Our elf has opened a lending library. He’s hoping someone will borrow a Christmas story before breakfast! 📚
Little paper books line the shelves, with library cards ready beside him. He’s even brought a bookmark, which seems optimistic for books with only a handful of pages.
This easy elf idea makes a tiny library from a box and folded paper. You can pair it with a real storybook for the children to choose in the morning.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- A small open-front cardboard box
- One card strip for a shelf
- Six folded-paper miniature books
- Coloured craft paper (paid link) or pens for the book covers
- Little paper library cards
- A paper bookmark
- Tape and paper signs
- A large closed book to support the elf
Setup:
Put the shelf strip inside the box and tape it securely, making two little rows for the books. Fold scraps of paper into miniature booklets and add coloured covers. They can be blank, or you can draw a quick snowman or star inside. Stand the books on the shelves and write “Elf library” above them. Sit your elf beside the box against the large closed book, holding a bookmark near the library cards. Leave one tiny book open in front and add “Borrow a book” beside it. Put a real family storybook nearby if you’d like the display to lead into reading together. The children can choose a book and fill in their own little borrowing card.
Make it cheaply:
Use a folded piece of packaging as the library front instead of making shelves. Draw coloured book spines on it and leave one paper booklet for the elf to lend. The cards can be cut from an old envelope. A simple bookmark slipped into a real book is enough for a smaller version of the idea.
Try the storybook domino run or the North Pole post office for another elf scene.
