The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the return of our favorite little guys from the North Pole – the Elf on the Shelf. These mischievous elves have become a beloved Christmas tradition, entertaining children and adults alike with their funny faces and clever antics. Whether you’re a seasoned Elf on the Shelf family or a newbie looking for fresh inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Check out this collection of over 60 Elf on the Shelf Ideas that are Fun, Silly and Creative.
HILARIOUS ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
If you have children in your life then no doubt you’ve heard of the Elf on the Shelf. Our elf’s name is Shelvin. Shelvin makes his appearance on Thanksgiving night and hangs around getting into all kinds of mischief until he heads back to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve.
We always seem to start out strong but about a week or so into it “Shelvin” sometimes forgets to move or we put him in lame spots because we run out of ideas.
ELF QUARANTINE STATION
What I’m about to tell you will be life-changing. What if I told you that for 2 whole weeks you don’t have to move your elf and your kids will be totally fine with it? I have your attention now, huh?
The pandemic is nearly over but Covid is still around. If you want to take advantage of that pesky little virus, use Elf Isolation Station SVG to buy yourself 2 whole weeks of not moving the elf. #yourewelcome
That’s right, your elf does not have to be moved for 2 whole weeks! If you need help convincing your kids of this, use this nifty “Elf Isolation Station” SVG and create a safe, quarantine space for your Elf on the Shelf.
Snag our new Elf Isolation Station SVG HERE.
ELF ON THE SHELF ARRIVAL LETTER
If you’re looking for a way to make the arrival of your Elf on the Shelf more exciting, here is an arrival note that can place with your elf on his (or her) first day back in your home.
THE BEST ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
Some of you may eat, sleep, breathe for moving your elf. In fact I know you do! I can tell by all of the hilarious, creative, ingenious ideas I’ve found. Lucky for you, I’ve compiled them below.
**If you’re new to this whole idea but want to join in the fun, you can buy one HERE.
1. Elf on the Shelf Idea: Candy Cane Swing
Hang your little elf from the Christmas tree using a candy cane as a swing. It’s a cute and simple idea that will surely put a smile on your child’s face.
Take this idea up a notch and create a candy cane zip line like this one from Carey Pace.
2. North Pole Breakfast
Start December 1st with a North Pole breakfast, featuring mini marshmallows, hot chocolate, and candy canes. It’s the best way to welcome your scout elf back to your home.
3. Snow Angel Shenanigans
One night, your elf can make a snow angel using flour or sprinkles on the kitchen counter, reminding everyone of the fun awaiting them outside. I love this adorable idea found on Pinterest.
4. Elf on the Shelf Takes a Bubble Bath
Fill a mason jar with soapy water, and place your elf inside, creating a funny elf bubble bath scene. Kids will love it! Alternative: If you don’t want your elf to get wet, use cotton balls like I did!
5. Toilet Paper Roll Snowman
Your elf can create a snowman out of a roll of toilet paper. It’s a quick and easy idea for a last-minute elf surprise.
6. Christmas Lights Hide and Seek
Have your little elf hang out in a tangle of Christmas lights – it’s a great way to keep kids entertained while they search for him in the morning.
7. Elf’s Favorite Card Games
Set up a mini card game for your elf using tiny cards and a doll-sized table. A cute idea that encourages family board game time. Free printable from Mama Bear.
8. Gingerbread House Shenanigans
Your elf can be found decorating a gingerbread house with icing and candy, making it a creative and fun idea.
9. Fishing Rod Fun
Attach a mini fishing rod to your elf and have them “fish” for candy or toys in a bowl. It’s a great way to surprise the kids.
10. Marshmallow Hot Tub
Create a little hot tub with a shallow container, fill it with mini marshmallows, and let your elf relax in style.
11. Elf on the Shelf’s North Pole Passport
Help your kids get excited about your elf’s arrival by presenting them with a “North Pole Passport” when the scout elf returns.
