🎄 Elf on the Shelf: Levi Is Back!
Week 1 Ideas, Inspiration, Props & Easy-Mom Magic ✨
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It’s officially December in our house, which means one very special thing… our elf Levi flies back home TOMORROW! 🎅✨
We’ve been doing Elf on the Shelf for 7 years, ever since my boys were just 9 months and 3 years old—and now at 7 & 10, the excitement has only grown. Levi has become a true part of our holiday tradition… equal parts magical, mischievous, and “wait… I need to move the elf!” energy. 😂
This year, I’m sharing weekly Elf Plans to help fellow parents find fun, doable, affordable Elf ideas without the midnight panic. Each post will include:
✨ My weekly plan
✨ Inspirational Pinterest posts or photos
✨ Links to props, printables & cute accessories
✨ Bonus ideas from Levi’s past visits
Between work, sports, school, and the holiday chaos… we all deserve a little “easy button” magic. 🙌
🎁 WEEK 1: December 1–7
Our Elf Levi’s Plan + Props + Simple Setups
Below is our full Elf on the Shelf Week 1 plan—fun, festive, and actually doable for busy parents.
Day 1 (Dec 1): “I’m Back!” Baking Scene + Cookie
Levi arrives tangled in a whisk and mixing bowl, accompanied by the cutest oversized “I’m Back!” elf cookie. Truly—look at this thing! 🍪✨
This was a pre-Thanksgiving craft fair purchase and honestly made Levi’s return 100% stress-free this year.
We have done many variations of “I’m Back” over the years, some very last minute - but all so excting for the kids when they wake up on the morning of December 1 - below are some of the previous years day 1 ideas.
Day 2: Pillow Tower in the Basement
This is one of my favorite “parent break” days. Simple. Zero prep. No glue gun. No printable. You’re welcome. 🙌
If your Elf is harder to find, a clue in the Advent calendar works beautifully.
Build a dramatic tower of throw pillows and perch Levi at the top like he just climbed Mount Cozy.
Cute Extras:
Tiny “Do Not Disturb” sign
Elf-sized water bottle
Mini summit flag
Day 3: Kissing Booth 💋 (with Hershey’s Kisses)
Another sweet Pinterest find that kids love—mainly because it involves candy before school.
What You Need
This adorable kissing booth printable: insert link
Cardstock
Hershey’s Kisses
Set up the booth, sprinkle candy around, and let the kids squeal.
Shopping links:
Day 4: The Laundry Basket Giving Challenge
This has become a meaningful tradition in our home. Each year Levi brings an empty laundry basket and this note:
“It’s better to give than to receive, and Santa will be here soon! Please fill up this basket with old toys to donate to other girls & boys. On Christmas morning Santa will be sure to bring you something shiny and new!”
Is this a clever mom trick to declutter before Christmas? Absolutely.
Do the kids jump to comply? Not always.
But with a bit of encouragement—and a reminder that sharing what we no longer use helps bless others—they’ve grown to appreciate it.
Day 5: “Snake Pit” Gummy Worm Trap 🪱
So simple. So funny. So kid-approved.
Fill a bowl or bin with gummy worms and lay Levi dramatically across them.
Add a note like: “Help! I fell in the snake pit!” to make the joke land.
Shopping link: Gummy worms
Day 6: What comes after 6?…. 7!
Is it just me, or have your kids minds been consumed by the “6 -7” phenomenon? It’s most likely the most common in elementary and middle school crowds - and while I still don’t get it, I am thankful that it doesn’t really mean anything. BUT, all that to say my 7 year old is OBSESSED. Any time we see 6 & 7 any where near each other he has to point it out - so why not get Levi involved.
For the 6th day Levi bring 6-7 birthday balloons that I plan to blow up and attach to disposable straws. I didn’t really want 16” balloons, but they were on sale for cyber Monday (see here) and I figured I’d eventually use them for birthday decorations so what the heck.
Want to go all in?
I make custom “Santa Says Six Seven” shirts too—linked in my shop. 🎅
Day 7:“Sundaes Are for Sundays” 🍨
On Sunday, Levi will surprise the boys with everything needed for ice cream sundaes - Caption idea: “Sundae Funday!”
Sprinkles
Chocolate syrup
Cherries
Mini cones
Festive bowls
You can set everything out in the kitchen or have your elf holding a tiny spoon.
🎉 That’s Week 1!
You did it, mama! One magical week unlocked. 💪✨
If you want a notification when Week 2 goes live, subscribe below—because the elf mischief is just getting started! 🎄💫
