Top 50 BEST Elf on the Shelf ideas…creative inspiration to help you make this the best Christmas yet!
Fun Holiday Tradition
Elf on the Shelf is one tradition that is loved by everyone! It’s not only fun to find where the elf is hiding every day, but it motivates kids to act on their best behavior. Watching the kiddos eyes light up as they race around the home to find their elf friend is just so much fun. It’s almost even more fun for the parents to come up with hiding places!
There are a lot of pretty amazing and creative things people have done with their Elf on the Shelf. The best part of this tradition is you can literally just place the elf on the tree and it would still be a blast! Below I have included 50 ideas for helping you create a magical season of many wonderful Elf on the Shelf memories. And don’t worry, most of the ideas below only take a few minutes to set up. Have fun!
What is Elf on the Shelf?
In 2005, Carol Aebersold published a book titled, The Elf on the Shelf, and so the tradition began! An Elf usually arrives at the house on December 1st (some families choose to have theirs arrive the day after Thanksgiving). Each night the elf returns to the North Pole to report how the children are doing. When the elf comes back in the morning he will move to a new spot, waiting for the children to find him.
If you’ve never done Elf on the Shelf, you can order your own kit on Amazon (affiliate link).
Once you get your elf, the first thing you’ll want to do is name him or her. Here’s a printable with 50 Elf Names and a certificate you can download.
Planning Calendar and Checklist
Download this free planning checklist and calendar HERE to help keep you organized with all your ideas for the month. I like to plan it all at once and then keep the supplies hidden in a box, so it’s all ready to go each night.
Now that we got that out of the way, here are 50 great ideas!
Train Ride
Hiding the elf on a train is a great place and so much fun for the kids! Your little elf will fit so nicely inside of your toy train.
2012 Elf on the Shelf via Biscuits ‘n Crazy
Making Snowflakes
Who doesn’t like snowflakes? Here’s a great idea that will lead to a fun family activity with your favorite elf!
32 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers via Life with my Littles
Special Delivery
A fun way to introduce elf on the shelf this year is to put your elf in a package for your kids to open. They will love it!
19 Fun and Unique Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas via Just Simply Mom
Coloring
I love that the coloring page is the baby Jesus. This is a fabulous way to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
32 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers via Life with my Littles
Animal Sleigh
Drape some string over some toy animals to create this fun animal sleigh.
2012 Elf on the Shelf via Biscuits ‘n Crazy
Arrival Breakfast
If you are feeling extra creative you can plan an elf on the shelf arrival breakfast. This will definitely start the holidays off with a bang!
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Breakfast via the Sugar Press
Snowy Package
This is a great way to start off your elf on the shelf season! I love the snow.
Elf on the Shelf: The Adventures of Luna 2018 via Bee-ing Mommy
Baking Cookies
Craving some sweets? Place your elf next to some cookie ingredients to create a fun and yummy activity with your little ones!
A Harry Update via Snapshots of my Life
Uno
Your kiddo will love waking up to find their favorite elf playing Uno. They will want to play too!
Harry The Elf| Days 2-5 via Snapshots of my Life
Paper Bag Races
Choose a couple of your kiddo’s favorite toys and have them compete together in a paper bag race! So fun!
Harry The Elf| Days 2-5 via Snapshots of my Life
Peppermint Dropping
Here’s a funny one! This can even be a great way to promote potty training.
2012 Elf on the Shelf via Biscuits ‘n Crazy
Crockpot Hot Tub
How fun is this?! Just fill a crockpot with marshmallows and you’ve created an elf hot tub!
Marshmallow Hot Tub: Elf on the Shelf Idea via A Few Shortcuts
Hot cocoa party
He’s traveled quite a long way to spend the holiday season with you, so have the kids help you plan a welcome hot cocoa party.
Riding in on a parachute
Elf on the Shelf parachute: Great way to have your him arrive for the season!
Christmas count down
We all get a little impatient waiting for Christmas to arrive, so give your little ones a visual of when the big day is with this mini countdown paper chain.
Official Elf name poem
Wondering how to introduce (and name!) your elf? Let your kids help with this cute free printable poem.
Elf kisses printable
Turn regular Hershey’s Kisses into something magical with this fun free printable.
