Coming up with a different Elf on the Shelf scene every night can be fun, but chances are, you want to change things up a bit. To do so, why not bring the family pet into the tradition? These creative Elf on the Shelf ideas that involve pets show that four-legged friends (or those with fins) make great props for the different scenarios that you put Santa's little helper in. Well, at least some of the time.
If you plan on setting up these elves with your pets, then you'll definitely want to just take a picture or shoot some video featuring their encounter and show them to the kids later. By doing so, you'll help enforce the "no touching" rule that goes with the elf, so that the magic stays in tact. Plus, you'll have time to stage a few reshoots, in case it takes Fido a few minutes to get used to the whole elf idea.
But you can also set up your elf with different pet items throughout the house so that it looks like they were involved in taking care of your furry family member, too. Maybe the kids find the elf with the dog food, or the leash is ready to go by the elf, hoping they can take your pup for a walk.
Can cats and dogs touch Elf on the Shelf?
The “no touching” rule applies to anyone in the house; parents, kids, grandparents, visitors. However, cats and dogs don’t really understand what the Elf on the Shelf is and what it’s doing in their home. To them, it might look like a toy — it’s small, lightweight, and a bright color. Even though you don’t necessarily want your pet touching Elfie, he certainly won’t lose his magic. Elfie and Santa understand that cats and dogs have a mind of their own, so if your pup accidentally decides to play with Elfie, don’t worry, just rely on your handy-dandy tongs to separate your pet and the elf. Remember: Humans can’t touch, pets can if it’s an accident. And if you’re really worried, you could always keep your elf tucked away in something like an elf carrier to keep them protected from the elements of the real world.
By bringing your pets into the elf tradition, it helps to solidify what you already know: Pets are totally a part of the family, too. Even if your fur baby doesn't take to the elf at first — cats in particular seem a bit wary of him — it's still fun to film their reactions. Just make sure to keep the elf away from any dogs who might be tempted to use him as a chew toy once your scene has wrapped.
1
Pet sleigh
Put your pet’s leash on and tell them to sit, place the elf behind the pet in a tiny chair, attach the leash to the chair and you’ve got your very own homemade sleigh. Take a picture and use this idea if your pet has a vet appointment and you want to give your kids a cool story to tell their friends at school. “My pet flew my elf all the way back to the North Pole for a day and met Santa!” They’ll be the coolest kid in 1st grade.
2
Dog on the Shelf
To truly involve your pet in the fun, replicate the iconic Elf on the Shelf costume in pet form. All you need is a red Santa hat, possibly a white collar, and a red shirt. Have Elfie write a note saying he needed a day off, so your pet is on elf duty for the day. We can’t guarantee that your pet will tolerate the outfit for longer than five minutes, but surprise the kids with this in the morning and your pet is sure to get tons of attention.
3
Elf hamster ball
Place your elf in a hamster ball, take a video of your pet playing with the hamster ball in the backyard. Your kids will get a kick out of the feud between your pet and Elfie.
4
Christmas tree dog
If your dog is a professional napper, place some Christmas lights and tinsel around your pup, have the elf sit calmly on its back, finish off the look with a star, and you’ve got yourself a Christmas tree dog. Take a picture before Fido gets fidgety, show your kids when they wake up, and they’ll be excited to see the family dog getting in touch with Christmas spirit.
5
Prank war
Why not stage your pets trying to get rid of the elf? The dogs Ricochet and Rina got into a prank war with the elf that involved whoopie cushions, a toaster, paper shredder, and more. By the end of it they were pretty much over the elf's shenanigans. Basically the whole video is good to watch for some good puppy and elf inspiration.
6
Cat attack: Part 1
If you balance the elf on the edge of a table, the cat will almost certainly knock it off. It's what cats do. Film the whole ordeal and share it with the kids when they wake up.
7
Dog ride
I mean, having the elf ride on your pet is a very cute idea. But one can assume that different animals have different reactions to the practice of being turned into a method of transportation. So if you want to try slipping your elf into your pup’s collar as a surprise for your kids, be prepared for the elf to possibly go flying.
