Enhancing Your Elf on the Shelf: A Clever Hack with Paperclips

Enhancing Your Elf on the Shelf: A Clever Hack with Paperclips

You won't believe the difference this super simple fix makes to your elf

Written 4th December 2023 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter

The holiday season brings joy and excitement, and for many families, the Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a cherished part of the festivities. These mischievous little elves often find themselves in amusing situations, bringing smiles to both children and adults alike. However, positioning these elves in creative and dynamic poses can sometimes be a bit challenging. Fear not, as a simple and ingenious solution involves using paperclips to enhance your Elf on the Shelf experience.

Unlocking Elf Flexibility:

Elf on the Shelf dolls come with a fixed floppy posture, limiting their ability to bend their arms and legs. This can make it difficult to create the perfect scene or have your elf hold onto objects. The solution lies in the humble paperclip, a readily available household item that can be easily transformed into a versatile tool for manipulating your elf's limbs.

Watch this video to see just how easy it is:

Here are the text based steps to Elf Liberation:

  1. Gather Your Supplies:

    • Elf on the Shelf doll
    • Paperclips (small/medium size works best)
    • Pliers/ Heavy duty scissors 
  2. Prepare the Paperclip:

    • Straighten the paperclip as much as possible, creating a long, thin wire.
  3. Customize for Your Elf:

    • Measure the length needed by comparing it to the elf's limbs. You may need different lengths for the arms and legs.
    • Use your fingers to bend the paperclip into the desired shape, ensuring that it can easily fit into the elf's limbs without causing damage.
  4. Insert the Paperclip:

    • Gently insert the custom-made paperclip into the elf's arm or leg, allowing it to act as a flexible skeleton.
    • Be careful not to force the paperclip or cause any damage to the elf's fabric but it should pierce through the seam easily
  5. Experiment and Pose:

    • With the paperclip in place, experiment with different poses and positions for your elf.
    • You can now have your elf hold onto objects, climb, or sit in ways that were previously impossible.

Benefits of the Paperclip Hack:

  1. Versatility:

    • The paperclip hack provides a level of versatility that allows your Elf on the Shelf to engage in a wider range of activities and poses.
  2. Reusability:

    • The paperclip can be easily removed when you want to return your elf to its original state, making it a reversible and non-permanent modification.
  3. Budget-Friendly:

    • Paperclips are inexpensive and readily available, making this a cost-effective solution for enhancing your elf's capabilities.

With the holiday season in full swing, the Elf on the Shelf tradition becomes even more enchanting with a touch of creativity. The paperclip hack offers a simple and effective way to unlock new possibilities for your elf, allowing you to bring your imaginative scenes to life. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and let your Elf on the Shelf embark on even more magical adventures this holiday season.

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