Zip lining
A twine string, some clothespins and a bit of creativity is all you need to recreate this fun zip lining elves scene.
Rolling down the stairs
This little guy is known to get himself into some hilarious hijinks, like rolling down the stairs in a toilet paper roll.
Toilet paper snow man
Here’s another brilliant toilet paper idea! If your children are Frozen fans, they’ll love the elf asking “do you wanna build a snowman?”
Elf on the shelf getting a drink of water
This is one of the easiest ideas! Imagine the delight your child will feel when they find the Elf getting a glass of water to drink.
Swinging from a toilet paper roll
Your child is practically guaranteed to have a great start to their day once they see this swing made from a toilet paper roll.
Elf notes
These free printable elf notes are so fun and easy! Your kids will love waking up to find a special note just for them from their Elf.
More easy Elf on the Shelf ideas
It doesn’t have to be complicated. One of my kids favorite placed they found elf was hiding in a blender. Love some of these more creative plans.
Super elf
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…super elf!
Elf taking a shower
If you need a way to convince your kids to bathe, let them see their new friend enjoying the shower.
Sneaking a Hershey kiss
Don’t forget to set aside a few treats so your new friend can be found eating some chocolate.
Banana minions
Here’s another Elf on the Shelf idea. Simply have him color minions onto bananas with a black sharpie. Idea from California Unpublished.
Elf on the shelf in bed
A box of tissues makes a perfect sized bed—don’t forget to give him something to cuddle too.
Elf pancakes
Surprise your kids with these delicious elf pancakes! The perfect way to add a little sparkle to their mornings during the holiday season.
Pizza party
This is a great idea to try if you order pizza as a family one night. Your kids will love this Elf pizza party scene!
In a bath of marshmallows
Fair warning…your children might be jealous of this awesome marshmallow bath!
Fishing for gold fish
Most parents have an abundance of goldfish crackers lying around. Put them to good use with this Elf on the Shelf fishing idea!
Magic elf seeds
The magic of the season will show when you plant “magic elf seeds” and watch them grow into cookies.
Taking a drink of syrup
Your kids will love watching him enjoy drinking his favorite drink – syrup! Don’t forget, it’s one of the four major elf food groups after all.
Roasting marshmallows
Roasting snowman marshmallows by the fireplace and enjoying a ride on a tire swing are both brilliant ideas to add to your list.
Playing connect four
I love this cute idea of playing a game like Connect Four, especially when you involve another beloved doll or stuffed animal.
Wrapped up in the fridge
Here’s a fun idea–hide the elf inside your fridge with a dish towel.
Playing with walkie talkies
Operation Elf on the Shelf is a GO this year. If you don’t already have a walkie talkie, grab an inexpensive one to serve as a bonus Christmas gift.
Swinging from candy canes
It’s likely that you’ll have an abundance of candy canes around – use one of them to put on a fun circus elf performance.
Kissing booth
This Elf “kissing booth” is too cute, especially with this free printable.
Brushing teeth
Most of us could use all the help we can get with encouraging good dental hygiene. Let the elf help encourage brushing for you!
Scavenger hunt
Do a Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt…it’s practically guaranteed to entertain the kids!
Pancake breakfast
Pancake breakfasts just got even more fun thanks to these elf-sized mini pancakes!
Fruit loop chain
Fruit Loops are the perfect size for the elf to make a garland for the Christmas tree.
Elf on the shelf doing laundry
We could all use a bit of encouragement when it comes to doing laundry—the elf makes it look almost effortless.
Sunbathing
This is such a cute idea – I love the little Elf Illustrated magazine he’s enjoying while sunbathing.
Snowball fight
Put those LEGOS to good use with a fun middle-of-the-night snowball fight.
Spelling with cereal
Spell out your child’s name in alphabet cereal and let the elf blame the mess on your kids!
Searching through catalogs
Your children won’t be the only ones pouring over the catalogs and newspaper inserts this year with this cute idea.
Sending a letter to Santa
Grab a tablet and set it out so an email can be sent to Santa with updates.
Elf getting into trouble
Sometimes my husband likes to have him do pranks throughout the house. The kids get a real kick out of it!
