Elf on the Shelf: Magic Size It FREE Printable

Have your elves ever wanted things to be "just their size?"  This easy printable is great for "making" Oreos or M&Ms go from "regular size" to "minis."

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Elf on the Shelf: Staying Alive Disco Party in Quarantine Printable

Let's face it, we're all getting through this the best we can.  Our elves, Buddy Kringle and Football, decided to make light of it all and have a 70's Disco Party to celebrate "Stayin' Alive!"  If you have some of the little Disco ball ornaments, use them! Feel free to line the dance floor with walls of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

Here is the printable backdrop.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Kid Food Critic Journals

A mom recently asked about what others do when kids don't want to eat specific foods.  Years ago, I created these Food Critic Journals to help my kids track, express likes and dislikes, and have more control over foods they eat.  I'm not a nutritionist or a child psychologist - just a mom who wanted to find a way that helped my kids try new foods and have some say in meal times.  I know there's a new "Choose My Plate" diagram that shows that vegetables should be the "staple" of a plate, but this old school food pyramid still helped my kids understand the food groups.

There are a significant number of tips and tricks on the ChooseMyPlate.gov site, too.

Ask your kids what they want for dinner!  Have them help in the kitchen.  Even little ones can help wash vegetables, measure ingredients, stir, etc.  When they are part of the planning and preparation, they are much more willing to try the foods.

In our home, we had our kids try 3 bites (some people call them "Polite Bites" or "No thank you bites") of a food to be able to critique it in the journal.  It helped me better understand and literally see which foods (or groups or types of foods) each kid liked and disliked.  One had a very clear issue with some food textures, and we didn't make him eat any of the foods that had similar textures since it would make him sick.  He could try those on his own as he got older.

I've found that putting together meals that had at least one item on the plate that everyone liked made meal times easier.  Only introducing one new food at a time during regular family dinners was also more willingly accepted.

Keep things positive!  We don't allow anyone to talk negatively about foods during meals.  You can talk about color, texture, flavors, etc.  Have older kids try to guess what ingredients or spices were used in dishes.  If someone dislikes something, we say, "I don't care for ____," or "_____ isn't my favorite," or "I really prefer ____ over ____."  We get the picture, but we don't diminish the food choices that others may really enjoy.  If the older brother makes gagging noises at the table while eating XYZ, the younger brother is now suddenly less interested in eating his favorite XYZ.  So keep it positive.

 A Little Food Critic's Journal download

Little Food Critic Journal Pages

Little Food Critic Journal Summary Page

Similarly, my oldest only wanted to eat at the same "restaurant" every time.  This became a fun game for us!  He was willing to try all sorts of new places, and he always made me laugh as we waited for our food.  He would take the time to examine and assess the cleanliness, amenities, decor, etc.   

A Little Restaurant Critic's Journal download

I hope these help you and your family!

Elf on the Shelf: The Floor Is Lava! Free Printable

Tape the volcano to a wall. You have red tissue paper on hand already for your Christmas wrapping, so crumple up a couple of pieces and place them next to the volcano.  Your elf can be in the Christmas tree, on top of furniture over the tissue paper, taped to the wall, or strung from the ceiling to avoid the lava.

Get the volcano printable here.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Elf on the Shelf: Wise Man Costume - Printable Template

Maybe your Elf has already "held baby Jesus" or read the story of Christmas in my printable "Bible," but you're looking for a new way for your Elf to bring the focus back to the story of Christmas.  Our Elf decided that he wanted to trek with the Wise Men to celebrate the birth of Christ.  With a small bit of felt, I was able to (suprisingly quickly) make this Wise Man costume for our elf.  (It took me longer to create the printable and write this post than it did for me to make the costume!)  You can follow the same instructions as the ones I created for the Elf Sports Jerseys.  

I cut the front AND the back on the fold for my elf, but if you want to be able to overlap and "cinch" the costume, then by all means follow my template to cut 2 for the front.  I cut a strip for a "belt" and then cut small slits at each end to create "fringe" as well.  For the crown, you can follow the design or make it look more like the crown I already had made for our elf.  I tied it in a knot in the back and then trimmed the "tails."

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Elf on the Shelf: Elves Love to Write - Printable Mailbox, Notecards, & Envelopes

Your elf has so many adventures that s/he may want to send some letters to the friends in the North Pole.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Huge thanks for the elf clipart from Creative Clips by Krista Wallden https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden

Elf on the Shelf: Free Printable Elves love to Read

Does your Elf like to read?   S/he needs a North Pole Library Card and Reading Log!

