ahead on my approach and scene setup.
Below you will find some of my most favorite Elf scenes from past years. I also have included my plan for this year to help you also plan your Elf attack!
Below you will find my Pinterest page full of my past scenes and other scenes I have saved that I would like to recreate: Pinterest Page for inspiration.
You can shop all my Elf purchases for this year HERE
This Year's Plan:
Elf Door - we have never had this accessory before and I thought it would be fun to introduce it this year. This is something I think you can use year to year as the Elf's entrance and Exit point.
Advent Calendar - most people purchase an advent calendar for their kids during this time of year. Why not kill two birds with one stone and have your elves deliver it. Also, in past years we have given this "late" so we caught them up as part of the scene. For example, last year we staged the elves to look like they ate 3 days of chocolate.
Letters to Santa - since most kids write letters to Santa, I stage the elves as taking the letters back to Santa, rather than putting them in the mail. This is one of the ideas I am able to use year to year without question.
Elf cookies from @sugar&confetti - There is a local bakery this year offering mini Elf cookies. this is new for us and one of the items I will purchase for our Elf scenes. In past years the Elves have either pre-baked cookies or brought cookie decorating kits. Trader Joes is also great for this. They make super cute kits. Again, another holiday tradition that you're likely going to do anyway. This rolls another Elf scene and a holiday tradition into one.
Elf Hammock - This is a new purchase for the Elf scenes. Since the Elf loses their magic if touched, I try to elevate a lot of the scenes to prevent tempting my kids. This is something I won't be able to use every year but can maybe skip a year and reintroduce it.
Elf Sleepover - This inexpensive Amazon purchase allows for a few different scene options. The robes can be a "spa day" while the sleeping bags allow for either a camp out or sleepover scene. The accessories can be used a few different times without repeating full scene setups.
Elf Water Color - I purchased these inexpensive activity books to stage with the elves. If I am going to spend money on the setups, my kids might as well have an activity attached to it.
Streamers blocking door - I saw this on Pinterest and thought the boys would get such a kick out of it. I am going to block the doors with streamers that they have to break through in the morning. Silly and simple, those usually make the biggest impact.
Holiday Pajamas - This is one of my favorite setups and something I do every year. Again, I purchase holiday pajamas anyway why not have the Elf deliver them to us. I do this early in the holiday season so my kids can use them all month long.
Elf Bath/floating in a tub of water - I have seen this setup a few different times but have never executed on it. I found cheap drink floats for the pool, they are super cheap and the perfect size to send our Elves floating.
Floor is Lava - My kids are obsessed with this show, I figured they would get a kick out of the Elves playing. This will take some crafting as I have to create the lava. I am envisioning suspending the elves over red, orange and yellow tissue paper. This will not cost me anything but will take an extra few minutes to setup.
Sledding scene with towels - Another scene where it will take very little setup and using mostly things I have around the house. You could make the sleds out of cardboard or even candy canes. I did purchase inexpensive wooden sleds. I figured I could reuse these year to year in different scenes. I have white towels that I will stack and position the Elves on sleigh ride.
Helium Balloons/ Elves Floating - Something I would have to run for the store for during the day and hide the balloons, so executing on this might be a bit more work, But I thought it would be so cute to have the Elves floating from a bunch of balloons; a bit of a nod to the movie "UP".
Race to the Finish Line - This takes no extra funds and can be used with items around the house. I love the idea of a foot race or potato sack race (using brown paper bags).
Picnic with Play Food - Using some of the play food from our toy kitchen, I will create a picnic scene.
Draw a Mustache on Mommy - In past years we have painted Jon's toes and drawn green noses on the kids while they were sleeping. These funny little pranks make a huge impact and the kids get a kick out of it. This year I thought it would be fun to have the Elves draw a mustache on Mommy.
Stairs in Wrapping Paper - Last year the Elves wrapped our toilet in wrapping paper and the boys nearly died laughing. This year I thought maybe I wrap the stairs in wrapping paper as a stair runner. Pro tip- use left over wrapping paper from last year.
Beach Scene - Using stuff we already have, like play sand and some mini beach toys, I can easily and quickly setup a scene showing the elves having a summer getaway.
Other easy ideas, if you have any holiday experiences setup, for example a light show, the Polar Express or Santa Brunch, you can set it up that the Elf brings those things to your children.
The last few days are still in the works - stay tuned for updates!
Have a fun scene or idea? I would love for you to share them with me.
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