Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that has been captivating children and families for over a decade. The idea behind the tradition is that a Scout Elf is sent from the North Pole to watch over children and report back to Santa Claus on their behavior. The Scout Elf is magical and can move around the house each night, creating a sense of wonder and excitement for children as they wake up each morning to find their elf in a new location.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become so popular that it has spawned a whole range of products, from elf outfits and accessories to games and activities. Many families have their own unique ways of incorporating these Elf on the Shelf ideas into their Christmas traditions, and the tradition has become a way for families to bond and create lasting memories during the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Your Elf on the Shelf Headquarters
Origins of Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that has been around for many years. The idea for the Elf on the Shelf originated from a family tradition from the childhood of Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts in Georgia during the 1970s. The sisters had an elf growing up for as long as they can remember, and they wanted to share this tradition with others.
In recent years, the Elf on the Shelf has become a cultural phenomenon, with many families creating their own unique traditions around the beloved character. The Elf on the Shelf has even inspired a movie, Elf Pets: Santa's St. Bernards Save Christmas, and a television series, Elf Pets: Adventures at the North Pole, both of which are available for streaming on Netflix.
The Magic of Elf on the Shelf
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that has been enchanting families around the world for over a decade. At the heart of this magic are the Scout Elves, Santa's official helpers who visit homes every night during the Christmas season to watch over children and report back to Santa on their behavior.
Christmas Tradition
The Elf on the Shelf tradition began in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell wrote a children's book called “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” This book tells the story of how Santa sends Scout Elves to homes around the world to watch over children and report back to him on their behavior. The book has since become a holiday classic and has been translated into over 10 languages.
Scout Elf
The Scout Elves are the heart and soul of the Elf on the Shelf tradition. These magical helpers are sent by Santa to watch over children and report back to him on their behavior. Each night during the Christmas season, the Scout Elves visit homes and find a new hiding spot to surprise the children in the morning. Children love waking up each day to see where their Scout Elf has moved to and what mischief they have gotten into.
The Scout Elves are known for their mischievous antics, which can range from silly pranks to heartwarming surprises. They often leave notes or small gifts for children, reminding them to be kind, share, and spread joy during the holiday season.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is all about love, joy, and the magic of Christmas. It's a time for families to come together and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you're a first-time Elf on the Shelf family or a seasoned pro, the magic of this beloved Christmas tradition is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
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Elf on the Shelf Ideas
The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved holiday tradition that brings magic and excitement to homes during the Christmas season. One of the best parts of having an Elf on the Shelf is coming up with creative and fun Elf on the Shelf ideas for the elf's daily mischief. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Mischief in the kitchen: Have your elf make a mess in the kitchen by spilling flour, sugar, or sprinkles everywhere. The elf can also leave a note challenging the kids to a baking competition.
- Special delivery: Have your elf “deliver” a special package from the North Pole. This can be anything from a small gift to a note from Santa Claus himself.
- Netflix and chill: Set up a cozy movie night for your family with the elf as the star. Have the elf bring popcorn, candy, and a movie for everyone to enjoy.
- Wrapping paper fun: Have your elf wrap up random objects in wrapping paper, like a lamp or a chair. The elf can also leave a note challenging the kids to a wrapping paper scavenger hunt.
- Cookies for breakfast: Have your elf bake cookies overnight and leave them out for the family to enjoy for breakfast.
- Balloon surprise: Fill a room with balloons and have the elf hiding among them. The kids will love searching for the elf in the sea of balloons.
- Nap time: Have your elf take a nap in an unusual place, like on the bathroom sink or in a shoe.
- Snow angels: Create a snow angel in flour or sugar and have your elf lounging next to it.
- Hide and seek: Have your elf hide somewhere in the house and challenge the kids to find him or her.
- Animated special: Have your elf watch the Elf on the Shelf animated special on TV and leave a note for the kids to tune in too.
- NSA: Have your elf set up a miniature North Pole surveillance system to keep an eye on the kids.
- Knitting: Have your elf knit tiny sweaters for the family pets.
- Wrapping: Have your elf wrap up the Christmas tree in wrapping paper.
