elf on a shelf introduction ideas
The holiday season is upon us and that means it’s time for our favorite little elf friend to make his annual appearance. That’s right, it’s time to introduce the Elf on the Shelf to your family. This beloved holiday tradition has been around for over a decade and has become a staple in many households. But if you’re new to the game, you may be wondering how to introduce this mischievous little elf to your family. Well, fear not, because we’ve got some creative and fun ideas to make the introduction of the Elf on the Shelf a memorable one for your family.
Before we dive into the ideas, let’s first start with a quick overview of what the Elf on the Shelf is all about. This beloved tradition began with the release of the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” in 2005. The story follows the adventures of a scout elf who is sent by Santa to watch over children and report back on their behavior. Each night, the elf returns to the North Pole to give Santa an update and then returns to a new spot in the home the next morning. This creates a fun and interactive way for children to count down to Christmas and encourages good behavior.
Now that we have a better understanding of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, let’s get to the fun part – the introduction! Here are some creative and exciting ideas to make the introduction of the Elf on the Shelf a memorable one for your family.
1. Write a Letter from the Elf
One of the most classic ways to introduce the Elf on the Shelf is to have him write a letter to your family. You can either write the letter yourself or purchase a pre-written one. The letter can explain who the elf is and why he is there, as well as give a little background on the tradition. You can also have the elf leave some fun instructions for your children, such as finding a name for him or coming up with a list of good deeds to do before Christmas.
2. Elf Arrival Party
Make the introduction of your elf a festive and exciting event by throwing an “Elf Arrival Party.” You can have your children dress up in their holiday pajamas, play some Christmas music, and decorate the house with elf-themed decorations. You can even have some elf-inspired treats, such as cookies shaped like elves or hot cocoa with marshmallows that look like elves. This will not only get your family excited about the arrival of the elf but also create a fun and memorable experience.
3. Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
For a more interactive and engaging introduction, have your elf leave clues around the house for your children to find. These clues can lead them to the location of the elf, such as under the Christmas tree or on a shelf in the house. You can also have the clues be holiday-themed riddles or puzzles for your children to solve. This will not only make the introduction of the elf more exciting but also get your children thinking and using their problem-solving skills.
4. Elf on the Shelf Cameo in a Holiday Movie
If you’re planning on watching a holiday movie with your family, why not have the elf make a cameo appearance? This can be a fun surprise for your children and get them excited about the arrival of the elf. You can have the elf appear in the background of a scene or even interact with the characters in the movie. This will not only make the movie-watching experience more fun but also create a sense of magic and wonder for your children.
5. Elf on the Shelf Arrival Box
Create a special “Elf on the Shelf Arrival Box” that your children can open on the morning of the elf’s arrival. This box can include all the necessary items for the elf, such as a copy of the book, a letter from the elf, and some elf-themed accessories. You can also have your children make their own decorations for the box, such as drawing a picture of the elf or creating a welcome sign. This will not only make the introduction of the elf more personal but also give your children a sense of ownership over the tradition.
6. Elf on the Shelf Adoption Certificate
Just like adopting a pet, the Elf on the Shelf can also come with an adoption certificate. You can either purchase a pre-made certificate or create one yourself. Have the elf leave the certificate for your children to find on the morning of his arrival. This will not only make the introduction more official but also add an element of excitement for your children.
7. Elf on the Shelf Photo Book
If your family has been doing the Elf on the Shelf tradition for a few years, you can create a photo book to document all the fun and mischief the elf has gotten into. This can serve as a great way to introduce the elf to your family and remind them of all the fun memories from previous years. You can also have your children help create the book, which will make the introduction more interactive and personal.
8. Elf on the Shelf Arrival Calendar
Create an “Elf on the Shelf Arrival Calendar” that counts down the days until Christmas and the arrival of the elf. You can have your children open a new door or window on the calendar each day, which can reveal a fun holiday activity or a clue about the elf’s arrival. This will not only make the introduction more interactive but also add to the excitement of the holiday season.
9. Elf on the Shelf Welcome Kit
Similar to the arrival box, you can create a “Welcome Kit” for your elf. This can include items such as a mini bed for the elf, a mini book, and some elf-sized props. You can also have your children make some of the items for the kit, which will make the introduction more personal and engaging.
