Frugal Coupon Living

In this Elf on the Shelf Toilet Paper Roll idea, toy friends push Elf over the counter top in an easy Elf on the Shelf set up. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

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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.

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.  You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Elf on the Shelf Toilet paper Idea

I sense trouble – Elf is about to be pushed over the countertop in this toilet paper drop.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll
• Toilet Paper
• Toys to Plunge Elf

This is consider a Lazy Elf on the Shelf Idea – you know we love those! Less than 5 minutes and using supplies from home.

Put Elf inside the tube of a a toilet paper roll and grab some toys/friends to begin the push over the edge of the counter top.

Also take a look at this full list of Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Toilet Paper.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! 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!

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 on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

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.

Take a look at these Hard Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots and learn how to recover with Elf the Shelf sentences when it was just “too hard.” New funny, original, and creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

Sometimes it happens. You The Elf comes up with a hard Elf on the Shelf hiding spot. Often a spot that seemed so obvious can become quite frustrating when your children are scrambling around the house before school trying to find “Where is the Elf on the Shelf?”

Hard Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots

The Elf on the Shelf might be in a hard hiding space on purpose or by accident. Either way it’s important to meet your child in their challenges when they are struggling to find that darn little red guy.

If this hiding spot was done on purpose, Moms and Dads can consider adding clues leading to the funny Elf doll.  This can be tiny footprints, a row of gump drops, or even pieces of red thread along the ground. This gives your child a few hints.

If this Elf prank was not done on purpose, find the Elf instead of your child. This could be something like accidently sitting on the spot the elf was hidden or pretending you are going to retrieve something and all of a sudden you “found” the Elf on a Shelf. You can also consider helping your child with excuses and answers why the Elf didn’t come back. For example, the North Pole customs line might have been too long to return last night. If you did not help your child find their Elf before venturing off to school, when they are gone add a not to the front door or kitchen counter top giving a bit of a clue where the little Elf might be!

Ideas for Hard Hiding Spots

If you are here for the best Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas, these are hard spots that might be a fun challenge for your older children.

Hard Elf on the Shelf places to hide might include…

• The Freezer

• The Washing Machine

• The Television

• The Christmas Tree

• The Couch

• The Phone

• The Computer

• The Ceiling

• Shrinking Elf on the Shelf

What to do when your Elf hides in an hard spot

So your Elf hid in a difficult hiding spot.  If this is the case for your family Elf, be prepared to recover from these naughty pranks. There are a number of ways to make right the wrong act of service you did when hiding the Elf on the Shelf.

1. Find the elf yourself. Accidently stumble upon this hidden elf.
2. Write a note to the Elf. Let them know “we can’t find you, can you give us a hint?”
3. When your child is out of the room or gone, add some extra clues. This can include gum drop sweets that suddenly appeared leading to the Elf or perhaps a long red thread that traces the path all the way to that little red guy.
4. Move the Elf to a new spot when your kids are gone.
5. Have an Elf write sentences. This is especially important when the Elf on the Shelf needs to ask forgiveness for hiding too hard.
6. In your back pocket, be prepared with a list of possible reasons the Elf didn’t come back or move.

Elf on the Shelf Sentences

Since your Elf has been naughty, it’s time to get the chalk and chalk board and write sentences. A fun way to resolve this terribly hidden spot by the little guy is to write over and over… “ I will not hide too hard again.”

Elf on the Shelf Setup Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll
• Chalk
• Chalkboard

More Good Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots

Find the best Elf on the Shelf hiding places. Enjoy these hiding spots for the Scout Elf on the Shelf including in the playroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

If you have questions about Elf on the Shelf hiding spots, w e have answers including a list of hiding places for Elf on the Shelf in every room of the house.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! 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!

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 Printables.

Elf on the Shelf Resources

At Frugal Coupon Living, our goal, to create an easy Elf on the Shelf season for you. This is not our first year of having an Elf in the home. With over eight years of Elf ideas, we have created a rather large Elf on the Shelf fan club full of new Elf on the Shelf ideas. These Elf on the Shelf resources are all you need to create the best Elf ideas.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The Elf on the Shelf tradition is a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

More Helpful Elf on the Shelf Links

Some call Frugal Coupon Living the biggest resource for all things Elf on the Shelf. While we don’t want to brag, we will. We have move our red little North Pole friend for year after year. We have created plenty of free printables, must have resources, inspirational Elf links and more. Use us at a platform to keep your sanity through the entire Christmas season.

Use the helpful Elf on the Shelf links to come up with create ideas, grab free printables, and answer Elf on the Shelf Questions.

• Favorite Elf on the Shelf Ideas – a Starter guide to all things elf including some of our top post ideas and Elf on the Shelf digital downloads.
• Largest List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Now over 600 Elf on the Shelf ideas. New ideas added daily during November and December.
• Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Are you just beginning with an Elf? Could you use a refresher of all the Elf rules. Take a look at frequently asked elf on the shelf questions to get started. You will immediately be an Elf expert.
• Free Elf on the Shelf Printables – Sign up for our emails and grab these free Elf digital downloads to help you during the Elf season. Includes an Elf calendar, notes, Elf coloring pages, encouraging ideas and more.
• DIY Bendable Elf on the Shelf – Want your Elf to do all sorts of positions. This is an easy no-sew bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.
• Elf Shop with Digital Downloads – This is one of the best Elf shops full of printable resources to perfect the holiday season.
• Elf on the Shelf Emails with New  Ideas Daily – Each day we will write you with a new Elf on the Shelf idea as well as links to Elf on the shelf resources and sometimes hidden coupon codes and freebies!

