It should be called “Elf off the Shelf,” because those elves are hardly ever just sitting on a shelf.
In addition to hot cocoa, holiday movies, dazzling lights and mad dashes to the store, you also have to figure out a bazillion-and-one places to hide your kids’ beloved “Elf on the Shelf.”
It was so cute and such a good idea at first. Now it’s just another task on the to-do list.
Fear not, thanks to creative parents on the internet, we gathered up some of the coolest, and most hilarious, ways to “hide” your elves.
Captured by Queen Elsa
Everyone has “Frozen” fever with the release of “Frozen 2.” Let Queen Elsa use her magical powers on your elf. Let’s just hope the kids find it before it melts.
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#countdowntoChristmas #christmascountdown #elfontheshelf #elfonashelf #elf #elvesofinstagram #christmas #christmas2019 #elfideas #ideas #elfontheshelfideas #elfonashelfideas #christmaself #jolly #holly #snowday #snow #frozen #frozen2
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Poking through a movie poster
That tricky little elf. He looks just like Will Ferrell and could be hard to find with his head poking through an “Elf” movie poster.
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Movie night! ? #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elf #elfontheshelfinspiration #adventuresoferikandholly #adventcalender #christmastraditions
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Returning from the North Pole with proof
Those smart elves. If your kids doubted they were going to the North Pole and reporting to Santa, they bring proof with a melted snowman.
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#doyouwanttobuildasnowman ☃️ . #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elf #elfontheshelfinspiration #adventuresoferikandholly #adventcalender #christmastraditions
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With a little humor
What is it about poop and farts that make kids giggle? Either way, we’re sure they will love this.
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Of course my 5 year old son thought this was hilarious ? We love our elf on the shelf! • • • • #elfontheshelf #elf #elfontheshelfideas #christmas #christmastime #christmastraditions
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Or even a little more humor
We hope you have a sense of humor because this setup is a little gross. Alas, it’s an idea!
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Anyone want some lemonade? . #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #merrychristmas #countdowntochristmas #sonya7iii #lloydminsterphotographer #albertaphotographer #reddeerphotographer #elf #christmasphotography #christmas #momswithcameras #youbetterwatchout #santaclaus #childrenseemagic #canada #magicofchildhood #christmasmagic
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Above the stockings
OK, duh. I know. This is an easy one. But kids get grumpy when they can’t find stuff right away!
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Ok, I’m back to save your life….once again. I give you MY @elfontheshelf IDEAS post! Tons of photos from over the years + inspiration and where to get accessories for these little guys. Plus a little mom wisdom on how the !*&# I survived the last 7 years. ???So fly on over to the blog *link in profile* and let me help. Don’t forget to tag your momma friends! #helpasistaout #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elf #livingwithlandyn
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Inside the holiday wreath
Depending on how or where your wreath is located, kids may have a hard time finding it.
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You never know where you’ll find a Scout Elf next! #ScoutElfReturnWeek . . . . . #ElfontheShelf #ElfonaShelf #ElfPets #EOTS #ElfonShelf #ScoutElf #Christmas #IdeasforScoutElves #ElfIdeas #ScoutElfIdeas
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Elf on the Shelf returns! Here are 5 easy arrival ideas to bring your elves back
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Inside the family photo area
Unless you have a tradition of decorating the photo area with photos, I’m betting your kid rarely frequents the area. Heck, throw a frame around the little guy. #Camouflage
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Thought I’d share, In case anyone’s doing Elf on a Shelf for the first time this year. I’ve put a few tips on how to do it the easy way. Link in the bio ❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?
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Tucked in the toys
Sure, the kids play with their toys all the time. But tucking the little elf neatly into a toy box, or buried at the bottom of it? I just don’t have faith that kids will be patient enough to dig through.
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Your elf idea for tomorrow. Link in profile for more. #elfontheshelf #elfideas #classroomelfontheshelf #classroomelf #christmasintheclassroom http://www.simplykinder.com/elf-shelf-classroom-ideas-2/
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Peeking out of a Rice Krispies cereal box
All the cutting and positioning will require a considerable amount of time and skill, so you better display that cereal-eating elf proudly! This should get a good laugh and low stress because the kids should find it quickly. Maybe snap a pic of the perfection before the kids get to it.
