Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition which involves toy elves being placed around the home during December to keep an eye on whether kids are being naughty or nice. Looking for some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can replicate in your own home for Christmas 2021? We've been compiling some funny, fuss-free, sometimes naughty but always family-friendly Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you and your child count down to Christmas Day during the festive season.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Beginning as a US children's book in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has gained popularity in the UK and across the world. In the run up to Christmas, the magical Scout Elves help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists by taking note of a family’s Christmas adventures and reports back to Santa at the North Pole each night. Each morning, the Scout Elf returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting for someone to spot them.
This activity sees parents, grandparents and guardians wake up extra early every morning (or at night after the kids have gone to bed) to place the Elf in a different area or room of the house, usually up to some sort of mischief. It's a firm favourite in many family households as the nearly month-long event sees kids race around the house looking for their Scout Elf each morning.
ELF ON THE SHELF: BUY NOW
As one parent wrote on Instagram: 'And just like that the dreaded Elf on the shelf is back...25 days of torture and sudden runs out of bed in the cold mornings because "s**t I forgot to move the e**ing Elf.. Quick before the kids get up!!!" #joysofparenting #christmas #elfontheshelf.'
Want to join in on the Elf on the Shelf tradition?
The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is available at all good retailers across the UK, both in store and online (RRP: £21.99), including Amazon, Argos and The Range. It includes an adoptable Scout Elf with an official adoption certificate, a keepsake box and a beautiful, illustrated storybook.
You can buy Santa's official Scout Elf now in time for the festive season, then all that will be left is to name your Scout Elf.
There are a few rules for little ones to remember, too:
- Don’t touch your Scout Elf or they will lose their magic!
- Scout Elves can’t talk but are great listeners: children can share secrets and wishes with their Elf as often as they’d like.
- The busy Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for the next Christmas.
Elf on the Shelf ideas
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.
While the first week of December will be a breeze, it can be a challenge keeping it up for the entire month. So take a look at these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas from Instagram and Pinterest that your kids will love this Christmas.