Take a look at these three easy ways to temporarily connect The Elf on the Shelf Hands together in sew-free Scout Elf surgery ideas. These Christmas elf ideas include temporary solutions for one night or the entire season of elfin’ without damaging your North Pole Visitor. New creative, funny, and original Ideas for Holiday Elves daily.
Want daily Christmas elf in your inbox in the month of November & December? Sign up here!
Disclosure: Frugal Coupon Living (the website, blog, and all social media channels) is not associated with CCA and B, LLC d/b/a The Lumistella Company, home of the official The Elf on the Shelf and Scout Elf.
The Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families, bringing joy and excitement as children eagerly anticipate the mischievous adventures of their festive visitor. One question that seems to arise among those new to The Elf on the Shelf phenomenon is whether the Scout Elf’s hands come connected. In this blog post, we’ll delve into this intriguing inquiry to provide clarity for parents, guardians, and anyone curious about the inner workings of this magical holiday tradition.
The Origins of The Elf on the Shelf
Before we unravel the mystery of the Scout Elf’s hands, let’s briefly revisit the origins of this enchanting tradition. The Elf on the Shelf was first introduced in the form of a children’s picture book written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. The story revolves around a Scout Elf who observes children’s behavior during the day and reports back to Santa Claus each night.
Are you supposed to cut The Elf on the Shelf hands?
Now, let’s get to the heart (or rather, the hands) of the matter – the anatomy of the little red guy. The Elf on the Shelf arrived with his hands stitched together. This is a small white stitch that can easily be cut with scissors. The Elf on the Shelf Doll does not come with instructions. Most parents of the Scout Elf Moving Committee (EMC) prefer to cut The Elf on the Shelf hands allowing for a variety of creative and mischievous positions for how they can stage Christmas elf. Once their hands are cut, you have the option to make The Elf on the Shelf poseable. Creating movable limbs, arms, and legs, can be done with a new-sew technique, paper clips, or The Elf on the Shelf sewing kit. This flexibility enables parents and guardians to set up fun and imaginative scenes for their children to discover each morning during the holiday season.
Can The Elf on the Shelf be touched?
You cannot touch The Elf on the Shelf with your bare hands. If you need to move your North Pole visitor, you can use Magic Grippers for The Elf on the Shelf. These are standard kitchen tongs with a magic gripper printable sign. Holiday elves loose their magical powers if touched by humans. Not touching the Scout Elf helps maintain the little red guy role as Santa’s Scout, returning to the North Pole each evening to continue to report on children’s behavior without interference every evening. If Scout Elf has been touched, you might notice he does not move his spot for one or two days. You can print rules here.
Learn what to do if The Elf on the Shelf is touched!
So how do you keep The Elf on the Shelf hands together?
If you have taken the plunge and cut little red guys hands, there are “no see” options to keep your The Elf on the Shelf hands together for staging Scout Elf. There are many ideas that have Sout Elf’s hands together (we will get to that later.) Some options are temporary ways to connect The Elf on the Shelf hands and can be undone with each new elf idea. Parents can get creative with the poses, making the North Pole visitor seem even more lifelike and mischievous. From ziplining on a candy cane to hanging from a light fixture or roasting a marshmallow for a s’more, the possibilities are endless.
We are going to take a look at three easy and temporary options for how to connect The Elf on the Shelf’s hands.
Easy and Temporary Ways to Connect The Elf on the Shelf’s Hands for Creative Displays
Introduction: The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a festive favorite, bringing joy and wonder to homes during the holiday season. Elevate The Elf on the Shelf experience with creative poses using easy and temporary connection options for the Scout Elf’s hands. In this blog post, we’ll explore three delightful methods: clear rubber bands, glue dots, and velcro strips.
Option 1: Clear Rubber Bands
Clear rubber bands offer a discreet solution for connecting The Elf on the Shelf’s hands.
Supplies:
- The Elf on the Shelf Doll
- Clear Rubber Bands (I have used this set and this set)
Follow these steps for a seamless and temporary pose:
- Select the Desired Pose: Choose the pose you want for your little red elf, considering that clear rubber bands will be used to connect the hands.
- Position the Hands: Gently position the little guy’s hands for the desired pose. Ensure they are close enough for the clear rubber band to connect them without causing strain.
- Apply the Clear Rubber Band: Loop a clear rubber band around the red elf’s hands, creating a secure yet temporary bond. Adjust as needed for the perfect pose.
- Fine-Tune the Pose: Fine-tune the position of the hands, ensuring the clear rubber band is discreet and nearly invisible, preserving the magic of the North Pole visitor.
Option 2: Glue Dots
Glue dots provide another quick and removable method for connecting The Elf on the Shelf’s hands.
Supplies:
- The Elf on the Shelf Doll
- Glue Dots (I used this set)
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Glue Dots: Peel off glue dots from the roll, readying them for application.
- Position The Elf on the Shelf’s Hands: Arrange the Scout Elf’s hands in the desired pose, ensuring they are close enough for the glue dots to create a secure connection.
- Apply the Glue Dots: Gently press the glue dots onto the hands, creating a temporary bond that can be easily removed without leaving residue.