Sledding on the staircase
Need another use for all those tupperware lids? Why not let the elf take a sledding ride.
Elf wrapped in lights
If you need to rope your kids into helping string lights, let the elf show you how it’s done.
Frozen by Queen Elsa
This cute idea from Staci Mcneil shows another fun way to get Elsa from Frozen involved. Stick in a cup with water and set him out early in the morning.
Snowball fight with Barbie
You don’t need snow to have a fun snowball fight at home
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Toilet papering the tree
Oops! Your Christmas tree just got TP-ed by that naughty elf!
Angry bird game
Everyone loves a good game of angry birds…even Christmas elves!
Snow angels with flour
If you’re looking for an inexpensive activity for the elf to participate in, try making snow angels in flour on the countertop.
Morning shave
Elves need to shave too—set this up for your kids to find in the morning!
Trapped elf
A good rescue mission might be in order here. Set the scene with some army figurines and blue painting tape.
Mischievous tricks
Drawing on this family photo with dry erase marker is certainly one of the elf’s more mischievous tricks.
Eating spaghetti
Buddy was right…this IS a fantastic way to eat spaghetti. 🙂
Dipping cookies in milk
Milk and cookies can be a fun (and messy treat) for the elf to enjoy while everyone is asleep.
Movie time
Everyone loves watching Christmas movies, especially the elf on a shelf!
Sick elf on the shelf
If your little one catches a cold, help him or her to take their medication easier by sharing with their sick elf friend.
Rudolph noses
Here’s another fun way to dress up a family photo…with Rudolph-style noses!
Eating m&m’s
Ooops! Your new friend just got caught eating a bag of m&m’s.
Elf on the shelf ideas for service
Help Elf promote good deeds around your home and to help your kids remember the reason for the season.
Kindness elf
I love this idea where the Elf brings 30 days of kindness for your family to do for one another.
Baby in a manger
This is one of my favorite ideas—I love how the elf is joining in with the adoration of baby Jesus in the manger.
Good deed cards
Help your kids do good deeds around the house with these little cards.
Letter from Santa
I love the way she explains the relationship between Jesus, Santa, and the elf in this letter.
Heading back to the North Pole
Whenever it’s time for the elf to head back to the north pole make sure he has packed all his gear appropriately.
More Christmas ideas
So who will do being Elf on the Shelf this year? Have fun with it!
Fun! This is my favorite…http://eastcoastmommyblog.blogspot.ca/2011/12/magic-elf-seeds-delivered-by-our-elf-on.html
What a cute idea Gina, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you so much for including 3 of our Elf – on – the – Shelf pictures! We can’t wait to get started with him next week!
Elf on the shelf is so much fun…thanks for your good ideas! 🙂
My kids LOVE waking up to find our Elf doing something silly! I’m definitely adding a few of these to our list this year!
So fun! Love them all 🙂
Hello Jamielyn,
Very creative collection of Elf on the Shelf ideas! “Celebrating the reason for the season” is lovely, and “Elf hanging out in the fridge” is funny, but I love them all, too.
Wow! Thank you for including a few of our elf’s antics! I’ll be adding some of the others to our list for this year 🙂
Such Clever Ideas! I will have to test out my Christmas Magic and try some of these with my family this year!
What a FUN list… definitely need to use some of these this year! Thx for rounding them up. 🙂
Love Elf on the Shelf!
Sounds like fun! I’ll have to check it out! 🙂
Gotta find my elf now!!
Are you taking submissions? We did it last year and I have some funny pics of our elf, Lulu.
I just collected ones I found from Pinterest! I’d love to see your ideas though! 🙂
Great ideas
My daughter won’t believe….hopefully some of these ideas will convince her the elf is real..
Aww! I hope so too, Elf on the Shelf is such a blast!
These are so great! 🙂
Love Elf on the Shelf…the possibilities are endless!
i got an elf on a shelf to it turned my daughter elizabeths milk purple
Haha, cute idea April! Thanks for sharing!
These are great!!! Wish I had started earlier.
