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We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival

There are many ways you can bring Elf on the Shelf back in the home. Elf on the Shelf first day ideas include the following:

• Elf Arrives in balloon
• Elf arrivals with a wreath
• Elf brings a welcome breakfast
• Elf I’m back message
• Elf arrives in an airplane
• Elf Arrives in a package
• Elf has a Thanksgiving Day Parade

See more Elf on the Shelf Arrival ideas including Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Day Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

For this Elf on the Shelf return idea, we created an at home Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Just like the parade you would see Thanksgiving Morning in Manhattan or NBC.

If you want to recreate this Elf on the Shelf parade, you do need a few supplies.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll(s)
• Elf on the Shelf Balloon
• Balloon Pump
• String
• Baker’s Red & White Twine
• Santa Claus Christmas Décor
• Tape
• Elf Prop Stands 
• Claus Couture Collection Sugar-Plum Soldier
• Claus Couture Snow Outfit
• Red and White Polka-Dot Elf Skirt
• Paper
• Printer
• Bamboo Skewers
• Scissors
• Parade Banner Digital Download
• I also used slip on posable hand mittens and adorable elf high top sneakers when creating this scene.

Elf on the Shelf Helium Balloon

I ordered an Elf on the Shelf balloon (here and here) and took it to my local grocery store to add helium. However, at the store, the helium did not lift the balloon off the ground. Ironically it still wanted to sit “on the shelf.” You can see my child doesn’t even question why I have an Elf in the car… they are used to it.

To get my balloon to look like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Elf on the Shelf Balloon, I had to tie it from the celling.  I would have saved some money if I had just used my balloon pump.  You can see one of the legs quickly deflated too (as the balloon was in three pieces.) Long story short, stay home. Pump it up yourself. Then use your pump to do this fun Elf on the Shelf stuck in a balloon idea.

Elf on the Shelf Standing Props

I ordered a Claus Couture Elf on the Shelf Holiday Hipster legs that sand, but they had not arrived by the time I needed to do this idea. Instead I used two 18 inch doll stands I had on hand for my Scout elves.  I used two Kaiser Doll Stands and two Qlychee Transparent Stand Supports. Were I to tell you one is better than the other, I would highly suggest the Kaiser Doll Stand. The other stand broke easily and was quite annoying.

I used faux snow and Elf on the Shelf clothes to hide the prop stands.

Instructions

To recreate this scene, first begin by taping Elf to the ceiling. You can use clear fishing line or white string. We used white curling ribbon.  I then attached red and white bakers twine to the balloon and had those string fall to the ground or right above the table. Later my elves would hold these strings.

The hardest part was proping my elves. I used stands to stand them up and covered the stands with faux snow (truthfully, this was left over spider web from Halloween!) I took the handing twine and tied it around the elves wrists or placed it in their posable hands.

As we know, every November Santa Claus closes the New York City Parade waving at the parade watchers.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.

What else can I add to make Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at home?

If you want to take this to the next step, there are a few things you can add to your home Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Adding marching bands, more floats, balloons and more will make your Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Authentic.

Giant Character Balloons

Add some giant character balloons in the parade at home. Giant Character balloons can include Snoopy, Blue’s Clues, Papa Smurf, Paw Patrol, Sponge Bob, and other character helium balloons.

Balloonicle

To recreate these Balloons on wheels, you don’t need helium. A balloonicle is a Macy’s original creation for the store’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The word comes from the combination of the two words: “balloon” and “vehicle.” There are no strings attached to this inflatable. Instead it is maneuvered down the Parade route by a vehicle inside of the balloon figure.

Marching Bands

For your parade marchers, Scout Elf brand has an adorable outfit: the Claus Couture Collection Sugar-Plum Soldier. Look for little ornament drops to tie around their necks and take it a step further.

Floats

For added cheer, make your own floats. Or grab your Barbie Convertible cars and add some holiday décor. String lights, confetti, tinsel and more.

Parade Watchers

You could add mini brands as the spectators snack watching the performance in the public viewing locations. Add a parade route map in one of the viewers hands. It can include famous streets like Broadway, 34th Street, Sixth Avenue, Columbus Circle, Central Park, Times Square, and more. Alternatively, you could also make your map cheeky and add terms like “around the couch” down the living room, into the kitchen, etc.

Celebrities

To add famous stars or performance groups to your Macy’s parade, think about your resources. Do you have a Barbie or Ken doll you can dress up as a singer, clowns, some of the dancing Rockettes, or a famous celebrity?

….and of course you need a free Parade Banner to top off your NYC parade!

Parade Banner Free Elf on the Shelf Printable

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Grab this free Thanksgiving Day Parade Banner for your Elf on the Shelf Arrival idea. We taped the parade banner to bamboo skewers and placed them in faux snow.

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password to have Elf props for your North Pole friend!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf Parade Activity

Also add this Elf on the Shelf Parade Game to your child’s fun. If it is Thanksgiving Day, it would be fun for your child to participate in this Elf on the Shelf activity for the parade Thanksgiving Day.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living