Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2019: New and Easy Ideas, Where to Buy and How to Register the Elf's Name

It's almost Christmas, which means that families across the U.S. are already taking part in the fun Elf and the Shelf tradition. Elf on the Shelf involves hiding a small elf in a new location around your home each day so that children believe that the elf is monitoring their behavior and reporting back to Santa each night.

Whether you're new to the tradition or a seasoned pro running out of new Elf on the Shelf ideas, here are the best Elf on the Shelf ideas of 2019.

Their elf could wreak havoc in the kitchen...

Hide their elf inside a balloon and set your kids on a mystery quest to find the culprit.

Have their elf interact with their other toys.

A $120,000 hiding place.

This one might be for older kids...

Set up a dramatic scene for your kids to find and rescue their elf.

Let them know their elf will take their Christmas letter directly to Santa.

Caught in the act!

When did the Elf on the Shelf doll come out?

The Elf on the Shelf is now a popular Christmas tradition but it was only launched 14 years ago in 2005. The festive toy was created by Chanda A. Bell and the accompanying storybook was written by Bell and her mother, Carol V. Aebersold.

When does Elf on the Shelf come back in 2019?

The Elf on the Shelf is available to purchase now and can be bought directly from the Elf on the Shelf website or from retailers across the U.S., such as Target, Walmart, Kohl's, Michael's, and Barnes & Noble. There are now other products and accessories under the Elf on the Shelf brand like Elf Pets, including a reindeer, St. Bernard dog, and an arctic fox, plus costumes to dress up your elf.

When does Elf on the Shelf arrive?

When you introduce the Elf to your home and begin hiding him in fun places for your children to find is completely up to you, but many begin in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Elf on the Shelf Register Name

To register your adopted elf's name, visit The Elf on the Shelf registry. After registering, you will be able to download a personalized adoption certificate and a letter from Santa. Please note that the branded Elf on the Shelf doll wears a completely red jumpsuit and comes in a box with a storybook.

Elf on the Shelf IHOP Menu

Fans of the elf should visit IHOP during the holiday season to try the Elf on the Shelf menu. IHOP is serving green pancakes, funnel cakes, Holiday Ham & Sausage Omelette, and a Merry Marshmallow Hot Chocolate. For Elf-themed food at home, you can try Elf on the Shelf Cereal and Pop-Tarts.

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