Get this Elf on the Shelf skittles rainbow printable for an easy and adorable Elf on the Shelf fun idea. It is one of my favorite elf antics because it is so easy and it will always wow the kids (especially young children). Even if you are a new elf parent, you can easily do this cute elf set up.
When we did the experiment last year, my boys were totally amazed. They wanted to try the same experiment with so many different items. It really got a great science conversation as we discussed what would and wouldn’t dissolve in warm water and how sugar dissolves in water.
You won’t need much to do this simple idea. The holiday season is busy enough so sometimes it’s nice to have some easy elf ideas ready to go. When it’s late at night, you’ll be thankful to have some easy yet creative elf ideas.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is such a fun way to spread Christmas cheer during the holiday season. Sometimes the naughty elf shenanigans can get to be a bit much. This is one of those cute ideas that aren’t so crazy.
Your elf (and any elf friend they may have) can still have a lot of fun with this idea. While younger kids will truly be amazed, kids of all ages will still approve of this setup (especially if you leave them some extra leftover skittles to snack on after the magic trick).
This is what the free Elf on the Shelf skittles rainbow printable looks like.
Elf on the Shelf Skittles Science Experiment
If your child loves to do science experiments, this is a great idea for your Elf on the Shelf doll.
Last Minute Idea
You can use this free printable as a last-minute elf idea. If you already have the ingredients, it takes just a couple of minutes to set up.
At the start of the Christmas season, I will print off a bunch of printable Elf on the Shelf printables and gather a few materials I’ll need for the elf’s return from the North Pole.
Materials for the Elf Skittles Set Up
- Skittles (any type as long as you have multiple different colors and no white ones)
- Warm water
- Plate (NOT paper)
- Printable Skittles Note
- Card stock or copy paper
- Printer
Directions for the Rainbow Skittles Magic Trick
- Print the free rainbow note on cardstock or copy paper.
- Place your elves somewhere steady (such as a counter) and place the little sign next to them.
- Place skittles in a circle around the edge of a plate.
- Fill a measuring cup with warm water.
- Have the children pour the warm water in the middle of the plate. Make sure to pour enough water so that it covers the plate enough that it reaches the skittles.
- Wait and watch the magic happen.
You can place a skittle in the elf’s hands or even the handle of the measuring cup or cup with water. But, if you do that, if you do not touch your elf, you’ll need to get another cup of water.
Note for Young Children
If you are having your young children pour the water on the plate, make sure that the water is warm and not too hot. You’ll need to make sure your children can’t accidentally burn themselves which means having warm water instead of hot water is most important.
How Bad is the Clean Up After?
This is one of those easy ideas – not the crazy complicated ones you see all over social media. This one doesn’t have a ton of cleanup and is such an easy activity.
Why Can’t I Use a Paper Plate?
You can still use a paper plate but sometimes the warm water may be too hot. Depending on the quality of the paper plate, the water may seep through making a much bigger mess. If you want to use a paper plate, you may want to test the quality of your plate first. I suggest just using a standard plate instead.
Alternative Candy Cane Elf Set Up
You can use candy canes instead of skittles. If you use colorful candy canes (nontraditional ones that are colorful), you can use a large plate OR cut them into smaller pieces. As long as the candy has food coloring, it will work. If you pour warm water on the plate, it will do the same thing as with the skittles.
I did this as a science experiment with my son when I homeschooled him during Covid. You can get the experiment printable here. This was a bit after so you can see how the colors mixed together. It would work better with more colorful candy canes, mints, or candy.
How Do you Get the Free Digital Download?
You can get the printable file right here or at the end of this blog post.
More Fun Elf on the Shelf Freebies
Here at Mom Envy, you can also get lots of fun Elf on the Shelf printables including Elf on the Shelf accessories and printable paper Elf on the Shelf clothes, to use all holiday season including Elf on the Shelf notes, outfits, and more. You can find all of our Elf on the Shelf free printables here.
If you need some Elf on the Shelf Ideas, check out this list of Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Home including a printable calendar, over 90 ideas, and more. It has ideas for creating an Elf bubble bath with cotton balls, making a snow angel, fun activities with mini marshmallows or chocolate chips or dog treats, funny antics with a toilet paper roll, fun with an empty box or cereal box, toilet paper on the Christmas tree, and so much more. All you’ll need is your email address to get the free members-only password to gain access to all of the freebies.
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