How to Make Your Elf on the Shelf Have a Baby

elfontheshelf/25daysofelf/Instagram

Christmas is a time to celebrate treasured family traditions, as well as create new ones as your family grows. While there are plenty of fun Christmas activities for kids, there's nothing else quite like Elf on the Shelf. As excited as kids get about the annual Christmas tradition, some adults get just as excited by — and amazingly creative with — their elaborate Elf on the Shelf ideas and Elf on the Shelf accessories. Luckily, it's 2021, and that means everyone's creative ideas can be shared on Instagram to make the rest of our lives much easier.

If you're not familiar with the interesting history of Elf on the Shelf, in short, the concept originally stemmed from the book Elf on the Shelf by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. The storybook comes with an elf doll, which you name as a family. Meant to encourage kids to behave leading up to Christmas so they can stay on Santa's "nice list," the story goes that elves are Santa's scouts, reporting back to the North Pole each night while everyone is asleep. This is where the fun comes into play, because elves love to get up to all sorts of trouble. They never return to the same spot twice, and their favorite game is hide-and-seek, meaning it's up to you to come up with new and exciting scenarios for your Elf on the Shelf each morning. (Of course, if the kids ask, you're just as surprised as they are.)

While seeing your kids' reactions is worth it, it's not always easy coming up with ideas for what to do with your Elf on a Shelf (especially if you waited until the last minute). That's why we're sharing some of the best original Elf on the Shelf ideas from Instagram for you to recreate at home.

2 Balloon Bubble Bath Elves

Blow up a mix of white and clear balloons — with your Elf inside one of the clear ones — to fill your tub, then add a few bath toys to complete the scene. A little time consuming? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely.

Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel/Instagram

4 Christmas Tree TP Elves

Your kids won't believe their eyes when they wake up to find the Christmas tree covered in toilet paper…but a closer look will reveal the naughty elves responsible.

Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel/Instagram

7 Carol Songleader Elf

Adding googly eyes to anything makes it funnier, and these carol-singing soda cans are no exception. Finding the Elf on the Shelf leading these Christmas carolers in song will have your whole family in stitches.

Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel/Instagram

8 Elf Quarantine

The pandemic is no joke, but we can't help but giggle at this clever play on "self quarantine."

Source: mrscraftyaf/Instagram

11 Buddy the Elf on the Shelf

12 Harry Potter Elf

Potterheads and Muggles alike will be wowed by this magical Harry Potter-themed Elf on the Shelf setup.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

13 Freddie Mercury Elf

Add a mustache to your Elf on the Shelf and the resemblance to Queen's lead singer is uncanny.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

14 Christmas with the Kranks Elf

Pay homage to a more recent, but still recognizable, Christmas movie favorite by getting your elf "stuck" in some Christmas lights.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

15 Elf Friends

All you have to do to recreate this clever idea is print out a page with your family's favorite Christmas characters from movies and TV shows, with Buddy the Elf in the center. Then, simply cut a hole and place your elf's head where Buddy's was.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

16 Mini Golf Elf

A juice box straw putter, marshmallows, goldfish, toothpicks, and construction paper are all you need to make a mini golf course worthy of your elf.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

17 Donut Worry Elf

Surprise your kids with a sweet breakfast on Dec. 1, courtesy of their favorite elf friend's return.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

19 Elf Care

The list of services offered at the North Pole Spa starts with Candy Cane Champagne, of course.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

20 Love Actually Elf

Actually, this might be better appreciated by the adults…but we still love it.

Source: 25daysofelf/Instagram

21 Elf Igloo

Glue cotton balls to small boxes for a near-instant igloo for your elf. Polar bear ornaments are optional, but an adorable touch.

Source: xmaselfonashelf/Instagram

22 Elf Car Wash

If your child has toy cars, this easy Elf on the Shelf idea will take only minutes to pull off.

Source: xmaselfonashelf/Instagram

23 Ivy Climbing Elf

How cute is this elf climbing up the ivy to rescue his princess? If you don't have another elf, a Tangled doll will certainly do the trick.

Source: xmaselfonashelf/Instagram

24 Pool Float Elf

If you live in a locale that's warm year 'round, make a splash with your elf by putting him in the pool (or even the kitchen sink) in his very own miniature pool float.