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? ? #ricekrispies #ricekrispytreats #snapcracklepop
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Scaling the wall with bows
The obviousness of this display is what will make it so difficult. What kid would think the family elf would “hide” in such an open space?
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Bow climbing. ? #itsstillnovembertho
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Climbing the tree
Most trees have 5 million and three ornaments, to be exact. Adding an elf to the mix will likely blend in and be nearly invisible.
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Ziggy climbing up the Christmas ? tree!! #ziggyisback #ziggy #christmastree #elfontheshelf #elf #elfideas #familytradition
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On the coffee table display
Especially if you have a little tray or decorations that draw attention to the area, kids should find this relatively quickly.
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Dec 2015 – I set up a gift wrapping station last night, next to my Christmas tree. Remember, no peeking…! ? ? . . . . #Elf #elfonashelf #elfonashelfideas #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfmagic #christmas #xmas #merrychristmas #merryxmas #festive #festivefun #elves #elfinspo #elfideas #elfmischief #elfantics #elvesofinstagram #elvesofinsta #elvesofig #elfmagic #tree #christmastree #giftwrapping #wrappingpaper #wrapping #wrappingpresents #wrappinggifts
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In the crafts area
If you simply put him in the crafts area, this might be hard. But if you create a little display, like the one below where the elf is shown painting, it will be easier.
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Dec 2015 – I got busy with some paints last night and left a large canvas and paints for my boy to paint his own Christmas painting ? . . . . #Elf #elfonashelf #elfonashelfideas #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfmagic #christmas #xmas #merrychristmas #merryxmas #festive #festivefun #elves #elfinspo #elfideas #elfmischief #elfantics #elvesofinstagram #elvesofinsta #elvesofig #elfmagic #painting #easel
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In the bathroom
I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume your kids brush their teeth and maybe even shower in the morning. Please say yes. If that’s correct, they’ll have no problem finding the elf.
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#pippinboyandco #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas I take pride in good oral hygiene. Teaching my human family the same. ?
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Hanging from the curtains
You may have to hint and tell your kids to look upward.
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Hanging out in the living room. ❤️ #elfontheshelf #twoelvesarebetterthanone #twoelves #christmastime #eots #scoutelf #easyelfideas #elfideas
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Exercising on the kitchen counter or table
What a funny little surprise it will be to see the elf get his arm day on. And let’s be honest, elf needs arm day.
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Incorporating health and fitness using the #elfontheshelf to teach my kids! ? . . . #momlife #elf #elfontheshelfideas #fitness #health #eatyourfood #santaiswatching #tistheseason #christmas #christmasshenanigans #elfideas #familyfun #gymelf #momlifebelike #momof2 #fitfamily #fitnessjourney #fitnessaddict #teachyourkids #healthyhabits #fitnessjourney #teachthemyoung #elfontheshelf2017
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Ziplining to the tree
This is as obvious as a display can get if you have the elf ziplining across the room to the tree. But this is a lot of work, too. Maybe save this for the grand finale. Or at least wait until you have a bunch of people over so you can show off.
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Super Ziggy is Ziplining…. #elfontheshelf #elf #familytradition #family #lights #christmaslights #idoitforLink #happy #creative #superheroelf #superhero #cape #tv #santa #superZiggy #elfideas #iamthatmom
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Stealing from the piggy bank
This might be hard if you don’t readily display the piggy bank, so move it to a spot that’s easily accessible. And uh, maybe consider putting a “just kidding” note on the elf so the kids don’t actually think he’s a thief.
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➕Day 3 – 2017➕ #theadventuresofemmett #elfspam #elfontheshelf #scoutelf #elfideas #elfies #elfontheshelfideas #christmasmagic #christmastradition #mumlife #scoutelfideas #imagination #inspiration #elfshenanigans #elfantics #naughtyelf #thethingswedo #elfgonebad #elvesgonewild #robber #thief
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Floating in the bathtub
Unless you do bath time in the morning, you’ll probably want to give your kids a hint on this one.
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#elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf
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Playing with the dog
Make it look like the elf is playing tug-o-war with a stuffed dog.
