5 Fun New Ideas For Your Elf On The Shelf
December is nearly upon us, and for many families around the world that means one thing. It’s time for the Elf on the Shelf to return for another season of fun. If your family has been taking part in this tradition for several years (like we have!) you may be starting to run out of fun elf ideas by now… Today, I’m sharing 5 new antics our Elf on the Shelf, Pizza, came up with.
Pins And Needles!
Waiting for Christmas is hard, even for elves! I picked up one of these fun little pin impression toys for the boys. Looks like Pizza got to play with it first though! It can be hard waiting through the countdown to Christmas, but a new little toy will break up the boredom a bit.
Watch Me Sip!
Both of my boys are big fans of ‘Whip Nae Nae’, especially #thelittleone! Pizza the elf seems to like it too. He even mixed things up with a little bit of a ‘punny’ play on words. This Elf On The Shelf antic is super simple to put together… All you need is a crazy straw or two, and a little trinket of a toy for elf play time!
Something Stinks…
I’ll be entirely honest here- I am in charge of our Elf On The Shelf about 99% of the time. But every once in a while, my hubs will jump in a bit with a suggestion. This is one of his own ideas, right down to the tiny clothespin, and I think it’s adorable! The kids think it’s hysterical – what little boy doesn’t get a giggle from poo?! Plus they get a sweet treat as well.
Elf Yourself!
My kiddos love any sort of creative project, and if it doubles as dress up, even better! I grabbed an inexpensive DIY mask that reminded me of Elf On the Shelf. We’re pairing it with some crayons or markers for a simple morning craft project that they boys can work on together.
It’s A ‘Berry’ Exciting Season!
There’s not much cuter than a craft project that captures my boys’ tiny fingerprints forever! This simple chance to decorate foam wreath ornaments is perfect. Our Elf On The Shelf left some of his own tiny fingerprint berries on his wreath, and encourages the boys to do the same. This is definitely an antic for Pizza to bring on a weekend- I don’t have the time or patience for paint-y fingertips on a school morning!
DOES YOUR FAMILY PARTICIPATE IN THE ELF ON THE SHELF TRADITION? WHAT SORT OF FUN STUFF DOES YOUR ELF DO? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
Essentials You May Need…
Karen
Your elf has a name! That’s so cute. I have a 7 year old niece who is crazy about Elf On A Shelf. I don’t think she’s named him yet though…we’ll have to work on that. Thanks for the creative ideas!
Kate
Oh yes, he was named right away! My oldest was 2 and I rang the doorbell and left the elf box on the porch. He looked out the window and announced that pizza was here, so we named him Pizza, hahah.
Jessica
These are such cute ideas! Gave ma a good chuckle 🙂
Jessica || Cubicle Chic
http://www.mycubiclechic.com
Kate
Thanks very much Jessica!
Mini Pearl
Just put our elf out last night so these are great ideas! I’m running out of ideas so thank you!
Kate
After a few years, it’s tough to come up with more ideas, isn’t it?!
Courtney
I love the “Elf Yourself” – super cute! Love that it’s so interactive with the kids. Can’t wait to start this tradition of my own!
Kate
It’s definitely a fun tradition! Thanks Courtney!
itsahero
Watch me sip…. 😛 😛 I’m DYING at it!! Love it!
Kate
I felt pretty proud of myself for coming up with that one, hahaha!
cassy french
These are great & hilarious ideas!! I’ve never done elf on the shelf, but this is totally what I’d want to do with him if I did! (My daughter is only 7 months old.) I especially love the sip & nae nae, and the stinky one! So cute!
Kate
Thank you! We try to have as much fun with it as we can!
Tabitha Blue / Fresh Mommy Blog
These are too cute!! Love the letterboard ideas!
Kate
Thanks so much Tabitha!
livewellplaytogether
I am a sucker for puns so the “Watch Me Sip” one is my favorite! We don’t have an Elf on the Shelf here, but I always love seeing what people come up with for them!
Kate
Totally into puns also (clearly), so I’m glad you appreciated that one!
roxy
how adorable! I can’t wait until my kiddo is old enough to play with the elf!
Kate
Don’t let them touch it! It will lose it’s magic, hahaha!
Annemarie LeBlanc
These are all fun ideas for the Elf on the Shelf. However, we stopped doing it this year because my youngest grandchild got freaked out by it. Maybe when he’s older, he will enjoy having an Elf on the Shelf.
Kate
I’ve known some kids that were nervous about the elf. Definitely only want to do it if it’s fun for everyone!
Eryka
These are hilarious! I love them!
Kate
Thanks very much!
Jenn
I love that you’ve incorporated the letter board! So cute!!
Kate
My oldest thinks the elf uses the board to leave the messages… Saves me from having to disguise my handwriting, haha.
Jacki
Aw these are really cute ideas! We don’t do the elf on the shelf currently.
Kate
Don’t start it unless you’re sure you wanna do it! I feel like I can never stop now, haha.
Amanda Wells
So fun! I love your message board!
Kate
Thank you! I’m obsessed with my boards lately!
Mia
Very creative ideas for the elf! I can’t believe how huge these things made it.
Kate
They’re definitely a product that really took off!
Shannon Peterson
Oh my goodness gracious! These are so clever and definitely unique!
Kate
Thanks very much Shannon!
Aarika
These are such cute ideas! I’ve never owned an Elf on the Shelf, but I love seeing what others do with the adorable Christmas pastime! =)
Kate
I love seeing other people’s elf ideas as well!
Stephanie Bishop
Super fun ideas- I barely remember to even move our elf!
Kate
I have to confess… I only have my oldest part time since I split custody with his dad. The elf only moves when he’s here. If it’s just the two year old, I’m pretty lazy with the elf, ’cause he doesn’t totally ‘get it’ yet.
Angela Amores
I wish I was this on the ball with Elf on The Shelf. I usually Forget midway through the week.
Angela
Kate
I tend to brainstorm a lot early, so I have a stash of ideas to choose from later… There are nights I barely remember to move him, so having back up plans helps me.
Hannah | Lovely little lives
Very cute ideas!
Kate
Thanks very much Hannah!
Sarah Camille
Hahaha these are SO fun! I love the watch me sip, watch me play play. When things like this are fun for parents and kids it’s a win-win. 🙂
Kate
Thank you! We definitely have a lot of fun with it!
Aliza
these are all so cute!! i will have to share with my mom who’s a teacher and has one in her classroom!
Kate
Thanks so much Aliza!
MeganSays
My boss has an Elf on the Shelf – he keeps moving it around the house but it’s scaring the kids! Maybe he should just stay on the shelf!
Kate
Hahaha, I have some friends whose kids were also scared of the elf!