Paper Pond Goldfish
How it's done
Your elf sits patiently by a circular blue construction paper cutout serving as a makeshift pond. A toothpick and piece of string form a miniature fishing pole, with the elf poised to catch a few scattered Goldfish crackers. This setup works best if you have twenty minutes to spare for precision cutting and assembly after the kids go to bed. Since there is no actual liquid involved, you can easily clean up the crackers and paper the next morning. This idea was Inspired by Madison Mom.
You'll need
- construction paper
- Goldfish crackers
- toothpick
- string
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Should be fine around pets as long as you place it out of reach.
Why this works
Living-room scenes are the most photogenic. The Christmas tree, the couch, the mantel all frame the elf beautifully for the family photo you'll actually take (and maybe post). Difficulty 4 is an ambitious scene that rewards the extra effort, the kind of moment kids remember years later.
If it doesn't go to plan
If the elf ends up too well-hidden and the kids can't find it, nudge them with a vague hint ("Looks like our elf went somewhere cozy"), the discovery is the point.
Inspired by Madison Mom . Visit the original post for more photos and the full backstory.
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