Kids are crazy for Elf on the Shelf [1], but for parents, it can be equal parts fun and formidable. Who hasn't spaced out about moving the elf [2] one night only to be met with questions from prying tots in the morning? (One mum recently confessed that she told her kids they were too naughty that day for their elf to make the trip back to the North Pole.)
Even if you do remember, in the middle of such a hectic time, it can be almost impossible to think of a new creative spot [3] to put the lil watcher every single night! But help is here: let these 48 pics we found inspire where your elf will wake up tomorrow morning.
Building Something Special
Elves at Work
Instagram user jennycookies's [4] elves were busy baking.
Long Winter's Nap
Instragram's insta_xmas_elves_ideas [5] gave an elf a cosy place to curl up for a nap — and a tiger toy to cuddle.
Getting in a Workout
Instragram's insta_xmas_elves_ideas [6] gave an elf a marshmallow barbell workout.
The Countdown Is Over!
Instagram user myselfanddi [7] posted this picture, a cute way to cap off your elf's Christmas stay.
Copy This
Instagram's roxygurl00 [8] let her elf get into a little trouble with the copier.
Holiday Decorating
Instagram user jennycookies [9] thought her elf might enjoy redecorating her daughter's dollhouse one night.
Making a Map
Instagram user jennycookies [10] had her elves Buddy and Snowflake draw a map from the North Pole to their family's farmhouse. Of course, they had to pass through a candy cane forest and a sea of gumdrops!
A Fruity Ride
Instagram user goatgal1982 [11] had her elf ride on a caterpillar made of pomegranates. We're thinking oranges or apples would work, too!
Stuck in the Blender
Instagram user deee_ski [12] put her elf in a very precarious position, thanks to some toy villains.
A Door of His Own
The elf belonging to Flickr user Melissa Hillier [13] got his own little door to decorate for the holidays.
Source: Flickr User Melissa Hillier [14]
Cake Popping
Scout Masterson's elf [15] (one half of the Guncles [16]) got ambitious with some mini cake pops.
Jewellery Heist
Intagram user alfieontheshelf [17] elf went on a jewellery heist.
Game Day
Instagram's alfieontheshelf [18] suited up her elf Alfie for game day.
Doughnut Thief
Instagram user dankellermtg's [19] elves plotted to steal some Christmas doughnuts.
Shark Attack
Instagram user lizbronwlee's [20] elf had a run in with a creature from the deep.
Advent Overload
Instagram's jennycookies' [21] elf went a little crazy with his advent calendar.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Instagram's alfieontheshelf's [22] elf went up, up, and away!
Bubble Gum Trouble
Instagram user jennycookies' [23] elves snuck into her daughter's (awesome) vintage gumball machine.
All I Want For Christmas
It was holiday shopping time for Instagram user jennycookies' [24] elves, who circled some of their favourite things.
Little Drummer Boy
Instagram user lizbrownlee's [25] elf showed off a hidden talent: drumming!
Elf Kissing Booth
Living Locurto's printable elf kissing booth [26] is sure to make your little ones pucker up!
Dr. Elf
Instagram's lizbrownlee [27] put her elf to work, giving some medical attention to Cookie Monster.
Candy Craving
Instagram's insta_xmas_elves_ideas [28] decided to go diving for sweets.
You've Got a Friend in Me
An Overflow of Gummy Bears