- Beach day: Set up a beach scene in the living room with sand, beach towels, and sunglasses for your elf to enjoy.
These are just a few Elf on the Shelf ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, the possibilities for Elf on the Shelf mischief are endless.
Plan Your Elf Shenanigans with the Elf on the Shelf Planner
The Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. This mischievous little elf comes to visit every December to keep an eye on the children and report back to Santa Claus. But with so many Elf on the Shelf ideas and activities to plan for, it can be overwhelming to keep track of everything. That's where our free printable Elf on the Shelf Planner comes in.
The Elf on the Shelf Planner is a tool that helps families plan out their elf's activities for the entire month of December. With this planner, families can easily keep track of when their elf will be arriving, what he or she will be doing each day, and even plan out some special activities for the family to do together. The planner includes 24 easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, beginning with an arrival idea on December 1st and ending with a farewell idea on December 24th.
The planner takes the stress out of coming up with new ideas every day. Families can simply follow the planner and execute the fun ideas all December long. The Elf on the Shelf Planner is a great way to ensure that the elf's visit is a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
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Elf on the Shelf Products
The Elf on the Shelf offers a wide range of products that make great gifts for children during the Christmas season. The products include the classic Elf on the Shelf set, accessories, keepsake boxes, and more.
The classic Elf on the Shelf set includes a scout elf and a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of how Santa sends his scout elves to watch over children and report back to him on their behavior. The set also includes a keepsake box for parents to store the elf and book in for years to come.
In addition to the classic set, the Elf on the Shelf offers a variety of accessories to enhance the elf's magic. These accessories include elf clothing, elf pets, and elf-sized furniture. The accessories allow children to create fun and creative scenes with their elf, adding to the excitement of the Christmas season.
Customers can sign up for product notifications on the Elf on the Shelf website to receive updates on new products and special deals. The website also offers a range of resources, including ideas for elf scenes, printable activities, and an email from Santa.
The Elf on the Shelf has a strong social media presence, with active accounts on Instagram and Facebook. Customers can follow the accounts for inspiration and ideas on how to incorporate their elf into their holiday traditions.
Adopting Your Elf
Adopting an Elf on the Shelf is a fun and exciting experience for the whole family. Parents can surprise their children with a new scout elf, or the whole family can visit an official Scout Elf Adoption Center to pick out their very own elf.
To adopt an elf, families can visit Santa's official adoption center website and type in their location to find the closest adoption center. It is important to contact the adoption center directly before visiting to ensure that the elf is available for adoption.
Once the elf has been adopted, it is important to name the elf and record the adoption date. Families can register their elf online at the official Scout Elf Registry to receive a certificate and official adoption letter from Santa.
After adopting their elf, children are encouraged to be on their best behavior so that the elf can report back to Santa each night. Families can also engage in fun family activities with their elf, such as creating elf-sized crafts or setting up silly elf scenes around the house.
Elf on the Shelf Rules
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that brings excitement and joy to children all over the world. As with any tradition, there are rules that must be followed to ensure that the magic of Christmas is preserved.
The first and most important rule of Elf on the Shelf is that children cannot touch the elf. The elf is a magical creature that must not be disturbed, as touching it can cause it to lose its magic. If a child accidentally touches the elf, parents must perform a special ritual to restore the elf's magic.
In addition to not touching the elf, there are other rules that must be followed. The elf cannot speak, but it can listen, so children must be careful what they say around it. The elf must also be moved every day to a new location in the house, as it is watching over the children and reporting back to Santa.
Finally, the elf must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This is important as it allows the elf to report back to Santa one last time before Christmas Day. The elf can then return the following year to continue the tradition.
Elf on the Shelf Printables: Fun and Festive Ideas for the Holiday Season
Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved holiday tradition for families around the world. The idea of having a scout elf who reports back to Santa each night has captured the hearts of children and adults alike. One of the most exciting parts of the Elf on the Shelf experience is coming up with new and creative ways for the elf to surprise and delight the family each day. That's where Elf on the Shelf printables come in.
