Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf

12/3/2020

Our family had so much fun with the Elf on the Shelf. We started it when he was about 9 years old, and continued it until he was about 13. My son would request the return of SJ, his elf, because “it just wouldn’t be Christmas without him.” Melt. My. Heart. Sweet boy, I would move mountains for you, so if you want an Elf on the Shelf, you’re going to get the best Elf on the Shelf ever. And so we did.

If the thought of creating something completely over the top every single night stresses you out, Here are some tips:

Keep it simple. The elf can simply move from room to room, hide in the refrigerator, or climb the Christmas tree. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Use their toys. Have fun with it!
Use what you have around the house. One night a shelf collapsed in our laundry room. Disaster, right? Wrong. Put the elf on top of the mess and viola. Elf on the Shelf mischief… and it was hilarious!
The best tip I can give you is to PLAN AHEAD. Plan the whole month in advance if you can. Once you have your plan for each day, set a reminder in your calendar so you don't forget.

My son would cackle with laughter each morning when he saw the mischief that SJ created. THAT is what it was all about for me. Seeing his face light up was everything. From shredding a snowman, to “making” cookies SJ created some pretty fun memories for our family.

The introduction of our Elf on the Shelf, SJ.

Snow Angels in Sprinkles

SJ Loves Minecraft

Some of my favorites...

Just A Little Shopping

Shredded Snowman

Ooops

Trapped in a Gumball Machine

The Reason for the Season

Probably my favorite SJ moment ever.

SJ get into Amber's wine...

Sponge Bob Square Pants

Let's play a game!

Family Game Night

Help!

A Zipline in the Living Room

Taking Over Amber's Voiceover Microphone

When your child visits the other parent...

We have our son the majority of the time, but when he would visit his biological mother, I would come up with cute ways for SJ to let my son know that he'd be right there waiting for him when he came back home.