This year Aria was finally old enough to understand the concept of the Elf on the Shelf. I actually bought it a couple of years ago (like right after she was born) because I was at Target after Christmas and everything was 50-75% off. If you’ve learned anything about me since blogging, you know I can’t pass up a sale. Soo, naturally I went ahead and bought it. I mean it made sense, it was only $12.

I started on December 1st, that morning our Elf was by the tree and left a note and a gift for the girls. I read the story and explained to Aria several times about not touching the Elf and the magic, etc. So, on our first morning she knew not to touch her. Aria decided to name her Glitter, and every morning since it has been fun to run around the house to find Glitter and see what she brought that day.

I know usually it’s just something small each day. However, I figured since we’re traveling for the holidays, I go a little bigger on them because it’s all things I would have given the girls for Christmas. This way I don’t have to ship it to my moms just to bring it back with us.

Most of the items I actually got from the Dollar Spot at our Target, but I did throw in a few clothes that I had picked up from Old Navy on Black Friday. So a few things were a coloring book, puzzle, holiday window clings, color and play pack, Mickey DVDs, shoes for Aria/Amelia and clothes Aria/Amelia, etc…

Getting started with elf on the shelf ideas | elf on the shelf welcome letter | Christmas decorating

If you’re not sure about this Elf on the Shelf thing, I’d so go for it. It’s fun to see the reaction of finding her, and it’s been a helpful reminder to use her manners, eat her food and try and be on her best behavior daily.

We haven’t been going overboard on the elf location or creating scenes/scenarios, but, it’s been fun. Here are a few places Glitter has been this year: