As the holiday season approaches, the mischievous Elf on the Shelf makes its grand return to homes around the world. This playful tradition keeps the magic of Christmas alive, with the Elf getting up to new antics every day.
At Family Vacations U.S., we thought, why not blend the excitement of travel with the whimsical charm of this holiday tradition? Without further ado, here are ten travel-themed Elf on the Shelf antics to transport your family to new horizons right from the comfort of your home.
- Elf Passport Creation:
Have the Elf create its own passport with photos and stamps from around the world. This could also be an interactive activity where children can create their own elf-sized passports.
Instructions:
Find or create a printable mini passport template online.
Print and cut out the passport, then have the Elf “fill” it with stamps and a photo.
Lay out some art supplies so the kids can create their own elf-sized passports too. - Travel Brochure Display:
Elf lays out various travel brochures on the table, with a map marked with dream family vacation spots.
Instructions:
Collect various travel brochures or print images of different destinations.
Have the Elf arrange them on the table with a map, marking dream vacation spots.
Invite the kids to mark their own dream destinations and discuss future family trips. - Packing Suitcase Antic:
Catch the Elf in the act of packing a suitcase with miniature vacation essentials, like a tiny swimsuit, sunglasses, and a map.
Instructions:
Find a small box or case to serve as the Elf’s suitcase.
Fill it with miniature vacation essentials – a tiny swimsuit, sunglasses, and a map.
Place the Elf next to the open suitcase, as if it’s packing for a trip. - Beach Vacation Setup:
Create a mini beach scene with the Elf relaxing on a tiny lounge chair, a small umbrella, and a mini sandcastle.
Instructions:
Create a mini beach scene using a blue towel as the ocean, and a yellow one as the sand.
Set up a tiny lounge chair, a small umbrella, and create a mini sandcastle.
Position the Elf relaxing on the lounge chair, perhaps with a miniature drink in hand. - Camping Adventure:
Set up a miniature tent with the Elf roasting marshmallows over a tiny campfire.
Instructions:
Set up a miniature tent using fabric and some sticks.
Create a tiny campfire using pebbles and small sticks, with the Elf roasting marshmallows.
Scatter some miniature camping gear around for added effect. - Ski Resort Fun:
Create a mini ski slope with the Elf poised to tube down, complete with a tiny tube and a mini lift ticket.
Instructions:
Create a mini ski slope using a white fabric or paper and some books to elevate one end.
Craft tiny skis for the Elf, and attach a mini lift ticket to its coat.
Position the Elf poised to tube the slope. - Global Elf:
Have the Elf pose with a globe or a map, with tiny pins marking all the places it has “visited”. This could be coupled with fun facts about each country or location.
Instructions:
Place a globe or map next to the Elf, with tiny pins marking various locations.
Write fun facts about each location on small cards and scatter them around.
Invite the kids to read the cards and learn about different parts of the world. - Postcard Writing:
Find the Elf writing postcards to Santa from various “destinations”, with amusing tales of its travels.
Instructions:
Create or print miniature postcards from different “destinations”.
Place the Elf at a small desk or table, pen in hand, writing postcards to Santa.
Scatter some finished postcards around, with amusing tales of the Elf’s travels. - Scavenger Hunt:
Elf sets up a scavenger hunt with clues leading to a “hidden treasure” – perhaps a new holiday ornament or small treat.
Instructions:
The Elf sets up a scavenger hunt with clues leading to a “hidden treasure” – perhaps a new holiday ornament or small treat.
Hide the clues around the house, each one leading to the next, with the final clue leading to the treasure.
Start the hunt by giving the kids the first clue, and watch the adventure unfold! - Local Tourist:
Have the Elf explore local landmarks or take silly photos with household “monuments” – like posing next to a towering stack of pancakes for breakfast.
Instructions:
Choose some household “monuments” or local landmarks.
Position the Elf taking silly photos with these landmarks.
Create a mini photo album or online gallery to showcase the Elf’s “local” adventures.
Each of these antics brings a dash of wanderlust to your holiday traditions, and who knows, perhaps the Elf will inspire your next family vacation! As you embark on these playful adventures, the world feels a little smaller, and the magic of the holiday season shines a little brighter. Happy traveling with your Elf!
When it is time for your Elf to say goodbye, here is an idea for a goodbye letter from your elf.
