“I slept great! I got a full 40 minutes!” Recreate this adorable Elf on the Shelf Bed idea and print this free Buddy Elf quote printable. 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!

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!

Shop Elf Printables + Digital Downloads

Elf on The Shelf Bedding

Were you one of the lucky ones to get Elf on the Shelf bedding a few years ago? Unfortunately this product has been discontinued and it is very hard to find right now but it doesn’t mean you won’t luck out!

If you are looking for Elf on the Shelf bedding for kids, take a look at these potential retailers of where to buy Elf on the Shelf bedding!

Elf on the Shelf Bedding Kohl’s

Elf on the Shelf Bedding Amazon

Elf on the Shelf Bedding Etsy

Elf on the Shelf Bedding Ebay

Elf on the Shelf Bedding Walmart

Elf on the Shelf Bedding Pottery Barn

Let us know what you find by leaving a comment below. I am sure we all would love to grab a set (or two… or in my case, three!)

There was a line of Elf on the Shelf Bed Sheets at Pottery Barn and I could see the partnership continuing when the Christmas season is here. I have noticed Scout Elf brand brings new products and then takes them off the market during the off season. So sometimes it’s best to wait because a Christmas in July sale, doesn’t yet exist!

Elf on the Shelf Bed Idea

In this adorable Elf on the Shelf Bed Idea, we created a really cute snugly moment.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll

• Elf Quote About Sleeping Printable

• Optional: Doll House Bed

• Optional: Elf on the Shelf Brand Claus Couture Sleeping Bag (we used Scout Elf Slumber Set)

Create a cute Scout Elf snugly moment using a popular Elf movie quote from Buddy the Elf.

How’d you sleep?

Great! I got a full 40 minutes!

This sleeping bag offers a welcome break for every busy elf during the holiday season. If 40 minutes isn’t enough for you Elf create a cute Elf on the Shelf Bed idea with our Free Elf Quote printable.

Simply place the Elf on the Shelf bed or sleeping bag set where your child can see it and create a fun scene in your home.

DIY Elf on the Shelf Bed

If you have a Cricut Maker, make your very own DIY Bed for Elf on the Shelf. You vinyl cutter will need to have a Cricut Chipboard and Strong Grip Mat.

Alternatively, creating your own DIY Elf on the Shelf bed is very affordable using many supplies you have at home. You can pad a tissue box and put Elf inside a Sock to create an Elf on the Shelf Sleeping Bag.

This Elf sleeping bag idea with socks is really cute for your child to wake up beside! You could also add our Elf Quote about sleeping!

Elf on the Shelf Bed Printable

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

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get this “I got a full 40 minutes” Buddy Elf Quote printable. Use it for your Elf on the Shelf Doll.

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.

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.

Looking for a fun Elf on the Shelf arrival idea? Have a Elf on the Shelf Parade and print this Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Banner. 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!

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.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival

There are many ways you can bring Elf on the Shelf back in the home. Elf on the Shelf first day ideas include the following:

• Elf Arrives in balloon
• Elf arrivals with a wreath
• Elf brings a welcome breakfast
• Elf I’m back message
• Elf arrives in an airplane
• Elf Arrives in a package
• Elf has a Thanksgiving Day Parade

See more Elf on the Shelf Arrival ideas including Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Day Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

For this Elf on the Shelf return idea, we created an at home Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Just like the parade you would see Thanksgiving Morning in Manhattan or NBC.

If you want to recreate this Elf on the Shelf parade, you do need a few supplies.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll(s)
• Elf on the Shelf Balloon
• Balloon Pump
• String
• Baker’s Red & White Twine
• Santa Claus Christmas Décor
• Tape
• Elf Prop Stands 
• Claus Couture Collection Sugar-Plum Soldier
• Claus Couture Snow Outfit
• Red and White Polka-Dot Elf Skirt
• Paper
• Printer
• Bamboo Skewers
• Scissors
• Parade Banner Digital Download
• I also used slip on posable hand mittens and adorable elf high top sneakers when creating this scene.

Elf on the Shelf Helium Balloon

I ordered an Elf on the Shelf balloon (here and here) and took it to my local grocery store to add helium. However, at the store, the helium did not lift the balloon off the ground. Ironically it still wanted to sit “on the shelf.” You can see my child doesn’t even question why I have an Elf in the car… they are used to it.

To get my balloon to look like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Elf on the Shelf Balloon, I had to tie it from the celling.  I would have saved some money if I had just used my balloon pump.  You can see one of the legs quickly deflated too (as the balloon was in three pieces.) Long story short, stay home. Pump it up yourself. Then use your pump to do this fun Elf on the Shelf stuck in a balloon idea.

