15 Creative 'Elf on the Shelf' Ideas to Get You Through Christmas

The ’Elf on the Shelf’ is arguably one of the fastest growing new American Christmas traditions, as families across the nation jump on the bandwagon of “adopting” a scout elf to report on their kids’ behaviors to Santa Claus.

Started just 10 years ago, the women behind the product have now amassed multi-million dollar success with their business, according to Fortune. And it’s no wonder— kids love it.

For those not familiar with the “elf,” the idea is this: You buy, err adopt, an elf (they come in boy or girl form) and introduce him or her to the little ones in your life right around Thanksgiving time. They must promptly name their new elf, and read the accompanying story to learn how it’s Elf’s job to fly back to the North Pole every night and report to the man-in-red. Every morning, the elf returns, in a new place around the home. When the kids wake, it’s time to go find Elf.

Many families have expanded on this idea, not only placing Elf in a new location each day, but doing something funny. For those families— we’ve got you covered. Read on to find some new inspiration for placing your Elf on the Shelf in some creative ways!

All images are courtesy of Patch readers... if YOU have some other ideas to share, post them in the comments!

1) PLAYING WITH THE DINOS

2) ALL TIED UP

3) FOR THE ‘FROZEN’ LOVERS

4) FOR THE ‘MINECRAFT’ LOVERS

5) THE LEGOS GOT ELF!

6) FISHING FOR ORNAMENTS

7) TASTING SOME OF THE LOCAL FARE

8) MAKING USE OF SOME GIFT-WRAPPING RIBBON

9) BANANAS MAKE GREAT MINIONS

10) JUST ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

11) GETTING INTO A FIGHT WITH SILLY-STRING

12) SOME LATE-NIGHT READING OF THE KIDS’ BOOKS

13) DARTH VADER USING THE FORCE ON THESE ELVES!

14) GETTING INTO THE SYRUP

15) JUST REMEMBER... DON’T TOUCH ELF! OTHERWISE HE GETS SICK!