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This post will show you the best elf on the shelf ideas.
Looking for fun and creative Elf on the Shelf ideas to make this holiday season extra magical?
You’re in the right place!
We’ve rounded up 18 of the cutest and easiest Elf on the Shelf ideas that will have your kids giggling and excited every morning.
Whether you’re new to this tradition or just need fresh inspiration, these ideas will keep the fun going all season long.
Let’s dive in!
What is Elf On The Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a small elf figure is placed in different spots around the house each day leading up to Christmas.
According to the story, the elf watches over children during the day and reports back to Santa each night to let him know if they’ve been naughty or nice.
Every morning, the elf is found in a new, often mischievous or funny, location, creating excitement for kids as they search for it.
The idea is to encourage good behavior while adding some holiday magic to the home!
5 Basic Rules For Elf On The Shelf:
- Don’t touch the elf – According to the story, if kids touch the elf, it will lose its magic and won’t be able to fly back to the North Pole to report to Santa.
- Elf moves every night – After kids go to bed, the elf is supposed to “fly” back to the North Pole to give Santa an update. The next morning, the elf is found in a new location, sometimes doing funny or silly things.
- Elf doesn’t speak or move while kids are awake -The elf is a silent observer and only moves at night while everyone is asleep.
- It leaves before Christmas – On Christmas Eve, the elf “returns” to the North Pole with Santa and doesn’t come back until next year’s holiday season.
- The Elf watches for good behavior – The elf is there to observe, encouraging children to be on their best behavior to make it onto Santa’s “nice” list.
Shop Elf On The Shelf Dolls
Best Elf On The Shelf Ideas:
1. Walking the dogs
Credit: Pinterest
This elf has tiny leashes attached to a few toy dogs and looks ready for a walk!
I love how cute and simple this idea is, and kids will get a kick out of the elf’s new role as a dog walker.
It’s one of my favorite elf on the shelf ideas that adds a little extra magic to their morning.
2. Elf Sleepover
The elf is cozied up with some toy characters, complete with sock sleeping bags.
I think this is such a sweet and easy setup, and kids will love the idea of their elf having a slumber party.
Plus, you can use items you already have, making it one of the more convenient elf on the shelf ideas.
3. The Floor Is Lava
Here, the elf is balancing on makeshift fire trying to avoid the “lava” (orange paper or fabric works great).
I love this idea because it’s interactive and brings the classic childhood game to life.
Your kids will laugh as they picture the elf trying to escape the lava!
4. Ducks In A Pond
The elf is sitting beside a makeshift pond in the sink with rubber ducks floating inside.
I find this idea adorable and super easy to set up in your kitchen or bathroom.
It’s a fun twist on elf on the shelf ideas that adds some water play for the little ones.
5. Melted Snowman
The elf has brought you a snowman but it melted and it’s in a glass with eyes and carrot nose.
I think this idea is hilarious and cute, especially when paired with a funny little note.
It’s one of those elf on the shelf ideas that will leave kids giggling.
6. Grated Crayons
The elf is caught with a cheese grater, grating down colorful crayons into tiny pieces which turn into candy.
I love how this setup adds creativity to your elf on the shelf ideas with a nice treat.
It’s perfect for a crafty day with the kids afterward!
7. Find The Candy Canes
The elf is hiding candy canes around the room, turning it into a fun scavenger hunt.
I think this one is such a playful and engaging idea that keeps the kids busy.
It’s a clever way to combine elf on the shelf with an activity they’ll love.
8. Hanging in Underpants
This silly elf is hanging by a pair of underpants!
I can’t help but laugh at this one, and I know kids will find it hysterical.
It’s one of those light-hearted elf on the shelf ideas that’s bound to be a hit.
9. Dominos Pizza
The elf has set up a pizza base with lots of dominos.
I love this quirky and fun idea because it combines playtime with pizza time—two things kids adore!
It’s a simple and imaginative twist on elf on the shelf.
10. Eating Cookies From The Countertop
Here’s the elf caught red-handed, eating leftover cookies from the counter!
I love how easy this idea is and how relatable it feels to kids.
It’s a great example an idea that ties into everyday moments.
11. Poop Tasting
The elf is standing next different types of candy, pretending they are “poop” samples.
I think this idea is cheeky and will definitely make kids giggle.
It’s one of the more silly elf on the shelf ideas that adds a little gross-out humor.
12. Sponge Cake
The elf next to a sponge that has sprinkles, pretending it’s cake!
I think this is such a creative twist, and kids will love the surprise when they realize the cake is just a sponge.
It’s a fun and quirky idea that’s sure to make them smile.
13. Brown E’s
The elf holds a tray of paper “E’s” that look like brownies from afar.
I love how this one plays on words and adds a little prank for kids to figure out.
It’s a clever elf on the shelf idea that combines humor with creativity.
14. Keeping Eyes On You
The elfs are surrounded by googly eyes, in this example/
I think this is a fun and slightly mischievous idea that kids will enjoy discovering.
It’s one of those ideas that feels like the elf is truly keeping watch.
15. Banana Minions
The elf is hanging out with bananas that have minion faces drawn on them.
I love how cute and easy this idea is, especially if your kids are fans of the Despicable Me movies.
It’s one of the more adorable elf on the shelf ideas that brings in a popular theme.
16. Snow Sports
The elf is decked out in winter gear, skiing down a “slope” made of paper towels.
I think this idea is so fun and seasonal, and it really brings the winter vibes indoors.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for festive elf on the shelf ideas.
17. Fishing
The elf is fishing with a “rod” over a small bowl filled with goldfish crackers.
I love how creative this setup is, and it’s something kids can easily engage with.
It’s a simple idea that’s perfect for a quiet morning.
18. Taco Tuesday
The elf is wrapped up in a tortilla, celebrating Taco Tuesday in style!
I think this one is so fun and perfect if your family loves tacos.
It’s one of those themed ideas that will bring a smile to your kids.
19. Stuck In The Blinds
The elf is tangled up in the window blinds, looking a little worse for wear.
It’s one of those elf on the shelf ideas that takes almost no time but gets a big reaction.
I love this because it’s so simple, and kids will definitely laugh at the elf’s predicament.
20. Stuck in the ice
The elf is stuck in a frozen lake with the other elf trying to help/
I think this idea is so clever and adds a bit of mystery for the kids to solve.
It’s a fun way to mix up your elf on the shelf ideas.
21. Elf Jail
The elf is trapped behind a makeshift jail made out of candy canes.
I think this idea is hilarious and gives the kids a chance to play the hero by rescuing him.
This idea invites a little imagination and adventure.
22. Eggs for breakfast
The elf is frying up some kinder eggs in a mini pan, ready for breakfast!
It feels like the elf is part of the family’s routine.
I love how this idea is so easy to create with, and kids will find it so funny.
23. Caught a mouse
The elfs have caught a computer mouse and looks super proud of it.
I think this is such a fun and playful idea, that your kids will find hilarious.
This elf on the shelf idea is so adventurous.
24. Sprinkles Water
The elf has rigged the tap to sprinkle colorful candy instead of water.
I love how this one adds a magic to something as simple as the sink.
It’s one of the more whimsical elf on the shelf ideas that will amaze the kids.
25. Smores
The elf is roasting a marshmallow over a “campfire” made of candles and sticks.
I think this is such a cozy and creative idea, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
It’s one of those festive elf on the shelf ideas that’s sure to be a hit!
This post showed you the best elf on the shelf ideas
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