Our Family were early adaptors to the Elf of the Shelf phenomenon. I've always love the different or unusual and actively looked for unique and not in the main stream gifts. We adopted our elf, Junior in 2005. Full disclosure this was WAY before people had their elves playing pranks or hanging out in marshmallow baths. When we had our bonus boy (Liam) we thought we were almost out of the Elf on the Shelf phase, but of course the universe had other plans! So now, we have a 10 year old who still believes in Santa (patting ourselves on the back) and two older brothers Aaron 20, and Brock 16, who are in on the secret and sworn to preserve it. They are also sworn to preserve the "magic." Check in each week to get new printables and ideas courtesy of our sister site and good friend, Macaroni Kid Lakeland-Bartow.
The Elf on the Shelf is something my family loves. Every year I spend a few days creating items for our Elf, Peter, to use and coming up with a plan. Now our plan is not elaborate and our elf doesn't play pranks. He does however bring small treats, toys, and crafts for us to do together. I usually stock up with items from the dollar section at any of the local retailers. Items like stickers, or mini puzzles, snow containers, holiday candy, silly holiday headbands, and even ornaments. Each day our elf will either bring a treat or suggest an activity like driving around to see the lights, watching a holiday movie, or baking cookies.
This year I decided to have a little fun with items that are 2020 relevant. Since we have all been shopping online I created shipping boxes with a Christmas theme for the elf. Right-click and select open in a new tab. We suggest you print on cardstock for the best results. Fold along the lines and flatten down with a straight object to get crisp lines. I use a credit card to make the edges sharp.
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I also created elf-sized coffee cups and a box of delicious Kringle Kreme donuts. If you are feeling inspired you can easily place cereal such as Cherio's or Froot Loops or mini marshmallows inside. I normally place a packet of hot cocoa with the coffee cups and a note suggesting Cocoa and cookies with Mom. My son is obsessed with Hot Cocoa from Starbucks so sometimes our elf will bring him a $10 gift card to use. It becomes a mommy and me afternoon date. With it being 2020 and all even elves need masks. The elf mask box is a perfect reminder to mask up from whatever germs are out there - It is flu season after all.
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Lastly, we have a doctor's note for those days when you know you need a break from elf adventures. We left the day empty so you can write your own and choose how long of a break you need.
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For more Elf ideas visit our Pinterest board HERE
For the printables - right-click and select open in a new tab. We suggest you print on cardstock for the best results. For the elf mailing boxes, mask boxes and donuts fold at the seams and use either glue or scrapbooking adhesive tape to hold the item together. If you have any questions feel free to contact us!
