Elf on the Shelf is a fun Christmas tradition! If you are short on inspiration, check out these 50 fun Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love!
Oh, the whimsical world of Elf on the Shelf! It’s that time of year again, where these little red-clad elves descend from the North Pole to partake in the most enchanting of Christmas traditions.
For those already in the know, you understand the magic. For the uninitiated, let’s just say it involves a charming elf who’s part spy, part mischief-maker, and wholly a Christmas delight.
Now, let’s talk about the real magic of Elf on the Shelf – it’s not just about having a cute little elf perched somewhere in your home. No, it’s about waking up each day to a new scene of elfin antics.
Each morning, as the sun peeks through the curtains, there’s a palpable buzz of excitement: where is the elf today, and what has he been up to while we were dreaming of sugar plums?
But here’s the thing: sometimes, coming up with fresh and creative ideas for your elf’s daily escapades can be as challenging as convincing your kids to go to bed on Christmas Eve.
That’s where I come in! I’ve become something of an Elf on the Shelf idea connoisseur, and I’m here to share my treasure trove of over 50 good elf on the shelf ideas.
From the hilariously mischievous to the delightfully surprising, these ideas are designed to not only entertain your kids but also to bring a smile to your face.
Whether your elf is a fan of the occasional prank or prefers to be caught in the midst of a holiday task, there’s something here for every family’s festive friend.
Scroll down to embark on a journey through a gallery of Elf on the Shelf scenarios. You’ll find inspiration for every day leading up to Christmas, ensuring your elf is the talk of the town (or at least your household).
So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let’s dive into a world where elves might be found zip-lining across your living room, whipping up miniature pancakes, or even taking a bubble bath in a sink.
The only limit is your imagination! And once you’ve feasted your eyes on these ideas, don’t be shy – drop a comment and let me know which elf setup captured your heart.
Now, without further ado, let’s explore the playful and enchanting world of Elf on the Shelf ideas!
Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Does your kids' elf need some things to keep him or her busy? I've got a great list for you! There's all sorts of trouble to get into and put a smile on your child's face this December.
1
LEGO Lockdown
Photo Credit:Smarty the Elf
The toys conspired against this elf - tying him up until someone comes and rescues him! This reminds me of the novel by Jonathan Swift called "Gulliver's Travels." Is this elf in Lilliput?
2
Tangled Up
Photo Credit:sweetshoppedesigns.com
Buddy tried to decorate - and ended up getting all tangled in the Christmas lights! He also likes to get tangled up in tinsel sometimes too.
3
Marshmallow Bath
Photo Credit:Snippets From Suburbia
Have your elf take a relaxing bath in a sink full of marshmallows.
4
Cookie Thief
Photo Credit:Jamie Sobczyk
I wonder if this elf is sick from all of the Christmas cookies he ate? Food related Elf on the Shelf ideas are so fun for the kids!
5
So Vain Elf
Photo Credit:peapodsquadmom
This elf decided to replace all the kids' pictures with his own! See how long it takes them to notice.
6
Cookie Time
Photo Credit:Jamie Sobczyk
Billy felt guilty about eating the kids' cookies, so made them a new (mini) batch overnight.
7
Time for a Sleigh Ride
Photo Credit:wmc75
During the night your Elf takes a sleigh ride - with a bunch of toy car reindeer! Notice that his sleigh is a teacup.
8
Gift Wrapped Toilet
Photo Credit:wmc75
This elf wrapped up the entire toilet as a Christmas surprise. Who is going to unwrap it and what will they find? :O
9
Pumping Iron
Photo Credit:Snippets From Suburbia
How fun to wake up in the morning to your elf lifting marshmallow weights! Of course, they're just marshmallows - so it's a perfect amount of weight for the elf.
10
Building a Freezer Snowman
Photo Credit:Sybil Brauer
While the kids are sleeping, this elf decided to build a snowman in the freezer! It took him all night, but kids will have a fun time finding it in the morning.