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Shout out to #rosannatheelf for wearing out our pooch, Fluffles the dog. #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf #mansbestfriend #elfonashelf #elfreturnweek #thedadadadiest #christmas
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In the popcorn bowl
Forgot to place the elf one morning? No worries. Tell the kids the elf went out for a day trip and will return home in the evening. Then at night, pop some popcorn and invite the kids into the kitchen to surprise them with the elf’s return.
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Not too crazy yet but I got a real believer this year so I better step up my game #christopherpopinkins #elfontheshelf #elfideas
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Hanging from the chimney
Again, sometimes the more “simple” the spot, the more difficult it is to find the elf.
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Stuck up the chimney #elfontheshelf #elfideas #instaelf #christmas
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Making snow angels
All you need and some flour or sugar and that elf can make snow angels on your countertop.
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snow angels ! Included in your kit : 3 snowflakes, flour (more than enough!), and snow dust … make 1 angel, or 2 or 3 ❄️ (whatever you are ready to clean up the following night, after bedtime! ???) @scout_elf_support_team #elf #elfontheshelf #scoutelf #scoutelfsupportteam #elfontheshelfideas
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Hiding in the presents
If you’ve got lots of presents with intricate patterns of wrapping paper, this might be quite difficult for the little ones to handle. Hints are always helpful.
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3 days ago was the 2nd year I have been running this channel, and it has been a pleasure to excite all of you with fun and more elf magic each day???!#elf#elfontheshelf#elfideas#creative#christmas#art#santa#fatherchristmas#christmastree#happyholidays#santaclaus#snow#frosty#seasonsgreetings#happyholidays#presents#seasonal#love#family#cute#parents#cosy#kids#elfmagic
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Alongside an encouraging poem
This is a lot of work. Better make it worth it. A poem may inspire them to be nicer to their siblings, especially if the elves dare to tell Santa.
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#elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elf #elfontheshelfinspiration #adventuresoferikandholly #adventcalender #christmastraditions
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Putting on a movie
Sometimes DVD players are stored in entertainment centers, which can make this hiding spot difficult. Try to find some way to draw attention to the area.
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MOVIE NIGHT. The popcorn ?is popping but there’s disagreement! Our elves aren’t happy we can’t find Shan’s favorite movie, “A Christmas Story.” Looks like Ashley McSprinkles has convinced the gang to watch Harry Potter. #shantheelf #elfontheshelf #elfideas #scoutelfideas #christmastime #elfantics #picoftheday #instagood #movienight #harrypotter #hewhomustnotbenamed #funtimes #santashelper #popcorn #2017 #christmas #elf
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Hiding in the holiday decor
How often do your kids check out the decor in the house? That’ll help you determine how many, if any, hints you should give them.
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She’s back! We usually have Sparkle fly in on December 1st our advent calendar, but Evie has been super sick lately, so she flew in early to make her feel better. ✨ . The obsession that girl has for this elf is intense. She draws her pictures, talks to her, and reminds Hudson to be a “good big boy” when she’s watching. I’ll take it! ?? . Do you guys do Elf on the Shelf?? What have been some of your favorite places to put it or make it do?? We need new ideas this year since she remembers everything from last year! ??♀️ . #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf #christmastradition
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Coloring
Grab the kids’ favorite coloring book and pop it open.
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??WE ARE SANTA’S ELVES?? • #RosietheElf decided she wanted to exert some creativity last night! Not bad, little elf! • • • Have a cute scout elf idea? Tag us to be featured! #magicalelfexpress • #elf #elfontheshelf #elfideas #countdown #holidaymode #giftidea #blackfriday #waltogram #magic #ootd #fashion #holidays #community #waltdisneyworld #disneyland #waltogram #disneyig #instadisney #disneyland #wdw #costumeideas #waltgram #fashion #custom #sale #shopsunite #shopsmall #smallbizmama #elfideas #elfontheshelf2017
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Playing Twister
Like the cereal box, this requires some work. So display it somewhere the kids will definitely see.
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Who doesn’t love a good game of Twister?? #elfontheshelf #elfideas #mamashelpingmamas
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