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If some free printables and oh yeah, not having to move the elf for 2 ENTIRE WEEKS, sounds pretty great to you, you are going to LOVE this post. Elf on the Shelf doesn’t have to take too much effort this year. This funny self-isolation elf idea couldn’t be more 2020 if it tried. Make your own DIY Elf on the Shelf Self-Quarantine Box with our free printable.
Isn’t it weird to think that a year ago at this time, there were no masks, no social distancing, and life was carrying on as it always had? Around this time last year, I tried to be all trendy and made a funny VSCO girl elf printable. It did well, saw some nice traffic. Are VSCO girls even still a thing? I honestly couldn’t tell you.
Ironically years ago, I actually made a quarantine elf on the shelf, but it was meant for an elf that had been touched by a kid. Here in 2020, the word “quarantine” obviously has a drastically different meaning.
Best Elf of 2020
So obviously, this quarantine elf is a bit different. Because, ya know, 2020.
The other day I was talking to a friend and she mentioned that her sister had to self-quarantine for 2 weeks from work after she had traveled to one of the states on the “hot” list.
For some reason, I thought about that stinky little elf and I couldn’t help but laugh when I thought about how happy parents would be if their elf had to stay in one spot for 2 weeks.
Enter: The Self-Quarantining Elf!
Self-Quarantine Elf Needs to Isolate for 14 Days
Just like the rest of us, if the elf is feeling any concerning symptoms (or if he has traveled to any hot spots), the right thing to do is to self-quarantine for 14 days. Not only does this keep the elf stuck in one spot for 2 weeks, it technically also means your kiddo(s) could carry the elf around, IF you feel like pointing that out to them.
Here’s what you need for this scene:
- elf
- clear container with lid (we used “The Accessory Box” from The Container Store)
- our printable elf self-quarantine kit
- scissors
- double-sided tape
You can grab our printable kit right here. Simply enter your email address in the box and opt-in to receive our free newsletter. Check your inbox for this printable, which you will receive as a subscriber bonus.
How to Set Up the Quarantine Scene
1. After you print out our quarantine page, cut (or have your elf cut) out all of the different pieces. Note: your elf will need to take the health and travel safety survey. I highly recommend making sure that the elf fits inside your clear container BEFORE you decorate the container.
2. Use double-sided tape to decorate the inside of the container. It’s really up to you (or your elf) where to put these pieces. The example shown in this post is just that – an example. Feel free to switch it up and arrange things differently.
Double-sided tape held the tree, portrait of Santa, and television to the back of the container. A piece of tape also held 3 of these mini clothespins to hold our elf’s spare masks.
3. Don’t forget to mask up your elf! A small piece of double-sided tape worked great for attaching this too.
4. You can add the rest of the accessories however and wherever you’d like. Keep the calendar on the outside so kids can check off the days until the elf gets to leave his bubble.
Close him up and he’s ready to begin his self-quarantine countdown!
I hope you have some fun with this one and I hope that it gives you and your family some laughs. If there is one thing I have learned so far this year, it’s that a little laughter goes a long way.
If you end up using these printables, let us know how they work out for your elf! Feel free to tag me on social media if you post a picture. I would love to see your setup!
Make sure you check out our MASTER LIST OF ELF IDEAS – over 10 years’ worth of elf ideas, inspiration and printables!
*JUST ADDED* Check out our brand new ZOOM ELF MEETING printable!! Perfect scene to accompany your freshly quarantined elf!
Need an ornament to commemorate this wild year? Check out the 20 Best Christmas Ornaments for 2020!!
We definitely could have used the help of a printable Elf on the Shelf Calendar to help us think of new hiding spots. Live and learn!
Maybe your elf feels like a cotton headed ninny muggins! Get our Elf movie themed printable sign!
I wanted to personally say thank you. With the current way of life some people have not had any fun and money has been tight. I’ve seen some of these ideas but felt they cost to much. My son loves his elf. He has missed out on so many things this year due to being cancelled and money is tight with him now in private school just to get an education. Thank you so much for not only having the coolest printable, but also sharing it with others at no cost. You are a kind soul. I appreciate it. I have canning jars and craft supplies so literally for 30 cent for the color printout I can make my sons already crappy year fun at Christmas. Again thank you. I love love love this set
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me such a sweet comment! I am so glad you like the printable! Be sure to check out my main elf page for lots of other free printables. https://www.mamacheaps.com/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/ Wishing you the happiest of holidays!!
