Are you a busy mom in need of Elf on the Shelf ideas? You and every other mom on the planet, right?
The Christmas season is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year, and now with the unavoidable popularity of the Elf on the Shelf, the entire month of December is busier than ever.
Ask any busy mom about their wretched beloved elf, and you’re likely to get an eye roll, a look of commiseration or a look of pure disgust.
Why do we keep torturing ourselves year after year with that friendly scout elf? Because our kids adore him. We adore our kids. Therefore we are stuck with the Elf.
It’s magical. It’s exciting. It’s fun (for them!).
This year, I want you to actually enjoy your elf. I want you to feel ready to tackle 25 days of elf shenanigans. I want you to KILL IT, Elf on the Shelf style.
This guide is going to give you everything you need in one spot. Seriously, you better pin this for later.
- The elf’s arrival– a printable letter and arrival ideas to herald your elf back in style.
- Elf name suggestions– find the perfect name for your month-long houseguest.
- Elf ideas– all of the poses and set ups that you need that look awesome (but only take a couple minutes to implement)
- Elf goodbye letter– Another printable letter that will help your kid’s happily transition to everyday elf fun to the elf hangover.
- Elf props, printables, pets and accessories.
This post contains affiliate links.
Coming Up With A Plan
I highly, HIGHLY suggest getting prepared now. Even if you’re reading this on December 15 and your elf has been performing hijinks for weeks now, it’s never to late to sit down and create a plan.
Believe me. You don’t want to be up at midnight searching for and implementing your next elf scenario.
And you most DEFINITELY don’t want to realize at 4am in the middle of your peaceful winter’s nap that you forgot to move the elf! (Check out my arrival letter which makes it okay if this happens!)
So create a Pinterest board, and fill it with all of the ideas that you love. Or just pin this post, because it’s ALL you’re gonna need. Then, if you’re printing anything, print it all at once.
Finally, set an alarm on your phone. That’s your reminder! Seriously, last year, I browsed Pinterest, saw about 274 elf ideas and STILL went to bed without moving her. Then, surprise! I woke up in a darn panic in the middle of the night. Worst. Nightmare.
Elf on the Shelf Arrival
The first day that your elf arrives is probably the most exciting. You definitely don’t want your elf just, you know, sitting on a shelf. Oh the horror!
You need to think of how you can welcome your elf back (or to your home for the first time) in an exciting way.
And honestly, this is day one. The day when you’re going to have the most energy to pull off crazy elf shenanigans.
Check this post out with 14 cute elf arrival ideas. Most are super simple to implement, but have a big wow factor.
What ever arrival idea you choose, make sure to pair it with my free printable arrival letter for your Elf on the Shelf.
Boy And Girl Elf On The Shelf Name Ideas
Your elf has officially arrived!
You’re probably hoping to find the perfect name. (Or hoping that your child doesn’t name it something like “Elf”.)
You don’t want this name-giving process to be stressful (like naming a CHILD), you want it to be fun!
So why not check out these 200 boy and girl names for your Elf on the Shelf.
If you want a traditional name for your elf? You got it! Christmas-y? Elf-y? Funny? Ridiculous? This list has all of that and more.
Here’s to finding the perfect name!
30 Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas
The Christmas season was busy enough, and then the creators of the Elf on the Shelf (brilliant, ridiculously rich mother/daughter duo) decided to make it even busier for us moms.
Don’t fret. I’ve got 30 super fun, but super SIMPLE ideas for you. Because while there are some really elaborate ideas that are totally awesome, do you really want to spend your off-duty mom-free time doing it?
Didn’t think so.
With all of these ideas, you should spend 2 minutes tops posing your elf each night.
Here is my list of quick and simple Elf on the Shelf ideas (that are still high impact).
Laying in the silverware tray
Taking a bath in marshmallows
Head first in cereal box or candy box
Writing kids or Santa a message
Hiding among stuffed animals
Covered in bows or band-aids
Wearing your child’s boots
Playing a game, like the best kid’s game ever invented Sleeping Queens
Reading a book (Mother Bruce is one of our favorites!)
Peeking out of a drawer
Get the rest of the 30 elf on the shelf poses <——– here.
Make sure that your kids get to tell Santa exactly what they want with these 10 ways to communicate with Santa.
Excuses for the Elf on the Shelf who Didn’t Move
If you didn’t use my Elf arrival letter which tells your kids that it’s okay if the elf doesn’t move overnight, then you might need some suggestions.
Elf arrival letter <—— PIN IT for next year
Keep these excuses in mind.
Excuse #1- Blame it on the younger sibling.
You can always tell your child that you think you saw the toddler touch the elf the day before.
Excuse #2- You forgot to tell him good night and he was waiting up all night for you to let him know that you were going to bed so that he could sneak out.
Excuse #3- He looks tired.
Don’t you think he looks tired? I bet he wanted a break. It’s a long fly to the North Pole!
Or better yet, read and pin 14 Reasons Your Elf Didn’t Move about what to say when your Elf forgets to move. (Her ideas are way better than mine).
Your Elf’s Departure
Did you ever hear of the Christmas hangover? That feeling when you have been waiting and preparing for Christmas Day for an ENTIRE month and it’s over in the blink of an eye? It can be a huge letdown.
It’s the same thing with your kids. But not only is Christmas morning over and all of that excitement, but Jingles has flown back to the North Pole after weeks of daily excitement.
It can be sad for a kid.
Leaving your child with a letter from your elf that they can actually hold will help them feel a little less let down.
Get your Elf on the Shelf Goodbye letter <——–HERE.
Elf Props, Printables, Pets and Accessories
There are so many awesome accessories out there for your elf. Did you know that you can buy outfits for your elf? Even pets!
Most importantly, have fun and remember, you’re the mom, you are the one in control. Don’t let the Elf on the Shelf steal your Christmas spirit!
So tell me busy mom, do you love or loathe the Elf on the Shelf? What are your best Elf on the Shelf ideas?
Related posts
Lisa says
My child writes notes every night and the”Elf”writes back.This all started because her friends Elf not only moves every night but also writes them letters and leaves them treats or small gifts .I like the way she gets so excited but it gets exhausting at times.My daughter is a night owl like me so waiting on her to fall asleep to do all this with the Elf is hard sometimes .I’m glad the Internet has a ton of ideas because I ran out last Christmas lol.
Brenda says
I hear you! My mother-in-laws elves move multiple times a day. I just can’t compete! I’m glad my post was helpful!
Good Life of a Housewife says
Great ideas Brenda! My daughter’s two, so I think we are going to start Elf on the Shelf next year. I feel like I have been pinning ideas for years now. This is a great list!
Brenda says
Thanks so much! I have a 2 gaD guy she’s
Brenda says
Thank you so much! I have a 2 year old also! Two is definitely a great age for the Elf on the Shelf 🙂
Julia K says
I am a primary school (elementary) teacher in the UK and I’ve just bought an elf on the shelf for my classroom this year. I absolutely adore Christmas but don’t get to do this at home, as I’ve got no kids of my own. I am absolutely loving it so far, especially how excited the kids are about seeing him each morning! As it’s a school elf, I get weekends off and I can use the same ideas each year as well, because I’ll have new kids 🙂 Thanks for these ones to add to the list!
Brenda says
I’m a teacher as well but I teach 6-8 grade, so I’m not sure they would be very receptive! Elf on the Shelf in the classroom sounds like fun though 🙂 I’m so glad that you found my post helpful, thanks for letting me know!