The Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved Christmas tradition for many families. These mischievous little elves get up to all kinds of antics while the kids are asleep, bringing a daily dose of holiday magic and fun. To keep things fresh and exciting, here are 50 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas that will delight your kids and keep the festive spirit alive all season long.
50 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas
1. Elf in the Candy Jar
Place the elf inside a candy jar or candy dish, caught in the act of snacking.
2. Elf on Strike
Write a funny note saying the elf is on strike because it needs better working conditions (like more cookies).
3. Elf Reading the Newspaper
Create a mini newspaper with funny headlines for the elf to read.
4. Elf on the Bookshelf
Position the elf among the books with a tiny book in its hands as if it’s been caught reading.
5. Elf on the Laundry Line
Hang the elf on a clothesline with mini clothespins.
6. Elf Zip Line
Create a zip line with string and a candy cane for the elf to slide down from the top of a shelf to a lower spot.
7. Elf and the Christmas Lights
Tangle the elf in a string of Christmas lights for a playful scene.
8. Toilet Paper Roll Sledding
Use toilet paper rolls as sleds and set the elf sliding down a banister or a shelf.
9. Elf Fishing
Set up a fishing scene with a small stick and string as a fishing rod and a bowl of goldfish crackers or paper fish.
10. North Pole Breakfast
Host a special breakfast with the elf featuring festive foods like red and green pancakes, and tiny elf-sized cups and plates.
11. Marshmallow Bath
Place the elf in a small bowl filled with mini marshmallows for a cozy marshmallow bath.
12. Movie Night
Set up a cozy movie night with the elf, complete with a tiny bowl of popcorn and a small TV (you can use a tablet or phone).
13. Elf in the Stockings
Place the elf inside one of the Christmas stockings hanging on the fireplace.
14. Elf Hot Air Balloon
Create a hot air balloon using a balloon and a small basket or cup, with the elf riding inside.
15. Baking Elf
Set up a baking scene with the elf covered in flour and surrounded by baking supplies.
Read: Christmas Trivia Questions for Movies
16. Elf Photo Booth
Create a tiny photo booth with props and take some fun photos with your elf.
17. Elf Snow Angel
Lay the elf in a bed of flour or sugar to make a snow angel.
18. Elf’s Spa Day
Create a spa scene with the elf relaxing in a mini spa setup, complete with cucumber slices on its eyes.
19. LEGO Elf House
Build a small house out of LEGOs for the elf to live in.
20. Elf and the Sticky Note Prank
Cover the fridge or another surface with sticky notes and have the elf hold a pen, as if it’s been busy decorating.
21. Elf with a Message
Use Scrabble tiles or letter blocks to spell out a special message from the elf to the kids.
22. Elf with Reindeer Friends
Surround the elf with toy reindeer or stuffed animals for a festive gathering.
23. Elf in a Balloon
Place the elf inside a clear balloon and let it float around the room.
24. Candy Cane Hunt
Hide candy canes around the house and have the elf leave a note with clues for the kids to find them.
25. Elf Pillow Fort
Build a small pillow fort with the elf inside, ready for a cozy night.
26. Elf Toilet Paper Roll Snowman
Wrap a few toilet paper rolls together and draw a snowman face on them with the elf beside it.
27. Elf with a Pet
Pose the elf with your pet or a toy animal for a cute photo op.
28. Elf at the North Pole
Create a North Pole scene with a sign and some fake snow (cotton or paper).
29. Elf Drawing on a Picture Frame
Use a dry-erase marker for the elf to draw funny faces on a glass picture frame.
30. Elf with a Tiny Tree
Set up a small Christmas tree just for the elf to decorate.
31. Snowball Fight
Set up a mini snowball fight scene with the elf and other toys using cotton balls or mini marshmallows.
32. Elf Swing
Make a swing from string and a small piece of wood or cardboard for the elf to enjoy.
33. Elf Ice Skating
Use foil or a small mirror as an ice rink and pose the elf in an ice skating scene.
34. Elf Wrapped in Ribbon
Wrap the elf in a bow or ribbon for a festive look.
35. Elf Playing Board Games
Set up a small board game and have the elf playing with other toys.
36. Elf with a Puzzle
Place the elf with a small puzzle, as if it’s been busy putting it together.
37. Elf with a Letter to Santa
Have the elf hold a tiny letter addressed to Santa Claus.
38. Elf in a Mason Jar
Put the elf inside a mason jar with some fake snow for a cute display.
39. Elf Carolling
Gather some small toys or figurines and set up a carolling scene with the elf leading the singing.
40. Elf Watching the Snow
If you have a window with a view, pose the elf looking out at the snow or winter landscape.
41. Elf Cookie Decorating
Leave out some cookie decorating supplies and place the elf with a tiny apron and a cookie in its hands.
42. Elf Zip Lining
Set up a zip line across the room with a string and let the elf zip line from one end to the other.
43. Elf and the Puzzle Hunt
Hide puzzle pieces around the room and have the elf leave clues for the kids to find them and complete the puzzle.
44. Elf’s Workout
Pose the elf lifting small weights (you can use cotton swabs or toothpicks as weights).
45. Elf at the North Pole Breakfast
Prepare a special North Pole breakfast with mini foods and tiny table settings for the elf.
46. Elf Bowling
Set up a small bowling alley with toy pins and a small ball for the elf to bowl.
47. Elf in the Dollhouse
Pose the elf inside a dollhouse, interacting with the dolls.
48. Elf Taking Selfies
Set up a mini smartphone with the elf taking selfies.
49. Elf in the Christmas Village
Place the elf in your Christmas village display, as if it’s visiting the village.
50. Elf and the Countdown
Create a countdown to Christmas with the elf changing the days each morning.
How Do We Start Doing Elf on the Shelf?
Starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition in your home is a fun and magical way to add some extra holiday excitement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Get Your Elf: Purchase an Elf on the Shelf kit, which includes a scout elf and a storybook explaining the tradition. These kits are available at various retailers and online.
Name Your Elf: Gather the family and choose a special name for your elf. This makes the experience more personal and engaging for the kids.
Read the Story: Begin the tradition by reading the book that comes with your elf. This story explains how the elf travels back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa Claus.
Introduce the Elf: On the first night, place the elf somewhere in your home where your children will discover it the next morning. Explain that the elf will be watching over them and reporting back to Santa.
Move the Elf: Each night, move the elf to a new spot in the house while the children are asleep. This keeps the excitement alive as they search for the elf each morning. Get creative with the elf’s hiding spots and activities.
Explain the Rules: Make sure your kids know not to touch the elf, as this might cause it to lose its magic. However, if the elf is accidentally touched, you can sprinkle a little “Christmas magic” (glitter or a special song) to restore its powers.
Involve the Family: Encourage the whole family to come up with ideas for the elf’s antics and hiding spots. This makes the tradition a collaborative and fun experience for everyone.
When Did Elf on the Shelf Become Popular?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a holiday staple for many families, but it wasn’t always so well-known. The concept of Elf on the Shelf was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. They self-published the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” in 2005. The story follows a magical scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists. The elf watches over children during the day and reports back to Santa each night, returning to a new spot in the house every morning.
The idea quickly caught on, and Elf on the Shelf gained widespread popularity through word of mouth, social media, and various marketing efforts. By the early 2010s, the tradition had become a beloved part of Christmas celebrations in many households across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Today, Elf on the Shelf is a phenomenon, with countless creative ideas and scenarios shared by families around the world.
Starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition can create lasting memories and add a touch of magic to the holiday season. Happy elfing!
Next Check Out : 100+ wishes /quotes for Christmas