8
Pet chores
If you’re more into using your elf as a full prop throughout the day, set him up near the dog food bowl or the fish food or even the tinned cat food as if he was going to help out for the day and feed the family pet. Your kids will love how involved your elf is in the rest of the fam, especially the furry ones.
9
Pet massage
10
Go full Elf on the Shelf pet style
If you want to get super detailed, you could get your Elf on the Shelf their own pet to bring from the North Pole! Maybe have your elf write a note to your children about how much they love their own pets, and there can be some sweet little bonding moments between the elf’s pup and your family’s.
11
Chill cats
Because wide-awake cats are probably tempted to attack the elf, it might be better to stage photos when the felines are asleep, or at least super calm. It will make the whole process easier for everyone and you can tell the kids you found the two new best friends cuddling in the middle of the night.
12
Cat attack: Part 2
The first time you introduce your cat to the Elf on the Shelf, be sure to film the results. Sniffing and/or slapping appears to be the most common cat reaction. To be fair to the elf, this is a cat’s go-to reaction for almost everything, but we especially can't blame them in this case because the elf is a little bit creepy.
13
Grooming session
Grab some pictures of your elf sitting near the dog with a pair of clippers and a comb. Or even better, take your pup for their normal grooming session and then stage the elf with the clippers and comb as if they were the ones who gave your family dog a haircut. Your kids will crack up.
14
Fishing pond
If you have a fish tank, pose the elf nearby. Give them a tiny fishing rod and let them dip it just above the tank, as if they are trying to catch your family’s pet and take it for a ride to the North Pole.
Yes, Elf on the Shelf is a children’s Christmas tradition, but who said pets can’t be involved? Pets make every situation better, especially the hectic holiday season, so it’s quite inevitable that they’ll add a magical twist to Elf on the Shelf. And if you’re running out of Elf on the Shelf ideas, including pets in the skit opens up tons more options for setting the scene in your house.
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FAQs
How do you make an Elf on the Shelf poop? ›
A 60-second Elf on the Shelf bathroom idea
Stick your elf in the middle of the toilet paper roll, and then pull a few squares down. Write “Jingle bells, your poo smells” and leave the roll on the sink next to the toilet.
They play their favorite sports, go for North Pole strolls and some even share wishes around a toasty campfire until it's time to prepare to fly home! Others may practice their crafting skills to test out in your home the very next day.
What are the two rules for the Elf on the Shelf? ›There are just a few rules to remember! The most important—don't touch your Scout Elf, or they will lose their magic! Scout Elves can't talk, but they are great listeners. Little ones can share secrets and wishes with their elf as often as they'd like.
Does the elf leave Christmas Eve morning or night? ›According to The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, the night before Christmas, an elf's job comes to an end. On December 24, most Scout Elves say farewell to their families and fly back to the North Pole following Santa's sleigh. This way, they can help him begin preparing for the year ahead.
What are the 3 rules in elf? ›- Treat every day like Christmas.
- There's room for everyone on the nice list.
- The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Elf Pets® love to be cuddled and hugged! They also love when their families play with them and include them in fun activities. It is important to hold and love your Elf Pets® as much as possible in order to help Santa make Christmas a success year after year!
What do Elf on the Shelf pets do? ›Elf Pets are Santa's adoptable helpers sent from the North Pole to serve as year-round companions for kids, who can hug, love, and play with them. All Elf Pets come with their own hardbound book telling a holiday tale about how they help Santa build faith, hope, and love during Christmas time.
What do Elf on the Shelf like to drink? ›Just like you, elves cannot survive on food alone! When it comes time to wash down a meal, elves drink a lot of the same beverages as you: a cold glass of milk with their chocolate chip cookies, freshly squeezed orange juice or even North Pole snow melted to make a glass of water.
Can parents touch Elf on the Shelf? ›Santa advises that no family member touch their Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation. Parents: read on to learn about special, few and far between cases where emergency help will be required.
Can Elf on the Shelf fit Barbie clothes? ›Shelf Ideas
Elf fits perfectly into Barbie clothes.
What are some elf hobbies? ›
Interests/Hobbies: Hunting, travelling, making friends, drinking, reading.