There are a ton of Christmas themed books that should be on her/his shelf to read.  Here are a few that came up with a Google search.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Huge thanks for the cupcake clipart from Creative Clips by Krista Wallden https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden

Elf on the Shelf: Elf Drum Kit Printable

Is your Elf a little drummer boy (or girl)?  Well, then do I have the printable for you!  Print this one out 3-4 times and wrap 3 or 4 cans with the red drum wrappers.  Leave 2 or 3 of the cans standing up, and lay the final can between 2.  Affix the "Rockin' Elf" circle to the top/bottom of the can that is on its side.  If you have a few of the middle pieces from Ball jar lids, you can poke a small hole in the center of 2-4 of them. Use rubberbands to hold chopsticks or fun Christmas pencils to the upright cans and rest the lid pieces on the tops of the chopsticks/pencils.  Use miniature candy canes as drumsticks.  (Or large toothpicks or Q-tips.)  Now, your Elf has a full drum kit!

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Huge thanks for the candy clipart from Creative Clips by Krista Wallden https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden

Elf on the Shelf: Elf Door

How does your Elf get into your home?  How about his/her very own Elf Door?  I've created a free printable that you can print on cardstock and adhere to posterboard or cardboard for a more sturdy door.  I'd love to see how you decorate YOUR Elf door.  

You can pick up the light up Christmas light necklaces and outline the door, set up Christmas village trees beside the door, add cottonball or marshmallow snowmen or snow drifts, or cut the door so that it opens and put a picture of the North Pole behind it!  

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!  You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post.

Elf on the Shelf: Elf Hopscotch and "Mint-ster" (my Elf version of Twister)

Does your Elf need some silly fun that's SUPER easy?  You can print this ONE page out, cut out the 3 bits and have 2 nights of Elf shenanigans that are ready for a last minute fix.  You can have your Elf do them by him/herself or you can add other doll/animal friends to join the fun.  If you want to go all out, set up a big hopscotch course with painter's tape on your floor (be sure it won't damage your floor first) or set up a real game of Twister for your family to play as well!

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!
You can buy ALL of my Elf on the Shelf printables for easy download in the store on the right side of the page.

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

Huge thanks for the candy clipart from Creative Clips by Krista Wallden https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden

Girl Scout Brownie ELF Doll

 I searched high and low for a Brownie ELF doll.  I have found an image of one online, but I wasn't ever able to find one to purchase.  (Although one of the images said you could purchase it, but the link was dead.)  So...I finally decided to create one myself.  I think she came out pretty cute.  Ideally her face would be light blue instead of pink, but I only had the blue felt that was the same color as her hair...and, if I'm honest, I'm not as patient as I could be.  I didn't go back to the store; I used the light pink felt I had on hand.  Another Girl Scout mom asked me for my template, so I created one based on what I did.  I hope your girls enjoy it as much as mine does!  I can't wait to share it with the troop as our "talking stick" during meetings.

Printable Brownie ELF Doll Template

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post.  

This template is to be used for personal use only.  Do not sell dolls made from this template.

Elf on the Shelf: Angry Birds - Angry Elf? - FREE Printable

Buddy Kringle isn't actually angry at all, but he took some inspiration from Angry Birds and used our Jenga game and a slingshot to create his own fun with marshmallows and some Gingerbread friends.
You can print my Green Elf Pig targets HERE.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

You can purchase all of my Elf on the Shelf printables in the store to the right for easy and immediate download.

Elf hat graphic courtesy of Creative Clips http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/krista-wallden.

Elf on the Shelf: Holiday Help Booth inspired by Charlie Brown - Free Printable

Our kids watched  Charlie Brown (Peanuts) movie special on TV over the weekend, and I thought a free printable was in order! You will need heavy cardstock, cardboard, toothpicks, or popsicle sticks to be sure the sign stays upright.  (I used toothpicks with plain typing paper, and it works.)
It is now also included in the Elf on the Shelf downloadable bundle in the store to the right!

By all means share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but link back to this page and not directly to the printable links.

 

Check out our other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables here!

Candy graphic courtesy of http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/krista-wallden.

Elf on the Shelf: DIY Gratitude Ornament and Free Printable #2

A couple of years ago, I posted about our annual gratitude ornaments. I needed a new printable for my gold and white themed Elf on the Shelf breakfast this year. 
So grab a clear acrylic ornament from your local craft store, some glitter, or other adornments that will fit through the opening,  and make a Christmas time capsule of gratitude.
By all means share this, pin it, print it, blog about it,  but link back to this page, and not directly to the printable links.
Check out our other Elf Ideas and printables here (or download them all in our store to the right.)

