42 Best Elf On The Shelf Ideas So Genius, You’ll Want To Steal Them
Discover 42 enchanting Elf on the Shelf ideas to transform your holiday season! Our guide offers a mix of classic, creative, and easy-to-implement suggestions suitable for every family. Dive into a world of festive fun with personalized elf crafts, hilarious antics, and sweet surprises. Perfect for adding a sparkle of holiday magic and creating unforgettable memories. Start your Elf on the Shelf journey today!
The key to a successful Elf on the Shelf experience is finding creative and unique ideas to position your elf each day. From funny to educational to heartwarming Elf on the Shelf ideas, the options are endless, and I've discovered that having a wealth of these ideas at my disposal makes the tradition even more enjoyable.
As the holiday season approaches, I am constantly researching and gathering the best Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep the magic alive in my home. From easy and funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to more elaborate setups, I can't wait to share my findings with you and help bring this festive activity to life in your household, too.
Classic Elf Setups
One of my favorite classic Elf on the Shelf setups involves positioning the elf near the family's Christmas tree as if the elf is in the midst of decorating it. Add some candy and a small note from Santa for a touch of North Pole magic! This simple setup is perfect for all ages and brings joy to the entire family. It's also easy to create and requires minimal effort.
One can also never go wrong with placing the elf near a plate of cookies. After all, elves always crave something sweet after a long night's work! This setup idea is sure to bring smiles to the kids' faces, and it adds an extra touch of fun to a surprise cookie treat.
Candy canes are another classic Christmas treat that immediately brings the smell of peppermint to mind. Hang the elf from a candy cane hook or place it near a stash of candy canes for one of the most simple yet festive Elf on the Shelf ideas.
Creative DIY Ideas
For families who enjoy a bit of DIY fun, consider incorporating wrapping paper into the elf setup. You can wrap small items such as picture frames, remote controls, or even the elf itself to transform your space into a North Pole workshop.
A fun DIY project for kids is creating a "magic door" for their elf. The door can be made out of cardboard or even just drawn on paper and placed anywhere in the house to signify the elf's entrance from the North Pole. This idea adds a touch of wonder to the elf's arrival and encourages children to use their imagination.
Another creative idea is to set up a miniature winter wonderland scene with the elf, complete with fake snow and tiny Christmas decorations. This can be placed on a table or window sill and offers a festive, magical touch to your home. It's worth the extra effort; seeing the excitement on the kids' faces when they discover the scene is simply priceless.
Incorporate these classic and creative Elf on the Shelf ideas for heartwarming and magical holiday moments that your family will cherish for years to come.
Fun with Elf Antics
Mischievous Moments
During the holiday season, my Elf on the Shelf loves getting up to all sorts of mischief. One morning, I discovered the elf had created a snow angel scene using flour or sugar on the kitchen counter. My children were so excited to stumble upon the snow angel and laughed as they tried to help clean up the mess.
On another occasion, the mischievous elf decided to take all the toilet paper and create a toilet paper rope, hanging from the stair railings. The children had a great time climbing up and down the stairs, trying to catch the naughty elf.
Sweet Elf Surprises
Of course, my Elf on the Shelf ideas aren't t just about mischief; sometimes, he brings sweet treats and surprises. One night, I found my elf sitting on the coffee table with a big mug of hot chocolate, filled with mini marshmallows. The children couldn't wait to share the warm treat with the elf and enjoy a cozy night together.
I've also seen the elf scatter candy canes all around the house, like a festive treasure hunt leading up to a big prize. The children raced to find them all and try to decipher if they were on the naughty or nice list.
My Elf on the Shelf truly brings the spirit of the season into my home. With a mix of pranks, jokes, and sweet welcomes, this mischievous elf keeps us entertained and looking forward to discovering his next antics.
Interactive Elf Activities
Elf Games and Crafts
As a family, I find it enjoyable to engage my kids with various elf-related games and crafts that spark their creativity and make the season more fun. One of the games we play together is Elf Twister, where we create a miniature Twister board using painter's tape and assign colors to each elf position. It's a hit with the kids, and they always have a great time.
Another idea I have implemented is a Snowman Building Contest with different materials, such as playdough and Legos. It encourages children to think outside the box and come up with various design ideas for their snowmen.
