The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas You’ll HAVE to Try!

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?

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.

Have your elf take a relaxing bath in a sink full of marshmallows.

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!

This elf decided to replace all the kids' pictures with his own! See how long it takes them to notice.

Billy felt guilty about eating the kids' cookies, so made them a new (mini) batch overnight.

During the night your Elf takes a sleigh ride - with a bunch of toy car reindeer! Notice that his sleigh is a teacup.

This elf wrapped up the entire toilet as a Christmas surprise. Who is going to unwrap it and what will they find? :O

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.

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.

Have your elf participate in a jousting competition with another action figure. I'm placing my money on the unicorn!

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!

Kids will love finding the family photos tagged with mini mustaches.

Wyatt the elf got trapped in a glass while making mischief on a shelf!

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.

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.

This little elf got into a bag of candy - and got stuck! Now you'll need to help him get out.

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.

Have your Elf on the Shelf feed the pets in a fun way - like with a toy loader.

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.

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!

This elf started a photo booth with his Barbie friends, complete with props.

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!

Elf on the Shelf ideas get a little naughty: this elf went wild and started copying his bottom!

Pour out some rice so that your elf can make some mini snow angels.

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!

Jolly the elf stepped in reindeer poop and had to use the shower to wash it off.

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.

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!

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?

Elves love decorating for Christmas! This little elf set up his own holiday front door, complete with lights and a doormat.

This Hulk didn't come to play! He's got the elf in his clutches . . . what will he do next?

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.

It's rare to see an elf crowd surfing, but you're lucky if you do get to experience it firsthand.

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.

Elves are known for their love of playing games! Have your elf get out the Twister set and play with some other stuffed animals.

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.

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!"

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.

The movie Elf is a Christmas fave! Have your elf get in on the fun with these cute Buddy printables from the movie.

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.

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!

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.

When you leave your elf to mischief, mischief is what he will make! This elf got into the q-tips to make snowflakes.

While looking for a snack, this elf got stuck in the fridge overnight! Luckily he had his blanket so he could bundle up.

Now you see him, now you don't! This elf tried to disguise himself to hide in the tree.

While you're sleeping, this elf decides to play a game of Scrabble. Funny that he spelled everything with a Christmas theme!

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.

Milo's having a fun swing from a "bungee cord" of candy cane striped paper clips! Who knows how long he's been swinging.

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.