Christmas will be here before you know it which means the return of the Elf on the Shelf! This fun Christmas tradition is all about an elf who keeps an eye on your kids 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 unique and fun Elf on the Shelf ideas that will surprise 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 and worry less about your elf!
In this blog post we will show you Elf on the Shelf ideas that will inspire you. 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 craziness of 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.
*Please note as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Buy Your Elf on the Shelf From Amazon
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf every night?
Parents are supposed to move the Elf on the Shelf every night as part of the tradition. Each morning when you kids wake up they will be surprised to see where the elf is and what it is doing.
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.
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 elves taking a bubble bath in a bowl of mini marshmallows. You can easily recreate this idea by putting your 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 that goes from one side of the room to the other side, then make your elf slide on the zip line from a candy cane.
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 for Santa. Set out some flour, a rolling pin, and some cookie cutters. Your kids will love seeing the elf all dressed up like a little chef!
RECREATE THE LOOK FOR LESS:
6. Toy Party
Create a scene with the elf and your kids toys. Display your elf playing with your children’s toys or incorporate the toys into a fun scene.
7. Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Adults
We know this is technically a list of Elf on the Shelf ideas for your kids, but 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. You can make this more kid friendly by making your elf look up their favorite tv characters like Bluey and Paw Patrol.
8. Candy Cane Hunt
For a fun interactive game, set up a candy cane scavenger hunt with your elf hiding clues around the house. You can even have the last clue lead you kiddos to a fun treat or surprise.
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 telling 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 next to 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 behaving 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 by using mini marshmallows or even some cotton balls as your snowballs.
13. Elf Yoga
How funny is this Elf on the Shelf idea with Barbies! Set up a yoga mat and pose your elf in a funny yoga position.
14. Elf on the Shelf Ideas Funny
Create this funny Elf on the Shelf hot chocolate accident in your bathroom toilet! Prop your elves up with some super long straws so they can enjoy a sip of hot chocolate.
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 Christmas movie on the iPad, with popcorn or snacks.
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 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! Your kids will definitely be tempted to pop the balloon!
21. Elf Snowball Bath
Fill a bowl with marshmallows and have your elf taking a bath with some mini rubber ducks. Add some bath bombs next to the elves bath tub to gift your kids.
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 sweet 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.
This blog post was about Elf on the Shelf.
CHECK OUT OUR SIMILAR BLOG POSTS:
- 25 Easy and Funny Elf on The Shelf Ideas To Try This Christmas
- How to Use Farmhouse Christmas Decor to Stand Out
- 15 Cute Red Christmas Tree Decor Ideas To Try This Year