To further boost their creativity, we try our hands at Elf Crafts. My kids love making popsicle stick elf portraits and elf-sized gingerbread houses with mini cookie cutters. We then display these crafts around the house, which adds excitement and pride to their accomplishments.
Elf-Themed Family Activities
Incorporating the elf theme into our family activities makes the season more enjoyable and brings us closer together. During elf-themed movie nights, we gather around to enjoy classic films like Elf while enjoying elf-inspired snacks such as Christmas shortbread and green-colored popcorn.
My children also look forward to our annual Elf Family Photo day, where we dress up in elf costumes and capture the moment with fun poses and props. Occasionally, we invite their favorite toys, like Barbie and Legos, to join in the festivities.
One of my favorite activities is Elf Baking Day, where we create elf-shaped pancakes with various fruit toppings, bake elf cookies together, and even allow the kids to paint edible decorations on their treats using a clean toothbrush.
These activities not only excite the children but also allow us, as a family, to create stronger bonds and lasting memories during the holiday season.
Elf Departure and Planning Ahead
Saying Goodbye
As the holiday season draws to a close and it's time for your Elf on the Shelf to return to the North Pole, it's important to create a memorable and heartwarming send-off. One approach I like to use is giving my elf a special delivery to present to the kids on Christmas Eve. This can include PJs, candy, games, or toys, as suggested in The Elf on the Shelf Departure Ideas.
An alternate method I find endearing is leaving a frosty message written on the window or a mirror, reminding the family of their elf's magical adventures over the season. You can find inspiration for such messages on Mom on the Side.
Prepping for Next Year
To stay organized and make it easier for the Elf on the Shelf's return next year, I recommend creating an Elf Ideas Calendar. This will enable me to plan 24 days of excitement and fun for the family ahead of time. I can utilize the templates provided by The Ultimate Elf on the Shelf Ideas Planner and keep track of any customized ideas as well.
Here's a sample Countdown to Elf Arrival list, which will include personalized ideas along with items from the Advent calendar, to ensure a delightful experience for the entire family:
- Day 1: Elf Arrival: Write a personal welcome note from Santa
- Day 2: Hide candies around the living room
- Day 3: Plan a special Elf and family movie night
- Day 4: Surprise the kids with a DIY elf-themed craft
- (And so on...)
By following these guidelines and planning carefully, I can ensure a magical and enjoyable experience with our Elf on the Shelf for many years to come.
More Elf On The Shelf Ideas:
Elf Is Hanging Around
Via yours truly, this Elf is super simple to accomplish. This is a great one to pull off when you are in a rush because you forgot to do something and they are about to wake up.
Snowball Fight
Any toy vs. Elf in a snowball fight. This is also simple to pull off in a pinch. Simply use balled up paper, balls or marshmallows. Via chasingabetterlife.
Elf Working Out
Elf working off all the cookies and candy.
Elf Bubble Bath
Because hygiene is important.
Elf Dunk Tank
Throw snowballs (marshmallows) to dunk the elf.
Free Elf Kisses
Elf Ball Pit
Elf TP’d The Tree!
Naughty Elf TP'd the tree into a snowman!
Elf Shares Free Reindeer Poop
This is simply chocolate covered raisins in a small container and a handmade sign. From chasingabetterlife.com
Elf Igloo
Elf Vs. Darth Vador
“Toasty” Warm Elf
Ziplining Elf
Another Snowball Fight
Elf Baked Cookies
Elf Is Back
Either back from Quarantine or back for a new year, this is a cute and easy way to make a comeback!
Elf is Captured By Army Forces
Sweet Date
Mischievous Elf
Another goodie from Chasing a Better Life!
Naughty List Warning
Elf Doing Laundry
Elf Coffee
Elf Enjoying Coffee or Hot Chocolate
From Chasing a Better Life
Keurig pods make the perfect vessel for your elf to enjoy a drink. We simply used a previously used pod which makes it easy to insert a straw into the existing hole.
Family Photo
Elf Shaving
The Voice
Sick Elf
Kissing Booth
Cold Elf
Sack Race
Build A Snowman
Elf vs. Train
Elf Golf
Coloring Elf
This one is also from chasing a better life.
Special Kiss Cookies
Flour Snow Angel
Swinging Elf
Elf Melted Frosty
See You Next Year
One Comment
Jeanine
Wow, somebody has entirely too much time on their hands during the holidays!! Lol!!!