12. Elf on the Shelf Baby Jesus Visit
Teach your little ones the true meaning of Christmas by having your elf visit the nativity scene with baby Jesus.
13. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Decorating
Let your elf decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments or add some funny faces to the baubles for extra fun.
14. Magical Scout Elves in the Snowball Fight
Position your scout elf alongside some toy snowmen, staging a snowball fight scene. It’s an adorable idea for a family photo.
15. Elf on the Shelf Snow Angel
Use a pile of flour to create a snow angel next to your elf. A simple idea that adds a touch of magic to your home.
16. Last-Minute Elf Idea: Elf on the Shelf in the Fridge
If you’re running out of time, just pop your elf in the fridge for a funny surprise the next morning.
17. Christmas Eve Pajama Party
Your elf can bring a little gift of Christmas pajamas for the whole family to wear on Christmas Eve.
18. Elf on the Shelf Musical Talent
Place your elf near a small musical instrument, like a miniature piano or guitar, and let them entertain your family members.
19. Elf on the Shelf Shelf Accessories
Provide your elf with tiny accessories, like sunglasses, scarves, or hats, to create a stylish look.
20. Elf’s “Good Deeds” Calendar
Create a calendar that highlights the good deeds your elf performs each day, encouraging your kids to do the same.
21. Elf on the Shelf Gets Social
Have your elf bring a little note suggesting a family game night, complete with board games and laughter.
22. Elf on the Shelf Movie Night
Set up a mini movie night for your elf using a small screen, popcorn, and tiny movie props.
23. Christmas Tree Light Fixture Adventure
Let your elf explore the Christmas tree’s light fixture, adding a bit of excitement to the decorations.
24. Elf on the Shelf Adventure Map
Design a map that shows all the different places your elf has been throughout the season, making it a memorable Christmas tradition.
25. Elf’s Family Photos
Have your elf bring family photos from the North Pole to remind your kids of the elf’s family and friends. Take the fun up a notch with these adorable elf on the shelf photobooth props from Today’s Creative Family.
26. A Snowy Surprise in the Bathroom Mirror
Your elf can leave a cute message or draw a funny face on the bathroom mirror using toothpaste.
27. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tradition Printables
Create printable elf on the shelf tradition cards to guide your kids and keep the excitement alive.
28. Elf on the Shelf Arrives with a New Friend
Your elf can bring a little friend from the North Pole to join in on the holiday fun.
29. Elf on the Shelf Rice Krispies Fun
Your elf can craft a fun scene with Rice Krispies, creating little elf-sized treats.
30. Last-Minute Ideas: Elf on the Shelf Sick Day
If you’re in a hurry, have your elf take a “sick day” with a tiny tissue box and thermometer.
31. Elf on the Shelf’s Hot Tub Surprise
Your elf can have a relaxing time in a hot tub made from a container and filled with cotton balls.
32. Elf on the Shelf Snowball Fight Surprise
Have your elf create a snowball fight scene using cotton balls and tiny snowmen.
33. Baby Jesus’ Nativity Visit
Teach the importance of the season by having your elf visit the nativity scene with baby Jesus.
34. Family Elf Talent Show
Gather your family to watch a talent show starring your elf with their various skills and tricks.
35. Elf on the Shelf’s Little Time Capsule
Provide a small box for your kids to write notes or draw pictures to be opened next year when the elf returns.
36. Elf on the Shelf’s North Pole Breakfast
Start the season with a North Pole breakfast, including hot chocolate, candy canes, and mini marshmallows.
37. A Mini Elf Hot Tub Adventure
Set up a mini hot tub scene with your elf relaxing in cotton ball bubbles. This idea works well with a cereal or soup bowl.
38. Elf on the Shelf Card Game Night
Your elf can challenge your kids to a card game night with a mini deck of cards.
39. Elf on the Shelf’s North Pole Board Game Night
Your elf can host a board game night featuring their favorite games.
40. Elf on the Shelf’s North Pole Gift Delivery
Have your elf bring a little gift for each family member to add some extra fun to the holiday season.
