Help With My Elf

Visiting elf idea

Cup Holder Navigator

In a parked car, the elf sits in an empty cup holder with a paper map and a note to take it out before driving.

  • Everyday
  • Parked car
  • 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.

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How to set it up

  1. 1

    Do this only in a parked car, engine off, in the driveway or garage.

  2. 2

    Sit the elf in an empty cup holder with a folded paper map.

  3. 3

    Write: Navigator, while parked. I come out before anyone drives.

  4. 4

    Remove the elf, the map, and any tape before a person or a pet rides.

If this night works, try next

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

Backseat Book Buddy

The elf reads a kids' book on an empty back seat of a parked car, never on a car seat or a belt.

Everyday · Parked car · Silly · Household items · Toddler-safe

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

Trunk Bag Helper

The elf sits in an empty reusable bag in the open trunk of a parked car and pretends to pack groceries.

Everyday · Parked car · Silly · Household items · Toddler-safe

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

Passenger Visor Note

The elf clips a hello to the passenger visor of a parked car, clear of the driver's line of sight.

Everyday · Parked car · Silly · Household items · Toddler-safe

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