Best Elf On The Shelf Ideas: These Parents Are Upping The Game

For many, the start of December means the return of The Elf on the Shelf. You know, that little guy in red who watches over the kids all day and reports back to Santa at night?

While not every family participates in this Christmas tradition, those who do take it very seriously. They buy their elves outfits, they give him or her names, and most importantly, they find super creative ways for their kids to find their elf (or elves) every morning.

Just check out these epic ideas we found on Instagram. These parents take their elf very seriously.

Sprinkle is ready to perform in The Nutcracker. 👯🎅🏻🎄
A photo posted by Jennifer (@ferdalump_lane) on Nov 30, 2015 at 2:55pm PST

Looks like #jimmytheelf has rounded up the gang. A long night of taming dinosaurs and riding around under the tree. I wonder if they make saddles for dinos... #elfontheshelf #christmasmagic
A photo posted by Kat L (@kizat) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:53am PST

Day 4! Mr. Frost had to put the "SMACKDOWN" on some of the local natives. Especially Dean Ambrose AKA "The Lunatic" who was caught "trash talkin" about Mr. Frost. Rumor has it hes on the Naughty List. (GASP) Not OUR MR. FROST!! Must be another one. So no better way to settle the argument, but with a good old fashioned wrestling match!" Barbie and the girls wouldnt miss this match for all the candycanes in the north pole! #deanambrose #wwe #raw #wrestling #elfontheshelf #instafunny #christmas #lolz #lol #wwememes #funnyfaces
A photo posted by Le Bebe Royale (@lebeberoyale) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:52am PST

#elfontheshelf #elfpets #snowballfight #naughty
A photo posted by lindyclou (@lindyclou) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:51am PST

IT'S DECEMBER! IT'S DECEMBER! IT'S DECEMBER! 🎄🎁🎅 #happyholidays2015 #elfontheshelf
A photo posted by Gia Bo Bia (@gia.bo.bia) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:48am PST

Max got interrogated by chasers toys! Haha #elfontheshelf
A photo posted by Andria Helland (@andria_helland) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:46am PST

#elfontheshelf Shenanigans || My kids' favorite so far. 😁 #christmas2015 #latergram #elf
A photo posted by candirepasky (@candirepasky) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:44am PST

Imperials have captured our #elfontheshelf #starwars
A photo posted by @billcaine on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:43am PST

#day2 #elfontheshelf #minecraft #violentfreeminecraft #readingsession #christmasspirit
A photo posted by Jaime Weisel (@__jaime__) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:42am PST

The elf has arrived! It must be December! #worklife #elfontheshelf
A photo posted by @jchin103 on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:41am PST

Well look who decided to show up last night! Yay for 23 more days of figuring out new ways to hide and 23 nights of staying up late and praying he stays in place! Most importantly, don't you forget to move him because the face of disappointment in your kids faces makes you feel worse then no sleep for 24 nights! 🎄⛄️🎁 #elfontheshelf #christmas #december #dontdisappointyourkids #buddytheelf
A photo posted by Amanda Junior (@amandajunior) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:37am PST

#Buzz says "lets put an end to all this #Elf #nonsense❗❗" #nautyelf #elf #elfontheshelf #happyHolidays
A photo posted by Megan (@megan_campos84) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:34am PST

what a silly elf #zippy #elfontheshelf #christmasismyfavorite
A photo posted by @brittanymreed on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:32am PST

Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can... #elfontheshelf
A photo posted by Mary Shrontz-Morgan ☕️❄️⛄️ (@shrontzinator) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:29am PST

I spy ...a little troublemaker named Rocky! This little elf was up to no good last night ;).Poor Brody wake up up to major #elfshenanigans ;) lol #ispy #elf #elfontheshelf #rocky #mustache #hearttattoo #lastnight #troublemaker #4am #christmastime #uptonogood #shenanigans
A photo posted by Dyana Mason (@dyanamason) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:27am PST

🎶 Guess who's back, back again 🎶 Day 1 #elfontheshelf #elliottheelf #christmastraditions #northpolebreakfast
A photo posted by Kristina Donnelly (@kristinadonnelly) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:26am PST

Day 2: All the stuffed pets are lined up at Bell's Chocolate Kisses Booth! #elfontheshelf #christmas2015 #theelfontheshelf #elfontheshelf2015 #kisses #chocolatekisses #merrychristmas #merrychristmas2015 #max #thegrinch
A photo posted by Terri S (@misstetrispants) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:17am PST

Jolly McJinglepants is back! #elfontheshelf #dearlordhelpme #ilovemykids
A photo posted by Kathleen Summers (@kathleensummers) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:15am PST

She's back! And so begins a month of nightly creative anguish... (Thanks for the LY photo @katebovey) #elfontheshelf
A photo posted by Charlotte Westley (@lotty62) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:09am PST

Sneaky elves trying to get to the halloween candy. #stayawayfrommychocolate #elfontheshelf #TheAdventuresofHenryandHart #rockclimbing
A photo posted by Daisy🌼 (@daisy83__) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:53am PST

they're back! #elfontheshelf 🎄
A photo posted by Brittanica (@brittanic3) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:51am PST

I'm back!! #diesel #elfontheshelf #25daysofchristmas #safelanding with #dusty #christmas2015 #tistheseason #happyholidays #mainsqueezes #tarzan #opihi #coconut #pumbaa
A photo posted by Jessie Naho'oikaika (@jnphotography808) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:50am PST

Elf on the shelf flew back today, reminding Cheyenne if she's naughty, he will be naughty too. #elfontheshelf #naughty #playnice
A photo posted by Sherri (@mama_bear_26) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:48am PST

Our #elfontheshelf is back! The kids are excited. I am too. Maybe #santa will bring me #protein and #preworkout lol. #fitness #gymlife
A photo posted by James Gaines (@ablabjames) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:46am PST

He's back👀 & already making a mess! Happy December 🎄⛄️💚❤️💚❤️ #familyfun #elf #elfontheshelf #kidstagram #tistheseason #showmeyourelf2015
A photo posted by RoZe (@starlitdreamer83) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:39am PST

#minecraft #elfontheshelf
A photo posted by Christy Piner (@christypics1980) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:35am PST

Pesky Little Elves...... They must scroll thru Instagram and steal ideas from other elves 😉🎄......#elfontheshelf#tistheseason
A photo posted by Tawana W Laurent (@tw_laurent) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:32am PST

#keenanelf #eots #elfontheshelf #xmascards
A photo posted by Rachael Keenan (@keenanelf) on Dec 1, 2015 at 7:23am PST

The countdown begins! Joshie just arrived from the North Pole!!! 🎄❄🎅 #elfontheshelf #elf #joshie #christmas #christmascountdown #northpole #santaclaus
A photo posted by Axel & Karla (@axel_boytique) on Dec 1, 2015 at 6:59am PST

Max strikes again! ☺️🎄🎅🏻 #elfontheshelf #Max #elf #mischief #prankster
A photo posted by Jenn/y/ifer (@j_leipold) on Dec 1, 2015 at 6:56am PST

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Best Elf On The Shelf Ideas: These Parents Are Upping The Game

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