2024 Texas Trails Elf Kit Survival Guide

Day 2

Don't get yourself in a pickle and end up on the naughty list!

Instructions

• Set out pickle ball set

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set up the scene such that the Elf's mischief puts him in a pickle
• Write out a tournament bracket to track wins and losses of the North Pole Pickleball Tournament: [Elf Name] vs Blitzen or Comet vs Cupid
• On a small chalkboard, write out their current status: nice List Pending or Naughty List Pending.
• If you have pickle ball items, set them out with the elf (e.g., bag, balls, paddles)

Day 3

• 4 Cards

Instructions

• Today, your elf leaves a clue, leading to another clue card hidden until they arrive at the secret location.
• Start by selecting one of the four clue cards, considering the order that makes the most sense for your setup. Think about where each clue will lead and how the sequence of cards will guide the search. Once you've chosen the first card, place it in the designated spot for your child to find. Then, hide the next card in a location that the first clue points to, and continue this pattern until all clues are set. Your child will follow the clues in the order you've arranged, leading to a fun surprise!
• Choose All (or a subset of the cards); place the card at the first location

1. Where the snacks and goodies are, I'm hiding not too far [pantry, snack bar]
2. Try a stinky spot where odors brew, something smells pee-yew! [shoe closet, dirty clothes basket]
3. Where you dream and rest your head, I may be hiding near your... [where they nap or sleep at night]
4. Where you buckle up and ride I'm trying so hard to hide! [car]

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Include a flashlight that kids can use as they hunt for the elf

Activity Ideas

• Have your kids play hide and go seek
• Play hide and go seek with another toy where one kid hides it and the others have to go find it.

Day 4

I can't wait to know what's on your Christmas list this year!

With hearts full of excitement, we're putting our wishes on paper, ready to send Santa's way in preparation for the big day!

This activity is not just about asking for gifts but also about fostering a heart and attitude of gratitude.

Instructions

• Set out Dear Santa Letter and Pencil that is provided

Activity Ideas

• Talk about Christmas being the spirit of giving and ask your ask who they would like to get a Christmas gift from this year.
• Play background Christmas music
• Make some hot coco to sip on
• Draw pictures of items on the wish list
• Decorate the letter with stickers
• Talk about how Santa represents the spirit of giving and love during the holiday season!

Day 5

Poop jokes aren't my favorites but they're a solid number 2!

Instructions

• Take a roll of toilet paper [not included] and position the elf on top of it.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Include a chocolate, hersey kiss, M&Ms or raisins to represent the poop
• Leave a small bag of one of the sweet treats with another message saying "These are for you!"

Day 6

Let's get baking!

Instructions

• Position the elf in the kitchen or a baking area
• Position recipe card where it’s visible
• Fold the apron neatly and place it alongside the elf or drape the apron over a chair or hang it on a cabinet door.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Add a small mixing spoon or spatula to the scene to enhance the cooking theme.
• A small bowl of flour can be sprinkled on the counter to mimic snow or make it look like the elf has been busy baking.
• Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of bread or toast that the elf might have "baked."

Activity Ideas

• Set out a recipe and plan to bake something!

Day 7

Snap some selfies with this camera that I can bring back to the North Pole!

Instructions

• Carefully pull the battery cable to activate the camera.
• Place the camera near or on the elf.
• Set out picture included!
• Optional: Take a photo and have it printed for the upcoming craft activity on Day 15!

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Create a small photo album and a note to help them fill it with their selfies!
• Create a Best Selfie Certificate award

Activity Ideas

• Camera Scavenger Hunt: Write out a list of items kids have to “capture” in a photo (e.g., silliest face, Christmas tree decoration, etc).
• Set up a Photo Booth in your home with props that they can take pictures with

Day 8

Spread Christmas Kindness far and near so this tree blossoms with cheer!

Instructions

• Follow instructions on the bag
• Break apart the paper and put together into the holder.
• Decorate with the red chain and add the star; ensure tree paper is sturdy, so the weight of the star does not cause it to tilt
• Place tree in a location that will not require moving (or the crystal will fall off)
• Add liquid from all the bags to the green container
• Crystals will begin to form in the first 1-2 hours, at 3-4 hours they are quite noticeable and after 8-12 hours the tree has fully blossomed.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Sprinkle flour around the tree as if it snowed
• Add small action figures and barbies as if they are watching the tree blossom during the day

Activity Ideas

• Create a kindness challenge: do one good deed each hour and check back with the tree to see what has transpired!
• Use Day 27 (if you’re not needing the bonus days) and encourage family members to write a message of words of encouragement that is left for them
• Gather toys, books, and clothes that are no longer needed and donate them to a local charity or shelter.
• Write a Christmas card to family (Aunts/Uncles, Grandma/Grandpa)
• Set up a kindness jar with some paper that throughout the day family writes what they appreciate about someone else that is shared at the end of the day.
• Grab some trash bags and gloves and cleanup trash around the neighborhood, so when they return home, the tree is blossoming.

