Your lights, tree, throw pillows and other Christmas accents are all in place - but what’s missing? Is there anything else you can do to make the magic of Christmas come to life after you’ve involved the whole family with decorating?
There sure is: Elf on the Shelf, and it offers a whole lot of interactive fun for all of you right up until Christmas.
Elf on the Shelf: Fun for Your Whole Family
If you’ve never continued the tradition of Elf on the Shelf with your family before, here’s how it works.
It’s a Christmas tradition that revolves around the tale of the Scout Elves, Santa’s helpers that stay with your family during the Christmas season and fly back to the North Pole each night to report back to the big guy.
This mischief managed by mom and dad comes with a book explaining its purpose, but the real fun is getting creative with where you place the Scout Elf (named by the parents) in a new place each day. The magic makes him come alive at night to move around while during the day, he freezes in place! These elf ideas can help you keep things interesting for the kids.
Where to Place the Elf?
When you’re looking for creative ways to place your elf among your home’s Christmas accents, there’s no shortage of “elf ideas” but here are some good ones to get your creative juices flowing.
In a Stocking
Scout Elves are just the perfect size to fit right into a stocking, so they can peek out and keep an eye on things in the living room. They’re also sized just right to place on the mantle - another great “elf idea.”
In the Tree
The tree offers a ton of places to drop your Scout Elf, and the best part is that, with all the Christmas accents on your tree, the elf will be camouflaged, yielding quite a surprise when the kids do spot him or her!
In a Christmas Wreath
Most wreaths are sized just right to make a little perch for your Scout Elf. Either drop the elf right at the bottom of the inside of the wreath’s curve, or have the elf “climb” the outside!
On a Bookshelf
Simple and easy, and most bookshelves have more than one shelf or tier where you can place the elf on any days when you need a breather to recover your creativity! Or you can set up a fun little display on the book shelf like the one below!
At the Top of the Staircase
From the top of the staircase (or even climbing the railing or banister) is a great vantage point for your Scout Elf!
On a Windowsill
Another easy place to drop your Scout Elf for a day of observing what’s going on around the homestead - and a natural location.
Hanging from the Fan or Chandelier
Does one of the rooms in your home have a low ceiling fan? Use a short length of Christmas beads or a strand of Christmas lights and hang the Elf from that. Just make sure you keep the fan off!
Make a Candy Cane Zipline
This is a really unique one. Suspend a length of string (or some Christmas lights) between two points in one of the rooms in your home, then hang a candy cane from it somewhere near the middle. Set up your Scout Elf, and there you go!
In the Cupboard or Pantry
Another easy move - it’s a snap to place your Scout Elf in your pantry, in the cabinets, or in a cupboard. Make sure you tuck the elf away in there so it’s not too easy to spot!
Among the Pictures
Does your home have a shelf or nook where all the family pictures are displayed? This makes a great hiding place for your Scout Elf!
Hidden with the the Toys
If your kids have a toy chest or bin that you know they’ll get into, nestling your Scout Elf among the toys is a great way to make sure he’ll get spotted. Just be careful - touching the elf is off-limits, so you don’t want to place the elf somewhere the kids would accidentally touch him. We love these little pets that can come along with the elf for a lot more magical fun!
Climbing the Walls
Here’s another really unique one. Get some adhesive Christmas bows and use these to secure the elf to the walls - as if he’s scaling them. Fun, creative, and sure to get a kick out of the kids.
In the Fridge
Place your Scout Elf right on one of the top shelves in the fridge and the kids are nearly sure to spot him!
In the Silverware Drawer
This is a great way to hide the elf and involve the kids with setup, guaranteed to get a giggle when the kids discover the hiding place!
Over the TV
Position your Scout Elf so that he or she is climbing over the top of the back of the TV - it’s an easy spot, and the elf will have a full view of all those in the room.
Hanging from a Curtain Rod
Super easy to do - just bend the elf’s arms and hang him or her over the front of the curtain rod.
In a Plant
Does your home have a houseplant? Nestle the elf among the foliage and see if the kids can find him!
Snacking on Some Christmas Sweets
Some elves love to get into mischief, and that includes sneaking a sweet snack while the Christmas cookies are cooling on the counter!
Hiding with the Gifts
Once you get the gifts wrapped and under the tree, they’re a great place to nestle a Scout Elf.
Playing a Board Game or Coloring
Scout elves love to have a bit of fun too. If you have board games or coloring books about, you can make a nice scene using these and your Scout Elf.
Shop Christmas Accents Here!
If you’ve never done Elf on the Shelf with your family before, this year is as good as any to start, and we have all the other Christmas accents you need to bring the magic alive. Shop our collection of Christmas greenery, lights, ornaments, throw pillows, resin, and other accents to complete your vision today - then work your Scout Elf on the Shelf into the picture!