Elf on the Shelf is back and we have made a list of ideas with instructions and photos using items you probably already have around the house. Save this post for when you need a new Elf idea and share with a friend who might need new Elf ideas this year!
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DAY 1: I’M BACK
Use M&Ms or other candy to spell out I’M BACK
DAY 2: FAMILY PHOTOS
Put red dots on family photos around the room
DAY 3: SHOE SHINE
Wrap your kid’s pair of shoes with aluminum foil for a fun surprise.
DAY 4: ELF IN FRIDGE
Wrap your Elf in a blanket or towel and place it in the fridge near some food.
DAY 5: ELF SNACK
Put together a few bags of snacks, and then put Elf in a bag with the snacks.
DAY 6: TARGET PRACTICE
Using ketchup, set up Elf target practice.
DAY 7: DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS
Set Elf up on a shelf with animals below feeding them a bowl of marshmallows.
DAY 8: MOON PHASES
Draw the phases of the moon, and use the Elf for the full moon.
DAY 9: EGG FACES
Draw funny faces on your eggs in the fridge with a Sharpie in Elf’s hand.
DAY 10: ELF WITH STUFFED ANIMALS
Put Elf in the middle of a huge pile of stuffed animals and see if your kids spot it.
DAY 11: HELP THE ELF
Put Elf in a glass and write a note that says HELP!
DAY 12: TOOTHPASTE SMILE
Set up Elf on the sink holding toothpaste and draw a smiley face.
DAY 13: CLIMBING FOR SNACKS
Stack up household items for Elf to climb up into pantry and your snack bin.
DAY 14: CHIP-MAS TREE
Put your Elf in the tree with a few bags of chips and have the Elf write a note: “Do you like how I decorated the Chip-Mas Tree?”
DAY 15: BORROWED YOUR BUTT BRUSH
Use your kids toothbrush as the elf’s butt brush
DAY 16: ELF SWALLOWED GUM
Blow up a balloon and tape it to your Elf with a note that says “Don’t swallow bubble gum.”
DAY 17: ELF MAKES POPCORN MESS
Pop microwave popcorn in the microwave and leave it out for everyone to see in the morning.
DAY 18: ELF POOP TEST
Using different kinds of candy, set out an “Elf Poop Testing” station.
DAY 19: ELF BUBBLE BATH
Put your Elf in a bowl with cotton balls and a rubber duck, making it look like they are having a bath.
DAY 20: APPLE WATCH
Draw a watch face on an apple and write a note saying Elf brought an apple watch.
DAY 21: UNDERWEAR TREE
Hang your kid’s underwear on the tree as ornaments with Elf wearing a pair too.
DAY 22: HAMMOCK HANGOUT
Make a hammock out of toilet paper and hang from the bathroom towel bar.
DAY 23: FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS
Use colorful cereal to make friendship bracelets. 
DAY 24: GOODBYE SEND OFF
Set up Elf on a truck waving goodbye until next year
I hope this Elf on the Shelf cheat sheet makes your December Elf experience run smoothly and most importanlty, makes magical memories for your family!
FORGOT TO MOVE YOUR ELF? The Local Moms Network put together 25 reasons why your Elf didn’t move!
