Find the "Elf on the Shelf" Tradition

Although this is a Christmas tradition, I recommend getting this adorable book NOW because they do sell out.  Plus it makes a great gift.

Elf on the Shelf is based on a tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s. This cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the Elf on the shelf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the Elf on the shelf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game. Each collection comes with its very own scout elf, a hardbound children's book, and a keepsake box for easy storage. In addition, each shipment is marked for “Special Delivery” from Santa's workshop.

Here are 30 things you can do with your elf on the shelf.  Capture every memory like this mom did.

1. Marshmallow fight – marshmallows everywhere
2. Pillow fight – feathers everywhere
3. Nerf gun fight – darts everywhere
4. Laundry fight – clothes everywhere
5. Lipstick on mirror message
6. Unroll toilet paper roll on the floor, around Christmas tree, etc.
7. Caught sneaking candy
8. Hang child’s unmentionables on the Christmas tree
9. Hang from chandelier or ceiling fan
10. Make faces on school pictures with a marker
11. Take a spin in toy car/remote control car
12. Play board game with stuffed animal friends or action figures
13. Tea party with stuffed animal friends
14. Draw picture
15. Color in coloring book
16. Dump toybox
17. Create a block tower
18. Hide rocks in shoes
19. Sit in shoe, holding shoe laces as if going on a sleigh ride
20. Turn everyone shoes into superhero shoes
21. Plant magic seeds with directions to water once a day. On 3rd day something will grow. Secretly plant lollipops on 3rd day.
22. Make cookies – flour everywhere (Use this Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever!)
23. Make Reindeer poop and have the elf standing in it.
24. Turn toilet water blue
25. Turn milk blue
26. Make paper airplanes and fly them around the house
27. Type /write an amazing letter of all the wonderful qualities your Elf has witnessed of your child.
28. Change all clock times
29. Unscrew all the light blubs
30.Nothing. If your elf didn’t move overnight then perhaps their behavior contributed to their elf not moving.
Looking for more ideas - Check out 102 ways to hide your elf.
 
If you have an Elf on the Shelf, what did you name it and how do your kids find him?