70 Elf on the Shelf Ideas Everyone Will Love
This holiday season, the Elf on the Shelf will be here before Santa. He’ll be watching from treetops, bringing you kisses, eating pizza, coloring pictures, having tea parties, and special Elf breakfasts. Your Elf is creative and full of ideas. Are you ready for a little red elf to show up at your house? He may be naughty; he may be nice that is up to you. These 70 Elf on the Shelf Ideas will keep the excitement alive daily while your children wait for Christmas.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas
The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas
The Christmas season is almost here! At my house, that means getting ready for the elf on the shelf! My children excitedly wait for our elf at the start of the Advent season each year. Before his arrival, I spend weeks gathering elf on the shelf ideas and materials to bring the elf to life. Are you preparing for a visit from the elf this holiday season?
Need good ideas for the elf on the shelf? Keep reading to discover all the secrets to a successful elf on the shelf, and grab a free printable elf on the shelf idea checklist.
ELF ON THE SHELF
If you’re looking for some amazing Elf on the Shelf ideas, look no further! We’ve got 70 ideas to make everyone in your family love the Elf on the Shelf tradition. From funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to easy Elf on the Shelf ideas with free printables, we’ve got you covered. And be sure to check out our Christmas traditions and activities section for even more holiday fun!
The Elf on the Shelf Tradition
This Christmas tradition is one of our family favorites! A special elf (the elf on the shelf) is sent to your home from the North Pole. His (or her) job is to encourage your kids to behave. Santa’s elf on the shelf watches the children daily and gives Santa a report at the North Pole each night to let him know whether your kids are naughty or nice.
Each night, the parents move the elf on the shelf doll to a different location. In the morning, your kids will discover the elf has moved, creating the illusion that he (or she) has traveled to the North Pole in the night. Traditionally, elves also engage in mischievous activities or leave sweet surprises for the children they observe.
If you’re looking for ideas for your elf on the shelf, keep scrolling to get a cute printable list with 25 different elf on the shelf ideas and festive notes from the elf.
Want to share the elf on the shelf tradition with your kids this Christmas? You can get your elf and a storybook to help explain the tradition to your kids here. Another way to announce the elf on the shelf is by enjoying a family movie night. The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf Story is available from Netflix this year. Then, don’t forget to register your elf on the shelf online to get a special adoption letter from Santa at the North Pole Registry!
When does the elf on the shelf arrive?
Your elf on the shelf can arrive anytime! Traditionally, he comes at the start of your family’s holiday celebrations. For our family, the elf on the shelf arrives at the beginning of the Advent season.
Most elves return to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve. Consider using a special activity from this printable list of elf on the shelf ideas for your elf’s final night.
Are you ready for The Elf on The Shelf Arrival?
Click Here for over 15+ Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas and ways to enjoy the elf on the shelf for the holiday season.
Now that Elf on the Shelf is arriving, it’s time to start planning. Get inspired by these creative and fun ideas that are perfect for kids and toddlers! Have a happy holiday season with the Elf on the Shelf!
How should Elf on the Shelf arrive?
There are several different ways that Elf on the Shelf can arrive. You can choose to have him or her delivered by mail, or you can have your child or children find Elf on the Shelf hiding somewhere in your home. No matter how you choose to have Elf on the Shelf arrive, follow the elf’s Rules of Engagement for the best results!
You can also download free Elf on the Shelf printables, which will help make your elf’s arrival even more exciting. From fun activities and games you can do with your elf to coloring pages and other goodies, these printables are sure to keep the holiday spirit alive! So if you’re looking for great elf on the shelf ideas and printables, look no further!
We have all you need to make this holiday season magical.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival and Free Editable Elf Printables
Get the elf involved with making Christmas cookies, a great Christmas tradition.
6 Good Traits The Elf on the Shelf Can Teach Children
10 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Kitchen
Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Teens and Tweens
*Click Over Here to Grab Your Free Elf Adoption Certificate*
One of our favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas is to have him or her help decorate the Christmas tree. You can either have your elf do it himself or help your children decorate. Be sure to take lots of pictures of your elf’s tree-decorating adventures!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf on the Shelf DIY Ribbon Tutu Tutorial – DIY Inspired
Dress your elf like a ballerina, and make your elf a little tutu skirt! It’s relatively simple and something the kids can help out with!
Elf on the Shelf Arrival – Busy Mom Happy Kids
With a DIY paper airplane, introduce the elf to your family!
Make a throne out of LEGOs for your little elf!
Elf Snow Angel – The Train Driver’s Wife
With baby powder, surround your elf with his little snow angels!
Weight Lifting Elf – Dirty Diaper Laundry
Get working! In this setup, have your elf working out with some mini weights.
Milk Turning Green Prank – Our Mommy School
Uh oh – the elf has been causing some trouble! In this prank, have him magically turn the milk green!
Elf on the Shelf: Daddy’s Boots – Crystal and Comp
Get Dad involved with Elf on the Shelf by hiding the little Elf in his boots!
The Elf on the Shelf
Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
How to Catch Your Elf Flying – Your Modern Family
Capture the moment of your elf flying – your kids would love to find a picture of him flying through the air!
Super Elf! – Busy Kids Happy Mom
Who says Santa’s little helpers can’t be the hero? Create this superhero costume for your little elf.
Welcome Elf Breakfast – Project Junior
Make a little Elf breakfast with your Elf!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf in a Tree – Beauty Through Imperfections
If you have good weather after a snowfall, send the kids outside to look for this elf in a tree!