Elf on the Shelf printables are a fun and easy way to add some extra magic to your holiday season. These printables can range from notes and signs to activities and games for your scout elf to play with. They are a great way to keep the kids entertained while also encouraging them to use their imagination and creativity. With so many different Elf on the Shelf printables available online, there's no shortage of ideas to choose from. Whether you're looking for something simple or elaborate, there's a printable out there that will fit your needs.
The Magic of Elf on the Shelf Printables
Free Elf on the Shelf printables come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular options include coloring pages, activity sheets, and printable decorations. There are also printable Elf on the Shelf props that can be used to create fun scenes and scenarios for your Elf to get into.
One of the best things about Elf on the Shelf printables is that they are so versatile. They can be used to create elaborate scenes and displays, or they can be used to add a little bit of extra magic to your Elf's daily visits. Whether you're looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or you just want to add a little bit of extra excitement to your Elf on the Shelf experience, there's a printable out there that's perfect for you.
Fun and Games with Elf on the Shelf
Elf on the Shelf is a fun and exciting tradition that many families enjoy during the holiday season. To make the most out of this tradition, families can incorporate various games and activities into their Elf on the Shelf adventures.
One popular game is Elf Twister, which is a fun and interactive way to get the whole family involved. The Elf Twister Printable can be downloaded and printed for free, making it an affordable and entertaining option.
Another option is to incorporate puzzles and playing cards into the Elf on the Shelf activities. These can be found online for free and are a great way to keep kids entertained while also encouraging problem-solving skills.
In addition to games, families can also enjoy Elf on the Shelf activities such as Elf Jokes. These can be printed out and added to the Elf's daily antics, providing a fun and humorous twist to the tradition.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
One of the most exciting activities during the Christmas season is the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. This activity involves hiding clues around the house, leading to the final destination where the Elf on the Shelf is waiting. Children love this game, and it's a great way to keep them entertained during the holiday season.
There are many Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt printables available online, making it easy to set up the game. These printables usually include clues that lead to various locations around the house. For example, the first clue might be “Ready or not, the fun has begun! Find the next clue where the stockings are hung.” This clue leads the child to the stockings, where they will find the next clue.
Another popular version of the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt is the Candy Cane Hunt. This version involves hiding candy canes around the house, and the child must find them all to win a prize. This game is perfect for younger children who might not be able to solve more complex clues.
Coloring Fun with Elf on the Shelf
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. One way to add to the fun is by incorporating Elf on the Shelf coloring sheets into the mix. These coloring sheets offer a great way to keep kids entertained while also encouraging creativity and imagination.
There are a variety of Elf on the Shelf coloring sheets available online. Some are simple and easy for younger children, while others are more intricate and detailed for older kids. Many of the coloring sheets feature the Scout Elf in various poses and settings, such as sitting on a shelf or hiding in a Christmas tree.
In addition to traditional coloring sheets, there are also Elf on the Shelf color-by-number sheets available. These sheets offer a fun challenge for kids to follow the color key and create a beautiful finished product.
Parents can use Elf on the Shelf coloring sheets in a variety of ways. They can be used as a fun activity for kids to do while waiting for Christmas dinner or as a way to wind down after a long day of holiday shopping. They can also be used as a fun way to document the Elf's adventures throughout the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Themed Printables
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved holiday tradition for families around the world. One way to make the tradition even more fun is by using Elf on the Shelf themed printables. These printables are a great way to add some extra magic to your Elf on the Shelf experience.
There are many different types of Elf on the Shelf themed printables available, including coloring pages, scavenger hunts, arrival letters, and more. Some of the most popular themes for Elf on the Shelf printables include Disney, Frozen, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Coco.
Disney fans will love the variety of Elf on the Shelf printables available featuring their favorite characters. From Mickey Mouse to Moana, there are printables to suit every Disney fan's tastes. Frozen fans will enjoy the many printables featuring Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Harry Potter fans can add some magic to their Elf on the Shelf experience with printables featuring Hogwarts, Harry, and his friends. Star Wars fans can take their Elf on the Shelf on a journey through the galaxy with printables featuring Darth Vader, Yoda, and more. Coco fans can celebrate the Day of the Dead with printables featuring Miguel and his family.
