Elf on the Shelf Ideas: You Have Elf Mail!

This weekend I’m pulling out and prepping all the Christmas books and activities that we will be using for the next few weeks.  One of the things my kids are the most excited about is the return of Jack the Elf!

Last year we did a modified version of Elf on the Shelf and called it Elf on the Shelf Reads Books.  The boys looked forward to discovering the elf in a new location each morning and finding a new book to read for the day.

This year we are adding another literacy layer to the fun.  Our little elf is going to deliver elf mail!

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Elf on the Shelf Mail Ideas

Each morning my boys will wake to find a clue left by the elf.  The clue will lead the kids to the location of the elf for the day.

I made two versions of the mail delivery system.  I haven’t decided which one we are going to use because they are both so cute.

Clipboard

Cut a small piece of a corrugated cardboard box cut into a rectangular shape.  Decorate it with red and green masking tape stripes.  You could also use washi tape. Attach a small binder clip to the top and you have a miniature clipboard.

Canister

Eat the contents of a small canister of M&M’s.  Remove the label and create your own label on a blank mailing label sticker.  Decorate with Christmas stickers and attach to the canister.  You may need to add clear packing tape to adhere the label securely.  You now have a mailing canister.

Each morning I plan to leave a clue on the clipboard or in the canister at the breakfast table.  We will read the clue together and then the kids will hunt for the elf.  I think this will be a fun way to add a little more reading into our day!

Which version would you use?  Do you have an Elf on the Shelf?

Check out our other great Christmas book and activity ideas.

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