10. Elf on the Shelf “Caught in the Act”
For a fun and hilarious introduction, have your elf get “caught in the act” of causing mischief. You can have him tangled up in lights, making a mess in the kitchen, or even sitting on the toilet with a book. This will not only make the introduction more entertaining but also set the tone for the mischief the elf will get into throughout the holiday season.
With these creative and fun ideas, you can make the introduction of the Elf on the Shelf a memorable and exciting experience for your family. Whether you choose to write a letter, throw a party, or have a scavenger hunt, the most important thing is to create a sense of wonder and magic for your children. Happy elf-ing!
android ipod touch alternative 2016 90 3
The Android operating system has dominated the smartphone market for years, but what about those who prefer the sleek design and user-friendly interface of the iPod Touch? While Apple’s iPod Touch may not have the same popularity as the iPhone, it still offers a great alternative for those looking for a portable media player with powerful features. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top Android alternatives to the iPod Touch in 2016.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is a great alternative to the iPod Touch for those who prefer the Android operating system. This tablet offers a 7-inch display, perfect for watching videos or playing games. It also comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 200GB with a microSD card. With a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A delivers fast performance and can handle multiple tasks with ease. The tablet also has a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera, making it great for capturing memories on the go.
2. Google Nexus 7
The Google Nexus 7 is another great alternative to the iPod Touch. It boasts a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing crisp and clear visuals. With a 1.8GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, this tablet is perfect for gaming and multitasking. It also comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 128GB with a microSD card. The Nexus 7 also has a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2-megapixel front camera, making it a great option for capturing photos and videos.
3. Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a high-end Android tablet that can be a great alternative to the iPod Touch. It has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, which is perfect for watching videos and playing games. The tablet is also waterproof and dust-proof, making it a durable option for those who are constantly on the go. It comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact also has a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM, providing lightning-fast performance. It also has an 8.1-megapixel rear camera and a 2.2-megapixel front camera, which are great for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
4. Amazon Fire HD 8
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a budget-friendly option for those looking for an Android alternative to the iPod Touch. It has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800, which is perfect for watching movies and TV shows. The tablet also comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 400GB with a microSD card. With a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM, the Fire HD 8 can handle everyday tasks with ease. It also has a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera, making it suitable for video calls and quick snapshots.
5. NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1 is a powerful alternative to the iPod Touch, especially for gamers. It has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing stunning visuals. The tablet also comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. With a 2.2GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, the Shield Tablet K1 can handle even the most demanding games and apps. It also has a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, making it a great option for capturing photos and videos.
6. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3
The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 is a unique alternative to the iPod Touch, thanks to its built-in kickstand and battery cylinder. It has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800, which is perfect for watching videos and browsing the web. The tablet comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. With a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, the Yoga Tab 3 can handle multitasking with ease. It also has an 8-megapixel rotating camera, allowing you to take photos and videos from any angle.
7. Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite
The Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite is a sleek and stylish alternative to the iPod Touch. It has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing stunning visuals for watching movies and playing games. The tablet comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It also has a 1.4GHz octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM, making it a powerful option for multitasking. The MediaPad M3 Lite also has an 8-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, making it great for taking photos and video calls.
8. ASUS ZenPad 3S 10
The ASUS ZenPad 3S 10 is a high-end option for those looking for an Android alternative to the iPod Touch. It has a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536, providing stunning visuals for watching videos and playing games. The tablet comes with 64GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. With a 2.1GHz hexa-core processor and 4GB of RAM, the ZenPad 3S 10 can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. It also has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, making it a great option for capturing photos and videos.
9. Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus
The Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus is a budget-friendly option for those looking for an Android alternative to the iPod Touch. It has a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing clear and crisp visuals. The tablet comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. With a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, the Tab 4 10 Plus can handle everyday tasks with ease. It also has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, making it suitable for capturing photos and video calls.
10. LG G Pad III 8.0
The LG G Pad III 8.0 is another great alternative to the iPod Touch, especially for those who prefer a larger screen. It has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing stunning visuals for watching videos and playing games. The tablet comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. With a 1.5GHz octa-core processor and 2GB of RAM, the G Pad III 8.0 can handle multitasking with ease. It also has a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, making it great for capturing photos and video calls.
In conclusion, while the iPod Touch may have been the go-to choice for a portable media player, there are plenty of Android alternatives that offer similar features and even more. From budget-friendly options to high-end tablets, there is something for everyone. So if you’re looking for an alternative to the iPod Touch in 2016, be sure to consider one of the options mentioned above.