It’s hard to say whether Elf on the Shelf is more entertaining for the kids who get to wake up and discover what their magic elf has been up to overnight, or for the parents, who get to dream up mischievous and funny elf on the shelf ideas.
Here’s everything you need to know about this wonderful Christmas tradition, including eleven easy elf ideas to try at home.
What are the rules of Elf on the Shelf?
The elf’s mission is to report to Santa whether the children in the household have been naughty or nice. The elf leaves each night for the North Pole to deliver his report and returns the following day to a different place in the house. It’s the kids’ task to search for him each morning.
Although Elf on the Shelf is an American tradition, it’s risen in popularity among Kiwi families.
What do you do for Elf on the Shelf?
These days, the elves are far too mischievous to sit on the shelf. Throughout December, hilarious elf ideas include hanging Elfie on the Christmas tree, having him nibble on candy canes, staging marshmallow fights with other toys, and bathing him in cereal.
Where can I buy Elf on the Shelf in NZ?
In New Zealand, you can purchase your naughty Elf on the Shelf toy for the affordable price of $9.60 at Spotlight, which also stocks the Elves Behavin’ Badly product range. This includes the naughty elves Elfie and Elvie, an elf sleigh and a Reindeer costume.
Alternatively, you can browse the official Elf on the Shelf store and related paraphernalia at Amazon.
So, if you need a reprieve from Christmas gift shopping, here are eleven funny Elf on the Shelf ideas designed to surprise and delight the family all December long.
11 easy Elf on the Shelf ideas
Let your Elf add his personal touch to the Christmas tree
Filming a ‘Get Ready With Me’ video
Recycle your toilet rolls so Elf can swing on the doorframe
This elf has lost control of the toilet paper roll
Taking a nap on the dining table, ready for Christmas lunch
Oh dear! Elf needs help from under the Christmas tree
Taped to the window, elf’s in a bit of a predicament
Swinging around on a light fixture
Help! An elf SOS from the bathtub, complete with sharks
Getting tangled in the Christmas lights
Elf has a marshmallow ‘snowball’ fight with Woody
Elf has been creative with the soft markers – it’ll take some time to find him in the tree
Even elves have to do chores! That includes cleaning up after the reindeer elf brought back from the North Pole
Elf has a sack race with the other toys, and it looks like he’s winning
Elf’s horsing around in the fruit bowl
Elf in disguise as a gingerbread man
An elf-sized kissing booth — just add mistletoe!
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