Anthony Mennella's encounters with the seemingly real Elf on the Shelf persist with new surprises.

Christy Heins, of North Aurora, Illinois, shared her exit strategy for getting out of the Elf on the Shelf routine in a hilarious Facebook post on Dec. 3 Dave Quinn is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE.

Look no further than your trusty elf partner! These funny Elf on the Shelf ideas will let Santa's helper cause a little ...