Help With My Elf

Visiting elf idea

Ornament Inspector on the Mantel

The elf sits on the mantel with a mini candy cane and a sticky-note checklist as if it is inspecting each ornament.

  • Everyday
  • Tree & mantel
  • Nice
  • No mess
  • Extra props
  • 5 minutes
  • Not toddler-safe
  • December 16
Ornament Inspector on the Mantel. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.

What you need

A couple of extra props help this one. Skip anything you do not already like.

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How to set it up

  1. 1

    Sit the elf on the mantel, not on a high outer branch.

  2. 2

    Write a tiny checklist on a sticky note.

  3. 3

    Place one sturdy ornament beside the elf as the item under review.

  4. 4

    Put a mini candy cane in its hands like a pointer.

If this night works, try next

Christmas Card Mantel Mail Room. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Christmas Card Mantel Mail Room

The elf sorts a small stack of Christmas cards on the mantel like a tiny overnight post office.

Everyday · Tree & mantel · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Paper Chain Mantel Helper. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
15 minutesLow mess

Paper Chain Mantel Helper

The elf holds the end of a short paper chain on the mantel as if it spent the night linking loops.

Everyday · Tree & mantel · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Stocking Nap and Thank-You. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Stocking Nap and Thank-You

The elf tucks into a stocking on the mantel with a short thank-you note peeking out for the morning.

Goodbye · Tree & mantel · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

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