Christmas will be here before you know it, and for many families, that means the return of the Elf on the Shelf! This beloved Christmas tradition involves a magical scout elf who keeps an eye on children during the day and reports back to Santa each night if your child was naughty or nice. To add some fun and magic to your holiday season, here are 25 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas that will surprise and delight your kids each morning!
Creating a fun and exciting Elf on the Shelf idea every night can be exhausting especially with the added stress of Christmas time! This blog post will make your Elf on the Shelf experience this year affordable, easy, and low maintenance so that you can actually enjoy Christmas with your family this year and worry less about your elf!
Whether you are looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers, Elf on the Shelf accessories or just some Elf on the Shelf ideas 2024, this is the ultimate guide to get you through the holiday season. We have made this Elf on the Shelf guide very easy so that you can follow along and copy these ideas for the next 25 days!
This blog post is about Elf on the Shelf.
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Best Elf On The Shelf Ideas
Here are 25 Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can easily copy starting from December 1st to Christmas Day! We made these ideas very budget friendly and easy for the parent who is super tired and on a time crunch. You don’t need any fancy Elf on the Shelf kits to create these cute ideas for your family, most of these ideas can be created with items around your home.
ELF ON THE SHELF GAME RULES:
- You can not touch the elf no matter what or they lose their magical powers!
- You must name the elf.
- Every night the elf must be moved, not during the day.
- The elf’s last day is Christmas Eve and then it goes back to the North Pole.
GET YOUR ELF ON THE SHELF FROM AMAZON:
1. Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Idea
It is day one and your Elf on the Shelf has made its journey to your home from the North Pole! We love this easy and cute Elf on the Shelf Arrival Day idea! This will get everyone in the family excited and on their best behavior for the days leading up til Christmas! When your elf arrives, don’t forget to name it and explain the rules of the elf.
To create this look, all you need is an old Amazon package and some flour to mimic snow. We suggest sticking a cute note in the package with the elf to read out loud to the family!
2. Marshmallow Bath
Set up your elf relaxing in a “bath” of mini marshmallows. Place the elf in a bowl or container, fill it with marshmallows, and add a tiny washcloth and rubber duck for extra fun.
3. Zip Line Adventure
Create a zip line with string or ribbon from one side of the room to the other. Attach your elf to a candy cane or a small toy and let them “slide” across the room.
4. Elf Facetiming Santa
Set up a Facetime session with Santa and your Elf on the Shelf using your IPad or IPhone. Pose the elf in front of the camera so that Santa and your elf can talk all about the naughty and nice kids!
5. Cookie Making Elf on the Shelf Idea
Have your elf bake some cookies from scratch. Set out some flour, a rolling pin, and some cookie cutters. Your kids will love seeing the elf all dressed up to cook in the kitchen!
RECREATE THE LOOK FOR LESS:
6. Toy Party
Arrange a party with the elf and your child’s favorite toys. Set up a scene with snacks, party hats, and a tiny banner. It looks like the toys had a fun night!
7. Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Adults
We know this is technically a list of Elf on the Shelf ideas for your kids, we included this funny idea for the adults in the house! Prop your Elf in front of the computer checking out google images of Barbies.
8. Candy Cane Hunt
Set up a candy cane scavenger hunt with your elf hiding clues around the house. The final clue leads to a stash of candy canes for your kids to enjoy.
RECREATE THE IDEA:
9. Elf on the Shelf Ideas Easy
For an easy and last minute Elf on the Shelf idea for kids, print out a quick note from Mrs. Claus encouraging the kiddos to create a craft to send to the North Pole.
10. Funny Elf on the Shelf Idea for Kids
How funny is this Elf on the Shelf idea for kids! Sit your elf up on the bathroom counter with your child’s toothbrush near its butt and write this funny note beside it. This is a funny joke that will leave your child wondering.
11. Elf on the Shelf for Naughty Kid
If you child has been being bad lately, this is the perfect Elf on the Shelf ideas for bad behavior. Warn your child by having your elf write a message to Santa about your child’s behavior.
12. Snowball Fight
Create a snowball fight scene with your elf and some toys using mini marshmallows or cotton balls as “snowballs.”
13. Elf Yoga
Set up a yoga mat and pose your elf in a funny yoga position. Include a few other toys joining in for a yoga session.
14. Elf on the Shelf Ideas Funny
Set up a hot chocolate bar with mini marshmallows, candy canes, and hot cocoa mix. Have your elf “serve” hot chocolate to some toy friends.
15. Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Idea
Bundle up your elf in the refrigerator for a funny and easy Elf on the shelf idea that will surprise your family in the morning.
16. Elf Snow Angels
Create a snow angel scene with your elf lying in a pile of flour, sugar, or these fun colored sprinkles. It looks like your elf had some fun in the “snow”!
17. Elf Movie Night
Set up a movie night scene with your elf watching a tiny screen, surrounded by popcorn and snacks. Use a small tablet or phone to play a Christmas movie.
18. Wrapped Toilet Seat
Wrap the toilet seat in wrapping paper, and have your elf sitting nearby with tape and scissors. It’s a silly and unexpected surprise for the morning!
19. Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2024
Create a “fresh” lemonade stand for your elf by pouring water with yellow food dye into small cups. Position your Elf with their body facing away like they are peeing into the cups. This is such an easy and funny idea that everyone will love!
20. Elf in a Balloon
Place your elf inside a clear balloon and blow it up. Set it somewhere in the house as if your elf is trapped inside!
21. Elf Snowball Bath
Fill the bathroom sink with cotton balls and have your elf taking a “snowball bath.” Add a few holiday-themed accessories for extra flair.
22. Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
For a quick and easy last minute Elf on the Shelf idea, use white toothpaste as the center of the cookie instead of the cream.
23. Elf on the Shelf Game Idea
Turn day 23 into a fun activity for the family by incorporating a fun interactive game for everyone to participate in!
24. The Floor is Lava
How cute is this Elf on the Shelf idea for kids! The floor is lava is a fun game that all your kids know and love!
25. Elf Goodbye Letter
On the final day, have your elf write a goodbye letter to your children, thanking them for the fun times and promising to return next year.
These 25 Elf on the Shelf ideas will bring joy and laughter to your home throughout the holiday season. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create magical memories with your family. Happy holidays!
This blog post was about Elf on the Shelf.
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