10 elf-on-a-shelf tricks for family holiday fun

From December 1 and December 24, elves-on-a-shelf are back—and as tricky as ever! Want to get in on this ever-more-popular tradition? Looking for new ways to wow your little ones? Look no further—we’ve collected 10 wacky elf-on-a-shelf pranks just for you. Explore an increasingly popular tradition and be inspired by these hilarious ways to get your elves sprinkling a little magic into your holiday season—like making snow angels in flour!

The origins of the elf-on-a-shelf tradition 

It’s said that the elf-on-a-shelf tradition in Quebec originated in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area in the 1980s when a certain grandfather needed a way to keep his grandchildren in the spirit until December 25. The backstory is that Santa’s mischievous elves, having worked all year making presents at the North Pole, come to stay in children’s houses and, under cover of night, play tricks and indulge in all kinds of tomfoolery.

Though it’s a relatively recent tradition, elves of course have been around for centuries. 
Scandinavian folklore, for instance, describes small creatures with magical powers called alfr, who protect homes from evil spirits. The little rascals! How long were they planning to go viral—one trick at a time?

The four parts of a shelf elf saga 

Like to get in on it and invite an elf-on-a-shelf to stay with you for the holidays? It’s generally a four-part process.

1. Letter from Santa Claus 
   Just before December, the kids get a letter from Santa saying that an elf is coming to visit. The letter also provides key information, such as the elf’s name and all you need to know about the little imp’s arrival.
2. Capturing the elf-on-a-shelf
   This takes place on the night before December 1. Generally you make a trap out of a box held up by a small stick. Under the box is a gingerbread cookie as bait. No elf can resist a gingerbread cookie.
3. Elf tricks 
   Once you’ve caught your elf-on-a-shelf, it will start playing tricks on your children every night, from December 1 to December 24. (In other words, you’ll need to come up with a series of naughty—and creative—tricks!) Fortunately for you, we’ve put together some ideas you can use.
4. Elf-on-a-shelf northward bound
   Traditionally, the elf-on-a-shelf leaves your home on December 25. Santa’s arrival means that playtime is over for elves round the globe. They help put the presents under the tree, hop on the sleigh, and sail off to the North Pole. To say goodbye, they may leave the kids a letter or play a particularly awesome farewell trick, like the one at the end of our list below.

10 wild but easy elf-on-a-shelf tricks 

The possibilities are endless. You’re only limited by your imagination! Whether this is your first time out or you’re looking to refresh your bag of tricks, our 10 elf-on-a-shelf trick suggestions are sure to make you want to be part of this amazing magic movement.

1. The candy fountain (photo: @scout_ourcheekyelf - Instagram) 
   Let your little ones wake up to find a special fountain of treats left by your mischievous elf. All you need for this is your kids’ favourite candy and a few minutes to set it up in the bathroom sink.
2. Rock show (photo: Frugal Coupon Living)
   Turn your elf into a rock star with a set of drums made from mason jars and tin cans. Why not wake your kids up to one of its songs played on your phone or stereo?
3. Hostage incident (Let’s DYI It All)
   Oh, no! Your elf was taken hostage during the night. Tape your elf-in-a-shelf to the wall, guarded by your kids’ most menacing action figures!
4. Making flour angels (@funny.elf.on.the.shelf—Instagram)
   Flour, sugar, confetti, candy—you can remix this one with different ingredients from your pantry.
5. Day at the beach (A Small Snippet) 
   Feeling crafty? Make the elf’s beach accoutrements—sunglasses, bath towel, a book, and a giant sun. Serve up a refreshing drink and keep a tube of sunscreen close at hand (just because you’re an elf doesn’t mean you don’t protect your skin, after all)!
6. Vandalizing the family portrait (The Elf on the Shelf)
   Elves love to put their stamp on family photos: clown noses, fake beards, Santa Claus hats—there’s no wrong way to mess with your souvenirs! Just make sure you leave irrefutable proof that “the elf done it!” Psst! Acetate markers are a fast (and reversible) way to make adjusts to framed pictures or scribble on a mirror! Elf’s honour!
7. Rock climbing, anyone? (The Keeper of the Cheerios) 
   It’s no secret—elves love to climb! Place bows or other holiday decorations up the wall or side of the fireplace as climbing holds and place your elf partway up.
8. Tobogganing (mymommystyle.com) 
   Make a hill with a cardboard box or perch your elf on a toboggan at the bottom of the banister. Want to reinvent this one? Hang a miniature cart or wagon behind the elf’s toboggan or sled to carry dolls or stuffed animals.
9. Toothbrush heist (Pinterest) 
   This classic trick can be done in a number of different ways. For the more risqué version, put the toothbrush under the elf’s bottom and leave a note saying, “Thanks for letting me use your toothbrush!” That little monster!
10. The Elf’s Farewell (Pinterest) 
    All good things must come to an end! When it’s time to go, have your elf say goodbye in style. Put it behind the wheel of a car and load the trunk with its baggage.

As you can see, there’s no end to the elf-on-a-shelf tricks you can do without spending much time or money. And you’ll have a blast making your little ones—and others—laugh their heads off!

Promutuel Insurance, THERE to add to the holiday magic! 
At Promutuel Insurance, we’ve been looking after Quebecers’ well-being for more than 170 years. We live where you live, making sure you’re free to experience the joy of the holiday season by protecting what matters to you.

Don’t forget to tag Promutuel Insurance on your socials when you try one of our elf-on-a-shelf tricks!

Happy holidays!