Source: julie_anna_inn_bendigo/Instagram

26 Gingerbread Elf

Combine two Christmas staples — gingerbread and elves — for the perfect ode to Dec. 25.

Source: @elfontheshelf/Instagram

27 Birthday Elves

It doesn't need to be your kid's birthday to celebrate life with these fun little elves. Your kids will get a kick out of seeing their elves together.

Source: @elfontheshelf/Instagram

34 Santa Cam

This elf on the shelf idea is a win-win! Your kids will be on their best behavior because Santa's always watching through the camera, and the rustic look will decorate any home.

Source: @newenglandfarmhousedesign/Instagram

35 Snow Chess Elf

Your kids may not be interested in chess just yet (or ever), but this display is bound to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Source: @ella_the_scoutelf/Instagram

36 Bubble Bath Elf

You can never go wrong with a silly elf on the shelf idea like this one. The elf is in a pot! Your kids won't be able to stop laughing.

Source: @ella_the_scoutelf/Instagram

37 Breaded Elf

Your elf on the shelf will be nice and cozy in their bread blanket. Can't promise your kids won't want to wrap themselves in bread after seeing this.

Source: @ella_the_scoutelf/Instagram

39 Elf Hanging Around

The mischievous little ones will especially love this elf on the shelf idea, and they'll be dying to know how he got up there.

Source: @the_elves_at_no.62/Instagram

40 Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Even before Frozen made an incredibly catchy song about building a snowman, it was a classic winter activity. Honor the fun pastime with this silly toilet paper tower.

Source: @the_elves_at_no.62/Instagram

41 Guess Who? Elves

Take the old-school board game to the next level by pitting your two elf on the shelfs against each other. Who knows? Maybe your kids will want to play, too!

Source: @the_elves_at_no.62/Instagram

42 Snowball Fight Elves

Whether you live somewhere that snowball fights are impossible or it's just too cold to go outside, you can bring the snowball fight indoors with this adorable elf on the shelf idea.

Source: @doryandsammy/Instagram

43 Upside Down Baker Elf

Get the funniest parent award when you take your little one's elf on the shelf and hang him upside down like this. Bonus: They may not even find it right away, so it could be a fun hide and seek game.

Source: @doryandsammy/Instagram

44 Superhero Elf

Remind your kids that they're the superheroes of their own life with this elf on the shelf idea.

Source: @doryandsammy/Instagram

45 Punny Peas

Puns are always the way to go and though this one is mildly dirty, a little bathroom humor never hurt anyone.

Source: @the_elf_station/Instagram

46 Festivus Elf

Even if you aren't a huge fan of Seinfeld, you may have heard of the saying, "Festivus for the rest of us." Festivus is a secular holiday celebrated on Dec. 9 that comes without the pressures and commercialism that is Christmas.

Source: @seinfeldepisodes/Instagram

47 Shark Attack Elf

Shark Week may be months away, but that doesn't mean you can't bring its thrill home a little earlier.

Source: @805masks/Instagram

48 Snowman Slime

Slime can be fun for all ages, whether your little one is 5 or 15, they'll love seeing this silly elf on the shelf idea come to life.

Source: @squigleydesigns/Instagram

49 Fashion-Forward Elf

Is your elf the most fashionable elf on the block? Make your kid laugh with a fun elf fashion show.

Source: @elfontheshelf/Instagram

51 Glass Elf

Your kid will have to be a detective when they find their elf trapped under a glass. Who knows the story of how he ended up there? Your kid will figure it out.

Source: @carr0t_t0p_m0m/Instagram

52 Baby Elf

Ring in the holiday season with the arrival of a new, baby elf to kick off the "Elf on the Shelf" season.

Source: @babyelfdolls/Instagram

54 Marshmallow Bath Elf

An elf needs some R&R during the Christmas season. Wait for your kids to stumble upon your Elf on the Shelf in a nice bubble bath made of mini marshmallows.

Source: @elfontheshelf/Instagram

55 Breakfast Elf

Surprise the kids with a delicious Saturday morning breakfast by setting up your elf ready to tackle his or her own stack of pancakes.

