125+ Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Elf Printables

If you’re looking for some of the Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas, you’re going to love these! There is a wide variety of options to choose from, and all are certain to be a hit. From the Kindness Elf to all of the Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas, you can rest easy knowing that all your fun holiday plans for your Christmas Elf are going to be totally epic.

New Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Over 125 of The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Whether you love the Elf on the Shelf or loathe him, the Elf on the Shelf is a fun holiday tradition that so many families enjoy through the month of December. And here you’ll find hundreds of tips and tricks on how to enjoy this Elf family tradition in a creative and easy way.

Choose one or choose them all but I think it’s plain to see that these Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas can be easily done by anyone!

What do you do with elf on the shelf the first night?

We try to make the first night of the elf on the shelf extra special, just like his final night. One way to make the first night special is to have your elf deliver a special gift from the North Pole just for your kids.  Check out these special ideas from my printable list of 25 elf on the shelf ideas to find the perfect first night elf activity for your family:

  • Baking – Covered in Flour: Discover your elf on the shelf covered in flour with some special Christmas cookies for your kids to decorate on the very first morning! 
  • Watching a Movie on the Couch: Start the Christmas season with your elf on the shelf and a favorite holiday movie. 
  • Building a Gingerbread House: Kickoff your holiday celebrations by building a gingerbread house with your elf. Then, try some of these gingerbread activities together for even more holiday fun!

Want more good ideas for the elf on the shelf?

Get the printable ideas to help you spread holiday cheer at home this Christmas. 

125 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Are you adding an Elf on the Shelf to your home this Christmas? 

Soon Christmas will be here, but not before you spend time making holiday memories with your elf. First, get the inside scoop on the Elf and learn what this tradition is all about. That way you’ll know what you’re getting into when you adopt an elf for your house. 

Over 125 of The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

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Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Tips

If you’re looking for some simple tips about your Elf on the Shelf, just keep in mind that he or she is up to you to move and get ready. As long as you’re having fun with your Elf and he or she is bringing happiness to the family, you’re going everything right!

Click Here for 6 Good Traits The Elf on the Shelf Can Teach Children

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

What are good ideas for Elf on the shelf?

Anything that you can think of that is considered a bit wacky for your home is always a good idea.

Some people like to combine a bit of wildness and kindness to their Elf to give him or her that perfect balance.

However you want to portray your Elf is totally up to you!

What should I do if my child touches the elf on the shelf?

Traditionally, children aren’t supposed to touch the elf on the shelf, but we all know that isn’t how it really works. Attempts to keep your child from touching the elf will eliminate the need to go searching for the elf at the end of the day, but no matter how well you convince your kids not to touch the elf, it’s inevitable that someone will accidentally touch the elf on the shelf. When they do, the legend says the elf loses his magic and can’t return to the North Pole.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to return the magic to your elf.

Here’s what to do if your child accidentally touches the elf on the shelf:

  1. Apologize to your elf on the shelf for touching him or her. 
  2. Sprinkle cinnamon next to your elf before bedtime for extra holiday magic.
  3. Finally, sing a Christmas carol to your elf on the shelf.

New Elf on the Shelf Ideas

The kids are certain to go crazy about this Elf Adoption Certificate

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Printable Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Notes

Don’t forget to grab this printable list to check off all the fun activities you want to share with your kids this holiday season as you celebrate the elf on the shelf tradition. This list of elf on the shelf ideas with special notes from the elf are full of holiday magic you don’t want to miss this Christmas.

Elf on the Shelf Printables for the whole month of December

Don’t miss this printable list of Elf on the Shelf ideas and activities to share the magic of the holidays with your little ones. These fun elf ideas will make it easy to master the tradition of the Elf on the Shelf with fun activities and carefree antics your kids will giggle and grin about this Christmas. 

Plus, I’ve even included many sets of adorable tiny Christmas notes the elfie can bring to your children each night of the Advent season. Ready to get started having fun with your Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

These Elf on the Shelf Printables are a great way to have some free fun!

Plus, if you want to share a few tasty treats these elf on the shelf goodie bags are so cute.

When Elf on the Shelf arrives?

As long as your Elf arrives by December 1st, you’re all set and ready to go. (and even if you miss a beat and he arrives a few days late, it’s still awesome to join in on the fun!)

15 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas 

 15 easy elf ideas to get you started right this year. Did you know you can use your elf as an interactive Advent calendar? It’s easy to do. Just have the elf on the shelf drop off a little surprise all the days leading up to Christmas.

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Kitchen

Elf Cookies for Christmas

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Don’t miss these ideas for the elf on the shelf in the kitchen. These suggestions are perfect for busy moms who can’t spend all day in the kitchen.

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Elf on the Shelf Cereal Treats

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Elf Makes Reindeer Cupcakes

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Pancakes

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

12+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Teens and Tweens

From Letter Boards, to name games, and funny shaving mishaps, your teens will enjoy the elf on the shelf in a new cool way.

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Download this list of 25 favorite elf on the shelf ideas everyone will love this Christmas.

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Elf on the Shelf STEM Activities 

Add some learning fun as you explore STEAM and STEM activities and challenges with the elf on the shelf this Christmas. Got a budding scientist at home? She’s going to love these Elf on the Shelf STEM challenges!

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

Elf on the Shelf Marshmallow Catapult with Free STEM Printable

Find The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas 

This includes positive personality traits your elf can encourage as well as DIY tutorials for making festive Christmas elf clothing. Fun Elf ideas to do for your kids, and more. Want a throne for your elf on the shelf to occupy?

These elf on the shelf ideas include instructions for a throne fit for an elf! 

Over 125 of The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can easily do at home. With so many funny elf on the shelf ideas, it's going to be the best holiday ever! Kids will love The New Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Free Elf Printables and even Kindness Elf ideas and alternatives

No matter how you enjoy the elf on the shelf this Christmas, I hope you experience the magic of the season in your own way.

DIY Elf Door for Christmas

Elf on the Shelf Alternatives

Not feeling the elf on the shelf? There are many fun alternatives you can participate in with your family this year!

Check out some of these fun ideas:

Reindeer in Here

Reindeer In Here is sent by Santa as a special early present to get to know each individual child and celebrate their unique differences. The reindeer teaches children that it’s ok to be different.  Kids get to name their reindeer and decide if it’s a girl or a boy.

North Pole Ninjas

I’ve got to admit, I’m in love with this new holiday idea. The North Pole Ninjas are on a mission! 

Just in case you didn’t know, Santa has a top secret team of elves chosen for their special abilities to help Santa. They’re on a mission about helping, caring, listening, and giving this Christmas season and they’re coming to your house.

Kindness Elves

If you’re a fan of the elf on the shelf, but don’t necessarily love the idea of housing a secret spy for Santa, you might love the kindness elves.

These kindness elves use their magic to sprinkle kindness and joy everywhere they go. They visit boys and girls for Christmas, spreading happiness and encouraging children to do little acts of kindness and gratitude each day. 

Check out these acts of kindness ideas for teaching your kids all about gratitude that’s perfect for a kindness elf holiday tradition.

Got more elf on the shelf ideas and traditions I didn’t mention? I’d love to read about your ideas and traditions in the comment section, so don’t forget to share.

Christmas Activities

Studies have shown that you will also love the following ideas if you like them. I have pulled them together for you right here!