Did you know elves can magically squeeze themselves into empty plastic drink bottles? While it seems like an impossible, logic defying task, with a little elf magic it's easy to achieve.
With a little planning and some clever tricks, you can create a miraculous hiding spot that will leave the kids wondering how your elf managed to fit inside. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make an elf fit inside an empty 600ml bottle.
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One of the best parts of having an Elf on the Shelf is sparking kids’ imaginations and watching them look on in awe and wonder each morning when they find the elf in a new spot. A creative setup, like fitting your elf into an empty plastic bottle, is an easy, but highly effective, way to keep Christmas magic alive and deepen {or restore} your children's belief in the elf’s magical abilities.
You will need:
- Elf
- Empty 600ml plastic bottle
- Glue or clear tape
- Utility knife
HOW TO TRAP AN ELF IN A BOTTLE AND MAKE IT LOOK LIKE MAGIC
Setting up this elf magic trick doesn't take long at all, but you will need to do a little prep work. Make sure you thoroughly rinse and dry out the bottle you'll be using for a few days before you plan on having the elf get stuck inside it - nobody wants a wet or mouldy elf.
1. Carefully unpeel the label from the bottle without damaging it. You'll need to do this very slowly so it doesn't tear.
2. Use a utility knife to cut a straight slit 3/4 of the way around the bottle where the label normally sits. Make sure you don't cut the entire way around, it looks more believable when finished if the bottle is still connected.
3. Tuck the elf's legs up and carefully push the elf into the bottom of the bottle. If your elf still has the hands attached like ours just fold the legs at the knees and tuck them under the arms to hold it into a sitting position as you push it into the bottom of the bottle. Be careful when putting them in as the edge of the bottle where cut can be quite sharp.
4. Tuck the elf's head into the top part of the bottle and close it back together. Wrap the label back around the bottle and glue or sticky tape the label back together.
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5. Hide the bottle in the fridge for kids to find.
If you're looking for even more funny, easy, or even elaborate Elf on the Shelf ideas, join our Facebook group Elfing Around for lots of inspiration from thousands of elf enthusiasts around the world.
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