50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Holiday Season
If you’re running out of Elf on the Shelf ideas, you’re not alone! It can be difficult to come up with a new idea each and every night. Luckily for you, there is a ton of inspiration to be found online, including this list!
This giant list of creative, funny, and easy ideas will help you get through the whole season of elf on the shelf. Whether you’re looking for a quick and simple idea, or one that is more elaborate, this list has got you covered!
What are the Rules for Elf on the Shelf?
The rules of Elf on the Shelf are very simple. The main rule is that kids can’t touch the elf. If they do, the elf might lose its Christmas magic. Each night, the elf “flies” back to the North Pole to report to Santa, and every morning it returns to a new spot in the house for kids to find. Parents can move the elf after the kids go to bed, but the elf never moves during the day. Kids can talk to the elf, leave notes, or share their Christmas wishes, but the elf always stays quiet and just listens.
What things does Elf on the Shelf do?
The main thing that Elf on the shelf does is surprise the kids every morning. The elf travels back to the north pole to report back to Santa on your kid’s behaviors. When it returns, it does incredibly silly or mischievous things. Ultimately, elf on the shelf does whatever you want him to do. It’s up to you to pick the activities that your children will find most entertaining!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf sitting in a mug with a tiny “Good Morning!” note
Hang the elf from a kitchen cabinet handle
Elf hiding in the Christmas tree
Elf peeking out of a cereal box
Position the elf to read a kids’ book
Wrap the elf up in a cozy washcloth blanket
Elf hiding behind the TV remote
Elf playing with toy cars
Elf riding on a stuffed animal’s back
Elf playing video games with controllers
Elf having a tea party with dolls
Elf riding a toy dinosaur
Hide the elf among action figures
Elf pretending to be a superhero with a tissue-paper cape
Elf having a snowball fight with Lego mini-figures
Elf reading comic books
Tuck the elf into a tissue box like a bed
Elf doing a puzzle
Elf wearing doll clothes
Elf playing with Play-Doh
Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf making snow angels in flour or sugar
Elf “fishing” over the sink with a candy cane
Elf stuck inside a clear jar with a note that says “Help!”
Dangle the elf from a ceiling fan
Elf wearing a tiny toilet-paper scarf
Elf drawing funny mustaches on family photos (use tape, not marker!)
Elf rolling around in a pile of marshmallows
Elf pretending to shampoo their hair with whipped cream
Elf “surfing” on a sponge in the sink
Elf taking a bubble bath in cotton balls
Elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers
If you have toddlers at home, they’ll love these elf on the shelf ideas! They don’t require a lot of reading, so it is perfect for 3 or 5 year olds who are just starting to get into the Christmas spirit!
Elf hugging a stuffed animal
Elf reading the Bible or a Christmas story
Elf making a heart out of Legos
Elf cuddled up next to a candle (unlit, of course)
Elf “writing” a letter to your child
Elf knitting with toothpicks and yarn
Tiny bouquet of paper flowers for the elf to hold
Elf setting up a mini picnic
Elf tucked in with the other dolls
Elf baking cookies with toy utensils
First Day Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Arrival
The first day is often known as “the arrival” for the elf. On this day, you have a grand entrance and you can explain the elf on the shelf rules to your kids.
Elf zip-lining across the room with string
Elf sledding down the stairs on a baking sheet
Elf camping next to a tiny tent made of paper
Elf building a snowman out of socks
Elf creating a mini grocery store with toys
Set up a North Pole breakfast with the Elf
Elf frozen in a cup of ice (freeze part of him safely in water)
Elf on a “hot air balloon” made of a balloon and a cup
Create a mini science lab for elves with baking soda and vinegar
Elf creating an obstacle course for stuffed animals