- Experiment and Adjust: Experiment with various poses, adjusting the placement of the hands as needed. Glue dots offer flexibility for dynamic elf scenes.
Option 3: Self-Adhesive Velcro Dots
Self-adhesive velcro dots provide a convenient and reusable solution for connecting the handsof elves.
Supplies:
- The Elf on the Shelf Doll
- Sticker Velcro Dots (I have used this set)
Here’s a simple guide on how to use them:
- Peel and Stick the Velcro Dots: Begin by peeling the self-adhesive velcro dots from their backing. These dots come pre-sized for the Scout Elf’s hands, eliminating the need for trimming.
- Attach Velcro to the Hands: Affix one side of each velcro dot to the hands of the visitor from the North Pole. The self-adhesive nature ensures a secure bond without the hassle of additional adhesives.
- Create a Temporary Bond: The velcro dots create a temporary bond that allows for easy detachment and reattachment, giving you the flexibility to change poses effortlessly.
- Experiment with Poses: Take advantage of the Velcro’s flexibility to experiment with various poses. The self-adhesive velcro dots, being pre-sized, make it a straightforward process to achieve dynamic and engaging Christmas displays.
With clear rubber bands, glue dots, and velcro strips, you now have three fantastic options for temporarily connecting The Elf on the Shelf’s hands. These creative methods open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to craft unique and enchanting scenes that will captivate your family throughout the holiday season. Embrace the magic, get creative, and let The Elf on the Shelf bring joy and wonder to your home.
The Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Hands Connected
Adding a creative touch to The Elf on the Shelf tradition by connecting the little visitor’s hands opens up a world of possibilities for imaginative displays. Here are 10 fun and festive The Elf on the Shelf ideas with hands-connected that parents can easily implement:
Scout Elf Tied to a Train Track:
Connect the little guys hands to mimic The Elf on the Shelf caught on a train track with an oncoming train. Alternatively, you can position the Scout Elf as a cheerful train conductor. Connect its hands and have it hold a small train whistle or a “Tickets, Please!” sign. Place the little guy near a toy train or tracks to create a delightful train-themed display.
Scout Elf’s Sweet Proposal:
Infuse a touch of romance into The Elf on the Shelf display by connecting the Scout Elf’s hands and positioning them in a charming proposal pose. In The Elf on the Shelf marriage proposal, have the Scout Elf hold a candy ring, symbolizing a sweet engagement gesture.
Scout Elf Ziplining Adventure:
For an exciting idea try The Elf on the Shelf ziplining adventure, connect the Scout Elf’s hands, and suspend them on a string between two points. Create a miniature zipline using dental floss or thin string, and position the Scout Elf as if it’s ziplining through the room or a set of chairs with balloons. This adds an element of adventure and thrill to The Elf on the Shelf display.
Acrobatic Scout Elf Duo:
Connect the hands of one Scout Elf and have it hang upside down from a string or a miniature trapeze. To enhance the acrobatic display, introduce another little red guy holding the hanging hands, creating a charming and synchronized acrobat pose. Below, position additional North Pole spectators to complete the lively circus scene, showcasing a delightful and dynamic performance that adds a touch of whimsy to holiday festivities.
The Elf on the Shelf Family Embrace:
Create a heartwarming scene by connecting the Scout Elf’s hands in the embrace of hugging a family photo. Mimic a sweet hug by wrapping its arms around the picture. This idea adds a sentimental touch to The Elf on the Shelf tradition, emphasizing the spirit of family and togetherness during the festive season. Place the setup on a prominent shelf or table to make it a heartwarming centerpiece in your home.
Scout Elf Movie Night:
Arrange the North Pole visitor with their hands connected, holding a tiny popcorn container (or Scout Elf Movie Night sign) and sitting on a miniature movie night setup. Create a tiny TV with a holiday movie playing for an adorable cinematic experience.
Scout Elf Wrestling Ring:
In this clever WWE The Elf on the Shelf Wrestling idea, Scout Elf is in the ring, the cereal box ring, wrestling WWE toys.
Scout Elf’s Shark-Infested Adventure:
Create a thrilling water-themed display by connecting the North Pole visitor’s hands and having it hang onto the water spout of the bathtub. Mimic a daring The Elf on the Shelf shark scene where the little red guy/gal is suspended above a tub filled with miniature shark toys as if it’s avoiding a shark-infested “ocean.”
In summary, while the hands of elves do come permanently connected, cutting it will not ruin your antics and pranks. Instead, they are easy options to create a poseable The Elf on the Shelf, providing a canvas for creativity and allowing for a unique and enchanting experience for each family. As the holiday season approaches, families can look forward to the joy and wonder that Christmas season brings, with its hands ready to take on any pose in the name of festive fun!
The Elf on the Shelf Hands Ideas
Love the idea of hands? Take a look at these Scout Elf ideas that include helping hands and handprint art!
