Looking for a fun Elf squishies idea that your kids will absolutely love? If your kids are obsessed with NeeDoh toys and other squishy toys, this free printable Elf setup is perfect!
I created a mini squishy toy box that your Elf on the Shelf can actually fit inside, along with eight funny printable notes to go with it.
The idea is simple: Your elf has gotten a little too excited about the squishy toy craze and decided to become one of the squishies!
You can have your elf's head sticking out of the top of the box, with its arms sticking out of the sides. Add a few NeeDoh toys or other squishies around the elf, and you've got a hilarious Elf on the Shelf scene that takes very little time to set up.
And if your kids are anything like mine, they'll think it's even funnier that their elf is pretending to be one of their favorite toys!
Free Printable Elf Squishies Box and Notes
This free printable set includes two things:
- A printable squishy toy box: Designed to fit a standard Elf on the Shelf doll, with openings for its head and arms.
- Eight printable Elf notes: Funny squishy-themed messages, including a few plays on the word NeeDoh.
You can use the box and notes together for one fun Elf scene, or save the notes to use with different squishy setups throughout the Christmas season.
The box has a playful red, green, black, and white design inspired by popular squishy toy packaging.
It's such a fun way to make your elf look like it's become part of the squishy toy collection!
How to Make the Elf Squishy Box
The printable box is designed to fit a standard Elf on the Shelf doll.
You'll need:
- The free printable squishy box template
- White cardstock
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Tape
- Your Elf on the Shelf doll
- Optional: NeeDoh toys or other squishies to add to the scene
Step 1: Print the Squishy Box Template
Start by printing the free box template on white cardstock.
I recommend cardstock rather than regular printer paper because it will help the box hold its shape.
Step 2: Cut Out the Box & GIFT TAGS
Carefully cut around the outside edges of the box template.
You'll notice that the box design has circular patterns on the sides.
Cut out the white center circles, but leave the surrounding green circles in place.
These openings are where your elf's head and arms will fit through the box.
Step 3: Make the Top Opening Larger for Your Elf's Head
This is one important tip I discovered when putting my own box together!
For the top opening where the elf's head will go, I actually needed to make the hole a little larger.
I cut farther out, toward the outer edge of the first white circle, to give the elf's head a little more room to fit through.
You may need to adjust the opening slightly depending on your elf.
I recommend starting with the smaller opening and carefully trimming a little more if needed.
Step 4: Fold and Assemble the Box
Once you've cut out the box and its openings, fold the template into its box shape.
Secure the edges with tape to hold everything together.
Step 5: Put Your Elf Inside
Now comes the fun part!
Carefully position your elf inside the box with its head sticking out of the top opening.
Pull the elf's arms through the side openings so it looks like the elf is trapped inside the squishy toy packaging.
Adjust the arms and head until you get the look you want.
You may need to play around with the positioning a little to get everything just right.
I'll be sharing pictures of my completed Elf squishy box so you can see exactly how I put it together and how the elf fits inside.
Add Some NeeDoh Toys or Other Squishies
To make the scene even funnier, surround your elf with a few squishy toys.
You could use NeeDoh Nice Cubes, NeeDoh Gumdrops, dumpling squishies, or whatever squishy toys your kids already own.
You definitely don't need to purchase anything new for this idea.
If your kids already have a collection of squishies, just borrow a few for the night!
You could arrange the squishies around the box to make it look like the elf is trying to blend in with the other toys.
Or have the elf sitting in the middle of a big pile of squishies.
Where Can I Download the Free Elf Squishies Box & Notes?
Ready to turn your elf into a squishy toy? This free printable set includes the squishy toy box template designed to fit a standard Elf on the Shelf doll, plus eight funny squishy-themed notes you can use with the box or other squishy Elf setups.
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Eight Funny Elf Squishy Notes
I've also included eight printable notes to go with the squishy box.
Some of the notes are perfect for the elf being stuck inside the box, while others work well if your elf is bringing your child a new squishy toy.
Here are all eight messages included in the set.
1. I NeeDoh You to Know...
"I NeeDoh you to know... you're SQUISH-TACULAR!"
This is a fun note if you want your elf to leave a sweet message along with a squishy surprise.
2. I NeeDoh a Little Help!
"I NeeDoh a little help! I'm stuck in this box!"
