Help With My Elf

Visiting elf idea

Card Game Dealer

The elf deals four face-up cards on the coffee table and leaves a note that the game is kindness.

  • Everyday
  • Living room
  • Silly
  • No mess
  • Household items
  • 5 minutes
  • Toddler-safe
  • Pet-safe
Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready

What you need

These are household pieces. Borrow from the junk drawer first.

Paid link — we may earn a commission if you buy.

Affiliate links use tag tinkerdiversi-20 and go to Amazon search results, not a specific product.

How to set it up

  1. 1

    Deal four cards face up in a row. Pick dull ones if little kids still mouth paper.

  2. 2

    Sit the elf behind the row.

  3. 3

    Write four words on a note, one per card: share, wait, help, try.

  4. 4

    Put the rest of the deck back in the box.

If this night works, try next

Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready
5 minutesNo mess

Remote Control TV Throne

The elf sits on the remote like a throne and queues a cozy movie night on the coffee table.

Everyday · Living room · Naughty · Household items · Toddler-safe

Cookbook Coffee Table Nook. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Cookbook Coffee Table Nook

The elf reads an open cookbook on the coffee table with a napkin bookmark and a mug for cocoa.

Everyday · Living room · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Blanket Fort Movie Night. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Blanket Fort Movie Night

The elf curls under a throw blanket on the couch with the remote and an empty bowl as pretend popcorn.

Everyday · Living room · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Unofficial. Not affiliated with The Elf on the Shelf® / CCA and B, LLC / The Lumistella Company.