Day 9

May all your Christmas swishes come true!

Instructions

• Set out the basketball game and rolling balls
  

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set out some basketball figurines
• Make a scoreboard (or use one from another game) of elves vs reindeers

Activity Ideas

• Go to a park or school and play a real game of basketball with friends or family
• Write out a score sheet for the Elf and challenge your kids to beat it
• Develop plans as a family to watch a basketball game on TV or in person
• Write out a list of trick shots and have your elf dare your kids if they can do them.

Day 10

Nacho average elf (Taco Tuesday!!)

Instructions

• Put shirt on the elf
• Install the mustache by removing staple, pull sticker cover and attach to the elf

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Add Mexican food related items to the scene (chips and queso)

Activity Ideas

• Eat tacos for dinner tonight or go out to a Mexican restaurant as a family for dinner
• Use your chef aprons and hat and have the kids help prepare dinner.

Day 11

Rocking around the Christmas tree, enjoy this Jingle Bell Rendition!

Instructions

• Set out the card and musical instrument.
• Scan the QR code and listen the music!

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Lay out some sheet music

Activity Ideas

• It's a family dance party day! Have kids write down their favorite Christmas song and play it loudly for all to hear!
• Sing Christmas Carols (either around the family piano or play via audio device)
• Go Christmas Caroling in the neighborhood

Day 12

Elf down! Santa's Little Helper got a boo boo! I'll be better tomorrow.

Instructions

• Place the Band-Aids over the selected "injury" spots on the elf, smoothing them down to ensure they stick securely.
• Position the elf sitting or lying down as if they’re resting and recovering from their injury.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set out a First Aid Kit or box containing bandages
• Set out a book with a note for the kid to read to them to help him/her feel better and heal quickly
• You can create a small note or story to accompany the elf, explaining how they got their "injuries." This could be something fun like, "Oops! Your elf had a little tumble while trying to hang Christmas lights!"

Activity Ideas

• Play charades where each family member acts out silly “injuries” and other family members guess. Include some holiday “injuries” for fun, like “slipped on a candy cane!”
• Story Time to Help Elf Recover: Have kids read a holiday book to the elf, helping it rest and feel entertained while it heals.

Day 13

Explore the neighborhood, take a look around. See if you can spot the treasurers that I've found!

Instructions

• Cards are at the bottom of the box.
• Tear/Cut off (using scissors) the “Scavenger Hunt” at the top by folding card both directions along the perforation for a good crease and then tear off.
  

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set up some mini figurines / toys that are included on the scavenger hunt!

Activity Ideas

• Plan a neighborhood walk
• Make some popcorn or cookies and hot coca and walk through your neighborhood trying to find the different items on your list.
• Take the list with you when you drive around to look at Christmas lights!

Day 14

Conquer this laser maze by taking each step with care. Dodge the beams if you dare!

Instructions

• Tape streamers to the wall in an entry way or door that your kids will walk through in the morning.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Instead of taping to the wall, you can also tape across their bedroom door so they have to sneak around the beams to get out!
• Put any extra streamer in other places

Activity Ideas

• Place out a fun breakfast treat draped in streamers -- like donuts that the kids have to sneak around to get to the fun treat!
• Use these printables for kids to get Santa to his sleigh!

Day 15

Craft a picture frame, a treasure to keep capturing memories that run so deep!

Instructions

• Set out photo frame and stickers for kit to make
• [Optional] Include a photo that was taken from the camera day (Day 7)

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Print out photos from the Thanksgiving holiday

Activity Ideas

• Have your kids color and decorate cards for family members.

Day 16

All Aboard for Santa's Wonderland!

Instructions

• Roll train track tape on the floor
• Tape straw to the pennant
• Line up kid's shoes and have elf sitting in them.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Include some of your kid's favorite toys in the other shoes

Activity Ideas

• Go to a Christmas Light Show (College Station, TX has Santa's Wonderland!)
• Go on a polar express train ride
• Use the activities of this day to make the idea memorable and fun!

Day 17

Something smells fishy!

Instructions

• Fill bag with water and include fish
• Use provided rubber bands to seal the bag

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• If concerned about leaking or falling over, put fish in a fish bowl or traditional bowl and fill with water
• Use tape to place the elf's hand over his nose.

Activity Ideas

• Play Go Fish!

