There are some pretty awesome elf-on-the-shelf ideas out there. But I have to be honest - I don't have the time or inclination to set up elaborate displays featuring a stuffed elf each and every evening.
And, truth be told, toddlers and preschoolers, especially, don't need the elaborate. Kay was thrilled to find Ella, our own special elf, each morning, whether she was doing something silly, like drawing a picture or climbing the Christmas tree, or merely sitting contentedly looking out the window or sleeping in the dog's bed. (That's what I love about kids - simple is nearly always best!)
Here are 25 ideas for having fun with this tradition - without adding an extra stress to the holiday (because none of us need that!):
- Dress-up
- Chilling with sunglasses (I think just the sunglasses alone with be cool, too!)
- Riding toy car or playing with cars
- Coloring
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- Doing a puzzle {Mark Baylor}
- Hanging out in the dollhouse
- Hiding under a glass (Good thing elves don't need to breathe!)
- Brings a Christmas movie and popcorn
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- Sleeping (in a shoebox or even a tissue box!) {Still Playing School}
- Trying to get to the snacks
- Playing a game (Candy Land, anyone?) {Sweet Megan Kate}
- Rolling down the stairs in the toilet paper roll {A Life in Balance}
- Slinky down the stairs (fun!)
- Paper bag race (it could happen!)
- Bring magic seeds
- Tea party with doll friends (In this case Madeleine and Hello Kitty - Elf knows all the cool people!)
- Building with blocks or Legos
- Reading a book {The Jenny Evolution}
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- Drawing on photos (mischievous little things, aren't they?) {Play Dr. Mom}
- Sneaking from the cookie jar
- Hanging from the ceiling fan
- Climbing the Christmas tree {Craftulate}
- Builds a snowflake out of Q-Tips
- Sandal sled {Inner Child Fun}
- Gets into the stickers (and covers himself with them!)
What unique places has your elf turned up? (I could always use more ideas!)
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