What is the number 1 rule for Elf on the Shelf? ›1. Never touch Elf on the Shelf. Elves lose their magic when touched by humans. Santa advises that no family member should ever touch an Elf on the Shelf.
What is elf Rule number one? ›Elf On The Shelf Rule #1
Right, so firstly, you'll need to introduce your kids to their Scout Elf, so don't forget to give him or her a name.
- Write Santa a note to apologize.
- Say sorry to the scout elf.
- Sprinkle pure cinnamon around the elf before bed.
By age eight, kids begin to acknowledge the unlikeliness of one man travelling the world in a single night. The good news? If you started the tradition of Elf on the Shelf in your household, you can likely send the elf into early retirement around your child's eighth Christmas.
How does the elf say goodbye? ›It could simply say "goodbye" or "farewell." A trendy elf might opt for "elf out" or "laters."
Why is my elf not coming back? ›Your elf ate too many treats from Mrs. Claus' Sweet Shop™. It can happen to the best elf (or human) when so many tantalizing treats are floating around during the holidays! Your Scout Elf may need an extra day or two to digest his or her holiday treats and get back into tip-top flying shape before returning.
What are the 4 elf rules? ›- Treat every day like Christmas.
- There's room for everyone on the nice list.
- The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Description. The perfect Christmas card for Elf movie fans. Featuring Buddy the Elf's quote: "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup."
Do you cut elf on shelf hands apart? ›Steps to Make your Elf on the Shelf Posable
Step 1: Elf on the Shelf comes with his hands connected together, cut the thread that holds them together so the arms can be separated.
Do you leave Elf Pets in the box? ›
While The Elf On The Shelf Elves do leave on Christmas Eve, Elf Pets don't have to leave. Our Elf On The Shelf Saint Bernard stays for year round cuddles and collects Christmas cheer year round.
What is Elf Pets favorite food? ›What do Elf Pets like to eat? Elf Pets like to eat different things: Reindeer like Magical Reindeer Food that you can make with corn flakes cereal, while your St. Bernard lovestreats you can both enjoy together. Your Arctic fox will likely enjoy the same goodies as your St. Bernard!
Can you give Elf Pets a bath? ›Pamper Your Elf Pets. Kids can run their very own Elf Pets® spa! Have them begin by creating a to-do list, such as give a bath, go for a walk, teach a new trick and give out a treat, and tell them to mark each off as they pamper their pet!
Do Elf Pets leave with Santa? ›Where do Elf Pets® live during the year? We've got the answer below! These fuzzy, friendly pals, the Elf Pets® Reindeer, Saint Bernard and Arctic Fox, are able to live with their families all year! They help Santa complete important Christmas duties such as flying his sleigh around the world, and they need your help!
How do Elf Pets lose their magic? ›If you accidentally touch your elf, they could lose their magic and be unable to fly to the North Pole. Luckily, Santa's thought of everything, so restoring the magic is simple.
How do you wash an elf pet? ›Place some gentle dish soap such as Dawn on a soft cloth, dampen it, and spot treat any stains on the doll. Try to blot, don't rub. Soak up any extra moisture with a dry and clean towel. This might tickle him!
What does elf put on his breakfast? ›Most memorable — at least to this sweet treat lover — is when Buddy transforms leftover spaghetti into a full sugar rush of a breakfast, complete with Pop-Tarts, marshmallows, and maple syrup.
What does Elf on the Shelf do at night? ›As the story goes, elves arrive around Thanksgiving and keep watch of children up until Christmas Eve. Every night during this time, elves fly to the North Pole to report to the big guy, ya know, Santa, about the kids' naughty or niceness, then return to a new spot each morning.
Can elves handle alcohol? ›Elves are depicted as being resistant to alcohol not immune. It is of course possible that Legolas has become tolerant to alcohol.
Can a 13 year old touch a Elf on the Shelf? ›Adults need to hide the elf each night, which could end up feeling burdensome, especially year-after-year. Kids can't touch or play with the elf, which may be a challenge for some kids. Some families may not like the basic idea of the elf—that it's spying on their kids and reporting their behavior to Santa.
