I have made you an enormous list of 100 Elf on the Shelf Ideas your kids will go crazy for. I am genuinely excited for you to see all these fabulous and fun ideas so you can implement them for the holidays.
When my daughter was three years old, we were first introduced to the Elf on the Shelf. She named our new companion Susie and let’s just say that Susie has now been a considerable part of our holiday traditions for over nine years! I would never have imagined that we would have so much fun with our new friend!
Now that my daughter is 12 years old, she is in on our little secret, and she gets to help hide, Susie from my youngest daughter. My favorite part of watching the girls find their elves each day is seeing the enormous smiles on their faces. Take a look at these ideas to inspire you to get creative.
The Absolutely Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas You Would Have Never Thought Of!
The best part about placing your elf around the house is that the options are endless. You can do something silly each day, and I promise everyone will giggle and laugh. Plus, your children will have these memories forever, and what could be better than that?
If you don’t have an (affiliate) Elf on the Shelf
, after this post you might want to buy one! Also, check out these fun and exciting ways to celebrate Christmas this year.
1. Hang Elf on the Shelf On Your Chalkboard
If you have a chalkboard in your home, then you can easily hang your elf for a quick idea. Have your new friend write a special message to your children and they will love it.
2. Elf on the Shelf at Mama or Daddy’s House
One of our fabulous readers, Julie, has given us this fantastic idea for families that have been separated from divorce or some other reason. Thank you, Julie, for this great tip!
3. Elves Love Pancakes!
It is safe to say that elves love a lot of syrup on their pancakes! I just made extra small pancakes for my children and saved a few. You can always add chocolate chips or sprinkles to the pancakes for that extra special touch.
4. Elf on the Shelf with Cookies and a Book!
I love this idea to have your elf show up with cookies and a book. Then you can read the book together and munch on cookies. What could be more enjoyable than that?
5. Elf on the Shelf Pooping… Cute Idea!
Celtic by Design has allowed us to use their photo of their cute little elf reading a book while pooping. If this photo doesn’t make you laugh, I don’t know what will.
6. Elf on the Shelf Goes to the Beach
We happened to have some painted shells lying around and came up with the idea to make a beach. I merely placed brown sugar on the countertop, drew a background, and added the shells. It was so easy and looked terrific.
7. Elf on the Shelf In The Candy Jar
Thank you to three boys and a dog for sharing this cute idea! Even an elf needs candy every now and again! Who am I kidding? Elves live off of sugar!
8. Elves Can’t Resist Oreos
If you have ever sunk your teeth into a chocolate-covered Oreo, you will understand that even your Elf On The Shelf can’t resist! All this Oreo chatter is making me hungry…
9. Elf on the Shelf and Movie Night With Popcorn
Movie night will be extra special if your elf joins the family! Break out the candy, blankets, and popcorn for a night to remember.
10. Elf on the Shelf Riding High
Your Elf On The Shelf is ready for a wild ride on the ceiling fan! I am confident everyone will get a huge laugh when they see the elf that morning.
11. Elf Day To Relax At The Spa
Give your elf a day to relax and enjoy a facial! After all, you want to pamper your elf every once in a while because he is the one that tells Santa how you have been behaving. We added a little tissue and cut cucumbers for the eyes so our friend could relax in style.
12. Elf on the Shelf Loves the Freezer
Let’s face it; your elf is from the very frigid North Pole! Naturally, he is going to want to catch some sleep in the freezer.
13. Play a Game With Your Elf on the Shelf
Thank you again to one of our readers, Julie, for allowing us to use her photo and idea. Have your elf play a game of Tic Tac Toe with one of your kid’s stuffed animals.
14. Build a Gingerbread House with Elf on the Shelf
Maybe your elf is a carpenter in his free time! Pose your companion with a gingerbread house, and you will have a new holiday tradition!
15. Elf on the Shelf Playing Legos
If your children are obsessed with Legos like mine are, then I am sure they will love seeing their elf playing too! Try to build something like a house or vehicle to add some extra fun.
16. Elf on the Shelf Climbing the Stairs With Your Favorite Animals
Imagine your children’s faces when they wake up in the morning and see all their favorite stuffed animals taking a climb! You can even make a game out of making sure you don’t touch the animals when you climb the stairs.
17. Elf on the Shelf Cruising the Day Away
Place your elf in a stylish car with his favorite friend and they will be ready to cruise the day away. You can use any car, truck or vehicle you have on hand.
18. Elf on the Shelf Leaves You a Special Message
Nothing like waking up in the morning, going to the bathroom to brush your teeth and finding an elf with a special message on the mirror! You can get as creative as you want and even add your child’s name.
19. Play Twister With Your Elf on the Shelf
Stage your elf and his friends to be playing a hilarious game of Twister, and everyone will get a laugh! I love how unique this idea is!
20. Make Clothes For Your Elf on the Shelf
Consider making some new clothes for your Elf On The Shelf! There are tons of different outfits you can throw together to personalize your elf.
21. Cold Popsicles and Your Elf on the Shelf
Two things that go together are cold and elves! Of course, your winter friend is going to lunch to munch on some cold pop sickles after a busy night of talking to Santa.
22. Elf on the Shelf and Your Family Photo
All you need for this look is a family photo, some card stock or colored paper, glue and pompoms. We cut triangles to make the hats and glued on the decorations. I carefully placed tape on the back to stick it on the photo. This was a canvas, so I used tape that wouldn’t damage it.