Using Elf on the Shelf themed printables is a great way to add some extra fun to your holiday traditions. Whether you're looking for coloring pages, scavenger hunts, or arrival letters, there are printables available to suit every family's needs and interests. So why not add some extra magic to your Elf on the Shelf experience this year with some fun and festive printables?
Elf on the Shelf Props and Costumes
One of the best ways to keep the Elf on the Shelf fun and exciting is by incorporating props and costumes into their daily shenanigans. Luckily, there are plenty of free printable options available online to help make this task easier.
There are a variety of props that can be printed out to enhance the Elf's mischief. For example, there are miniature items like a scout elf oven, cereal box and donut box, pizza box, gingerbread house, and even a suitcase. These props can be used to create elaborate scenes that will delight children each morning. The Elf on the Shelf website offers a wide selection of free printable props to choose from.
In addition to props, there are also plenty of printable costumes and hats available. These can be used to dress up the Elf in a variety of outfits, including a superhero, a cowboy, a ballerina, and more.
For those who want to take the Elf on the Shelf experience to the next level, there are even free printable elf cams, rocket ship and outhouse props available. These can be used to create out-of-this-world scenes or add a touch of humor to the Elf's antics. The Elf on the Shelf website offers free printable rocket ship and outhouse props that can be used to create these scenes.
Holiday Treats and Elf on the Shelf
When it comes to the holiday season, baking and treats are a must. And what better way to incorporate Elf on the Shelf into the festivities than with some fun and festive treats?
One easy way to get started is with cookies. There are plenty of Elf on the Shelf cookie cutters available, so you can make cookies in the shape of your favorite little elf. You can also use printable templates to create your own Elf on the Shelf cookies. Don't forget to leave a few cookies out for your elf, too!
If you want to take your baking to the next level, consider getting a baking set with an Elf on the Shelf theme. These sets usually include cookie cutters, spatulas, and other baking tools with the elf's likeness. They're perfect for making all kinds of holiday treats.
For a fun and unique twist on hot cocoa, try adding some marshmallows with Elf on the Shelf faces. You can even print out a free candy cane jail printable to serve as a fun and festive way to display the marshmallows.
Mini donuts are another great option for holiday treats. You can use an Elf on the Shelf donut pan to make donuts in the shape of your favorite elf. Top them with some green and red sprinkles for a festive touch.
And of course, don't forget about the coffee. Elf on the Shelf coffee cups are a fun way to enjoy your morning cup of joe during the holiday season. You can even use a printable template to create your own Elf on the Shelf coffee cup sleeve.
Elf on the Shelf Chore Tasks: Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids on Track
Parents can make daily chores more fun and engaging by involving their kids' Elf on the Shelf. Here are some ideas on how to integrate Elf on the Shelf into daily chores:
Chore Tasks and Games
Parents can create a list of chore tasks for their kids to complete with the help of their Elf on the Shelf. For example, the Elf can leave a note asking the kids to clean their room or help with the dishes. The Elf can also leave clues around the house that lead to a hidden prize or a special treat.
Another idea is to turn chores into games. For example, parents can ask their kids to race against the Elf to see who can finish their chores faster. The Elf can also leave notes with challenges, such as seeing who can fold laundry the fastest or who can sweep the floor the most thoroughly.
Elf on the Shelf Extras
In addition to the standard Elf on the Shelf doll, there are a variety of Elf on the Shelf extras available to enhance the holiday season experience. Some of these extras include Elf Pets, photoshoots, templates, and more.
Elf Pets are a great addition to the Elf on the Shelf tradition. These cute and cuddly pets come in a variety of species, including reindeer, Saint Bernards, and Arctic foxes. They can be used to help teach children about the importance of caring for animals and can even help spread holiday cheer throughout the house.
Photoshoots are another great way to incorporate the Elf on the Shelf into your holiday season. There are a variety of Elf on the Shelf photo props and backdrops available online that can help add a festive touch to your photos. Some popular photo props include mini presents, Santa hats, and elf-sized signs.