Does Elf on the Shelf move or is it your parents? ›
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that sees parents moving an Elf on the Shelf (also known as a "Scout Elf") around the house every day to keep an eye on children ahead of Santa's visit.
Can you get female elf on the shelf? ›Parents, pull up Santa's online store, where all the magical creatures from the North Pole are available for adoption. After you pick a boy or girl elf, Santa will send your new helper straight to your home.
Does Elf on the Shelf move on Christmas? ›According to elf legend, the elf moves each night. Some mornings, though, kids might find themselves asking why the elf is still in its same place. Here are a few possible reasons that Santa's helper may not have found a new position in your home.
Can girl elf on the shelf have babies? ›Well, we went to the fine folks at the Elf on the Shelf Customer Service department and here's what they had to say about Elf on the Shelf reproducing. To answer the burning question, no, Elf on the Shelf can't have babies.
What happens if your elf doesn't move? ›Elves need to wait until everyone is asleep before they can move around. If there was too much activity around the house last night, perhaps your elf only had time to get to the North Pole and back, but not enough time to find a new position. Make sure you get to bed early tonight to help them out!
What does Elf say is his favorite? ›Buddy. “I just like to smile. Smiling's my favorite.”
Is Santa real or is it your parents? ›Santa is real in the sense that he was an actual person. Otherwise known as Saint Nicholas, his story goes all the way back to the 3rd century. He was a monk who was born in 280 A.D. in modern-day Turkey. As an only child, he was given great affection by his parents.
Why can't kids hold Elf on the Shelf? ›7. Children are not allowed to touch them. Elves are very fragile, and if they are touched by human children they lose their magic and ability to communicate with Santa.
Does Elf on the Shelf misbehave? ›The central premise of the book – that Elf-on-the-Shelf will tell Santa if kids misbehave – bothers me for a few reasons. First, the Elf himself often misbehaves (Flour snow angels are kind of a mess) but is supposed to monitor the kids' behavior, which is confusing to say the least.
Where do you put the elf tonight? ›- Above the stockings. Difficulty level: EASY. ...
- Inside the holiday wreath. Difficulty level: MEDIUM. ...
- Inside the family photo area. ...
- Tucked in the kids' toys. ...
- Poppin' out of a Rice Krispie cereal box. ...
- Scaling the wall with bows. ...
- Scaling the tree. ...
- On the coffee table display.
What do Elf on the Shelf do at night? ›
What is Elf on a Shelf? Started by mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf rules are simple: The Scout Elf watches over your family during the day, and then checks in with Santa each night to reveal who is being naughty and who is being nice.
What do you do with the elf on Christmas Eve? ›The Elf's job is to report back on the kids' behavior every day leading up to December 25, so he should hitch a ride back to the North Pole with Santa after he's done setting out Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas Eve night. But don't be sad! He'll definitely be back next holiday season.
What to do with elf when going on a trip? ›When elves go on vacation they love to play up the theme by lounging in a hammock made out of a bandanna or packing their own box of clothes made to look like a suitcase. Children will love seeing what their elf is like while relaxing on vacation with your family!
Do parents move the elf on the shelf? ›Santa advises that no family member touch their Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation. Parents: read on to learn about special, few and far between cases where emergency help will be required.
Do parents hide your Elf on the Shelf? ›Each morning, the elf chooses a new vantage point from which to keep an eye on the kids. The night before Christmas, the elf flies off one last time to spend the year with Santa until reappearing next season. Every night, a parent hides the elf in a new place.
What time does your elf move at night? ›The truth is, Scout Elves only move when they are certain noone else is around. This is because when they're with you, they must fulfill their duty for Santa, watching and listening to every single thing that happens in your home.
What do parents do with Elf on the Shelf? ›Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that sees parents moving an Elf on the Shelf (also known as a "Scout Elf") around the house every day to keep an eye on children ahead of Santa's visit.
Why do Elf on the Shelf not move? ›Elves need to wait until everyone is asleep before they can move around. If there was too much activity around the house last night, perhaps your elf only had time to get to the North Pole and back, but not enough time to find a new position. Make sure you get to bed early tonight to help them out!