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!
LEGO Lockdown
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?
Get the Tutorial
Tangled Up
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.
Get the Tutorial
Marshmallow Bath
Have your elf take a relaxing bath in a sink full of marshmallows.
Get the Tutorial
So Vain Elf
This elf decided to replace all the kids' pictures with his own! See how long it takes them to notice.
Get the Tutorial
Cookie Time
Billy felt guilty about eating the kids' cookies, so made them a new (mini) batch overnight.
Get the Tutorial
Time for a Sleigh Ride
During the night your Elf takes a sleigh ride – with a bunch of toy car reindeer! Notice that his sleigh is a teacup.
Get the Tutorial
Gift Wrapped Toilet
This elf wrapped up the entire toilet as a Christmas surprise. Who is going to unwrap it and what will they find? :O
Get the Tutorial
Pumping Iron
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.
Get the Tutorial
Building a Freezer Snowman
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.
Get the Tutorial
Medieval Joust
Have your elf participate in a jousting competition with another action figure. I'm placing my money on the unicorn!
Get the Tutorial
Hanging from the Fixtures
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!
Get the Tutorial
Silly Mustaches
Kids will love finding the family photos tagged with mini mustaches.
Get the Tutorial
Fun Swing
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.
Get the Tutorial
Dear Mrs. Claus
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.
Get the Tutorial
In a Bag of Candy
This little elf got into a bag of candy – and got stuck! Now you'll need to help him get out.
Get the Tutorial
Stuck to the Cabinet
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.
Get the Tutorial
Feed the Dog
Have your Elf on the Shelf feed the pets in a fun way – like with a toy loader.
Get the Tutorial
Nap Time
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.
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Massage
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!
Get the Tutorial
Printable Elf Photo Props
This elf started a photo booth with his Barbie friends, complete with props.
Get the Tutorial
Syrup Beverage
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!
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Copier Pranks
Elf on the Shelf ideas get a little naughty: this elf went wild and started copying his bottom!
Get the Tutorial
Snow Angels
Pour out some rice so that your elf can make some mini snow angels.
Get the Tutorial
Toilet Paper Roll Down the Stairs
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!
Get the Tutorial
Shower Elf
Jolly the elf stepped in reindeer poop and had to use the shower to wash it off.
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Yoga
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.
Get the Tutorial
Printable Elf on the Shelf Donut Shop Props
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!
Get the Tutorial
Walk the Runway
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?
Get the Tutorial
Home Sweet Elf Home
Elves love decorating for Christmas! This little elf set up his own holiday front door, complete with lights and a doormat.
Get the Tutorial
Hulk Smash
This Hulk didn't come to play! He's got the elf in his clutches . . . what will he do next?
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Poem (Free Printable!)
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.
Get the Tutorial
Crowd Surfing
It's rare to see an elf crowd surfing, but you're lucky if you do get to experience it firsthand.
Get the Tutorial
Starbucks Run
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.
Get the Tutorial
Twister Game
Elves are known for their love of playing games! Have your elf get out the Twister set and play with some other stuffed animals.
Get the Tutorial
Christmas Fortune Teller Printable
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.
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Photo Booth
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!"
Get the Tutorial
How to Stuff a Balloon with Elf on the Shelf
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.
Get the Tutorial
“It’s Santa! I Know Him” Free Elf Printable
The movie Elf is a Christmas fave! Have your elf get in on the fun with these cute Buddy printables from the movie.
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Hunt
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.
Get the Tutorial
Teeny Tiny Christmas Bingo Cards
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!
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Star Wars Printables
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.
Get the Tutorial
Elf on the Shelf Makes Q-Tip Snowflakes
When you leave your elf to mischief, mischief is what he will make! This elf got into the q-tips to make snowflakes.
Get the Tutorial
Snuggled Up in the Fridge
While looking for a snack, this elf got stuck in the fridge overnight! Luckily he had his blanket so he could bundle up.
Get the Tutorial
Elf is Camo in the Christmas Tree
Now you see him, now you don't! This elf tried to disguise himself to hide in the tree.
Get the Tutorial
Elf Plays Scrabble
While you're sleeping, this elf decides to play a game of Scrabble. Funny that he spelled everything with a Christmas theme!
Get the Tutorial
In a Bowl of Happy Apples
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.
Get the Tutorial
Hanging from a Paper Clip Bungee
Milo's having a fun swing from a "bungee cord" of candy cane striped paper clips! Who knows how long he's been swinging.
Get the Tutorial
Reindeer Noses
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.
Get the Tutorial
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:
Heather
Wednesday 27th of November 2013
Great ideas and so much fun!
Leslie
Wednesday 27th of November 2013
Adorable ideas.
Tara @ Suburble
Tuesday 26th of November 2013
Okay - the Gulliver's Travels elf made me laugh out loud! (But I did quite like the elf with a mustache - especially when he was hanging out with the Barbie gang! I didn't know that the Elf was such a lady's man! )
Great round-up, Amy!
Kelly of Simply Kelly Designs
Tuesday 26th of November 2013
Love these ideas! I have been thinking about getting the Elf on the Shelf and I think this had finally pushed me over the edge!!!!
malia
Tuesday 26th of November 2013
Thanks... Perfect timing! Our elf will be arriving to our shelf very soon!