Elf on the Shelf Standing Props

I ordered a Claus Couture Elf on the Shelf Holiday Hipster legs that sand, but they had not arrived by the time I needed to do this idea. Instead I used two 18 inch doll stands I had on hand for my Scout elves.  I used two Kaiser Doll Stands and two Qlychee Transparent Stand Supports. Were I to tell you one is better than the other, I would highly suggest the Kaiser Doll Stand. The other stand broke easily and was quite annoying.

I used faux snow and Elf on the Shelf clothes to hide the prop stands.

Instructions

To recreate this scene, first begin by taping Elf to the ceiling. You can use clear fishing line or white string. We used white curling ribbon.  I then attached red and white bakers twine to the balloon and had those string fall to the ground or right above the table. Later my elves would hold these strings.

The hardest part was proping my elves. I used stands to stand them up and covered the stands with faux snow (truthfully, this was left over spider web from Halloween!) I took the handing twine and tied it around the elves wrists or placed it in their posable hands.

As we know, every November Santa Claus closes the New York City Parade waving at the parade watchers.

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.

What else can I add to make Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at home?

If you want to take this to the next step, there are a few things you can add to your home Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Adding marching bands, more floats, balloons and more will make your Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Authentic.

Giant Character Balloons

Add some giant character balloons in the parade at home. Giant Character balloons can include Snoopy, Blue’s Clues, Papa Smurf, Paw Patrol, Sponge Bob, and other character helium balloons.

Balloonicle

To recreate these Balloons on wheels, you don’t need helium. A balloonicle is a Macy’s original creation for the store’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The word comes from the combination of the two words: “balloon” and “vehicle.” There are no strings attached to this inflatable. Instead it is maneuvered down the Parade route by a vehicle inside of the balloon figure.

Marching Bands

For your parade marchers, Scout Elf brand has an adorable outfit: the Claus Couture Collection Sugar-Plum Soldier. Look for little ornament drops to tie around their necks and take it a step further.

Floats

For added cheer, make your own floats. Or grab your Barbie Convertible cars and add some holiday décor. String lights, confetti, tinsel and more.

Parade Watchers

You could add mini brands as the spectators snack watching the performance in the public viewing locations. Add a parade route map in one of the viewers hands. It can include famous streets like Broadway, 34th Street, Sixth Avenue, Columbus Circle, Central Park, Times Square, and more. Alternatively, you could also make your map cheeky and add terms like “around the couch” down the living room, into the kitchen, etc.

Celebrities

To add famous stars or performance groups to your Macy’s parade, think about your resources. Do you have a Barbie or Ken doll you can dress up as a singer, clowns, some of the dancing Rockettes, or a famous celebrity?

….and of course you need a free Parade Banner to top off your NYC parade!

Parade Banner Free Elf on the Shelf Printable

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Grab this free Thanksgiving Day Parade Banner for your Elf on the Shelf Arrival idea. We taped the parade banner to bamboo skewers and placed them in faux snow.

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 to have Elf props for your North Pole friend!

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 Parade Activity

Also add this Elf on the Shelf Parade Game to your child’s fun. If it is Thanksgiving Day, it would be fun for your child to participate in this Elf on the Shelf activity for the parade Thanksgiving Day.

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.

Does the Elf on the Shelf arrive on Thanksgiving? See 20 creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Thanksgiving – Pilgrims, Native Americans, Turkey, Pumpkins, Cornucopia, Feasts & More. Additionally, download a Free Thanksgiving Gobble ’til you Wobble Letter Board Elf Printable. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

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

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Thanksgiving

You’ve started the Christmas Elf tradition and now you are wondering, when does that funny little red guy return. If it wasn’t on your mind (because most parents hide him deep in the depths of their brain when it isn’t the holiday season), then chances are a little someone has asked the question…

Does the Elf on the Shelf arrive on Thanksgiving?

When Does the Elf on the Shelf Come Back?

The answer is, the Elf on the Shelf returns when you decide. In most homes, the Elf on the Shelf returns on Thanksgiving. In fact, in the Scout Elf on the Shelf book you might have noticed a big turkey feast on the table. However, the best thing about the Elf Christmas tradition, is you get to decide! Some families choose December 1 as a start date for Elf on a Shelf. Others start even earlier than that beginning the first day of November. If you are a mean mom, Elf on a Shelf monthly makes an appearance the last week before Christmas – wink! You might make Santa’s naughty list if you are this late, though.

Elf on the Shelf Return Ideas

Now that you know when Elf on the Shelf returns, you need help with Elf on the Shelf Arrival ideas. I have you covered. Take a look at our dozens of creative ideas for how to welcome Elf Back into your home. Creative ideas can include

For later, save these Elf on the Shelf Last Day Ideas to your Pinterest Board or email it to yourself.

Do you are fully prepared for the season, make sure to sign up for our Elf on the Shelf daily ideas. In your inbox, get a new idea daily to take the season from frantic to peaceful. We have your covered!

Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Ideas

If your Elf on the Shelf returns in November (before or on Thanksgiving), take a look at these  20 Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Ideas.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

First, start the day watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade – look for an Elf on the Shelf Parade Elf Balloon!

If your child watches the Thanksgiving Day Parade with Elf on the Shelf, perhaps make your own Elf on the Shelf Parade from Sweet Shoppe Designs.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Of course, a parade on a horse is nice, but how about a free elf on the shelf printable. Grab an Elf on the Shelf Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade banner and get a helium Elf on the Shelf balloon.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Printable

This Year we did something different. A 2020 Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Costume complete with a Thanksgiving Face Mask. We also added this Free Elf on the Shelf Printable “Gobble ’til You Wobble!”

Elf on the Shelf Pilgrims

One Thanksgiving Elf on the Shelf idea we did in the past was making him and her Thanksgiving Elf on the Shelf Pilgrims. This was a DIY Pilgrim craft using construction paper. Took minutes. No sewing needed. Tape… tape… tape.

Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Table

Another Idea is to Have Elf on the Shelf return in the Thanksgiving Centerpiece. Maybe your kids will notice in the middle of that bite of turkey an Elf on the Shelf in the Thanksgiving centerpiece!

Elf on the Shelf Turkey

A really cute DIY Elf on the Shelf turkey idea is a Thanksgiving Elf on the Shelf Turkey Costume. You have a few ideas. Make your own Elf Turkey Costume with Feathers and Pipe Cleaners. Easy peasy.

Elf on the Shelf Native American

This DIY Native American Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Costume completely takes me back to preschool in the 1980s – remember the brown bag vests? Make your own  Native American Elf on the Shelf costumes too.

Elf on the Shelf Fall Leaves

Your Elf on a Shelf can make a pile of leaves before jumping in… doesn’t everyone do that on Thanksgiving day? Add it to your Fall Bucket List. Shop miniature fall leaves and pumpkins.

Elf on the Shelf S’mores & Teepee

The first Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving. How cute is this Elf on the Shelf Native American with a teepee and s’mores campfire. Using a marshmallow, sticks from the yard, constructions paper, felt, and craft sticks, create this Elf on the Shelf s’mores idea in minutes. Just add chocolate and graham crackers.

Elf on the Shelf First Thanksgiving

Have an Elf on the Shelf going away party for the Thanksgiving decorations. Time to pull out the Christmas Decorations and wish all the Thanksgiving decorations a good-bye Elf on the Shelf party. Maybe have all your Christmas boxes ready to unpack and your Thanksgiving decorations sitting on the table to go.

Elf on the Shelf Pumpkin Carving

On Thanksgiving, it’s completely appropriate for Elf on the Shelf to carve a Christmas Tree Pumpkin. Careful with the knife, perhaps put it away after Elf carves a pumpkin.

Elf on the Shelf Candy Corn

Every mischievous Elf on the Shelf idea includes getting into the candy! Elf on the Shelf Dives in the Candy Corn. Yum!

Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Feast

If you’re going to feast, make your own Elf on the Shelf miniature food too. Create a miniature Thanksgiving Feast for Elf on the Shelf. No reason he can’t enjoy some turkey too! Make sure he is ready for the big football game later.

Elf on the Shelf Football

Are you ready for some football Watching a Thanksgiving Football Game? Have Elf on the Shelf in a Football Jersey with your family’s favorite team. You can get an Elf on the Shelf football jersey for your fan or print out one using paper and a printer!

Elf on the Shelf Tied Up

Do you know the Publix pilgrims? I love these little salt and paper shaker pilgrims. Looks like the Pilgrim Salt and Pepper Shakers Saw Elf as a threat!

Elf on the Shelf Turkey DIY

Make sure your elf wishes the family Happy Thanksgiving with this Turkey Elf on the Shelf idea. Grab construction paper and make your own DIY Turkey Costume for Elf.

Elf on the Shelf Thankful

Focus on the reason for the season, the Thanksgiving season. Show your child Elf on the Shelf gratitude with a list of things you are thankful for. Elf on the Shelf write leaves of thanks for Thanksgiving.

Elf on the Shelf Cornucopia

Thanksgiving reminds us of a healthy harvest and bounty. Grab the fruit and vegetables and have Elf on the Shelf return in the Thanksgiving Cornucopia Harvest.

Elf on the Shelf Turkey Hunt

Tis turkey hunt requires no weapons and the result is a stuffed turkey without hurting an animal. Elf deserves his own thanksgiving turkey too. Have Elf return with a sign “I’ve got my turkey!”

Elf on a Shelf Pumpkin

In this Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Idea, EIf returns as a November Pumpkin. Grab miniature pumpkins.

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.

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

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. One 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 Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

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.