Unleash the creativity with an enchanting The Elf on the Shelf “Handprint Art” surprise. Imagine waking up to find your elf friend has left behind a magical craft, complete with a note inviting your child to embark on an artistic adventure. The note suggests creating handprint North Pole elf art using paint. This delightful activity not only provides a fun and festive way to engage with your little red guy but also results in a cherished piece of art, capturing a moment of holiday magic. As tiny hands press onto the canvas, the joy and excitement shared with the little guy become a tangible keepsake, creating lasting memories with a tiny handprint impressioned in time.
Embrace the spirit of kindness with a heartwarming Elf on the Shelf “Helping Hand” idea. Your mischievous Scout Elf can arrive with a printable note that reads, “Give a hand day! What can you do that is nice for someone?” This thoughtful prompt encourages children to think about acts of kindness they can perform for others. Whether it’s helping with chores, sharing a toy, or offering a friendly gesture, the red guy becomes a messenger of goodwill, inspiring a day filled with positive deeds and thoughtful gestures. This heartening idea brings joy and excitement and instills the values of generosity and compassion during the holiday season.
Christmas Printables Ideas
Discover the ultimate fun in our digital download wonderland! These Christmas printables can be used alone or you can create really fun ideas for a North Pole Visitor. Check out the Frugal Coupon Living shop for the hottest ideas, featuring holiday activities, games, kid-friendly jokes, letters, notes, and a whole lot more!
Free Christmas Elf Ideas Printables
We’re all about spreading the love with free printables! To access our treasure trove of printables, simply enter your email address below. Keep an eye out for a confirmation email to verify your subscription. Once confirmed, a second email will arrive in your inbox, complete with a link and password to unlock the goodies
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 signup.
3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with a link and passcode to all of our free printables including digital files for birthday parties, holidays, teacher gifts, and more.
4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”
5. Enjoy your free printables.
By downloading digital downloads you are accepting the copyright terms and permissions that this is for personal use, 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!
Christmas Resources for The Elf on the Shelf
Here at Frugal Coupon Living, our mission is to make The Elf on the Shelf season a breeze. We’re no newcomers to the Scout Elf game, boasting over a decade of experience. With a dedicated fan club spanning these ten years, we’ve curated a treasure trove of delightful ideas for your holiday season. Our collection of The Elf on the Shelf resources are your one-stop-shop for crafting the most memorable Scout Elf moments for your family as well. Join us in making this Christmas truly magical!
What is The Elf on the Shelf?
Embrace the cherished Christmas tradition of The Elf on the Shelf, which revolves around a captivating storybook and an adorable Scout Elf doll. This enchanting book, filled with poetic rhymes, unveils the purpose behind the Scout Elf’s visits.
Like clockwork, the little red visitor graces our homes each Thanksgiving and embarks on a nightly journey to and from the North Pole. Every morning, the thrill lies in discovering the Scout Elf in a brand-new, imaginative hiding spot within the house. From peeking out of the refrigerator to fishing in the sink, leaving mirror messages, or swinging from the lights, the North Pole Visitor’s antics never cease to amuse. But remember, there’s a cardinal rule to uphold: never touch the Scout Elf, for it’s the key to preserving their Christmas magic! Each family has the privilege of christening their very own Scout Elf with a special name. Finally, as Christmas Eve dawns, these loyal Scout Elves bid us farewell, returning to their North Pole workshop alongside Santa, awaiting their next wondrous adventure
More Helpful The Elf on the Shelf Ideas Links
Frugal Coupon Living has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for The Elf on the Shelf ideas. We take pride in our ability to consistently bring joy by relocating our beloved North Pole visitor year after year. With an extensive collection of printable concepts, essential resources, delightful Scout Elf shenanigans, and much more, consider us your go-to resource for maintaining your holiday spirit and sanity throughout the entire Christmas season.
Explore the handy The Elf on the Shelf links to unleash your creativity, access free printables, and find answers to your Scout Elf inquiries.
- The Elf on the Shelf Ideas – A comprehensive starter guide encompassing all things Scout Elf, featuring some of our top posts and downloadable content.
- Largest List of The Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Boasting over 1,000 imaginative The Elf on the Shelf concepts, this ever-expanding list receives daily additions throughout November and December.
- The Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Whether you’re a novice with a Scout Elf or need a refresher on The Elf on the Shelf rules, peruse our frequently asked questions to become an instant Scout Elf expert.
- Free Christmas Elf Ideas Printables – Sign up for our emails and seize the opportunity to obtain these complimentary Christmas Elf digital downloads, aiding your ideas for the elf-repositioning season. These include a calendar, notes, coloring pages, inspiring ideas, and more.
- DIY Bendable The Elf on the Shelf – Transform your Scout Elf into a versatile poser with this simple, no-sew tutorial on creating a bendable Scout Elf.
- Christmas Elf Ideas Shop with Digital Downloads – Explore one of the finest shops brimming with printable resources to elevate your holiday season.
- Ideas Emails – Receive daily emails featuring fresh ideas to enhance your Elf Moving Committee ideas and holiday experience.
Join the holiday fun on social media! Dive into Pinterest Board of Ideas for Elves for inspiration and share your own festive adventures. Got a fresh Scout Elf idea we haven’t explored yet? Curious about some Scout Elf secrets? Don’t be shy – drop a comment here or on Pinterest! Let’s keep The Elf on the Shelf excitement alive together!
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.