Culture Holidays 6 'Elf on the Shelf Ideas' for Your Family By Jenn Savedge Writer University of Strathclyde Ithaca College Jenn Savedge is an environmental author and lecturer. She’s a former national park ranger who has written three books on eco-friendly living our editorial process Jenn Savedge Updated February 01, 2019 "Elf on the Shelf" is almost as popular as Santa Claus himself now with children trying to be on their best behavior before Christmas. (Photo: goodmoments/Shutterstock.com) Share Twitter Pinterest Email Culture History Travel Sustainable Fashion Art & Media Holidays Community Surely by now you've heard of the 'Elf on the Shelf.' It's a store-bought family tradition that's caught on life wildfire over the last few years. But even though its origins are commercial in nature, the family fun it brings - at least for now - is as individual as the family it joins. The idea is that the Elf (who comes with his or her own storybook) resides in the home as a special scout sent from the North Pole to keep track of Santa's naughty and nice lists. Some folks leave their elf on a shelf and remind their kids that "Santa is watching," throughout the holiday season. Others go all-in with their elf -- designing outfits, creating elaborate scenes of mischief, and leaving candy, scavenger hunts, and other gifts for their kids to find every morning. No matter what kind of elf family you have, you may need some ideas on keeping the magic alive all season long. Here are 10 fantastic 'Elf on the Shelf' ideas sure to please everyone in your family. 1. Roasting some marshmallows https://instagram.com/p/BrAutjDnq3w/ 2. Rocking some Christmas tunes https://instagram.com/p/BrAsUYZlAgL/ 3. Feeling some Clark Griswold vibes https://instagram.com/p/Bq-YoqMnim7/ 4. It's a toilet paper party! https://instagram.com/p/Bq-BG-KgibJ/ 5. Making time for some "self-care" https://instagram.com/p/BrAvoQGghHV/ 6. For the salty dog. (Elf on the Shelf Ideas)