41. Elf on the Shelf’s North Pole Adventure Map
Create a map showing all the different places your elf has been during the season.
42. Elf on the Shelf’s Family Photos
Your elf can bring family photos from the North Pole to share with your family.
43. Elf on the Shelf’s Snowball Fight Surprise
Create a snowball fight scene with cotton balls and mini snowmen, encouraging your kids to join in the fun.
44. Elf on the Shelf’s Sick Day Surprise
Give your elf a “sick day” with a tiny tissue box and thermometer when you’re running out of time.
45. Elf on the Shelf Movie Night Surprise
Set up a mini movie night for your elf with a small screen, popcorn, and tiny movie props.
46. Elf on the Shelf’s Christmas Tree Adventure
Let your elf explore the Christmas tree’s light fixture, adding a bit of excitement to the decorations.
47. Elf on the Shelf Gets Social
Have your elf suggest a family game night with board games and laughter.
48. Elf on the Shelf Musical Talent
Position your elf near a small musical instrument, like a miniature piano or guitar, and let them entertain your family members.
49. Elf’s “Good Deeds” Calendar
Create a calendar highlighting the good deeds your elf performs each day, encouraging your kids to do the same.
50. Elf on the Shelf Shelf Accessories
Provide your elf with tiny accessories like sunglasses, scarves, or hats to create a stylish look.
Check out these Awesome Elf on the Shelf Printables!
51. Last-Minute Elf Idea: Elf on the Shelf in the Fridge
If you’re running out of time, just pop your elf in the fridge for a funny surprise the next morning.
52. Christmas Eve Pajama Party
Your elf can bring a little gift of Christmas pajamas for the whole family to wear on Christmas Eve.
53. Elf on the Shelf Musical Talent
Set up a mini card game for your elf using tiny cards and a doll-sized table. A cute idea that encourages family board game time.
54. Gingerbread House Shenanigans
Your elf can be found decorating a gingerbread house with icing and candy, making it a creative and fun idea. If you have a mischievous elf, you might also find some icing and candy on his face.
55. Fishing Rod Fun
Attach a mini fishing rod to your elf and have them “fish” for candy or toys in a bowl. It’s a great way to surprise the kids.
56. Marshmallow Hot Tub
Create a little hot tub with a shallow container, fill it with mini marshmallows, and let your elf relax in style.
57. Elf on the Shelf’s North Pole Passport
Help your kids get excited about your elf’s arrival by presenting them with a “North Pole Passport” when the scout elf returns.
58. Elf on the Shelf Baby Jesus Visit
Teach your little ones the true meaning of Christmas by having your elf visit the nativity scene with baby Jesus.
59. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Decorating
Let your elf decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments or add some funny faces to the baubles for extra fun.
60. Magical Scout Elves in the Snowball Fight
Position your scout elf alongside some toy snowmen, staging a snowball fight scene. It’s an adorable idea for a family photo. This idea from Mamacheaps looks like so much fun!
LAST MINUTE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with the realization that you forgot to move the dang elf, these easy, last minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas are for you.
Head First into M&Ms
Elf in the Vacuum Cleaner
Elf in a Toilet Paper Roll
THE BEST ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS FOR THE PERSON WHO PLANS AHEAD
Are you the type of parent who lives for Elf on the Shelf shenanigans and has a whole calendar filled with ideas? These are for you!
Magic Elf Dust Elf
ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS FROM THE GIRL CREATIVE
These next few are from my archives. They never made it into blog posts but I did manage to take a few pictures over the past few years. I’m inspired to do a better job documenting our elf this year.
Shaving Cream and Bubble Bath Elf
For more Christmas ideas, check out our archives!
Epic line-up dear Diana, saved two for this year`s collection ! The elf on the shelf “tradition” is one of the great thing that happened to Christmas recently !
Love these! This year was kind of a dud so I’m tucking these ideas away from next year! Thank you for documenting & sharing!
very very cute ideas!!!