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Hide and Seek Cup Game Idea for The Elf on the Shelf

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January 5, 2024 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media, The Elf on the Shelf Ideas

published date: December 05, 2023
modified datt: January 05,2024

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Fill your Red SOLO Cup with a North Pole friend. In this cute hiding spot idea, play the cup game, see if your child can find the family elf. Print our cute rhyming letter to the kids too! New creative, funny, and original Ideas for The Elf on the Shelf daily.

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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 holiday season is a magical time for families, filled with traditions that create lasting memories. One such tradition that has gained immense popularity is a family elf. This mischievous little elf comes to life during the Christmas season, engaging in all sorts of playful antics while keeping an eye on the children’s behavior. This year, some creative parents have taken The holiday tradition to a whole new level by incorporating a game of hide-and-seek using SOLO plastic cups.

The Cup Game: Adding a Twist to the Hiding The Elf on the Shelf Tradition

Ironically, every morning The Elf on the Shelf is hiding. Why not turn the hiding into a fun game? Fill up a Red SOLO cup with your family elf.. let’s explain! Parents are always on the lookout for ways to make The Elf on the Shelf experience even more exciting for their little ones. One innovative idea that has captured the imagination of many is setting up a game where a bunch of SOLO plastic cups is arranged in a grid, each cup placed face down on the ground. Under one of these cups is the silly Scout Elf, waiting to be discovered.

Supplies

  • The Elf on the Shelf Doll
  • Cardstock or paper (this is the best cardstock)
  • Pen, Pencil, or Marker
  • Red SOLO Cups

The Setup

To start this enchanting adventure, parents set up the plastic cups in a designated area of the house. The cups are arranged in either a grid or random formation, creating an element of mystery as children try to figure out which cup is concealing the elusive elf. The cups are placed upside down, creating a uniform surface that adds an extra layer of challenge to the game.

The Note

To kick off the excitement, a carefully crafted note is left alongside the cups. The note encourages the children to embark on a quest to find the hiding elf. It might read something like this:

“Dear [Child’s Name],

‘Tis the season of merriment and joy. I have decided to play a game of hide-and-seek with you! Under one of these cups, I’m snug as a bug, waiting for you to find me. Will you accept the challenge? Lift each cup with care, and let the magic of the season guide you to where I hide.

Best of luck, and may the cups be ever in your favor!

Yours mischievously,
[Elf’s Name]”

The Joy of Discovery

red solo cup elf on the shelf hiding
The beauty of this idea lies in the joy of discovery. Children, with eyes wide with anticipation, lift each cup one by one, their excitement growing with each reveal. The element of surprise and the uncertainty of where the North Pole visitor might be hiding adds an extra layer of magic to the holiday season.

Tips: The little red guy hiding under a cup idea might put the Scout Elf in a compromising place. If you have a family pet, display this idea on a large table. If you don’t have a pet that will pick up the North Pole visitor, do this idea to the side of the room where the famly elf cannot get walked on. Remember, it is not okay to touch the Scout Elf. You can use Magic Grippers to move him.

As parents, it’s always a delight to witness the sheer joy and wonder in our children’s eyes during the holiday season. A Christmas Elf tradition, combined with the creativity of setting up a hide-and-seek game with SOLO plastic cups, adds a unique and memorable touch to the festivities. This simple yet enchanting idea transforms an already beloved tradition into an adventure that the whole family can enjoy together, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Need help with sticky hands? Your hands can do many different things when you use these useful tips for connecting The Elf on the Shelf Hands.

elf on the shelf hands connected together velcro, rubber bands, glue

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!

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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

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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!

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 visiting guy 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 North Pole visitor 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 ideas for The Elf on the Shelf. 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 shenanigans, and much more, consider us your go-to resource for maintaining your holiday spirit and sanity throughout the entire Christmas season.

huge list of The Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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.

Share-Post-on-Pinterest-Frugal-Coupon-Living

Join the holiday fun on social media! Dive into The Elf Ideas Pinterest Board 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!red-frugal-coupon-living-signature

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 January 5, 2024 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

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I am a wife, mother, daughter, blogger, teacher, friend – a woman of many different hats. My delights are my husband, my five kids, reading, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. I am a Florida girl transferred to the heart of the DC-Metro area. I'm glad you're here! Learn more about Ashley.

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