Surprise the Kids with These Adorable Elf on the Shelf Return Ideas

If your family isn't already in on the fabulous Elf on the Shelf bandwagon, you're going to want to hop on it stat! These mischief makers are more than a cute Christmas decoration. They have a helpful job: to quietly watch over your kids in the days leading up to Christmas, reporting their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa. You can't find a cuter, or more hilarious, holiday houseguest. Plus, they make the sweetest Christmas tradition to get everyone in the festive mindset.

While there are plenty of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to use throughout the month, you'll need a few clever Elf on the Shelf return ideas to properly kick off the season. After all, setting out Christmas cookies might work just fine for Santa himself, but Scout Elves expect a little more, er, fanfare. They're not just coming for one day, after all—they're planning to stay for a month!

Here, you'll find Elf on the Shelf return ideas that will delight even the most seasoned Elf hostesses. After choosing the best from our favorite Elf on the Shelf names, and helping to outfit your Scout Elf in jolly Elf on the Shelf clothes and accessories, it's time to get to work! Whether you ask your Elf to enter your home by air or by foot, we've got ideas to keep you—er, your Elves—busy all December long. From the day when Elf on the Shelf starts to the time it ends, you'll have all your bases covered. In fact, there's even an option on our list for those who like to get the Christmas season started early...on Thanksgiving Day! It's time to dust off your shelves, prepare for some mischief, and roll out the red carpet for your Elf (and yes, we mean that literally!).