Elf Prank Idea: Looking for Reindeer

A little elf stands at the window and looks at the starry sky through a telescope made from two cardboard tubes – coloring page for the Looking for Reindeer elf idea.

Who spent the night watching for reindeer? Your elf! Glue two cardboard tubes into a telescope, set your elf at the window, and you have an elf idea that takes five minutes and leaves no mess behind.

😜 What Did the Elf Do?

Your elf stands on the windowsill holding a telescope made of two toilet-paper rolls, with a string around his neck. He is searching the starry sky for reindeer. The kids find him at the window in the morning and wonder whether he spotted one.

At a Glance

Setup time
about 5 minutes
Mess level
●○○ super tidy
Age
ages 3+
Daycare-friendly
yes – quick setup, simple supplies
🧺 Supplies
  • 2 empty cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls)
  • String
  • Glue or tape
  • Your elf

🛠️ How to Set It Up, Step by Step

1
Glue the two tubes together lengthwise and let the glue set for a minute.
2
Tie string to both sides as a strap.
3
Hang the telescope around your elf's neck and place him at the window.
4
Turn him so he faces the sky.
💡
Pro Tip
Take a photo of the window in the evening and show it to the kids the next night. It looks like your elf kept watch all night long.

🔄 Variations

For little ones
Use a toy telescope from the toy bin and simply place the elf next to it.
For preschool and classroom
Every child makes a cardboard-tube telescope and scans the sky for reindeer.
No mess
Build the telescope in October and keep it in the elf box, so on the night you only have to set it up.

✉️ What the Elf Writes

I watched for reindeer all night. They are not here yet, but I think I saw something sparkle!

You'll find matching printable notes in our elf letters.

🖍️ The Prank Picture as a Coloring Page

Print the coloring page and let the kids fill in the starry sky. In the morning it looks great next to the window where your elf stood. Click “Print Now” to print the picture as a full-size coloring page.

Goes Well With

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I make the telescope?
Glue two cardboard tubes side by side and tie a piece of string on as a neck strap. It is tiny, so your elf can hold it easily.

Does it have to be nighttime for this to work?
No. Your elf can be at the window when the kids wake up, and they will see right away that he was reindeer-watching. Darkness just makes it feel more magical.

What if the window is too high?
Set your elf on the sill or on a short stack of books in front of it. What counts is that the kids can see him.

How can the kids join in?
Let them keep watch for reindeer in the evening and draw one. The next morning the elf can leave a note about what he saw.

Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Fernglas nach Rentieren.