For nearly a decade, Elf on the Shelf has been a cherished Christmas tradition. Keeping the magic alive for 24 days can be challenging. If you’re in need of fresh ideas to amuse your kids, explore our curated list of the best and easiest Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas. From funny antics to clever setups, these suggestions will keep the holiday spirit alive throughout December. Discover the simple joy of this tradition, ensuring your Scout Elf brings laughter and wonder each day. Explore this guide to keep the enchantment going, making memories that last beyond the festive season.
Elf on the Shelf Is Back
The first day of elf magic is always the biggest, and many choose to celebrate the arrival of the elf in a big way. You can buy this personalized, engraved wood postcard on Etsy, which reminds kids about the elf rules, and use it year after year, or you could make something similar yourself at home with cardstock.
Elf on the Shelf Bakes
There’s no other season where baking is front and center, so of course your elf is getting in on the fun. You likely have some of these little toys lying around, but the brand also sells a while accessories kit.
Elf on the Shelf Throws a Welcome Party
If you’re looking to really go all out with your elf’s arrival, then you can throw an Elf on the Shelf welcome party, complete with Santa table settings, snowball chair garlands and a festive elf village.
Elf on the Shelf Scales a Rock Wall
Put your elf’s rock climbing skills to the test by turning your fireplace into an indoor climbing gym with the help of some Christmas ribbons.
Elf on the Shelf Listens to Christmas Music
It’s a known fact that elves love Christmas music, so it makes sense that your elf would be found spinnin’ round on a record player (while carols play, of course).
Elf on the Shelf Runs on Dasher Donuts
Set up your own elf-sized Dasher Donuts shop, complete with a felt apron, donut stand and mini donuts for little ones to eat.
Elf on the Shelf Samples “Cookies”
Your kids are sure to crack up when they discover that their elf tried to sample some cookies … only to discover they were actually dog biscuits.
Elf on the Shelf Creates a Magic Experiment
There’s no better way to start the day than with a household science experiment. Arrange some Skittles in a circle on a plate and have your elf instruct your kids to pour hot water in the middle. Then watch to see what happens!
Elf on the Shelf Pops Out of a Cereal Box
Have your elf make a surprising entrance during breakfast by having them burst through the cover of your kid’s favourite cereal box.
Elf on the Shelf Sits in a Dunk Tank
Add a bit of a carnival atmosphere to your holiday! Your kids can test their aim throwing the mini marshmallow “snowballs” at the target.
Elf on the Shelf Wraps Gifts
How cute are this elf’s brown paper packages, tied up with strings? You can fill them with dollar-store trinkets, or pieces of candy, as a gift from your elf to your kids.
Elf on the Shelf Hitches a Ride
If you plan on taking a car ride with your kids, then have your elf surprise them by hanging out on the rearview mirror.
Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast
What do elves eat for breakfast? Green Christmas bagels, naturally — and making these festive sprinkle bagels is easier than you think, simply mix green food colouring into cream cheese!
Elf on the Shelf Gets Held Hostage
Use painter’s tape to secure your elf on the wall close to the floor, then set up a half-circle of army guys around your poor captured elf.
Elf on the Shelf Makes a Gingerbread House
Making gingerbread houses from graham crackers and candy is one of the best parts of the holidays, so why not let your elf make their own mini version?
Elf on the Shelf Hugs a Tree
If you’re pressed for time or forget to hide your elf one morning, then you can easily stick them at the top of your tree and see how long it takes your kid to spot ’em.
Elf on the Shelf Breaks a Leg
Accidents happen when you’re a mischievous elf, but you can help your friend recover in no time with a cast, hospital gown, crutches and Christmas bandages, this kit is available directly from the Elf on the Shelf store.
Elf on the Shelf Plays Twister
Create a mini Twister game out of cardstock, then recruit some other small toys to challenge your elf to a game.
Elf on the Shelf Creates a Holiday Lite-Brite Scene
Take it back to the ’80s by having your elf leave a Christmas-themed scene on a Lite-Brite toy.
