Elf on the Shelf is a fun Christmas tradition! If you are short on inspiration, check out these 25 fun Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love!
Elf on the Shelf is such a fun family Christmas tradition! You probably know what I’m talking about, but if you don’t, you can learn more here.
Anyhoo, the idea is that the elf’s job is to watch the children and report their behavior back to Santa before Christmas. The kids wake up each morning to find their elf in a new position around the house – and to discover what he is doing each day.
Sometimes he makes mischief, and that’s when it gets fun! If you want to get creative with your kids’ elf, here are 25 awesome Elf on the Shelf ideas. Which is your favorite? Scroll down to see them!
Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids
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?
Photo from Smarty the Elf’s Facebook page
String Lights
Buddy tried to decorate – and ended up getting all tangled!
Sink Spa
Have your elf take a relaxing bath in a sink full of marshmallows.
Photo by Flickr user Snippets From Suburbia
Cookie Thief
I wonder if this elf is sick from all of the cookies he ate? Food related Elf on the Shelf ideas are so fun for the kids!
Photo by Flickr user Jamie Sobczyk
Cookie Time
Billy felt guilty about eating the kids’ cookies, so made them a new (mini) batch overnight.
Photo by Flickr user Jamie Sobczyk
Cereal Tricks
Have your kids wake up in the morning to find their elf spelling their names. They may have eaten a few pieces in the process as well!
Photo from Flickr user Sinister Rules
Gift Wrap
This elf wrapped up the entire toilet as a Christmas surprise. Who is going to unwrap it and what will they find? :0
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.
Photo by Flickr user Snippets From Suburbia
Medieval Joust
Have your elf participate in a jousting competition with another action figure. I’m placing my money on the unicorn!
Photo by Flickr user Snippets From Suburbia
Silly Mustaches
Kids will love finding the family photos tagged with mini mustaches.
Trapped in a Cup
Wyatt got trapped in a cup while making mischief on a shelf!
Family Photos
This elf was busy during the night – and replaced all of the family photos with photos of himself!
Photo by What’s Under The Stone
TP’d Tree
Have your elf wrap the Christmas tree in toilet paper while the kids are asleep.
Photo by What’s Under The Stone
Fun Swing
Use an old toilet paper roll to make a hilarious doorway swing.
Feed the Dog
Have your elf feed the pets in a fun way – like with a toy loader.
Nap Time
Every elf needs a nap. This one took one in a tissue box!
Photo Booth
This elf started a photo booth with his Barbie friends – complete with props.
Download the printable props at Living Locurto
Shaving Elf
I love elf on the shelf ideas that use common household items! This elf woke up early to clean himself up and have a shave – who knows if he even has facial hair?
Photo by Rocking My 365 Project
Kid Trap
Have your elf set a child trap using tape and crepe paper.
Stocking Hangers
This elf created mischief by hanging everyone’s underwear where the stockings are supposed to go.
Photo by Rae of Light Photography
Snowball Games
Have your elf get into a mini snowball fight with another action figure.
Photo by Rae of Light Photography
Copier Pranks
Elf on the Shelf ideas get a little naughty: this elf went wild and started copying his bottom!
Snow Angels
Pour out some rice so that your elf can make some mini snow angels.
Shower Elf
Jolly the elf stepped in reindeer poop and had to use the shower to wash it off.
Toilet Fishing
This elf thought the toilet was a place to fish – for Goldfish crackers.
Photo from Efficient Life Skills
I hope you loved these unique Elf on the Shelf 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!