Insanely Hard Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spot & How to Recover

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.

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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…

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.

Find the elf yourself. Accidently stumble upon this hidden elf.
Write a note to the Elf. Let them know “we can’t find you, can you give us a hint?”
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.
Move the Elf to a new spot when your kids are gone.
Have an Elf write sentences. This is especially important when the Elf on the Shelf needs to ask forgiveness for hiding too hard.
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!

Shop Elf Printables + Digital Downloads

Free Elf Printables

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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.

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