This year before I left the North Pole Mrs Claus gave me some Printable Elf Costumes to take with me. Mrs Claus is very clever; she made Sunglasses, Reading Glasses, a Snowman Mask, Reindeer Antlers & Nose, a Moustache, a Fairy Wand & Wings, a Pirate Outfit and some lips for Elf Kisses!! She also showed me how to make a Santa costume and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costume. I have posted instructions so all of you other Scout Elves can make costumes at home too! To Print your Elf On the Shelf Costumes go to http://elfiejasinski.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/printable-elf-costumes.html
Hello!! My mother is sending me our vintage Elf, cause she know how i love it when i was a little girl. I have my Pinterest account and my craft blog. Coul I participate this year?? Do you give me a permission for link you on my blog? I’ll love to organizate something fun with my boys. I don’t have the Elf on a Shelf kit, i woul do it with our own Elf. I hope your answer and let me congratulate with you for your creativity and fantasy. Best regards, Varla Lee. ^_^
What a neat tradition to start using the same elf you used as a little girl! With this elf on the shelf round up, I just found ideas through pinterest and blogs. I’m not sure if I will do another round up this year, but if I do I will definitely keep your blog in mind! Yes, you can definitely link me on your blog. Thanks Varla! 🙂
I love this elf idea. I can’t wait till my grandchildren are old enough to join in this activity.
Thank you
Love all the Elf one shelf my grand children is always do things with the Elf keep new things coming.
Love all the ideas to get me started.
This is so cute for my granddaughter I love it
We had our two get into some crazy stuff last year. This year they already made a Charlie Brown therapist booth, and hand fun sleigh riding down the stairs. Can’t wait to use some of the fun ideas from this
This website has helped me so much! I’ve been having to move our elf on the shelf “Jingle” into new places for my little sister. Today I used the elf in the refrigerator idea.
Thanks so much!
-Ryann
There are show many fun ideas here. I cant wait to see the smiles on my kids when I try some of them 🙂
I like your elf ideas
Wow! That looks super cute & funny. Loved it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you! My kids love elf on the shelf. 🙂
Love your ideas for The elf on the shelf
I agree
THEY ARE REAL
Hi great ideas so now I have ideas of where my elf can be thank you so much.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December,21,2017
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well. 🙂
Some really good ideas, this is the first year we have done Elf on a Shelf, my husband bought them with the girls not realising what you had to do with them, but should be fun!!!!
They are a lot of fun! We have gotten simpler over the years, but my kids still enjoy finding the elf each morning in a new spot. 🙂
I love the gift bag ideas my grandchildren will have fun making some for their friends and family
Elf on a shelf is much much older than 2005 and your mentioned author. I believe Elf originated in Japan more than 50 years ago. My brother has collected them for years. He’s an antique dealer/ collector. They are antique dolls and harder to find than these newfangled replicas. I enjoyed your compilation! Great ideas.
I love it so much I want another elf so they can do mischief together
Love These! Wrote down 12 of them that I’m going to try out! Awesome website thanks.
So glad you can use some of these ideas!
So many fun and creative ideas!
So cute and fun!
SO many great idea! I’m bookmarking this for help!
So many fun ideas the kids are sure to love!
This is totally elf on a shelf 101! I love this!! I need to start this new tradition with the kids 🙂
Such an adorable elf! Love this idea!
Good ideas
This stuff is really nice
Thanks for including our Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Hi in love your ideas
I will be using your ideas for my elf on the shelf!! can’t wait!!
Love the trapped elf setup! It’s my favorite.
Some of the best ideas out there for elf on the shelf. Thanks!
These are ALL amazing ideas for Elf on the Shelf. haha I love the elf rolling down the stairs in toilet paper. Thanks for sharing all of these super fun and creative ideas. 🙂
I love all these ideas – can’t wait for our elf Fred to make his return!
Super cute! I love the one where the army men take the elf captive! If I get an elf for my house I’ll have to try some of these out!
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
I loved all these ideas!
Thank you so much for sharing this! You have helped me get more creative & create a surprise each morning to make my kids smile. Thank you also for the printable cards. In an era where everyone is charging for things like this on Etsy it is so refreshing that you shared yours. Merry Christmas!
The elf on a shelf has brought pure joy to my two granddaughters that my husband and I are now raising and has been a gift to the entire family and want to give thanks to the family that has created this