Elf ideas for every night of the season

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Every idea by theme

More ideas for kind, busy and rainy days

1. Sidewalk Chalk Hello

   Leave chalk with the elf and a note asking the kids to write a cheerful message on the driveway or sidewalk for people walking by.

   1 minNeeds suppliesNo messAges 4+

   You'll need: sidewalk chalk

2. Footprints to the Window

   Sprinkle a light path of flour footprints from the elf's spot to a window, made by pressing a fingertip. The elf is gone, leaving only its trail and a note on the sill.

   5 minHousehold itemsMessyAll ages

   You'll need: flour, paper and pen

3. Kindness Rocks

   Leave a few smooth stones and markers with a note asking the kids to draw happy pictures to leave on a walk for strangers to find.

   5 minNeeds suppliesA little messAges 4+

   You'll need: smooth stones, permanent markers

4. Indoor Snowman Building

   Stack three rolls of toilet paper into a snowman with a paper scarf and marker face, and set the elf beside it holding a 'carrot' made of orange paper.

   15 minHousehold itemsNo messAll ages

   You'll need: toilet paper rolls, paper, marker, tape

5. Treasure Hunt

   Hide four or five clue notes around the house that lead to a small treat or the elf itself. Each clue rhymes or points to the next spot.

   15 minHousehold itemsNo messAges 4+

   You'll need: paper and pen, a small treat

6. Thank-You Notes for Everyone

   Leave a tiny folded note addressed to each family member with one thing the elf noticed them doing well this season. Specific praise lands better than 'be good'.

   15 minHousehold itemsNo messAll ages

   You'll need: paper, pen

7. Elf Mail Slot

   Cut a slot in a shoebox lid and label it 'Elf Mail'. Kids can drop notes to the elf in the box all week.

   15 minHousehold itemsA little messAll ages

   You'll need: shoebox, scissors, marker

8. Elf-Sized Movie Night

   Set up a phone or tablet on a shelf with a few popcorn kernels in a cupcake liner and the elf in a 'seat' of folded paper. Plan a real family movie night that evening.

   15 minHousehold itemsA little messAll ages

   You'll need: popcorn, cupcake liner or small bowl, paper

9. Last Night Photo Booth

   Cut a paper frame and lean it against the wall so the elf looks like it is posing for a farewell photo. Invite the kids to take a picture of themselves in the same frame in the morning.

   15 minHousehold itemsA little messAges 4+

   You'll need: paper or cardboard, scissors, marker

10. Pajama Breakfast Picnic

    Lay a blanket on the living room floor with plates, cups and the elf in the middle. Breakfast is a picnic today.

    15 minHousehold itemsA little messAll ages

    You'll need: blanket, plates, cups

11. Craft Station

    Leave paper, glue and any craft supplies you have in a tray with the elf supervising. Today's job: make ornaments for the tree.

    15 minHousehold itemsMessyAll ages

    You'll need: paper, glue, craft supplies

12. Paper Snowflake Workshop

    Cut a few paper snowflakes and tape them to a window, with the elf sitting among scraps and safety scissors. Kids can add their own.

    15 minHousehold itemsMessyAges 4+

    You'll need: paper, scissors, tape

13. Holiday Card Assembly Line

    Set out envelopes, stamps and a few holiday cards with the elf supervising. Kids can add stickers or drawings to each card before it goes in the mail.

    15 minNeeds suppliesNo messAll ages

    You'll need: holiday cards, envelopes, stickers or markers

14. Sticky Note Countdown Tree

    Arrange green sticky notes into a triangle tree on a door with the elf at the top as the star. Remove one note each morning.

    15 minNeeds suppliesNo messAll ages

    You'll need: green sticky notes

15. Gingerbread Construction Zone

    Set the elf with graham crackers, frosting and candy laid out like a building site, with a 'Hard Hat Area' sign. Build the house together after breakfast.

    15 minNeeds suppliesMessyAges 4+

    You'll need: graham crackers, frosting, candy