Our elf has nearly finished his lotto house. Unfortunately, the card he is waving does not match the last window! 🏠
His note says “Find the missing elf!” The teddy is waiting patiently while somebody explains that pink and green are not quite the same thing.
This elf lotto activity starts with a quick matching puzzle and can turn into a proper Christmas game after breakfast.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- Orchard Toys Elf Lotto mini game (paid link) – a matching game for ages 3+
- A teddy or other toy opponent
- A small closed book or folded cloth to support the elf
- Scrap paper and a pen
Setup:
Put one house board in front of the elf and match four character cards to its printed windows. Leave the fifth window uncovered. Rest a deliberately mismatched card against his mitten, using his leg or a little folded card to support it.
Sit the teddy opposite with another board. Spread the remaining character cards between them, including the correct match for the empty window, and add the “Find the missing elf!” note. Sit both toys securely; the elf does not need to hold anything in the air.
In the morning, let the children find the correct character and put it over the last printed window. Then reset the pieces and play Elf Lotto following the game’s instructions. The elf can watch while the family takes over his very unfinished tournament.
Make it cheaply:
Make a simple matching game from scrap card. Draw five different coloured elf hats on one sheet, then draw the same hats again on five small cards. Cover four matches and let the elf wave a wrong card beside the last space. For a longer game, make a second sheet with a different arrangement.
Browse more elf ideas for kids for morning activities.
