It’s that time of year when we come together to make sweet treats, mix up cocktails, shop ’til we drop and give gifts (after wrapping them uber creatively, of course). A new holiday pastime that we’ve spotted growing on Pinterest over the last couple years is Elf on the Shelf. Who cares if you don’t have kids? Adults can get in on the fun too (don’t forget — #iamcreative!). You’ve got a few weeks to go before Elf on the Shelf becomes Elf Stuffed Away in a Box, so get inspired with these creative, oft-hilarious poses your kids, roomies or boo will be LOLing at this month.
Before starting the Elf posing, follow this DIY to guarantee your Elf on the Shelf can do all of the things. Before you know it, your Elf will be posing in ways not even you can.
1. Maker Elf: Like we always say, makers gonna make. Guess that holds true for elves, too. (via Emma Klosson Photography)
2. Elf On the Shelf, Squared: How very meta. Now pass the pasta and maple syrup. (via Living Locurto)
3. Hey Girl: If you’re an Elf, I’m an Elf. (via SheKnows)
4. Sprinkle Angel: Does anyone really enjoy laying in the cold snow making these? Sprinkle substitution ftw. (via Rachel Swartley)
5. Smile + Pose: We’re all about photo booth props (and photo booths). So this one is totally at the top of our to-do list. (via Living Locurto)
6. 50 Shades of Elf: Prep for the 2015 movie by giving the Elf a background on Christian Grey. (via Kelly Broyles Photography)
7. sELFie: But first, let me take an #Elfie. (via Jenny Onsager)
8. Elfing Hot Chocolate: Some like it hot (with marshmallows on top). (via Skinny Mom)
9. Soaring Through the Home: Give your Elf a reindeer’s eye view of your living room. (via Busy Kids Happy Mom)
10. All Wrapped Up: This has happened at least once to every maker (right…?). Recreate your lowest moment for some LOLs and pick up some gift wrapping tips here. (via A Few Short Cuts)
11. Swept Away: All that’s missing from this scene is some mistletoe. (via @thedoeorthedeer)
12. It’s the Gingerbread Elf: We think the Elf’s tiny hands are much better suited for the Candy Cane Land Estate Decorating Committee. (via Grinning Like An Idiot)
13. Cut a Hole in the Box: You know it’s Christmastime and the Elf’s heart is open wide. Just make sure the box isn’t too… (via Baby Rabies)
14. HoliDIY Wrapping: Get creative and have your Elf DIY the wrapping paper. (via Rachel Swartley)
15. Cone Surprise: A midnight snack doesn’t technically have to be at midnight, right? (via SheKnows)
16. I Work Out: The Elf’s sexy and he knows it (insert wiggle, wiggle, wiggle). (via Dirty Diaper Laundry)
17. Let’s Get Roasted: Marshmallows roasting on an open, electric candle flame. (via The Weekend Housewife)
18. Copy Room Hijinks: Whatever you do, just don’t sneak this scan into your portfolio. (via Lil Blue Boo)
19. Project Prep: Collect all the supplies, then watch your Elf get to work. You may be waiting awhile, so pour a tall glass of spiked eggnog ;) (via DIY Inspired)
20. Coffee Crazed: Elves: They’re just like us. (via Poofy Cheeks)
21. Swing, Swing: It’s a good core workout — you should try it sometime. (via A Small Snippet)
22. Candy-Coated Elf: This takes melt in your mouth to a whole new level. (via A Life Examined)
23. Fra-gee-lay: We don’t think the Elf looks like a pink nightmare ;) (via Anders Ruff)
24. Downward Facing Elf: Bend and snap, that’s how they do it, right? (via Pickedhead Soup)
25. Rejuvenated Elf: A relaxed Elf is a happy and productive Elf. (via SheKnows)
26. LEGO Elf: Make a replica with everyone’s favorite building blocks. (via Lime & Mortar)
27. Walkup Elf: Take the city Elf to the Brownstone steps for an impromptu shoot. (via See Jane Blog)
28. Spin the Bottle: We hope this doesn’t turn into Seven Minutes in Heaven. (via Jen McKen Photography)
29. Elf on the Broom: Maybe Elf on the Shelf is the secret to getting more Harry Potter books. (via Shelf the Elf)
30. ElfDM: We’re calling it now: The raver Elf will be 2015’s go-to festival accessory. Peace out, flower headbands. (via The Leggy Files)
31. Spidey Sense: Where’s the Mary Jane Watson Elf when you need her? (via Sharilyn Wells Photography)
32. This is The Elf!: Who wouldn’t turn around for this Elf? (via Picklehead Soup)
33. Ice Bath: Big pimpin’, spendin’ G’s (and spa chillin’ with Barbies). (via Ring of Firefly)
34. Baker’s Delight: Sir Bakes a Lot. (via Rachel Swartley)
BONUS: If all else fails, just dress up like the Elf on the Shelf. Try not to sit on an actual shelf though — that could become a disaster. (via Med School Watercooler)
Which Elf on the Shelf ideas are you planning on recreating this holiday season? Let us know in the comments.