Well, fellow parents, it’s that wonderful time of the year again when our mischievous little elf friends make their grand return and I’ve put together some Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023. I have written in the past all the reasons why I will not be partaking in the Elf On The Shelf Trend. That blog post is still very much valid despite the fact that since writing that post, I have had an additional child, and the pressures to get involved have grown.
I have to admit that each year, there is a part of me that almost caves, but personally, for this household, I just don’t think it is suitable. That being said, last year, I became involved with a group of mum friends who were brainstorming ideas for their Elf Of The Shelf adventures. Although I would find partaking myself chaotic and stressful, I am very much a creative person and had fun suggesting ideas. So much so that I thought I would share some of them, plus some new ones, here in a blog post.
So, if you’re looking for some fresh and fun Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 to recreate at home, you’re in the right place. Let’s sprinkle some extra magic and excitement into this year’s holiday season!
What Is Elf On The Shelf?
Before we start taking Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023, we need to establish what exactly Elf on The Shelf is. Basically, Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition which was originally started in the US. Families invite a special scout elf into their homes during the Christmas season. This mischievous elf keeps an eye on the children’s behaviour and reports back to Santa Claus each night. The real magic lies in the elf’s nightly adventures, as it moves to a different spot in the house, leaving behind delightful surprises, notes, and small gestures that bring joy and excitement to children as they search for their elf’s new hiding place each morning. It’s a great way to build up the magic and excitement of Christmas, although it can add additional pressure to parents – especially if you get into bed and suddenly realise you forgot to move the elf ha!
You can get your own *Elf On The Shel & Storybook here.
Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023
Santa’s Secret Helper
Your elf can be found wrapping tiny presents, adding a touch of Christmas joy to the everyday routine. Cut a small square of wrapping paper and attach it to your elfs hand with a small rectangle of tape in the other. Pose your elf with some small wrapped boxes, and you could even add some nail scissors for effect!
Breakfast Surprise
Arrange a mini North Pole breakfast with elf-sized foods and tiny cups of hot cocoa, toast, mini cereal boxes, etc. You can make your own quite inexpensively – although it can be quite fiddly. Alternatively, you can purchase doll house-sized foods like these *mini replica breakfast foods and *cereal boxes. You can always set up an Elf On The Shelf breakfast table for your little ones, too using these *festive breakfast adventure props.
Candy Caper Scavenger Hunt
One of the easiest Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 is to create a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt for your kids. Give yourself 20 minutes of peace while they hunt to find some sweet treats with hints left by your elf along the way. You can hand-write clues or get fancy and creative and print some off!
Elfie’s Art Gallery
For a creative Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 you will want to try this super easy to set up activity from your precious elf. Simply create some miniature drawings or paintings – as if your elf did them themselves! This *mini canvas makes a cute addition too.
Leave a message asking your little ones to get creative and make their own Christmas-themed art work. You could leave out some coloured pencils and paper that you have lying around or add some *new supplies as a treat.
Family Movie Night
Set up a cosy movie night with popcorn and a choice of Christmas films. Pose your elf with some freshly popped popcorn or this *doll house popcorn for a cute prop.
Elf Yoga Time
With mindfulness gaining great popularity and benefit, one of my Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 had to include yoga! Pose your elf in some hilarious yoga poses and get them to encourage your little ones to have a go, too. Why not pose some other toys and dolls, too, to add to the effect?
Snowball Fight
My Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 wouldn’t be complete without the addition of snow! Of course, hiring a snow machine would be complete overkill, BUT why not have your elf create a marshmallow snowball fight scene? Use mini and large marshmallows – and get the other toys in on the action too!
Reading Adventure
I’m always up for anything that encourages younger children to enjoy a good book. Place your elf with a favourite holiday book and enjoy a story together with your elf. You could use a book you have already or purchase a new one. You could even pose your elf with one of these *miniature books for effect!
Christmas Countdown
One of the simplest Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 is to simply use your elf to mark the days until Christmas, moving it one step closer each morning.
Tiny Christmas Bakery
Have your elf set up a mini baking station with tiny cookies, a rolling pin, and a note encouraging your kids to bake their own holiday treats. This is a great way to incorporate some Christmas baking and isn’t too much of a faff to set up. Pose your elf creatively with some flour and if you want to really make it fancy, these *doll house baking supplies are a nice touch.
Superhero Elf
Dress your elf in a superhero cape and have them “rescue” some of your children’s toys from a playful “danger.” You can really get creative with this one posing a scene. Why not tie up a ‘baddy’ and have your elf save the day?
Elf’s Snowy Adventure
One of the most Christmassy Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 is to create your very own mini winter wonderland. Use cotton wool and cotton balls as snow, and have your elf embark on a snowboarding or skiing adventure using small homemade props or these *doll house props to make it super realistic.
Elf’s Balloon Bonanza
This is one of the most exciting Elf On The Shelf ideas – fill a room with helium balloons and have your elf float amidst them, creating a whimsical and colourful scene!
Don’t Forget
Remember, the key to these Elf On The Shelf Ideas 2023 is to have fun, be creative, and watch the wonder in your children’s eyes as they discover each new elf surprise. Although there are suggestions for paid ideas here in this post, partaking in Elf On The Shelf doesn’t have to break the bank. Most things can be created from supplies you already have in your house. Don’t let the stress or worry of performing zap the fun and sentiment behind the task. Enjoy the magic – our children aren’t little for long!
Thank you for stopping by! Check out my last post here.
Love as always!
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