11
Medieval Joust
Photo Credit:Snippets From Suburbia
Have your elf participate in a jousting competition with another action figure. I'm placing my money on the unicorn!
12
Hanging from the Fixtures
Photo Credit:Craig's Collection
Where is the elf? Just look up to the light fixtures! Where is he hanging from? It will take your kids awhile to find him!
13
Silly Mustaches
Photo Credit:A Small Snippet
Kids will love finding the family photos tagged with mini mustaches.
14
Trapped in a Glass
Photo Credit:Dirty Diaper Laundry
Wyatt the elf got trapped in a glass while making mischief on a shelf!
15
Fun Swing
Photo Credit:asmallsnippet.com
Use an old toilet paper roll to make a hilarious doorway swing that your Elf on the Shelf is going to love hanging out on.
16
Dear Mrs. Claus
Photo Credit:B. Bates
Is it an online romance? Is the Elf on the Shelf trying to escape for the North Pole? Who knows what he's trying to write, but the kids will find him in the middle of it.
17
In a Bag of Candy
Photo Credit:B Bates
This little elf got into a bag of candy - and got stuck! Now you'll need to help him get out.
18
Stuck to the Cabinet
Photo Credit:Kris Chapman
Things obviously got a little wild for this little elf and his friends! He got taped to the cabinet while he wasn't paying attention.
19
Feed the Dog
Photo Credit:homestoriesatoz.com
Have your Elf on the Shelf feed the pets in a fun way - like with a toy loader.
20
Nap Time
Photo Credit:www.homestoriesatoz.com
Every elf needs a nap. This Elf on the Shelf took one in a tissue box! Don't forget the cute "stuffed animal" for your elf to sleep with.
21
Elf on the Shelf Massage
Photo Credit:amysanders13
Everybody's muscles get a little bit tired at times, especially when you are moving around every single day. This elf settled in for a much needed massage!
22
Printable Elf Photo Props
Photo Credit:Amy Locurto
This elf started a photo booth with his Barbie friends, complete with props.
23
Syrup Beverage
Photo Credit:Elf on the Shelf Ideas
It's easy to get distracted while making breakfast. This Elf on the Shelf idea involves waffles and a bottle of sugary syrup with a straw!
24
Elf on the Shelf Copier Pranks
Photo Credit:Ashley Hackshaw
Elf on the Shelf ideas get a little naughty: this elf went wild and started copying his bottom!
25
Snow Angels
Photo Credit:Ashley Hackshaw
Pour out some rice so that your elf can make some mini snow angels.
26
Toilet Paper Roll Down the Stairs
Photo Credit:amysanders13
This little elf thought it would be fun to take a ride down the stairs! He grabbed a TP roll and got a little wild. Wait until the kids discover this!
27
Shower Elf
Photo Credit:Carey Pace
Jolly the elf stepped in reindeer poop and had to use the shower to wash it off.
28
Elf on the Shelf Yoga
Photo Credit:Jenny Onsager
Namaste! Inner peace is important to an elf, so he takes his yoga mat each morning and does his sun salutations and stretches. Post him in downward dog for some hilarious fun.
29
Printable Elf on the Shelf Donut Shop Props
Photo Credit:Heidi Kundin
Keep your Elf on the Shelf busy this holiday season with their very own Dasher Donuts shop! This free printable includes a donut shop window, elf-sized donut box, full-sized individual donut box (so your elf can deliver donuts to your house!), and an apron for the elf!
30
Walk the Runway
Photo Credit:Smarty the Elf
Smarty loves hanging out with the girls! He's got his own outfit to join in the fun - what did their night on the town look like do you think?
31
Home Sweet Elf Home
Photo Credit:Melissa Hillier
Elves love decorating for Christmas! This little elf set up his own holiday front door, complete with lights and a doormat.
32
Hulk Smash
Photo Credit:Smarty the Elf
This Hulk didn't come to play! He's got the elf in his clutches . . . what will he do next?