Elf on the Shelf: Night at the Movies - Movie Tickets and Marquee Printables

Whether you're creating an "indoor" or "drive-in" movie theater for your Elf on the Shelf (and his or her friends), you may want a few movie tickets and a sign with some of the movies that are "playing."  You can either leave the movie playing on YOUR tv screen, iPad, etc., or you can print out an image of your favorite scene from the movie you choose and secure it at an appropriate height for the movie "viewing."  
These cute little elf-sized tickets can easily be printed (cardstock is ideal, but not required) and given to each of your elves and toys.  The Marquee Sign is a suggestion of movie options, but feel free to print and let your Elf and friends be mischievous and tape over part of the sign with THEIR movie of choice!  Of course popcorn or popcorn remnants are always a plus.  Free PRINTABLE HERE (or in the bundle in the store to your right.)
Here is my original "Drive-In Movie" Elf on the Shelf post.  If you don't have doll cars, Tonka trucks, antique toy cars, or other elf-sized cars around, then check out Steak-N-Shake (not an affiliate) for their paper cars.  They had changed in size last time I was there, but I don't know if it was temporary or permanent.  Regardless, it's worth looking.  (I wish I had saved one of the big old ones to measure and figure out the needed dimensions!)

 

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

You can purchase all of my Elf on the Shelf printables in the store to the right for easy and immediate download.

Elf on the Shelf: Elf-sized Playing Cards Printable

Our oldest son has come to really love solitaire, and I began to think of all of the fun games and silliness our Elf on the Shelf could have with his own set of Elf-sized Playing Cards.  I spent much more time than I care to admit creating these tiny little cards, but I already intend to use them for games of "Go Fish" (with goldfish crackers scattered about), 52 card pickup, solitaire, and "War" with other toys (and army men.)  Bridge, Poker (possibly playing for Hershey's kisses or chocolate coins), Rummy, Hearts (Peppermints? with peppermints scattered around the game), Spades (Trees?), Crazy 8's, or any other card game you can imagine can be done with these little cards.  You can purchase the set of printable cards for instant download in my store (to the right) for $1.  (If the store is unresponsive due to high volume, you can send $1 via PayPal to dawn (at) ownfairygodmother (dot) com and a note that I need to send you the file or link for download.) 

By all means share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but link back to this page and not directly to the printable links.

Check out our other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables here!

The elf shoes, elf hats, tree and candy graphics used on the playing cards are from Krista Wallden.

Elves Love Sports - Elf on the Shelf Jersey Template

For the most part, jerseys are pretty universal across many sports.  This FREE PRINTABLE template can be used for soccer, football, baseball, or whatever kind of jersey you wish for your Elf on the Shelf!  If you want to create a basketball jersey for your Elf, just omit the sleeves.  You can use the included Christmas Tree, Star, Collegiate numbers, or create your own logo or mascot for your elf.  (Jingle the Elf should probably have a jingle bell.)  I used felt so that it was a super quick project without having to finish any edges on the tiny little jersey.  

His chair is made of giant marshmallows and toothpicks.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

You can purchase all of my Elf on the Shelf printables in the store to the right for easy and immediate download.

 

 

Elf on the Shelf: Super Hero Cape Template FREE Printable

Whether your Elf wants one cape or 20 (to play Super Hero dress up, of course), this FREE Printable is for you.

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

You can purchase all of my Elf on the Shelf printables in the store to the right for easy and immediate download.

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Tree Costume with FREE Printable Template

This easy fun Elf costume could be used in many different ways throughout the season.  It can be sewn in a matter of a couple of minutes, or for a no-sew version you can use fabric glue or Heat-n-bond to make one. 

Have your elf hide amongst your Christmas décor, hold an ornament and "make like a tree", hide in a heap of small elf-sized-wrapped boxes, or hang out on a platter of Christmas tree-shaped cookies.  You can stuff the tree to make it puffy if you wish, too.
Click HERE for the FREE Printable Christmas Tree Costume Tem

By all means share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but link back to this page and not directly to the printable links.

 

Check out our other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables here!

plate.

Elf on the Shelf: Do you want to build a SNOWMAN?

If your kids love the movie Frozen (or even if they just like snow), this is a fun easy Elf on the Shelf idea (and FREE Printable snowman parts.)

All you need is a roll of toilet paper and some scissors and tape or scrapbooking glue.  You can either cut out each individual piece or cut a rectangle around each snowman and attach them to a roll of toilet paper (with the toilet paper still on it.)  If you have some extra cotton balls (or even marshmallows), you can add those to your snowman scene, too!

Check out all of my other Elf on the Shelf ideas and printables, too!

As always, I encourage you to create some of the "super special" Elf surprises, and then trade them with your friends and neighbors so that the joy (and efforts) are shared!!!

By all means, share this, pin it, print it, blog about it, but please link back to this post. 

You can purchase all of my Elf on the Shelf printables in the store to the right for easy and immediate download.