Elf on the Shelf Hangs From a Light Fixture
Got a fancy light fixture in your home? Have your elf hang out and keep an eye on your kids’ activity from above.
Elf on the Shelf Dresses Up as Santa
Cotton balls are all you need to help your elf disguise themselves as Santa Claus for the day.
Elf on the Shelf Sneaks Some Candy
Your kids will love waking up to discover that their naughty elf has snuck in some early-morning candy… especially if you leave some chocolate smudged on the elf’s face.
Elf on the Shelf Takes an “Elfie”
This elf knows they’re going to be on Instagram! Lean into with different selfie props and poses.
Elf on the Shelf Joins a Christmas Parade
Do your kids have a bunch of toy cars and trains around the house? Line them up around your tree and have your elf take part in an impromptu Christmas parade.
Elf on the Shelf Kicks Back in a Hammock
Suspend a mini hammock from your Christmas tree branches and let your elf take it easy for the day with a good book.
Elf on the Shelf Finds a Winter Fairy Garden
If the elves manage to bring back a bit of the North Pole home, it’ll be a truly magical experience. This scene uses faux snow and glitter to create a fairy house for the elf.
Elf on the Shelf Becomes a Snowman
Your elf gets a delightful snowman disguise, thanks to a couple spare rolls of toilet paper. We love the way they look peeking out!
Elf on the Shelf Makes Snow Angels
This elf is making his snow angels out of rice, but you can also use sugar or sprinkles. This one is for families who don’t mind cleaning up a mess!
Elf on the Shelf Redecorates Family Portraits
Add cut-out Santa hats to a few of your family portraits, and then leave your elf nearby the take credit for the makeover.
Elf on the Shelf Rides a Red-Nosed Reindeer
Got a Roomba? Simply add some paper antlers, a red pom-pom nose, and string lights, and then let your elf take a wild ride.
Elf on the Shelf Sips Syrup
Elves consider syrup to be one of the four main food groups, and you can make sure your elf gets their maple fill by suspending them from a pantry shelf and giving them syrup with a straw.
Elf on the Shelf Has Christmas Pox
The Elf on the Shelf has come down with a good case of Christmas pox. Luckily, the only thing contagious from these elves is their Christmas cheer.
Elf on the Shelf Enjoys a Spa Day
What could be more relaxing than a marshmallow jacuzzi? (Answer: Nothing.)
Elf on the Shelf Peeks Into the Presents
They gets the run of the house at night, so of course your elf is going to feel tempted to peek at some presents. Hopefully, they won’t let the cat out of the bag.
Elf on the Shelf Tries on New Shoes
If your kid left some boots by the front door, then they’ll be tickled to find their elf trying them on for size in the morning.
Elf on the Shelf Faces a Runaway Train
Lay your elf down a toy train track with their arms and mouth bound and a train on the way (but fear not — no elves will actually be harmed).
Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing
If you can stand parting with a few Goldfish crackers (and then cleaning them up out of the sink), they make for the perfect denizens of a bathroom fishin’ hole.
Elf on the Shelf Draws Banana Minions
If your elf is a bit of a graffiti artist, they might be tempted to turn some bright-yellow bananas into Minions. It makes for a very silly breakfast.
Elf on the Shelf Enjoys Candy Cane Sledding
How cute are these little candy cane sleds? They’re easy to DIY: Just hot glue a handful of candy canes together.
Elf on the Shelf Roasts Marshmallows
Yes, of course elves love s’mores, and even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can set your TV to a yule log video to get those marshmallows roasting.
Elf on the Shelf Has a Sack Race
It’s always a delight when the elves interact with your kids’ other toys. Your little ones will be truly thrilled to see how they stack up in a race.
Elf on the Shelf Teaches a Lesson
Welcome to the Elf on the Shelf School of Kindness. In this classroom, it is important to remember that elves are your friends.
Elf on the Shelf Heads Back to the North Pole
Say goodbye to your elf — Merry Christmas and see you next year!