33
Elf on the Shelf Poem (Free Printable!)
Photo Credit:Steve Carrell
Learn how to make a fun “Elf on the Shelf” display! I’ve also got a free Christmas poem printable your kids are going to love.
34
Crowd Surfing
Photo Credit:snippets_from_suburbia
It's rare to see an elf crowd surfing, but you're lucky if you do get to experience it firsthand.
35
Starbucks Run
Photo Credit:kimspireddiy.com
If there's one thing an Elf on the Shelf loves, it's sugar. Get the printables to make a Starbucks run display for morning.
36
Twister Game
Photo Credit:momwifebusylife.com
Elves are known for their love of playing games! Have your elf get out the Twister set and play with some other stuffed animals.
37
Christmas Fortune Teller Printable
Photo Credit:thesuburbanmom.com
One night your elf can bring a Christmas fortune teller for the kids! This printable takes the fun to a new level with cute graphics and a game to decide what your holiday personality is.
38
Elf on the Shelf Photo Booth
Photo Credit:thismamaloves.com
You're always taking photos of your elf . . . but why not let him or her have a little fun of their own? This cute photo booth comes with printables so your friend can take some cute "elfies!"
39
How to Stuff a Balloon with Elf on the Shelf
Photo Credit:frugalcouponliving.com
This is pretty magical! Now how did your elf get inside the balloon - and how was he able to write the message? Your kids may never know.
40
"It's Santa! I Know Him" Free Elf Printable
Photo Credit:heatherednest.com
The movie Elf is a Christmas fave! Have your elf get in on the fun with these cute Buddy printables from the movie.
41
Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Hunt
Photo Credit:glitteronadime.com
This Elf on the Shelf idea is fun because it's interactive! Have them hide a box of candy canes and have the kids search for them in the morning.
42
Teeny Tiny Christmas Bingo Cards
Photo Credit:kidsactivitiesblog.com
Who doesn't love to play Bingo? Your elf has been gaming all night - and you can print out the game cards to prove it!
43
Elf on the Shelf Star Wars Printables
Photo Credit:enzasbargains.com
Looking for a fun theme for the elf that the kids will love? Your elf can turn into some of the Star Wars characters using the printables in this post.
44
Elf on the Shelf Makes Q-Tip Snowflakes
Photo Credit:frugalcouponliving.com
When you leave your elf to mischief, mischief is what he will make! This elf got into the q-tips to make snowflakes.
45
Snuggled Up in the Fridge
Photo Credit:hisnewmercies.tumblr.com
While looking for a snack, this elf got stuck in the fridge overnight! Luckily he had his blanket so he could bundle up.
46
Elf is Camo in the Christmas Tree
Photo Credit:frugalcouponliving.com
Now you see him, now you don't! This elf tried to disguise himself to hide in the tree.
47
Elf Plays Scrabble
Photo Credit:amysanders13
While you're sleeping, this elf decides to play a game of Scrabble. Funny that he spelled everything with a Christmas theme!
48
In a Bowl of Happy Apples
Photo Credit:snippetsfromsuburbia.com
Do you ever feel like something is looking at you? Well you will right before you realize that your Elf on the Shelf put googly eyes on all the apples.
49
Hanging from a Paper Clip Bungee
Photo Credit:snippetsfromsuburbia.com
Milo's having a fun swing from a "bungee cord" of candy cane striped paper clips! Who knows how long he's been swinging.
50
Reindeer Noses
Photo Credit:snippetsfromsuburbia.com
Last night the elf got busy sticking pom pom noses on all the photos! Now everyone is Rudolph. You can do this with temporary Glue Dots.
I hope you loved these naughty elf ideas! If these elf ideas are up your alley, I’m thinking you might also like these Christmas activities for kids:
- Christmas Gift Card Holders Make the Holidays Fun
- EASY DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids They’ll Love
- Easy Christmas Crafts with Popsicle Sticks for Kids
- Pipe Cleaner Christmas Crafts for a Festive Holiday