How to get your Elf on the Shelf inside of a balloon–super fun arrival idea! And, its way easier than you would think to get your elf inside.
Tip: If you have an extra set of hands around, it is helpful for them to hold the elf while you stretch the balloon over him.
Steps to getting your Elf on the Shelf inside of the Balloon:
- Start with a 12″ balloon (these come in a 15 pack at the Dollar Store–NOT the 25 pack!). It may also be helpful to have an extra on hand, of the five times I’ve done this, I tore the balloon once.
- Blow up the balloon so that it gets stretched out.
- Let the air back out.
- Fold your Elf on the Shelf in half, if you have added wire to him to make him “bendy”, wrap his arms around his legs
- Begin to work the balloon up your Elf’s backside
- Keep working it up, don’t worry too much about ripping the balloon, it is surprisingly strong:
- Once you can pull the top of the balloon over Elf’s head, and have 1/2″ – 1″ sticking up you’ll have enough sticking up to start blowing the balloon up:
- Begin to blow the balloon up:
- Once its blown up enough you can push him inside:
- Continue blowing it up, these balloons can get really big! The bigger you make it, the easier it is to see him inside. Tie off the balloon.
- If his arms are still wrapped around him, shake the balloon until they come free:
And there you have it! Your Elf is inside the balloon now! Next, write your message with a magic marker or sharpie!













Cute idea, but per the Elf “rules”, he/she shouldn’t be touched or moved by the kids or the magic will be lost. So how do they help Elf get out??
Did anyone answer this cause I was thinking the same thing
Agreed! Thinking this same thing
I had the same thought, so I’m combining this idea with the “magic gloves” idea and leaving the magic gloves that can be used to remove the elf from the balloon and then move him anytime he gets into other mischief.
Our elf can only be touched by adults – just not children.
Kids could carry the balloon since they aren’t touching the elf. Just don’t pop the balloon!