Ideas to Hide Elf on the Shelf
Elf Sack Race – Picklehead Soup
Racing against the other stuffed animals, Elf on the Shelf takes the lead in this sack race with brown paper bags.
Elf Christmas Decor Setup – The Yummy Factory
Have your elf blend in with some of your Christmas decor, especially little villages, houses, and towns!
Elf On The Shelf Behavior Chart Cheer -O-Meter – Frugal Coupon Living
Use this free “naughty or nice” behavior chart with your Elf on the Shelf.
Elf on the Shelf with Candy and Marshmallows – The Train Driver’s Wife
If you’re looking for an easy place to put the elf, stick some gumdrops and marshmallows around him in this simple setup.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Candy Cane Jail – This Mama Loves
Oh no! Maybe your Elf on the Shelf has been naughty! Build this jail cell from candy canes!
Funny Elf Ideas
Christmas Toy Challenge From Your Elf + Free Printable Poem – Mama Cheaps
Teach the importance of helping others with this toy challenge, which encourages making the season about giving.
Elf Winter Fairy Garden – See Vanessa Craft
If you’re feeling crafty, create this gorgeous winter fairy garden, perfect for an elf to relax in.
Elves are the best! A fun prank (especially on dad!), this is a reminder that “elves rule!”
Elf on the Shelf Candy Bowling – A Little Moore
This easy idea involves your elf going bowling with candy!
Elf on the Shelf Cereal Box Ideas
Elf on the Shelf in a Cereal Box – Crystal and Comp
Where’s the elf? Hiding in a cereal box!
More Elf on the Shelf Ideas To Love
Elf On The Shelf Ideas: Elf Twister Printable – Frugal Coupon Living
Get your elf involved with the game Twister! Grab the free printable
Elf On The Shelf Sugar Cones Trees and More – East Coast Mommy
From a marshmallow bath to hanging from the cupboard doors, read what this little elf has been up to!
Elf Rocket Ship – Sweet Paper Trail
Have your elf make a grand entrance in this epic elf rocket ship setup!
Cirque du Elf – Clearly Candace
What’s this elf up to? Hanging by the chandelier, of course!
Elf Kisses: Free Printable – I Heart Naptime
Filled with a tiny bag of kisses, this Elf on the Shelf idea offers a sweet sneak peek of Christmas themed food!
Elf On The Shelf Poem – Lil Luna
Great for starting your Elf on the Shelf countdown; this little poem is an intro to the elf!
Elf on the Shelf Basketball Scene – Enza’s Bargains
He shoots, and he scores! Have your elf play basketball in this scene.
How To Give Your Elf On The Shelf Bendy Arms & Legs – A Bird and a Bean
Do more with your elf by giving him bendy arms and legs! Here’s a quick and easy tutorial.
Elf on the Shelf Pizza Box Tutorial – DIY Inspired
Elves love pizza too! Make this mini pizza box fit for a small elf.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf On The Shelf: All Wrapped Up – A Few Shortcuts
With scissors and wrapping paper, stage your little Elf, helping you wrap gifts!
Toothbrush Elf on the Shelf – The Train Driver’s Wife
With toothpaste and a toothbrush, have your elf get into some mischief in the sink!
Elf in the Bathtub – Mandy with Multiples
Even elves need to shower sometimes!
Elf on the Shelf Gone Fishing – Crystal and Comp
In this creative setup, have your elf go fishing!
Elf Kissing Booth: Cute Printable Gift From Your Elf! – Living Locurto
Create an Elf kissing booth – with Hershey Kisses!
Elf on the Shelf DIY Scarf – DIY Inspired
Bundle up with this easy DIY elf scarf! It’s no-sew, and a great way to keep your little elf cozy.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Frugal Coupon Living
Have your little elf climbing mountains with this set-up!
Elf on the Shelf Breakfast Tradition Idea – Lindsey Blogs
Great for all ages, enjoy a Christmas breakfast with your Elf on the Shelf.
Elf Ideas
Free Elf On The Shelf Costumes and Elf Printable Notes – Frugal Coupon Living
Put your little elf in costume with these ideas!
Elf On The Shelf Cocoa Party – Sweet C’s Designs
Great for little kids to have an Elf on the Shelf cocoa party!
Elf Forgot to Move – Your Modern Family
Uh oh – what do you do when your elf forgets to move? Check out these great excuses!
Ellie the Kindness Elf – The Idea Room
A twist on the Elf on the Shelf, meet Ellie the Kindness Elf! You can easily incorporate the two together.
Elf on the Shelf Massage Table – This Mama Loves
Give your elf a pampering with this easy massage table!
Elf Magic Dust with Printable – Sweet C’s Designs
Have younger ones who hurt your elf? Uh oh – elves lose their magic when touched! Use this magic elf dust to help!
Christmas Tree Geoboard – Still Playing School
Incorporate STEM into your Elf on the Shelf with this Christmas tree geoboard.
Elf on the Shelf Sized Coloring Pages – Kids Activities Blog
Get coloring with your Elf on the Shelf and these fun coloring pages!
Elf on the Shelf Printable Excuses – Love and Marriage Blog
Forget to put the elf in a new spot? No problem! Download this free printable excuse notes!
Elf on the Shelf Care Package – A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Make a tiny care package for your little Elf on the Shelf! Or, have the kids do it and have the elf take it with him when he changes locations!
Elf on the Shelf Dunk Tank – This Mama Loves
This dunk tank is fun and super easy to put together! It comes with a free printable!
Do you have fun with Elf on the Shelf ideas at your house or school?
Do you have any Elf on the Shelf ideas you could add to this list? I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your ideas.
Christmas Activities
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