30 Quick & Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas For Busy Parents (2024)

FAQs

What do parents do for Elf on the Shelf? ›

Each morning, the elf chooses a new vantage point from which to keep an eye on the kids. The night before Christmas, the elf flies off one last time to spend the year with Santa until reappearing next season. Every night, a parent hides the elf in a new place.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition can be started at any age, but most parents recommend waiting until your child is between the ages of 2 and 3. They claim it's the perfect sweet spot for children to appreciate and understand the elves' magic while establishing this family tradition at a young age.

The Elf on the Shelf Plant Idea

For nights when you don't have time for an elaborate plan, simply perch your elf in your biggest plant. Hide him among the leaves to make spotting him a challenge.

Santa advises that no family member touch their Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation. Parents: read on to learn about special, few and far between cases where emergency help will be required.

Considered the most important rule, the Scout Elf must never be touched (of course, apart from when the parents move them around) as that will cause them to lose their magical powers.

Visit an official Scout Elf Adoption Center. At these special adoption centers, which are typically only open during the holiday season, you and your family can visit and pick out your very own Elf on the Shelf® to take home. Find an adoption center near you. Visit Santa's online adoption center.

Your Scout Elf will gather some dry erase markers and draw a funny picture on the mirror in your bathroom—like reindeer antlers and a ruby red nose, or an elf hat and collar! Finally, your elf will write a fun message asking you to check out your new reflection!

At what point, though, does that warning cease to have its impact? When do children stop believing in Santa Claus? According to a survey done by BetCarolina.com, 48% of children stop believing in Santa Claus between the ages of 7 and 10 years old.

Do I need one Elf per child or one per household? The choice is yours.

Can Elf on the Shelf talk to parents? ›

There are just a few rules to remember! The most important—don't touch your Scout Elf, or they will lose their magic! Scout Elves can't talk, but they are great listeners.

Bearing Gifts. Give your kids some incentive to behave during the holidays. Your elf might arrive with an Advent calendar for the season or a small token of festivity, such as candy canes or another favorite holiday treat.

Controversies of the Elf on the Shelf

Some say that it inadvertently teaches children that their behavior should be governed by potential rewards (i.e., if you behave well, you'll get more gifts on Christmas).

Leave a Welcome Letter:Have the elf arrive with a welcome letter addressed to the child. Use a tiny envelope and delicate handwriting to make it look like a special delivery from the North Pole. Express Excitement:In the letter, express the elf's excitement about spending the holiday season with the child.

Do I need one Elf per child or one per household? The choice is yours. We have included two Nice List Certificates and two Letters to Santa in each kit, as these items are personal. All the other items can be shared as a family.

There are just a few rules to remember! The most important—don't touch your Scout Elf, or they will lose their magic! Scout Elves can't talk, but they are great listeners. Little ones can share secrets and wishes with their elf as often as they'd like.

Some say that it inadvertently teaches children that their behavior should be governed by potential rewards (i.e., if you behave well, you'll get more gifts on Christmas).