This one is perfect for the elf wearing the printable squishy box.
3. I NeeDoh Get Out of Here!
"I NeeDoh get out of here! I'm stuck!"
Another funny option for your elf trapped inside the box.
4. A Squishy Surprise
"I NeeDoh you to know... I brought you a squishy surprise!"
Use this note if your elf is bringing a new NeeDoh or another squishy toy as a little Christmas surprise.
5. I Took This Squishy Thing Too Far
"I think I took this squishy thing a little too far!"
This might be one of my favorites for the box setup!
Your elf was trying to join in on the squishy toy fun and ended up stuck inside the packaging.
6. Just Trying to Fit In
"I was just trying to fit in!"
This is another great choice if you surround your elf with a pile of squishy toys.
7. Don't Squeeze Me!
"Don't squeeze me! I'm not a real squishy!"
I love this one because it makes the elf look like it's worried the kids will mistake it for an actual squishy toy.
8. Have Yourself a Squishy Little Christmas!
"Have yourself a squishy little Christmas!"
This note works with just about any squishy-themed Elf setup.
You could use it with the printable box, a pile of squishy toys, or a small gift from your elf.
More Squishy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
You don't have to use the printable box every time you use one of the notes.
There are lots of easy ways to create a squishy-themed Elf scene.
Elf Brings a Squishy Surprise
Have your elf sitting next to a new NeeDoh toy or another small squishy.
Add the note that says, "I NeeDoh you to know... I brought you a squishy surprise!"
This is a fun way to surprise your child with a little gift during the Christmas season.
Elf Gets Stuck in a Squishy Box
Use the printable box to make it look like your elf accidentally became a squishy toy.
Choose one of the notes about being stuck inside the box.
This is probably the funniest setup in the set, especially if your kids are familiar with NeeDoh packaging.
Elf Tries to Blend In
Surround your elf with a collection of squishies and add the note, "I was just trying to fit in!"
You could even hide your elf among the toys and see how long it takes your kids to spot it.
Elf's Squishy Collection
Arrange several squishy toys around your elf like it's showing off its collection.
Add the "Have yourself a squishy little Christmas!" note.
This is a super simple idea for nights when you don't have much time to set up your elf.
A Fun Elf Idea for Kids Who Love NeeDoh
NeeDoh toys have become incredibly popular with kids, so I thought it would be fun to bring that obsession into our Elf on the Shelf traditions.
And since so many kids already have at least one squishy toy at home, this is an easy way to use toys you already own.
I especially love Elf ideas that take something kids are currently excited about and turn it into a funny little scene.
Seeing their elf dressed up like one of their favorite toys is such a fun surprise to wake up to!
Tips for Setting Up Your Squishy Elf Scene
Here are a few tips to make this Elf idea easier.
Print the box on cardstock. The thicker paper will make the box sturdier and easier to position around your elf.
Use a hole punch to start cutting the holes were possible or bend the paper to create a starting slit. Cutting the holes is the hardest part. I like to use a hole punch to first punch where I can and then it gives me an opening for my scissors. For the center hole where a hole punch can't reach, I simply lightly fold and cut a slit and then I can put my scissors into the slit to begin cutting.
Cut the openings carefully. Start with the white center circles and enlarge the top opening if needed to fit your elf's head.
Use toys you already have. A few squishies scattered around the elf are all you need to complete the scene.
Choose the note that matches your setup. Use one of the stuck-in-the-box notes for the packaging idea or a surprise note if your elf is bringing a gift.
Set everything up the night before. Once you've assembled the box, you can reuse it for another Elf scene later in the season.
And don't worry about making the setup look perfect. Part of the fun is that your elf looks a little ridiculous trying to squeeze into the box!
More Free Elf on the Shelf Printables
If you're looking for more easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, be sure to check out my other free Elf printables on Mom Envy.
I have lots of fun options, including printable Elf props, funny notes, activities, secret messages, and other easy setups that don't require a ton of preparation.
Some of my favorite Elf ideas are the ones that use a simple printable and a few things you already have around the house. They're easy to put together, but kids still get a big kick out of finding them in the morning.
Print the box, cut out the openings, add your elf and a few squishies, and get ready for a fun surprise when your kids find their elf in the morning!
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