We use advertising and affiliate links from Amazon and other retailers as a means of generating revenue on this website. We do not recommend services or products we do not personally resonate with.
Thursday, November 30, 2023

Elf on Shelf Alternative

Whimsical Christmas Shenanigans: Ditching Elf on the Shelf for Gingerbread Mischief!


Step into my world of holiday merriment as we defy the norm and trade the mainstream Elf on the Shelf tradition for a mischievous twist – enter the Gingerbread Men Garland! Join me on this whimsical adventure, where these cutie pie gingerbread men swing from chandeliers, dangle from ceilings, and embark on delightful Christmas mischief. Discover a unique way to make your holiday unforgettable and get ready to unleash your imagination with a million festive ideas. Let's create memories that stand out and make this Christmas truly magical!



Naughty Gingerbread Men



Unleashing Gingerbread Mischief


A few months ago I shared how to create a Gingerbread Man garland which at the time unleashed a wave of delightful mischief here at the cottage!  And naturally, I couldn't keep all the fun to myself - I had to share it with all of you and get those holiday ideas flowing.  


Embracing Uniqueness

You see, I've never been one to follow the crowd - why blend in when you can stand out?  From the days of my childhood, I've danced to the rhythm of my own drum, happily residing on my little island of unique experiences and whimsical adventures.  Trends and the latest topics?  Not for me, my friends.  I'm over here, living my best life.  


Mischievous Gingerbread Men

As I penned the gingerbread post, my mischievous side couldn't resist.  Those adorable gingerbread men needed a touch of fun, and that's when a brilliant idea struck me.  Imagine: instead of embracing the conventional Elf on Shelf tradition, why not let these cutie pie gingerbread men wreak havoc in your home this Christmas?  


Enter Big Red attempting to pilfer my hot cocoa and marshmallows!  What a stinker... 

Christmas Decoration Ideas


A Garland of Antics

They can dangle from the ceiling, swing on chandeliers, and embark on all sorts of delightful mischief!  Oh, and let me tell you, I may just have a few tricks up my sleeve as well.  So, if you're ready to join in the cheerfulness, you'll need to create your very own gingerbread men garland too!  


Giving Them Names

Just like you would have Elf on Shelf names, you can create names for all of your ornery gingerbread men.  While this may take some time to name them all, it keeps the kiddos busy with a list.  Let them join in the fun and name all of their guys who will be a part of your Christmas this year.


Seeking Inspiration

If creativity is not your thing, you can search Elf on Shelf quick ideas to help give inspiration for what your gingerbread men can get up to.  Let's face it, we all need a bit of help during the holiday season and why not let Google lend you a hand?


Decorating for Christmas


Now, Big Red is the ringleader, planning to remove all of the cedar rings on our vintage chandelier!  Oh no!  What can we do??  This little mischief maker needs a stern talking to as my Grandma would say. 


Christmas decorating


Mischief in Full Swing

Being a part of the "chain gang" he requires some help from his friends.  Jingle says, I want one of those trees on this tray... while his twin Jangle decides to stop for a break and take a ride on our nesting dove.  The nerve of these gingerbread men!


Naughty gingerbread


Jangle is looking pretty cozy, isn't he?  


Elf on shelf quick ideas



Bob and Buddy have decided to use my bowl for their own personal hot tub, and the rest are not sure what to think about all of this Christmas mischief happening in the dining room.  They say it's not us, we're just stuck in the middle!    


Christmas crafts


Christmas Shenanigans Continue

Do you see how much naughtiness is happening in our home?  Now they are trying to to steal my Great-Grandma's dachshund salt-n-pepper shakers.  Good grief, they are a troublesome group, aren't they?  I may have to clip Big Red from the group and set him free; he influences the others to join in his shenanigans.  


Christmas ideas for children


Last straw folks.  This mischievous band of brothers are taking off with my keys, grabbing Bentley's leash, and Big Red, the baddest boy of them all has unbolted the door and is taking Bentley for a drive.  Gotta intervene and give these boys a piece of my mind!


Enjoying the Festive Nonsense

Can you tell I enjoyed myself coming up with different ideas for these troublesome gingerbread men?  Hey, if you are putting this together for little ones, you might as well enjoy yourself and join in the fun, am I right?


Hopefully you were able to get some ideas today, and know you do not need to spend money on those commercialized material things retailers so want to sell you.  You can take a brown paper bag, twine, and a few grocery bags, and let your mind guide you, all while bringing back memories of your own childhood in the process.  


A Season of Joy

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.  Since we do not have any littles running around here, we entertain Bentley.  He must not mind too much since he is sticking with us through thick and thin, teehee.  


Now that we shared this fun idea, can you feel the ideas bubbling up inside your creative mind?  Count on me to tap into that inner child with a million ideas popping into my head as I wrapped up this post, eager to share them all with you!  Get ready to unleash your imagination and dive into the whirlwind of holiday fun that awaits.  Let's make Christmas one to remember! 


Don't Forget to Pin for Later!  


DIY Christmas


Cheers!

Cara

Would you like to comment?

  1. These are adorable, Cara! I love that this is a budget friendly alternative and it's so creative too. Plus you can use these year after year too which is fun. Can't wait to try this too! Hugs, CoCo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We must be in sync CoCo, I was just visiting with you on your blog. Thank you for your kind words, when I made the garland, I thought oh, how mischievous would they be as a chain gang! I had so much fun creating the garland, and thinking up different situations with them.

      Delete
  2. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me! I love your idea of using this precious garland like Elf on the shelf! Looks like you are having so much fun with it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Donna, that means a lot to me. I love sharing unique and low budget ideas. There is no need to do the mainstream when you can make it your own, while keeping things fun and enjoyable for everyone.

      Delete

Comments