Do you have an Elf on the Shelf?
We do. Her name is Jingle.
I was super excited to start this tradition when I heard stories of a co-worker’s mischievous elf two years ago. Elf painting red noses on the children’s faces. Elf blocking the kids’ doors with streamers. Elf kissing Barbie under the mistletoe.
Sounds like a lot of fun, right?! Well, it was. By Christmas Day, it felt a bit like work. It’s hard to think of crazy stuff for your elf to do each night and often last minute.
This year, I’m going to be better organized! And I’d like to share my preparedness with you!
I have made a 2014 Elf on the Shelf Planning Calendar, complete with 25 ideas using mostly supplies you already have around the home and a shopping list for ones you don’t.
Download Your PDF Here: Elf on the Shelf Planning Calendar
Supplies Likely Already at Home
- Dry Erase or Washable Markers
- Printer paper
- Crayons
- Construction paper
- Tape
- Toilet paper
- Stickers
- Green Food Coloring
- Socks
- Barbies or Action Figures
- Scissors
- Wrapping paper
- Twigs
- Glitter
- Ziploc bags
Shopping List
- Red pom poms
- Brown pipe cleaners
- Bag of coconut
- Bag of bows
- bag of marshmallows
- Box of Candy Canes
- M ‘n’ Ms
- Popcorn
- Oats
- Barley
Does this still feel like too much work?
Here is a simpler way of using your elf this season.
Wrap all your Christmas books and DVDs (maximum needed is 25). I suggest wrapping all the items at once to save time later. Have your elf deliver a book/DVD a day until Christmas Day arrives. Each day your child unwraps the gift. As a family, you’ll share a special story or movie. It’s a nice little surprise for your kids and little work for you.
Follow Simply Planned on Pinterest for more great ‘Elf on the Shelf’ Ideas.
Cover Photo Credit: On One Hand
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