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Home » All categories » Elf on the Shelf Ideas: You Have Elf Mail!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas: You Have Elf Mail!

November 29, 2014 •

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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!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Two fun ways for your elf on the shelf to leave clues to find him each day from growingbookbybook.com

Full Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links.

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

elf on the shelf ideas: clipboard mail idea from growingbookbybook.com

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

M&M container becomes elf on the shelf mail container

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.

elf on the shelf mail container

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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Filed Under: All categories Tagged With: Christmas activities

About Jodie Rodriguez

Jodie Rodriguez is a mom of two young boys and an early childhood/elementary educator with over 20 years of experience. Jodie's passion is helping parents, teachers, librarians and anyone else interested in nurturing and reaching ALL of our youngest growing readers.

Comments

  1. Alison - The Way He Plays says

    November 30, 2014 at 5:05 pm

    Fabulous idea! Use both! It will add a surprise for the boys to discover which type of mail the elf leaves each day!

    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      November 30, 2014 at 6:02 pm

      I like that idea Alison!

  2. Susen @ Dabbling Momma says

    November 29, 2014 at 8:08 am

    you’re right both are so cute! I love the m&m tube idea cause it’s small, like the Elf, and you could put a cute small little note/hint inside! I’m sure your boys will have a blast either way!!

    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      November 30, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      They are super excited about the return of Jack tomorrow!

  3. Stacey says

    November 29, 2014 at 7:38 am

    Our girls are 8 and 11 and believe it or not, this will be our first year with an Elf on the Shelf. I am so forgetful and I have been so worried that I would forget but my youngest has worn me down. She thinks the elf just doesn’t want to come here! So… I am loving these idea! Thank you!

    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      November 30, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      Thanks Stacey. Hope you have fun with it this year.

      • Dionne says

        December 3, 2014 at 3:19 pm

        To remember ‘managing’ the Elf on the Shelf, Set a reoccurring alarm on your smart phone in the evenings- if you have one. 🙂
        Enjoy!

Trackbacks

  1. 50+ Awesome, Fun, and Festive Elf on The Shelf Ideas – My Blog says:
    November 15, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    […] some elf mail to your kids. From Rising E-book by […]

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