Our elf has been put in charge of present inspections. He’s checking the wrapping very carefully, which is encouraging after some of his previous work! 🎁
Three little parcels are waiting for approval, with a clipboard ready to tick them off. The labels seem to be the most important part; he’d rather not send a teddy’s present to the toaster.
This easy elf idea gives the elf a small Christmas job. A few finished paper parcels and a handwritten checklist turn a quiet corner into the North Pole inspection desk.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- Three small empty boxes or folded-card parcels
- Scraps of wrapping paper
- Paper strips or red, green and gold ribbon (paid link) for the parcel bands
- Little paper labels
- Card for a clipboard and checklist
- A pen or colouring pencil
- A small box to support the elf
- Paper for the inspection sign
Setup:
Wrap the three little boxes in different scraps of paper and add paper or ribbon bands. Give each a small label with a toy’s name or a simple picture. Make a clipboard from card, adding a small clip if you have one, and write “Present checks” above three lines: “Wrapped”, “Labelled” and “Ready”. Sit your elf against the support box with the clipboard on his lap and the finished parcels in front. Tick a few checks and leave a pencil on the table beside him. Add “North Pole quality control” where it can be read easily. The children can help inspect the final parcel in the morning, choosing a recipient and checking that its label matches.
Make it cheaply:
Fold the parcels from old packaging or scrunch paper into little cuboids before wrapping them. Draw ribbon bands directly onto the paper instead of adding separate strips. A folded note can be the clipboard. For a smaller version, use one parcel and let the elf give it a large handwritten tick.
Try the North Pole post office or the scooter present-delivery round for another elf scene.
