The holiday season is the perfect time to add some excitement and fun to your home, and what better way than with the Elf on the Shelf! This mischievous little friend has become a beloved Christmas tradition, delighting kids and adults alike. If you’re searching for creative, fun, and memorable ways to position your elf each day, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 50+ Elf on the Shelf ideas that will bring laughter, joy, and even a little magic to your home this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for simple setups or elaborate scenes, this list has something for everyone!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Sometimes, you just need quick and easy ideas to get through the busy season. These setups are simple yet entertaining.
1. Toilet Paper Snowman
Wrap a few rolls of toilet paper into a snowman shape, draw a face with a marker, and have your elf sitting on top with a sign saying, “I made a snowman!”
2. Cereal Box Hideout
Place your elf inside an empty cereal box with their face peeking out. Bonus points if you write, “I’ve been hiding here all morning!”
3. Reading a Book
Prop up a book and have your elf sitting in front of it as though they are deeply engrossed in a story.
4. Elf Ziplining
Use string or yarn to create a zipline across the room, and have your elf hanging from a candy cane as they glide across.
5. Candy Cane Sled
Glue candy canes together to form a sled and place your elf on it, surrounded by other small toys or figurines enjoying the ride.
6. Peekaboo in a Jar
Put your elf inside a mason jar with a note saying, “I got stuck! Let me out!”
7. Snow Angel Fun
Sprinkle flour, sugar, or rice on the counter and position your elf making snow angels in the mess.
8. Shoe Train
Line up a few shoes as though they are train cars, and place your elf as the conductor leading the way.
9. Stuck in the Fridge
Position your elf inside the fridge holding onto a milk carton or surrounded by yogurt cups. Add a note: “Brr… it’s cold in here!”
10. Pillow Fort Fun
Build a small fort using pillows and blankets, and place your elf peeking out from inside.
Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Make your kids laugh with these hilarious elf antics that are sure to be the talk of the morning.
11. Bathroom Mirror Graffiti
Use a dry-erase marker to write funny messages or doodles on the bathroom mirror. Place your elf nearby with a marker in hand.
12. Elf in the Cookie Jar
Put your elf inside the cookie jar with crumbs scattered around, as though they’ve been sneaking snacks.
13. Toilet Paper Roll Slide
Attach a roll of toilet paper to the stairs and place your elf sliding down as if it’s a fun ride.
14. Marshmallow Bubble Bath
Fill a small bowl with marshmallows and place your elf inside as though they are relaxing in a bubble bath.
15. Captured by Action Figures
Surround your elf with action figures or dolls, as if they’ve been “captured” in a toy rebellion.
16. Tangled in Christmas Lights
Wrap your elf in Christmas lights and place them on a shelf or table, looking stuck but mischievous.
17. Elf Selfie Time
Place your elf with a phone propped up as if they are taking selfies. Leave a few goofy photos on your camera roll for the kids to find!
18. Banana Messages
Write funny notes or jokes on bananas with a toothpick, then place the elf beside them as if they wrote it.
19. Reindeer Rodeo
Put your elf on a stuffed reindeer, horse, or any plush toy, and pose them as though they are riding it like a cowboy.
20. Spilled Cereal Mess
Spill a little cereal on the counter and place your elf next to it, with a spoon in hand and a guilty look!
Creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Want to step up your Elf on the Shelf game? These creative ideas are guaranteed to impress.
21. North Pole Post Office
Set up a tiny mailbox with letters for Santa and place your elf sorting through them.
22. Mini Christmas Tree Decorating
Position your elf holding a small ornament while decorating a tiny Christmas tree.
23. Elf Hot Air Balloon
Use a balloon and a small basket to create a hot air balloon, and place your elf inside ready to take off.
24. Candy Cane Jail
Build a jail out of candy canes and place the elf inside with a note saying, “Help! I’ve been caught!”
25. Baking Elf
Put your elf in the kitchen with flour, measuring spoons, and cookie cutters as though they are baking cookies.
26. Elf in a Hammock
Create a hammock out of tissue paper or a sock, and let your elf relax between two objects like shelves or chairs.
27. Snowball Fight
Use mini marshmallows as snowballs, and place your elf mid-battle with other stuffed animals or toys.
28. Elf Rock Band
Set up toy instruments and place your elf as the star of their very own rock band.
29. Mission Impossible Elf
Use string or tape to create a maze of lasers (red string) and position your elf as though they are sneaking through it like a secret agent.
30. Magic Coloring
Print out a black-and-white coloring page and position your elf holding a crayon, halfway through “coloring” it.
Interactive Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Get the kids involved with these interactive ideas that encourage play and creativity.
31. Elf Scavenger Hunt
Leave a note with clues that lead to the elf’s hiding spot or a special treat.
32. Write a Letter to Santa
Place a letter template next to the elf, encouraging kids to write a wish list for Santa.
33. Elf Play Dough Fun
Set up a play dough station and have your elf “create” something fun, like shapes or mini snowmen.
34. Elf with a Puzzle
Place a half-finished puzzle on a table and sit your elf in the middle of the action.
35. Elf Science Experiment
Set up a simple science experiment, like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, with the elf as the scientist.
36. Hide and Seek Elf
Let your kids search for the elf in a creative hiding spot each morning.
37. Elf Art Class
Sit your elf in front of a small canvas with a doodle or painting they’ve “made.” Use paint or markers for a realistic touch.
38. Build a Lego Scene
Use Lego blocks to create a fun setup for your elf, such as a house, a car, or a playground.
39. Elf Spa Day
Place your elf surrounded by cotton balls, a face mask, and tiny towels, as though they’re enjoying a spa day.
40. Calendar Countdown
Let your elf hold a sign or card with a countdown to Christmas day, helping kids track how many days are left.
Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Running out of time? No worries! These last-minute ideas are quick, simple, and still tons of fun.
41. Hiding in the Christmas Tree
Place your elf in the branches of your Christmas tree.
42. Elf in a Stocking
Let your elf peek out of a Christmas stocking.
43. Hanging on a Doorknob
Tie your elf to a doorknob with a ribbon.
44. Tucked into a Bed
Place your elf snuggled under a blanket in a doll bed.
45. Riding a Toy Car
Sit your elf inside a toy car or truck as though they’re going for a drive.
46. Perched on a Shelf
Sometimes classic is best—just sit your elf on any shelf with a cheerful pose.
47. Hiding in the Silverware Drawer
Surprise the kids by placing the elf in the kitchen drawer.
48. Elf Movie Night
Set up popcorn and a TV scene with the elf enjoying a movie.
49. Wrapped in a Blanket
Wrap your elf in a soft tissue or blanket for a cozy look.
50. Hanging with Ornaments
Tie your elf to an ornament hook and let them dangle like part of the decor.
Conclusion
With these 50+ Elf on the Shelf ideas, your holidays are sure to be filled with fun, laughter, and surprises. Whether you opt for simple ideas or elaborate scenes, your kids will love waking up every morning to see what their mischievous little friend has been up to.
Make this season extra magical, and don’t forget to enjoy the memories that come with this playful Christmas tradition!
