Wheelchair and Hospital Elf Ideas
I’ll admit, when Elf first came out, I loved him. Then I hated him. Well, not him, but I hated how competitive it was on social media. Seemed like every mom was trying to outdo all her friends with crazy Elf ideas. Now we’re back to loving our Elf on the Shelf again.
Once I started digging into this and looking for Elf ideas with disabilities, I found that you can really get carried away. You can get a wheelchair for your elf, create Elf in the hospital setting…even get him a service dog!

I kind of wish I had done this a few years ago. And, over the years, we’ve come up with some really last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas, and some fun ones that represent our family.
*Please note, I found most of these pictures on Pinterest and they had nothing attached to them. If they are your photos, please email me and I will happily link back to your original post.
Autism Elf on the Shelf
Let’s start with an Elf on the Shelf who has autism. No big deal, right? 2% of the population has it, so why not your Elf?
Here is an Elf who likes to line up things.

He lines up train cars too. I mean, who doesn’t? And these are both pretty easy to do and you likely already have the stuff at home.

How about a weighted blanket? You know what–go to Dollar Tree and get an oven pad or holder. And voila! Instant weighted blanket.
How about a swing for vestibular input? Is your Elf a sensory seeker?

ILS Learning Corner has a whole sensory series for your Elf. Tons of great ideas!

Elf on the Shelf Neurology Ideas
How about an Elf who has epilepsy, seizures, or other neurological issues?
Here is an Elf getting an EEG.

And here is an Elf getting an MRI.

I’m trying to think of what I could use at home to mimic an MRI. A tissue box maybe?
Elf on the Shelf Wheelchair
Does your Elf use a wheelchair? There is a blog called Have Wheelchair, Will Travel and they have a ton of cool ideas for Elf and a Wheelchair.

Elf on the Shelf using Crutches
You can buy wheelchairs for dolls, so that would work. I also saw makeshift ones made out of Legos, using CDs for wheels, and all kinds of creative things. I also have seen crutches and walkers for dolls too.

Elf on the Shelf Service Dogs
Does your Elf need a service dog?
You can get one!

Elf on the Shelf with T1, Type 1 Diabetes
Hey, it happens! Make your child feel at home if your Elf has to do testing too.

Elf on the Shelf Hospital Ideas
Maybe your child is at the doctor or hospital a lot. Which is not funny on any day, but certainly not during the holidays. Let them know that they are not alone. Sometimes Elf has to go to the hospital too.

Sometimes he doesn’t always behave in the hospital.

And sometimes Elf gets the flu. Bet he wishes that he got a flu shot! Click the image if you want to know more about the photographer.
I hope this helps you plan some Elf on the Shelf ideas for your child with autism, special needs, or other disabilities.
- Helps children learn about disabilities, safety and community through creative play.
- Multicultural creative learning toys suitable for block play, day care and preschool.
- Each piece is 5" x 2" x 2"
- For ages 18m+
- The latest line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls includes different body types and a mix of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, hairstyles and so many fashions inspired by the latest trends.
- Barbie doll comes with a wheelchair that has rolling wheels and a working brake, plus a ramp that works with the Barbie Dreamhouse (sold separately).
- The doll also features 22 'joints' -- in the neck, upper arms, elbows, wrists, torso, hips, upper legs, knees and ankles -- to play out all kinds of motion in and out of the wheelchair.
- She wears a matching top and shorts with green tropical print, orange sneakers and a lemon-inspired fanny pack.
- Her long blonde hair is styled in loose waves for a trendy look.
- The latest line of Barbie and Ken Fashionistas dolls includes different body types and a mix of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, hairstyles and so many fashions inspired by the latest trends!
- Ken doll comes with a wheelchair that has rolling wheels and a working brake, plus a ramp that works with the Barbie Dreamhouse (sold separately).
- The doll also features 22 'joints' -- in the neck, upper arms, elbows, wrists, torso, hips, upper legs, knees and ankles to play out all kinds of motion in and out of the wheelchair.
- He wears a white top with blue and yellow tie-dye print, black shorts, white sneakers and silvery sunglasses.
- Makes a great gift for kids 3 years and older -- they can play with style, play out stories and discover Barbie!
- Chelsea doll and her friends inspire young imaginations to explore their world!
- This adorable Chelsea doll inspires new play possibilities with a wheelchair featuring realistic details and rolling wheels.
- A ramp allows for accessibility and realistic play, and a sticker sheet lets kids customize their doll's wheelchair and ramp!
- Chelsea doll wears a molded top with a fun puppy graphic and removable skirt with a sweet print, plus cool white sneakers and heart-shaped sunglasses.
- Barbie Chelsea dolls make great gifts for kids ages 3 years old and up. They can collect them all to inspire even more storytelling!
- The latest line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls includes different body types and a mix of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, hairstyles and so many fashions inspired by the latest trends
- Barbie doll comes with a wheelchair that has rolling wheels and a working brake, plus a ramp that works with the Barbie Dreamhouse (sold separately).
- The doll also features 22 "joints" -in the neck, upper arms, elbows, wrists, torso, hips, upper legs, knees and ankles -to play out all kinds of motion in and out of the wheelchair.
- She wears a rainbow-striped dress with white sneakers, a white fanny pack and pink heart-shaped sunglasses.
- Her long brunette hair is crimped for a trendy look.
- DIVERSE FIGURE SET: Encourage open-mindedness and inclusivity through play with the diverse abilities friends figure set
- DURABLE: Solid vinyl construction stands up to daily use and will not be damaged if tossed, stomped on, chewed, or pounded
- EDUCATIONAL: Figure set adds inspiration and encourages social awareness to playtime
- SET OF 6: 6 figures with varying physical disabilities perfect for classrooms, daycares, or home play
- IDEAL SIZE: The tallest figure measures 5" tall, the perfect size for little ones to play with
- Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas showcases bright and trendy styles that make for endless storytelling possibilities.
- Meet the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome! Barbie partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to design a doll that celebrates this community.
- Meaningful symbols are incorporated throughout her outfit, like butterflies -which are a symbol of Down syndrome -and the blue and yellow color palette, which represents Down syndrome awareness.
- Her pink pendant necklace has three arrows to represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have, and they point outwards to represent rising up and moving forward.
- Barbie doll’s pink ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) match her outfit perfectly and support her as she walks, while her white sneakers have a zipper detail so kids can easily slip them on and off!
- Experience the competition and fun with the Barbie sit skier doll!
- Barbie empowers girls to capture the spirit of friendship and play while participating in winter sports.
- Posable and ready for competition, the Barbie para alpine skier doll includes a shirt, pants and gloves.
- Additional role-play items include a helmet, outrigger skis, sit ski and a medal for the grand finale win!
- Makes a great gift for kids 3 years old and up, especially those interested in winter sports and fitness!
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