Ours is named Earnest and he usually flies out to our house to make an appearance shortly after Thanksgiving. Then he sticks around all Christmas season, hiding in the shadows, watching, waiting. No, he’s not some creepy family member who just won’t leave. Earnest is our Elf on the Shelf. For us he’s less of an overseer, and more a fun holiday season guest – for the kids at least.
For me, Earnest is just one more thing on my very full holiday plate. I scroll through Facebook or Instagram and see tons of great pictures of parents creatively posing their elves throughout the season. I want to be that creative, but I’m also TIRED and my brain is fried most nights. Same goes for my husband.
Given that, Earnest spends most of his time on literal shelves, moving from furniture to counters and the like. He pops up in each of our individual stockings (that’s 4 nights worth of hiding – WOOT!) and usually once a season in the fridge. And sometimes we completely forget to move him and tell the kids Earnest is being tricky by hiding in the same place twice in a row (hint: this excuse totally works!).
But, a couple times a season I scroll through Pinterest and find some easy elf-ing tricks. Here are 5 ideas you can pull off pretty easily, quickly, and with limited supplies!
El
f Cookies: Yes, it’s as simple as it looks. After the kids go to bed, take out a batch of premade cookie dough, bake, eat 75% of them warm and fresh from the oven with your partner, then leave the rest for your Elf on the Shelf to “bake.” Grab a spatula and pose. Easy. Simple. Edible. (The kids were also pretty pumped when I let them each eat a cookie with breakfast that morning).
Dollar Store fabulousness: The Dollar store offers a bunch of possibilities for your Elf without breaking the bank. Last year I found a set of holiday photo props and with the help of some scotch tape, we decorated some framed pictures with them. I also dug through the kids’ craft supplies for some pom poms and poof! Ready-made elf fun. Best part? Fast setup and easy cleanup!
Googly Eye Fun: There’s nothing some peel and stick googly eyes can’t fix. You can put them on anything. We did bananas and an apple obviously. But you could easily pick any sort of fruit, maybe eggs, or even some of your framed photos around the house. The possibilities here are endless. And, your package of googly eyes can make it right into your kid craft supply drawer after.
Toilet Paper Countdown: It doesn’t get much easier than this and you won’t need anything that you don’t already have in your house. Get a decent length of toilet paper, write your countdown on it, and position your elf wherever this “scroll” fits best. I’ve seen some Elves toilet paper their whole tree, or other parts of the house, but that is too much work (and MESS) for me.
Bu
bble bath: A bowl, some marshmallows, and a toothbrush are all you need to create your Elf’s very own “bath.” I used big marshmallows but obviously, little ones will work too. The best part is that you’ll still have at least half a bag of marshmallows leftover for snacking.
Wait. Please tell me I’m not the only one who loves plain marshmallows….
One more hint…..get some “magic gloves”….
Anyone who has ever had an Elf visit understands the conundrum of when the Elf on the Shelf falls and is now somehow in the way of you getting around the house. It’s a big dilemma for kids (and parents) since you’re not supposed to touch your Elf. Enter dollar store gloves! Have your Elf drop off a pair with a note that the magic gloves can be used to move him when and only when necessary. Try this one early in the season to reduce stress in the event of an elft-astrophe!
Happy elf-ing season! What are your easy go-to Elf on the Shelf ideas?