Templates are a great way to add a personal touch to your Elf on the Shelf activities. There are a variety of templates available online that can be used to create personalized letters from Santa, Elf on the Shelf coloring pages, and even Elf on the Shelf adoption certificates.
Christmas Eve is a special time for many families, and the Elf on the Shelf can help make it even more special. Some families choose to have their Elf on the Shelf leave a special gift or note for their children on Christmas Eve. This can help create a magical and memorable experience for children.
The holiday season is a busy time for many families, and the Elf on the Shelf can help make it more fun and exciting. There are a variety of Elf on the Shelf ideas and activities available online, including scavenger hunts, games, and crafts. These activities can help keep children entertained and engaged throughout the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Elf on the Shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that started in 2005. The idea was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. They wrote a book about an elf that comes to visit children during the Christmas season to report back to Santa about their behavior. The book became a best-seller, and the tradition of the Elf on the Shelf was born.
What does an Elf on the Shelf do?
An Elf on the Shelf is a scout elf that is sent by Santa Claus to watch over children during the holiday season. The elf observes the children's behavior and reports back to Santa each night. The elf also engages in mischievous activities around the house to entertain the children and create a sense of magic during the holiday season.
What are the three rules of Elf on the Shelf?
There are three main rules that come with adopting an Elf on the Shelf. Firstly, the elf must be given a name. Secondly, the elf must not be touched by humans, as this can cause the elf to lose its magic. Finally, the elf must move to a different location in the house each night, so that it can continue to watch over the children.
Is Elf on the Shelf appropriate for all ages?
Elf on the Shelf is a family tradition that is appropriate for children of all ages. The elf can be a fun and entertaining way to create a sense of magic and wonder during the holiday season. However, it is important to make sure that the elf is not used to scare or threaten children, as this can be counterproductive and cause unnecessary stress.
When should I start Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf can be started at any time during the holiday season. However, many families choose to start the tradition on December 1st, as this gives the elf plenty of time to watch over the children before Christmas.
Where can I buy an Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf can be purchased at many retail stores, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The official Elf on the Shelf website also offers a variety of elf-related products, including clothing, books, and accessories.
Where can I find the official Elf on the Shelf website?
The official Elf on the Shelf website is located at https://www.elfontheshelf.com/. The website has information about the Elf on the Shelf tradition, as well as ideas for parents to use with their children during the holiday season.
What are some fun Elf on the Shelf printable games?
There are many fun Elf on the Shelf printable games available online. Some popular games include scavenger hunts, memory games, and word searches. These games are a great way to keep children entertained and engaged during the holiday season.
Where can I find free Elf on the Shelf printables?
There are many websites that offer free Elf on the Shelf printables. Some popular websites include Frugal Coupon Living, Happy Organized Life, and Homeschool of 1. These websites offer a variety of printables, including coloring pages, activity sheets, and props.
What are some creative Elf on the Shelf ideas?
There are many creative Elf on the Shelf ideas available online. Some popular ideas include creating a miniature Elf-sized mailbox, a tiny Elf-sized chair, or a miniature Elf-sized bed. These props can be used to create fun and engaging scenes for children to discover each morning.
How can I make my own printable Elf on the Shelf accessories?
Making your own printable Elf on the Shelf accessories is easy and fun. All you need is a printer, some paper, and a few creative ideas. You can create your own coloring pages, activity sheets, and props using free online design tools like Canva or PicMonkey.
What are some unique Elf on the Shelf toy ideas?
There are many unique Elf on the Shelf toy ideas available online. Some popular ideas include creating a miniature Elf-sized car, a tiny Elf-sized kitchen, or a miniature Elf-sized playground. These toys can be used to create fun and engaging scenes for children to discover each morning.
Are there any Elf on the Shelf PDFs available for download?
Yes, there are many Elf on the Shelf PDFs available for download online. These PDFs can be used to create coloring pages, activity sheets, and props. Some popular websites that offer Elf on the Shelf PDFs include Frugal Coupon Living, Happy Organized Life, and Homeschool of 1.