The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas You'll HAVE to Try! (2024)

Elf on the Shelf is a fun Christmas tradition! If you are short on inspiration, check out these 50 fun Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love!

The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas You'll HAVE to Try! (1)

Oh, the whimsical world of Elf on the Shelf! It’s that time of year again, where these little red-clad elves descend from the North Pole to partake in the most enchanting of Christmas traditions.

For those already in the know, you understand the magic. For the uninitiated, let’s just say it involves a charming elf who’s part spy, part mischief-maker, and wholly a Christmas delight.

Now, let’s talk about the real magic of Elf on the Shelf – it’s not just about having a cute little elf perched somewhere in your home. No, it’s about waking up each day to a new scene of elfin antics.

Each morning, as the sun peeks through the curtains, there’s a palpable buzz of excitement: where is the elf today, and what has he been up to while we were dreaming of sugar plums?

But here’s the thing: sometimes, coming up with fresh and creative ideas for your elf’s daily escapades can be as challenging as convincing your kids to go to bed on Christmas Eve.

That’s where I come in! I’ve become something of an Elf on the Shelf idea connoisseur, and I’m here to share my treasure trove of over 50 good elf on the shelf ideas.

From the hilariously mischievous to the delightfully surprising, these ideas are designed to not only entertain your kids but also to bring a smile to your face.

Whether your elf is a fan of the occasional prank or prefers to be caught in the midst of a holiday task, there’s something here for every family’s festive friend.

Scroll down to embark on a journey through a gallery of Elf on the Shelf scenarios. You’ll find inspiration for every day leading up to Christmas, ensuring your elf is the talk of the town (or at least your household).

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let’s dive into a world where elves might be found zip-lining across your living room, whipping up miniature pancakes, or even taking a bubble bath in a sink.

The only limit is your imagination! And once you’ve feasted your eyes on these ideas, don’t be shy – drop a comment and let me know which elf setup captured your heart.

Now, without further ado, let’s explore the playful and enchanting world of Elf on the Shelf ideas!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Does your kids' elf need some things to keep him or her busy? I've got a great list for you! There's all sorts of trouble to get into and put a smile on your child's face this December.

LEGO Lockdown

Photo Credit:Smarty the Elf

The toys conspired against this elf - tying him up until someone comes and rescues him! This reminds me of the novel by Jonathan Swift called "Gulliver's Travels." Is this elf in Lilliput?

Tangled Up

Photo Credit:sweetshoppedesigns.com

Buddy tried to decorate - and ended up getting all tangled in the Christmas lights! He also likes to get tangled up in tinsel sometimes too.

Marshmallow Bath

Photo Credit:Snippets From Suburbia

Have your elf take a relaxing bath in a sink full of marshmallows.

Cookie Thief

Photo Credit:Jamie Sobczyk

I wonder if this elf is sick from all of the Christmas cookies he ate? Food related Elf on the Shelf ideas are so fun for the kids!

So Vain Elf

Photo Credit:peapodsquadmom

This elf decided to replace all the kids' pictures with his own! See how long it takes them to notice.

Cookie Time

Photo Credit:Jamie Sobczyk

Billy felt guilty about eating the kids' cookies, so made them a new (mini) batch overnight.

Time for a Sleigh Ride

Photo Credit:wmc75

During the night your Elf takes a sleigh ride - with a bunch of toy car reindeer! Notice that his sleigh is a teacup.

Gift Wrapped Toilet

Photo Credit:wmc75

This elf wrapped up the entire toilet as a Christmas surprise. Who is going to unwrap it and what will they find? :O

Pumping Iron

Photo Credit:Snippets From Suburbia

How fun to wake up in the morning to your elf lifting marshmallow weights! Of course, they're just marshmallows - so it's a perfect amount of weight for the elf.

Building a Freezer Snowman

Photo Credit:Sybil Brauer

While the kids are sleeping, this elf decided to build a snowman in the freezer! It took him all night, but kids will have a fun time finding it in the morning.

Medieval Joust

Photo Credit:Snippets From Suburbia

Have your elf participate in a jousting competition with another action figure. I'm placing my money on the unicorn!

Hanging from the Fixtures

Photo Credit:Craig's Collection

Where is the elf? Just look up to the light fixtures! Where is he hanging from? It will take your kids awhile to find him!

Silly Mustaches

Photo Credit:A Small Snippet

Kids will love finding the family photos tagged with mini mustaches.

Trapped in a Glass

Photo Credit:Dirty Diaper Laundry

Wyatt the elf got trapped in a glass while making mischief on a shelf!

Fun Swing

Photo Credit:asmallsnippet.com

Use an old toilet paper roll to make a hilarious doorway swing that your Elf on the Shelf is going to love hanging out on.

Dear Mrs. Claus

Photo Credit:B. Bates

Is it an online romance? Is the Elf on the Shelf trying to escape for the North Pole? Who knows what he's trying to write, but the kids will find him in the middle of it.

In a Bag of Candy

Photo Credit:B Bates

This little elf got into a bag of candy - and got stuck! Now you'll need to help him get out.

Stuck to the Cabinet

Photo Credit:Kris Chapman

Things obviously got a little wild for this little elf and his friends! He got taped to the cabinet while he wasn't paying attention.

Feed the Dog

Photo Credit:homestoriesatoz.com

Have your Elf on the Shelf feed the pets in a fun way - like with a toy loader.

Nap Time

Photo Credit:www.homestoriesatoz.com

Every elf needs a nap. This Elf on the Shelf took one in a tissue box! Don't forget the cute "stuffed animal" for your elf to sleep with.

Elf on the Shelf Massage

Photo Credit:amysanders13

Everybody's muscles get a little bit tired at times, especially when you are moving around every single day. This elf settled in for a much needed massage!

Printable Elf Photo Props

Photo Credit:Amy Locurto

This elf started a photo booth with his Barbie friends, complete with props.

Syrup Beverage

Photo Credit:Elf on the Shelf Ideas

It's easy to get distracted while making breakfast. This Elf on the Shelf idea involves waffles and a bottle of sugary syrup with a straw!

Elf on the Shelf Copier Pranks

Photo Credit:Ashley Hackshaw

Snow Angels

Photo Credit:Ashley Hackshaw

Pour out some rice so that your elf can make some mini snow angels.

Toilet Paper Roll Down the Stairs

Photo Credit:amysanders13

This little elf thought it would be fun to take a ride down the stairs! He grabbed a TP roll and got a little wild. Wait until the kids discover this!

Shower Elf

Photo Credit:Carey Pace

Jolly the elf stepped in reindeer poop and had to use the shower to wash it off.

Elf on the Shelf Yoga

Photo Credit:Jenny Onsager

Namaste! Inner peace is important to an elf, so he takes his yoga mat each morning and does his sun salutations and stretches. Post him in downward dog for some hilarious fun.

Printable Elf on the Shelf Donut Shop Props

Photo Credit:Heidi Kundin

Keep your Elf on the Shelf busy this holiday season with their very own Dasher Donuts shop! This free printable includes a donut shop window, elf-sized donut box, full-sized individual donut box (so your elf can deliver donuts to your house!), and an apron for the elf!