Day 18

Elf Fart-o-meter

Instructions

• Sit elf on top of the woopy cushion

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set up air fresheners around the elf to help “clear the air”

Activity Ideas

• Silly Fart Jokes: Print or write down some child-friendly “fart jokes” and let each child read one aloud. Laughing together over the jokes adds to the fun!
• Funny fart jokes for kids
• Some clean fart jokes for adults!

Day 19

Can you help me with these elfabet games?

Instructions

• Cards are at the bottom of the box. 
• Pick and choose which cards you’d like to set out that are age appropriate for your kids. 
• Fold both directions along the perforation for a good crease and then tear off. 

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Lay out kids toy alphabet letters or kids letter blocks

Activity Ideas

• Perfect for traveling, especially if you'll be driving in the car or waiting at the airport. These are screen free activities to bring with.
• Grab the Elf on the Shelf activity book from Amazon and incorporate those activities.

Day 20

Santa's elves play twister with a festive shout, balance tight or you'll be out!

Instructions

• Set out twisting game

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Create an elf-sized twister mat and pose the elf in a hilariously “stretched” position, as if it’s trying to hold impossible moves
• Print out this template for an elf-sized twister mat and spinner
• Position the elf with a silly caption like, “Can’t... hold... this... pose!”
• Include other toys in the scene on the elf-sized twister mat in various positions!

Activity Ideas

• For younger kids, use Twister colors to play a matching game with other objects around the house (find one object for each color on the mat).
• Play a Twister game and award each family member a “Twister Title,” such as “Best Twister” or “Most Flexible”

Day 21

I vote for lots of presents!

Instructions

• Fold the voting booth halfway and place elf in the booth

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Include an "I Voted" sticker

Activity Ideas

• Play a game of Would you Vote for this or that with your kids

Day 22

Find the cup with the right clue and you'll find me woo ooh!

Instructions

• Cut the tickets and place each one in a cup as they are placed up-side down, concealing them completely. Structure the cups in a design such as a Christmas Tree with the black cup on the bottom and yellow on the top.
• Pick and choose from the tickets that are provided -- include all the tickets for some extra mischief and fun!
• Reminder: Place the elf in one of the locations mentioned on the tickets.
• Kids will randomly choose a cup to find a clue and then see if the elf is in the location!

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set up a timer that kids have to run and find the elf associated with their ticket.

Day 23

Elves peek in, gators snap tight - stay out of trouble or feel the bite.

Instructions

• Set out gators and place hand inside one

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Alligator Reading Corner: Set the elf up in a cozy nook with a sign saying “Gator Tales" and include a few books. Add plush alligators and other jungle animals for a storytime theme.

Activity Ideas

• Print out some fun activity sheets and fun facts
• Talk about some of the fun facts about alligators with your kids
• Use the enclosed chain to attach the game to their backpack so they can play in the future!

Day 24

Just hanging around and waiting for Santa to take me back to the North Pole

Instructions

• Attach the peppermint candy to the elf and hang in the Christmas Tree; lay out the kid's ornaments with teh sign.

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Candy Cane Zip Line: Set up a fun zip line using string or fishing line, where the elf is sliding down with a candy cane in hand. Attach a few candy canes as if they’re traveling along the line.

Activity Ideas

• Candy Cane Decorating: Buy plain candy canes and provide icing, sprinkles, and other edible decorations for a fun candy cane decorating activity. Each family member can create their own unique design!
• Peppermint Crafts: Organize a craft day where you create peppermint-themed decorations, like paper chain garlands made from red and white paper or ornaments to hang on the tree.
• Holiday Movie Marathon: Host a movie night featuring holiday films that include peppermint themes, such as "The Polar Express" or "Elf." Make popcorn and peppermint-flavored treats to enjoy during the show!

Bonus (#25)

Jesus is the reason for all the seasons cheer.

Instructions

• Set out the card

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Set out a nativity scene
• Open a bible with your elf praying
• Write a brief note from Santa that Jesus is the greatest gift of all

Activity Ideas

• Read Luke 2 as a family, include a note from your elf encouraging the family to read it together.
• Talk about the meaning of Christmas - that Jesus is our Savior and was born in this day

Bonus (#26)

I love this place it feels like home. But let's adventure, let's go roam. So in the cup, we'll take a ride, to see new wonders far and wide!

Instructions

• Place elf inside the cup and carry it with you on your travels!

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Include some toys that the kids will take with them on their journey together
• Layout some stickers that your kids can decorate your elf's travel vehicle!

Activity Ideas

• Outing at the park
• Family vacation in the car or airport

Bonus (#27)

On a sticky note so bright and neat, a little message to make your day so sweet.

Instructions

• Write some encourage notes and leave around the house and see if they can find them all

Scene Enhancement Ideas

• Structure the post-it notes in a christmas tree and place on a bathroom mirror.