I second that mommas comment!!! Thank you!
You’re welcome!!
Hello! This is the cutest idea ever! I was wondering what size the container was that you used? I’m having some trouble finding one like yours that doesn’t have anything on the lid. Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Hi Kelly! Thank you so much – I’m glad you like it! I used a small plastic lidded box from The Container Store for my box. I just looked it up on their site and it’s called the Accessory Box and the dimensions are 7-3/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 3-5/8″. Hope that helps!
I’ve signed up 3 times in the last 2 days and still haven’t received the printable. I’ve been checking my spam folder too. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong? Would love to use this idea this year!
Hi Brandi! I’m so sorry that the printable is giving you trouble. I just emailed you a link to access the file. :)
I am so excited to make this for my grandkids. I signed up twice and received an email with a link but it just took me back to the page to sign up again. Can you please send me the file? I am also looking to find a box. Thanks for being so awesome.
Just emailed you! :)
thanks for this printable!! My grandchildren will love it.
You are so welcome! Have fun with it! :)
this is such a great idea, but I can’t help but wonder what happens after the isolation period? If the elf is traveling to the north pole every night to report to santa wouldn’t the elf have to quarantine again? Sorry just trying to figure out potential questions being asked lol.
LOL! A very valid question. Perhaps he’s allowed to travel as long as he brings his mask and hand sanitizer and keeps his distance from Santa?
Maybe he needs an iPad so he can zoom Santa instead
I like that idea! Perfect for 2020.
Elves are reporting via video chat after their quarantine period this year ;)
I’m hoping to have an elf zoom printable up tomorrow – stay tuned!!
Our elf usually comes the day after Thanksgiving when we get our Christmas tree- which is a LONG STAY haha! (especially running out of fresh ideas with three kids after doing this so many years!) This is going to be perfect to stretch it out. Thank you!
Hope you have fun with it! :)
Thank you for creating and sharing these fantastic printables. I love kindness me, especially when there are so many families struggling and this is something that will cost so little because if you.
Early but I hope you and your family have a Wonderful Christmas xxxx
You are so welcome! Thank you for such a sweet comment! :)
Thank you for making this available. I have a bunch of huge pickle jars that I’m using instead of a box. I lined the back of the jar with printed out “Dollhouse” holiday wall paper and added a clip art fireplace. I am giving them as gifts to friends that have kids & shelf elves.
Love hearing how you set up your jar! Thank you for sharing! Hope you have a great holiday season!
I finally gave in and joined the Elf on the Shelf club and just got my self today (I know better late than never.) While searching endless websites I cam across this post and had to share it with my friends on Facebook. I can’t believe how CLEVER this idea is! Since I just got my elf from the North Pole, I’ll be using this printable kit for her. This is so smart! I love the idea and it’s VERY meaningful this years as we struggle with the new normal. I am sure to make my family smile I cannot thank you enough! Thank you so much, you are truly amazing!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Welcome to the world of the elf, LOL! I am so happy hear that my printables are helpful. Have a great holiday!
I love this set. My classroom elf is coming back a week before Thanksgiving so he can quarantine for 14 days and be ready for fun when we come back for December. I know my kindergarteners are going to be so excited.
How fun!!
I was thinking of sending my elf with a negative DOVID test. Have you made anything like that?
I have not made anything like that at this point, but you could probably put one together in Word fairly easily!
Thank you! This is pinned and saved. I’ll be pulling it out this year…
Xx
Thank you so much for sharing your adorable printables. Our elf (not an elf on the shelf) has returned using your quarantine set. He will be ready to cause mischief on December 1st. Here he is in his quarantine box. https://keithaschaos.blogspot.com/2020/11/cutesy-elfs-quarantine-return.html
Super cute! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you sooo much for the printable! I sell Tupperware and had our Universal Jar that I wanted to use, but didn’t know exactly how. I found your FREE printable, and it was perfect!
Love that! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this wonderful idea, I’m going to pass it on to my grown kids and family, I’m so excited! Have a merry Christmas!
Marcia
Thank you so much! I love hearing that! Happy holidays!!