What is the Elf on The Shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf is a story written in 2005 by mother and daughter duo Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell. The story is beautifully illustrated by Coë Steinwart. It’s a story that answers the question, “How does Santa know if kids have been naughty or nice? The story explains how Santa sends Scout Elves to report back to him on whether or not children have behaved. When children go to bed at night, the Scout Elves fly back to the North Pole to report back to Santa. The Scout Elves come back before children wake up in the morning. Children look forward to finding the Scout Elf each morning in a different hiding spot. The book comes in a keepsake box with a Scout Elf that a family can adopt. When you name your Scout Elf, the magic begins! There is only one rule–don’t touch the Scout Elf or the magic will be lost.
When do the Scout Elves return?
Scout Elves return during what is known as “Scout Elf Return Week”. This is when the Scout Elves leave the North Pole and come back to spend Christmas with their adopted families. Some families might even decide to adopt another elf during this time. “Scout Elf Return Week” is from November 23rd to December 2nd, although there are some families that welcome their Scout Elves back later in December. That’s okay too! No matter when a Scout Elf arrives, it will surely be unforgettable.
When do the Scout Elves leave?
The Scout Elves fly away when they hear Santa’s bell on Christmas Eve. Just as they made an unforgettable arrival, the Scout Elves will make a grand exit. Families are sad to see their Scout Elves go but luckily Santa can grant a special request for a Scout Elf to return for a birthday, another holiday, or a special event.
Now it’s up to you, the parent, to create some magical and funny scenarios for your Scout Elf to take part in. Most parents enjoy orchestrating a holiday-inspired situation and a clever hiding place for their family’s Scout Elf daily. Are you ready to assist your Scout Elf with spreading a little holiday magic? Whether you’re doing this for the first time ever or looking for more ideas, be inspired by this list of 40 best Elf on the Shelf Ideas.
- Elves love stories! Your Scout Elf can request that your child read a book out loud.
- Your Scout Elf can leave out a printable coloring page for your child to find and color.
- Do it for the ‘gram! Perch your Scout Elf behind a printable Instagram frame.
- Elfie wants a selfie! Your Scout Elf can take a selfie with your child while asleep.
- Set up a scene where your Scout Elf is making snow angels in a pile of mini marshmallows.
- Create a mini Christmas bow rock wall that your Scout Elf can climb on.
- Print out an elf hat and collar to tape to a mirror so your child can look like your Scout Elf.
- Your Scout Elf can leave out a color-by-number printable for your child to find.
- Post a printable “elf-ercise” chart and place it next to your Scout Elf.
- Lights! Camera! Action! Place your Scout Elf in a popcorn bucket with movies and snacks.
- Dress your Scout Elf up in a Christmas costume.
- Your Scout Elf can leave a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt printable for your child to find.
- Camp Elfie welcomes you! Set up a cozy camping scene with your Scout Elf.
- It’s snowing! Cut out some elf-inspired paper snowflakes to hang for your child to find.
- Print out a festive fortune teller to position next to your Scout Elf.
- Go on a treat hunt! Your child can find a treat under one of 10 plastic cups that your elf has hidden.
- Your Scout Elf can bring back from the North Pole everything your child needs for hot chocolate.
- Personalize a placemat. Your Scout Elf can leave a printable placemat for your child to decorate.
- Special delivery! Let your Scout Elf deliver your child’s wish list safely to Santa.
- Your Scout Elf can leave a special holiday-themed puzzle for the entire family to put together.
- Where did he go? Your Scout Elf can hide at the top of your Christmas tree for your child to find.
- Let your Scout Elf add to your Christmas decor with a special strand of lights.
- Your Scout Elf can leave everything your child would need to decorate clear fillable ornaments.
- X marks the spot! Your Scout Elf can hide a surprise for your child to find using a treasure map.
- Your Scout Elf can give some of your family photos the elf treatment with an elf hat.
- Find the candy canes! Your Scout Elf can hide 10 candy canes for your child to find.
- Get your brick on! Your Scout Elf can challenge your child to build him a shelter with Lego bricks.
- Create a pom-pom ball pit for your Scout Elf to hide in.
- Your Scout Elf can leave out a gingerbread house kit for the entire family to build together.
- Surprise! Jenga fans will laugh when they see their Scout Elf hiding in a tower of Jenga blocks.
- Your Scout Elf can leave a pair of “magical” gloves that can be used to pick him up in case he falls.
- Joke time! Your elf can leave a funny Christmas Joke for your child to enjoy.
- STEM challenge! Your Scout Elf can challenge your child to build snowflakes with cotton swabs.
- Crack the code! Your child will have fun guessing the secret message your Scout Elf left.
- If your Scout Elf gets close to a copy machine he can make some hilarious copies of himself.
- Set up a zip-line for your adventurous Scout Elf.
- Give your fearless Scout Elf a piece of holiday ribbon or a string to repel down the Christmas tree.
- Your Scout Elf can bring a Christmas activity book back from the North Pole for your child.
- Decorate a plastic jar for your child to carry your Scout Elf around for a day without touching him.
- Your Scout Elf can leave a set of clues that your child can use to find his new hiding spot.
