Elf on the Shelf Kit: Complete Prep Guide and Starter Set

I’m a little obsessed with Elf on the Shelf—mostly because this is new to our family. My son was already older when our elf arrived, and our daughters are only now the right age to enjoy the daily antics. I want to make this a shared tradition, one that both my kids and I can take part in and laugh about together. To feel confident for the whole month, I assembled an Easy Elf on the Shelf Kit that helps me plan and create simple, playful scenes without scrambling each night.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Kit–How to be Prepared for Anything

Below is a concise list of the basic items I keep in my Elf kit. These are inexpensive, versatile supplies that make setting up quick scenes much easier.

1. Felt sheets in a variety of colors. Small pieces of felt are perfect for backgrounds, tiny blankets, clothing accents, or little props.
2. Toothpicks. Useful for building tiny structures, holding props in place, or creating comical scenes.
3. White pom poms. Great as pretend marshmallows, snowball decorations, or tiny craft accents.
4. Printable elf masks. A few simple masks let the elf “hide” and add a fun surprise element.
5. Colorful pipe cleaners. Flexible and strong, they work for arms, props, or funny accessories like a tiny mustache.
6. Sticky tack. Tack helps secure masks, lightweight props, and delicate setups without damage.
7. Small sticks collected outdoors. Natural sticks are handy for miniature signposts, sleds, or rustic props.
8. Fake snow or a little polyester stuffing. A small amount creates a wintry scene without making a mess throughout the house.
9. A small chalkboard and chalk. Use the board to write short notes explaining what the elf has been up to—great for older kids to read and for including messages from the elf.
10. Velcro dots. Velcro lets the elf hold tiny items or “clap” hands together and makes repositioning easier.
11. Small magnets. Attach a velcro dot to a magnet and the elf can be placed on any metal surface for new placement possibilities.

If you want to make your elf more poseable without buying special parts, consider a simple no-sew method that uses things you already have around the house to make the elf easier to position for various scenes.

For More Holiday Ideas, Check Out These:

Snowman Macaron Cookies

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