Should You Try Elf on the Shelf? The Mamahood Shares Tips, Tricks, and Cautions for the Holiday Tradition

“Elf on the shelf: Fun tradition or too much work? Who does it? Should I start or avoid it at all costs? My girls are 3.5 & 5. It seems like a lot of work lol but super fun for them. Let me know!” — C.L.

Curious about whether to bring Elf on the Shelf into your holiday tradition? Moms in our community have shared their honest experiences—from the magical joy it brings to the daily challenges it can pose. If you’re on the fence about starting, here’s a range of insights to help you decide if Elf on the Shelf is right for your family.

photo credit: Two Shans Elves

Elf on the Shelf Enthusiasts: Making Holiday Magic

For many moms, Elf on the Shelf adds a sense of magic and excitement to the holiday season. They find joy in seeing their kids wake up with wonder, eager to discover what the elf has done overnight.

  • “I started it when my older daughter was 4, and now she's 15, and my younger daughter is 9. My younger daughter loves it even more than Christmas itself, but honestly, it's a pain in the butt! Lol. I've done some fun, thoughtful ideas, and other days I've forgotten to move the elf and just thrown it in a random spot. Either way, she looks forward to it, so the elf still shows up every year. One trick I've used the past couple of years is getting stuff from the dollar store or Target's $3 section ahead of time and having it ready to use. “ — Mamahood Member, A.Q.M.

  • “It’s my favorite part of the whole season! Yes, it’s work, but it’s absolutely worth it for my kids’ excitement every morning. My boys, who are 10 and 8, talk about "Elfie" all year long.” — Mamahood Member, V.D.

photo credit: Two Shans Elves

Some moms also find it a great way to bond with their kids, like S.H., who found it an excellent way to help with behavioral challenges in a gentle, fun way

  • “This will be my third year doing it. Two years ago, my 2-year-old had no interest, but last year, when he was almost 3, he loved it! We were dealing with behavior issues because of the new baby, and honestly, the elf saved us. Whenever my son didn’t behave, the elf didn’t move. It also became a nice way to bond—we’d wake up every morning to try to find it and see what funny thing they did (I had one for each kid). It’s definitely a lot of work, but I’ll keep doing it every year until my kids lose interest. My older son keeps asking when they’re coming back, and he still laughs remembering the things they did. I’d recommend joining a Facebook group, planning ahead for the elaborate ideas, and having some simple ones ready for those busy or lazy nights. I also try to go all out on the weekends. Here are our guys when they invited Frosty for a bath—it's been one of my son’s favorites!” — Mamahood Member, S.H.

photo credit: S.H. , Mamahood Member

Challenges of the Elf Tradition: A Balancing Act for Busy Parents

While Elf on the Shelf creates holiday magic, many moms caution that it can become a nightly commitment—adding stress to an already busy season.

  • “I tried hard to avoid it, but someone gifted us an elf. My kids love it, but it’s a lot of work just to remember to move it every night!” — Mamahood Member, G.E.

  • “We did it for one season, and by the 10th day, I was over it. The holiday season can be stressful enough.” — Mamahood Member, M.O.

photo credit: Two Shans Elves

A few moms even shared creative ways to manage the tradition more simply, by not overdoing it or adding unnecessary pressure:

  • “We just move it each night. No messes or props—just a quick move to another spot, and the kids love it just the same.” — Mamahood Member, L.M.

Tips and Tricks for Making Elf on the Shelf Easier

For those who do want to try Elf on the Shelf, seasoned moms recommend using kits and planning ahead to make things easier.

  • “The kids absolutely love it, but it’s a lot of work just to remember to move it, let alone come up with creative ideas. If you’re into doing creative things, I highly recommend getting a kit. I’ve done that the last two years, and it’s been a lifesaver.” — Mamahood Member, G.E 

  • "Kits definitely help! We offer a complimentary text reminder at night with purchase of our kits if that is helpful to you! Remembering to move them can be the hardest part!" — Mamahood Member, Shannon Breuner Pearce of 2Shans Elf Kits

photo credit: Two Shans Elves

Others suggest setting up reminders or only doing more elaborate setups a few times a week to reduce stress:

  • “It’s definitely work, but it brings my girls so much joy every year that I think it’s worth it. I’ll do cute, creative things maybe once or twice a week, and the rest of the time, she just moves. It also helps them get out of bed before school because they can’t wait to find her!” — Mamahood Member, L.G.C.

photo credit: Two Shans Elves

For Moms Who Prefer to Opt-Out: Alternatives and Considerations

Not everyone is a fan, and several moms explained why they’ve chosen to skip Elf on the Shelf altogether, whether due to personal beliefs or simply a lack of time.

  • “Avoid it. It’s just part of the over-commercialization of American holidays and adds more work for us moms. Say no!” — Mamahood Member, B.R.

  • “Only do it if it’s going to be fun for you. My sister-in-law goes all out for her only child, and she loves coming up with the ideas—it’s really cute. I enjoy celebrating Christmas and love the creativity involved, but I don’t want to commit to something like that for the next seven years or so. Plus, to be honest, it feels a bit creepy to me.”  — Mamahood Member, T.L.H.

For parents concerned about the “naughty or nice” messaging, one mom shared how she reimagines the elf's role:

  • "We do it, but we use it as positive reinforcement. For example, 'I saw you did all your math homework last night—good job!'" — Mamahood Member, E.D.B.

Additional Resources

A few community members mentioned helpful resources and services that have simplified their Elf on the Shelf experience:

photo credit: Two Shans Elves

Join the Conversation!

Wondering if Elf on the Shelf could add a bit of magic to your holiday season? If you’re a mom in the San Francisco Bay Area looking for more tips, tricks, and advice, read the full conversation in The Mamahood - SF Bay Area here and see what other moms had to say. Not a member yet? Join the right chapter of The Mamahood community today to connect with other moms and share in discussions like this one!

Heather Anderson