Eden and Xen have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their elves since October. Elf on the Shelf is a fun family tradition and one we have been doing as a family for six years. We started out with one elf named Jack, but having toddler twins, it wasn’t long before Snowflake came to keep watch as well. So not only for six years have we been successfully hiding one elf, but have been finding locations and creating ideas for two scout elves.
Of course, there have been some repeat locations and activities over the years, some of which have just become elf traditions, but we have managed to keep the ideas fresh and fun, not just for the kids but for me.
I will be the first to admit that I am one of those parents who love when the elves come to visit. One thing that I have discovered over the years that helps this to continue to be enjoyable for me is having a plan! Today I want to share tips with you for planning your elf’s return or perhaps first visit this holiday season!
Get Ideas from Pinterest
Pinterest is a great tool for getting ideas for activities and hiding spots for your elf. If you aren’t familiar with Pinterest, it is a social media platform and visual search engine where you can discover and share images. You pin these images to boards. It is very popular for recipes, crafting, home, and style, but you can find pins on about every topic imaginable.
The best way to utilize Pinterest for your elf is to first create a board. My board is named Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Click here to check out my Pinterest board. Then start with a simple search in the search browser, perhaps something like Elf on the Shelf ideas and let the fun begin! You can browse through the material that pops up and save any ideas that you like as well as things you would like to return to later.
Many of these images will contain links to other websites where you can often download free templates and tools.
Don’t Over Do it
There are some really elaborate elf activities. I love to incorporate a few big ideas throughout our elves visit, but if you do a big thing every day, you will be burnt out pretty quickly.
Planning Calendar
Once you have ideas for your elf activities, it is time to start deciding what activities you want to do and when. This is when a blank calendar, just for elf planning is useful. Look through your saved pins and find ideas that you feel your family will enjoy and fits your life then fill out your calendar. The truth is some activities are very simple and some require a little more set up and planning. If you have a busy schedule for December, decide on the “easiest” elf activities you have selected and mark those down on the calendar on those busy days first.
Elf Shopping
Now that your calendar is complete, you need to prepare your elf shopping list. Make a list of food and non-food items you need for your elf’s visit. Most items can be purchased ahead of time. I simply store my supplies in an inconspicuous cardboard box that sits in my garage. You will also want a list of anything you are going to need to make.
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Purchase Kits and Tools that Make Elf Antics Easier
There is an endless amount of props, outfits, and even pets you can buy for your Elf on the Shelf. Although they come with more cost, in the end, these items make the visit with the Elf on the Shelf easier and add a different element of fun. The list below is my personal favorites.
My favorite place to purchase any of my elf supplies is Amazon because I don’t have to leave the house.
Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves at Play
This kit has 60 pages of ideas for your Scout Elf with 100 pictures. Plus it comes with 15 elf size tools. We have used this kit for four years. I have found it the most helpful tool in my elf kit.
Elf on the Shelf Letters to Santa
This fun little kit allows your child to write letters to Santa and shrink them down so your Scout Elf can deliver them. They make great keepsake ornaments.
Elf on the Shelf Countdown to Christmas
A family advent game. Each morning, the Elf delivers a “secret mission” to the child. Complete the mission and earn an ornament sticker to place on the Christmas tree poster. Includes 50 different secret mission cards.
Elves at Play Paper Crafts
13 paper crafts to use for elf activities.
Lilly and the Bee Novelties Elf Notes
These 30 elf notes are a great addition to your kit. They make for good supplement activities when you are busy or perhaps forgot to move the elf.
Have Fun
The most important tip for ensuring an easy stress-free elf visit this holiday season is to make sure you have fun!
Download my Parent’s Survival Guide to Elf on the Shelf
I hope these Elf on the Shelf planning tips create a stress-free elf visit. Be sure to download my e-book below which provides templates, printables and elf ideas to get you through this holiday season.