Source: @elfontheshelf/Instagram

56 Elf Melts Snowman

Throw some branches, buttons, a mini carrot, and craft eyes into some water, and pretend the elf accidentally melted a snowman!

Source: @elfontheshelf/Instagram

57 Sprinkle Snow Angel Elf

Who needs snow when you have sprinkles? Set the elf up creating indoor "snow" angels on a colorful pile of sprinkles, which can of course be used for ice cream sundaes after if you're feeling extra sweet.

Source: @funny.elf.on.the.shelf/Instagram

58 Elf Painting Class

This portrait painting class with your Elf on the Shelf will make for a very creative morning.

Source:@thdecor/Instagram

59 "Elfie" Shark

Much to your dismay, you will most likely be singing "Baby Shark" all day long after setting up this "Elfie Shark" display.

Source: @cupcakesandconfettinc/Instagram

60 Doughnut Snowmen

Have your elf leave a sweet treat of decorated mini doughnuts and a nice note before the start of the day.

Source: @canekringle/Instagram

61 Candy "Magic" Trick

Brighten up those chilly days by leaving this colorful magic trick. Place skittles on a white plate, with the note, "Just add warm water." Even you will be amazed to see the rainbow creation that appears before you very eyes after a few minutes.

Source:@twinsandablog/Instagram

63 Minecraft Elf

For the kids in your life who love video games, this Minecraft-themed Elf on the Shelf setup is a fun way to combine their passion with a holiday tradition.

Source: @therobertsfamilyeleves/Instagram

64 Elf Gym Session

All elves have to stay in shape during the Christmas season to make sure gifts get delivered to where they need to be.

Source: @love_lisali /Instagram

65 "Shoe, Shoe" Train Elf

All aboard the "shoe, shoe," train. Line shoes back to back to create your train, led by your very own elf.

Source: @caquarehla/Instagram

66 Frozen Elf

Let Elsa unleash some serious chill on your elf by having her "freeze" him inside a block of ice.

Source: @justme_heathert/Instagram

67 Candy Fountain Elf

Although a little trickier to pull off, any kid will love waking up and finding their bathroom sink overflowing with candy. Simply take a small rod, glue gummy bears all around, then position so that it looks like the candy is flowing out of the faucet into a big pile.

Source: @scout_ourcheekyelf/Instagram

68 Indoor Elf Sledding

Position a paper towel roll to run off an elevated surface, making your elf look like he's sledding around the house.

Source: @jeribrownlee/Instagram

69 Elf on the Shelf Tech Hack

Someone's been hacked! Change all the screensavers on electronics around the house to a "s-elfie" by the elf herself! When the house wakes up, everyone will be in for a surprise.

Source: @thenameisblack/Instagram

70 Dragon Attack Elf

Play make-belief with some holiday house sets by creating a comic-book scene, complete with fire, dragons, and more with the elf!

Source: @feistyelfontheshelf/Instagram

71 Punny Elf

The perfect punny set up, design a "gingerbread" house by building a house of toast and ginger seasoning. Everyone is sure to get a good laugh.

Source: @bradley.maxine/Instagram

72 Funny Egg Faces

Ask the kids to grab the eggs out of the fridge, and they'll be shocked to fine 12 different faces drawn on them by none other than Elfie.

Source: @greatscott_tt/Instagram

73 Wrapping Elf

While it's definitely not the ideal scenario when the family is in a rush, this wrapped toilet, complete with a bow, is true dedication to the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon.

Source: @creacricri/Instagram

74 "Naughty" Elf Oreos

No kid will want these Oreos, but they will definitely remember to brush their teeth when they see this surprise Elfie left for them.

Source: @itsthebrushcut/Instagram

75 Pizza Night Elves

Even the elves want to join in on pizza night. Give the elves some slices of their own with these mini gummy pizzas that your kid will probably clamor over more than the real thing.

Source: @kylee_cushing/Instagram

Christy Piña Digital Fellow Christy Piña is the digital fellow at WomansDay.com, where she covers women's issues, lifestyle, and entertainment.

Jamie Kravitz Jamie Kravitz is the Associate Editor at Woman's Day.

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How to Make Your Elf on the Shelf Have a Baby

Source: https://www.womansday.com/life/g29515335/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/

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