As well as being a really funny idea, it'll give you time to ease into things, not having to come up with something new for the Elf to do every night of the first week! The kids can use this time to talk to the Elf, from a safe distance, and get to know him. Simply pop your Elf inside a mason jar (or any kind of clear container), add hand sanitiser, plus a mask for the Elf’s face. Another big part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and especially in the age of social media, is to share photos of the hilarious antics Scout Elves have been getting up to in the home. Plus, it gives families more genius Elf ideas because you have to get really creative. Whether you plan on introducing a Scout Elf to your kiddos for the very first time this year, or you already have one waiting to return, a letter is a lovely way of announcing their arrival on December 1st. Plus, it’ll get the kids extra excited for Christmas! Leave a note that says your children must sprinkle the magical confetti on the eggs and tomorrow there will be a big surprise.

P.S. Remember I’m always watching and want to tell Santa you’ve been very good, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour!Elf brings Santa’s “nice” list to show your child, with their names on it! You can just do this on your computer and print it off in a nice font, or try handwriting it if you have good handwriting! Idea from Growing Clan 19. Sharing drawings Thirsty Elf is getting a drink of water from your fridge/freezer’s water dispenser. 46. Writing with toothpaste Elf has made a smiley face using Cheerios, or whatever cereals you have to hand, on the breakfast table. 17. Elf takes the pups for a walk

Instructions for Saint Bernard: First, your elf will inflate a white balloon, tie it off with a knot, and then tie Candy Cane Cable around the balloon knot and secure tightly. Next, your elf will cut brown construction paper in a circular shape for the nose; cut green construction paper in the shape of two floppy ears; and cut pink construction paper in the shape of a tongue. For the eyes, your elf will cut white construction paper in two small circles and brown construction paper in two smaller circles. Your elf will attach each eye (small brown circle on top of white circle), the nose and tongue using painter’s tape. Finally, your elf will attach the balloon to the wall using painter’s tape. Wrap the Elf in tin foil, including making him a little hat, then hang him from a ceiling light using string. Add some cut out stars (use foil for these too) to make it look like he’s in space. 55. Elf is raiding the piggy bank Elf is on mummy or daddy’s computer or iPad surfing the internet for toys. 30. Flying with a parachute Pop Elf into the biscuit jar or tin and have him just peeking out of the top. Trail a few crumbs around the outside of the jar to show he’s been eating them in the night! 57. Face masks For older kids, you could put together a longer message for them to read aloud, bringing Christmas greetings from the North Pole, and prehaps a reminder about the most important rule - not to touch the Elf or he'll lose his magic!This works even better if you attach some of your child’s favourite action figures to the sleigh with wool or string as if they are pulling it! You could make it look like elf has crashed into the tree! You could also – if you don’t mind the mess – squeeze some toothpaste around the sink to make it look like the Elf got carried away when cleaning their teeth. 24. Hanging out

Elf is eating chocolate spread or Nutella straight from the jar with a spoon and has some smeared on his mouth! 26. Upside down on the Christmas tree This mischievous little Elf usually arrives on 1 December(or around Thanksgiving, for our friends across the pond). Then, every day in December, once the little ones are in bed, parents place the Elf in different locations throughout the house, popping up somewhere new for kids to discover in the morning. Try draping him over a branch, or have him hanging upside down! A really simple but effective last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea. 21. Sliding down the stairs Elf has used toothpaste to write “2 days until Christmas”, or just a simple “Hi”, on tiles in the bathroom. 47. Making hot chocolate Under strict guidance of the Department of Elf Magic, all elves from the North Pole must quarantine upon arrival (for as long as you deem necessary to avoid the spread of any North Pole nasties).

You could use doll clothes so that Elf has clothes his own size to organise. 54. Elf goes to space!

Place the Elf on a empty cardboard box with a note saying he would like your kids to donate their unwanted toys to charity. There are a few rules of course, like NO TOUCHING THE ELF or he'll lose his magic powers! If you want to know more you should definitely read these 10 Elf on the Shelf rules every parent needs to know. They encourage your kids to be well behaved and they’ll love to collect them all, so hopefully this should be a win-win! 63. Elves are playing a game This is a brilliant last-minute idea that you can put together as long as you have some gummy eggs, like from Haribo, in the house. Elf has used a polaroid camera to take selfies, or “elfies”! Have a couple of photos of the Elf next to him along with the camera. 43. Elf takes a nap

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Make some paper chains so that you have a few loops, then leave some extra so it looks like Elf has been caught in the middle of making paper chains! Via Me Becoming Mum 39. Cowboy Elf