We've come up with several clever hiding spots for your Elf on a Shelf to keep things fresh this holiday season.
It may seem like Elf on a Shelf has been around forever, but the product has actually only been for sale for 20 years. That’s relatively short in terms of traditions, but long enough to run through the most common hiding places. To that end, we brainstormed several options to keep your kids excited about the season.
Leaning into the surveillance aspect of the tradition might not sit right with you or your kids, but if you focus on the hiding spots instead, you can make this tradition a fun game for the whole family. It can become an interactive Advent Calendar, a fun countdown to Christmas. Whether you make it a good-natured competition between your kiddos to see who can find the Elf each day or a teamwork activity, focusing on the hide-and-seek aspect rather than the “you’re being watched” aspect keeps the tradition fun and light. So get your ladders ready; it’s time to try out some new hiding spots.
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On the Tree
Much like the pickle ornament, hiding your Elf on a Shelf in your Christmas tree can make the centerpiece of your decor do double duty as a scavenger hunt. Tuck the elf into the branches or swap out your tree topper for the elf one morning and see how long it takes your little ones to notice.
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Sitting In a Bookshelf
If your bookshelf is packed to the brim with books, you may have to place your elf on the top, ideally tucked behind some decor. But if some of your shelves have knick-knacks or photos, you’ve got more real estate to play around with. Look for a nook in the middle of the shelves to have the elf sit in.
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Atop the Refrigerator
If the top of your fridge doubles as an extra storage shelf, then congratulations. You’ve got plenty of space to hide your Elf on a Shelf up there. Have the little guy peek around a roll of paper towels or over the top of some cereal boxes.
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Part of the Toy Collection
If your kids have a pile of stuffed animals or a collection of toys that they display, then try having your elf join the collection for a day. You can tell your kiddos that the elf is making some friends while it’s playing hide and seek with them.
If you live somewhere with actual seasons, your coat rack likely gets a lot of use in the winter. Try having your elf hang out on one of the upper branches of a coat tree and see if your children can find it when they get home from school.
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Centerpiece Addition
If you’ve got a full centerpiece on your dining table and you can safely add in an elf without creating a fire hazard, go for it. See if your kids can find the elf while they’re setting the table for dinner.
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Climbing the Garland
If you love the look of greenery at the holidays and like to put up garlands, consider adding lights and ornaments to them. If you’ve got particularly full garlands, you can hide your elf amongst the other decorations.
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Cozy by the Couch
A big comfy pile of blankets is great for keeping warm on cold winter nights. If you keep some piled up in a hamper near your sitting area, try tucking the little elf in there one morning. You can tell your children that it likes staying warm.
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Pop-Out Window Placement
If you have a garden window in your kitchen, you’ve likely filled it with plants. Try having the elf camp out there one morning. The foliage should give it just enough cover to make the search fun for the whole family.
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Fruit Bowl Fun
If you keep some of your produce on the counter, try hiding the elf behind it. It can just peek over the top of the bowl, and might be a fun challenge for your kids to find.
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