Take a look at the Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board. Tell us what you are doing with your Elf on the Shelf this season. Is there an Elf idea we haven’t tried? Do you have any Elf on the Shelf questions. Leave a comment here or on 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.

Download this fun Elf handprint art printable and put together a fun craft for Christmas with your little one. This can be done with an Elf on the Shelf doll or used as an independent Christmas activity for the family. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

Are you looking for a fun activity for the kids. This Christmas printable recognizes the Letter E in the alphabet and also brings forth a character we all know and love – an Elf! Have fun working on Alphabet handprint which can be delivered by your family elf or done as a craft independently of an Elf on the Shelf doll.

How do you make an Elf out of handprints?

It’s simple to create an Elf on the Shelf using your handprint.  Using a paint brush, first paint your child’s hand with paint. Wipe off any excess paint. Placing your hand upside down on paper instantly create an Elf’s torso, legs and arms. Let your handprint art dry and then decorate your elf head, hands and feet.

Handprint Art Elf on the Shelf Idea

Let’s get in the holiday spirit, gather a few supplies and learn how to make this adorable elf with step by step instructions.

Materials

• Tempera Paint
• Paint Brush (one inch brushes are a great size.)
• Printer Paper or Cardstock
• Printer
• Paper Towels
• Optional: Crayons or Colored Pencils
• Optional: The Elf on the Shelf Doll

Instructions

To start this Elf on the Shelf craft, simply print the free Elf handprint art template digital download (see below.)

Lay out your Elf handprint art activity sheet with your Scout Elf on the Shelf. Have your family elf bring it in the morning. Set your craft materials to the side and be prepared for a fun Christmas activity the next day.

First get together paints. Tempera paint is best when making handprint art for Christmas. Green or red paint would be best for an elf’s outfit.

Use your paint brush to paint your toddler’s hand. You can avoid painting one of your child’s fingers, maybe the ring finger to keep four appendages (two arms, two legs) – otherwise your elf might have a tail like ours!

Carefully place your child’s on the Elf printable template so that a finger lines up with each hand and each foot. The palm will line up with the elve’s face.

Allow your hand print to dry.

After dry, color your elf’s head, hands and feet.

Now you have a small handprint frozen in time.

Extend the activity with more Christmas Handprint Art printables and paper crafts.

TIP: This is best for preschoolers as very small hands need to cover this Elf body. Did your child’s hand cover the head or hands of this elf craft? If so, print out a second sheet of paper with the elf head, hands and feet. Let your child color the head, hands and feet and then carefully cut them out. Use glue sticks to glue your cut out pieces on top of the dried handprint. You could even add googly eyes for a 3-d touch. Use your own creativity to make the cutest paper elves ever.

Can I do this fun elf craft with a footprint?

Yes, this can easily be a footprint elf craft too. Make both – a handprint and footprint – as cute elf craft ideas to hang on the Christmas tree or display as Christmas Décor on the fireplace. Follow the same instructions only paint your child’s footprint instead of small hand. The grandparents would especially love this gift idea.

Elf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf on the Shelf Handprint Art Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Grab this fun handprint art and add your child’s handprint using this free printable template. This paper elf craft can be used to make Christmas cards or a gift for the grandparents.

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!

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 Printables.

Disclosure policy: By downloading digital downloads you are accepting the copyright terms and permissions that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions. If you don’t have a printer, use Staples Online printing.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

Elf on the Shelf Resources

At Frugal Coupon Living, our goal, to create an easy Elf on the Shelf season for you. This is not our first year of having an Elf in the home. With over eight years of Elf ideas, we have created a rather large Elf on the Shelf fan club full of new Elf on the Shelf ideas. These Elf on the Shelf resources are all you need to create the best Elf ideas.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

More Helpful Elf on the Shelf Links

Some call Frugal Coupon Living the biggest resource for all things Elf on the Shelf. While we don’t want to brag, we will. We have move our red little North Pole friend for year after year. We have created plenty of free printables, must have resources, inspirational Elf links and more. Use us at a platform to keep your sanity through the entire Christmas season.

Use the helpful Elf on the Shelf links to come up with create ideas, grab free printables, and answer Elf on the Shelf Questions.

• Elf on the Shelf Ideas – a Starter guide to all things elf including some of our top post ideas and Elf on the Shelf digital downloads.
• Largest List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Now over 600 Elf on the Shelf ideas. New ideas added daily during November and December.
• Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Are you just beginning with an Elf? Could you use a refresher of all the Elf rules. Take a look at frequently asked elf on the shelf questions to get started. You will immediately be an Elf expert.
• Free Elf on the Shelf Printables – Sign up for our emails and grab these free Elf digital downloads to help you during the Elf season. Includes an Elf calendar, notes, Elf coloring pages, encouraging ideas and more.
• DIY Bendable Elf on the Shelf – Want your Elf to do all sorts of positions. This is an easy no-sew bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.
• Elf Shop with Digital Downloads – This is one of the best Elf shops full of printable resources to perfect the holiday season.
• Elf on the Shelf Emails with New  Ideas Daily – Each day we will write you with a new Elf on the Shelf idea as well as links to Elf on the shelf resources and sometimes hidden coupon codes and freebies!

Follow on social media! Take a look at the Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board. Tell us what you are doing with your Elf on the Shelf this season. Is there an Elf idea we haven’t tried? Do you have any Elf on the Shelf questions. Leave a comment here or on 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.