Our elf was asked to sort out the baubles. He appears to have heard “bubbles” and brought the wrong supplies. 🫧
His note says “Bubbles, not baubles!” The two Christmas decorations beside him suggest that somebody will need to explain the difference.
This funny elf idea is a small word mix-up with a bubble-blowing activity for later. The bottle stays closed for the overnight scene.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- Gazillion original bubble mixture with wand (paid link)
- Two shatterproof Christmas baubles
- A tray and a cushion or folded-cloth support
- Paper for the confused elf’s note
Setup:
Sit your elf near a garden door, supported against a cushion or folded cloth. Put the closed bottle of bubble mixture on a tray beside him, with two shatterproof baubles in front. Add the “Bubbles, not baubles!” note. This linked Gazillion bottle holds 2 litres and includes a multi-ring wand; it is a normal household bottle, so it looks quite large beside a seated elf. You do not need a bubble machine. Keep the cap on and the mixture upright overnight. In the morning, let the children work out the elf’s mistake, then take the bubble supplies outside with an adult and use the wand according to the bottle’s instructions. The photograph shows the ready-to-use supplies rather than bubbles that somehow last all night. A little paper arrow between the bottle and baubles makes his confusion even clearer.
Make it cheaply:
Use any bubble bottle you already have. It can be a tiny party bottle or a refill with your own wand. If there is no mixture in the house, make the word joke with a clean empty bottle labelled “Bubbles” and two baubles; just keep that version as a pretend scene rather than promising a bubble activity.
Try the fish-and-chips mix-up or the balloon and jumping paper stars for another elf scene.