23. Ride the Trail With Your Elf on the Shelf
Make a toy trail and let your elf go for a unicorn ride! I love this fun idea, and you can set it up anywhere in your home. The possibilities of this elf train of fun are endless!
24. Winter Party and Your Elf on the Shelf
Get all your stuff animals together with your winter companion and have a glitzy party! We used wrapping paper for the background and floor and filled the area in with all of our favorite Christmas toys.
25. Potty Training Your Elf on the Shelf
Oops! This Elf is still learning how to be potty trained and had a little accident! I promise you, kids will think this is hysterical! I think it is funny…now I can’t stop laughing. Oh elf and the shenanigans!
26. Mischievous Elf on the Shelf Decorating the Eggs
This mischievous Elf on the Shelf decided to take a marker and draw faces on all the eggs! Even my husband got a good laugh when he saw them. You can make each face as simple or as unique as you want.
27. Elf on the Shelf, Popcorn, Chocolate, and Movies!
Even your Elf on the Shelf is going to love the movie Frozen! Why not add some popcorn and have a movie day that is filled with lots of snuggles, treats and hot chocolate?
28. Elf on the Shelf Reading a Christmas Story
Our Elf and all of his friends are enjoying reading a classic Christmas story together. They are all intently listening to find out what happens next!
29. Elf on the Shelf Making a Snow Angel
All you need is a solid surface and some sugar or flour to replicate this idea. The kids will enjoy seeing their elf making a snow angel!
30. Elf on the Shelf Climbing the Mirror on Ribbons
I am sure your kids are going to get a kick out of seeing their favorite friend climbing the mirror on ribbons! Just peel the backs off and stick them on the mirror. The elf will be able to hold his arms and hands right in the ribbon holes with ease.
31. Elves Like Hot Chocolate On a Cold Night
Place a couple of packets of hot chocolate mix, marshmallows and a spoon in a coffee mug, and you are all set! This elf wants a toasty cup of hot chocolate to warm up.
32. Elf on the Shelf and Lots of Bling
Our elf has a girlfriend, and she loves diamonds! We sprinkled lots of bling all over the table and placed the happy couple in the center. I wouldn’t be surprised he purposes soon!
34. Elf on the Shelf Loves S’mores!
Oh, yummy! This elf is smart and wants s’mores to eat, and it looks like he even has enough ingredients to share. Such a thoughtful friend who sets a great example for your kids.
35. Elf on the Shelf and a Nice Bath
If you have a toy bathtub around, fill it with cotton balls or marshmallows so your Elf on the Shelf can have a nice bath! You can also add a small candle, towel, and toy radio to go the extra mile.
36. Elf on the Shelf Makes a Mess
It looks like this elf has to get this spill cleaned up right away! Good thing he has the tools needed to get every morsel cleaned up before the doggie eats it!
37. Help Elf on the Shelf Get Out Of the Jar
Uh oh! It looks like someone got caught in a jar and needed a little help! I love that the elves are so easily stuck into different items and they fit perfectly.
38. Elf on the Shelf Building a Home
This Elf is so smart trying to find the perfect home to build while looking at this catalog. Isn’t it amazing that the Elf On The Shelf can read?
39. Play Follow the Leader With Elf on the Shelf
Get all your Elf’s friends lined up to go on a march while playing a game of following the leader. You can make this line of toys as long or as short as you wish. I think it would be fun to have over 100 toys lined up throughout the house.
40. Elf on the Shelf Loves Crafts and Arts
Our elf loves to work on arts and crafts. You can purchase a tiny easel very inexpensively and use the ribbon spools you have lying around to create this look.
41. Elf on the Shelf for Advent
I love that Artsy Fartsy Mama shares how to pose her Elf On The Shelf for Advent. She gives detailed directions on what you can do to make your cartons to place small gifts in.
42. Elf on the Shelf For a Night of Karaoke
Set the stage for a fantastic day of karaoke with your elf and his friends! I will have to warn you that when you turn on the song, you will want to join in and sing too.
43. Elf on the Shelf, all aboard the shoe train!
All aboard the shoe train! This is such a simple idea that takes no time at all to complete. Plus, the kids will love seeing all their favorite toys hanging out with their Elf.
44. Elf on the Shelf and a Clean Shave
Even your elf needs a nice and clean shave! You can also add a shaving cream message to the mirror if you want to spruce it up. Easiest idea ever!
45. Elf on the Shelf with blocks building a tower
If your house is anything like mine, you have tons and tons of blocks lying around. Use them to your advantage and have your friend building a tower or whatever you want.
46. Elf on the Shelf and Barbie!
Did you know our elf loves fixing Barbie’s hair? Yes, he likes to go crazy and add braids, bows, and headbands. You can make some pretty hilarious hairstyles, too.
47. Personalize a Letter from Elf on the Shelf
I love this idea because you can personalize the letter to your children and make it extra meaningful. Maybe the elf needs to get the point across about behaving, picking up toys or brushing teeth.
48. Coloring Time with Elf on the Shelf
Elf loves to take a load off while getting artistic in his favorite coloring book. He is surprisingly good at coloring too!
49. Elf on the Shelf Cruising on the Big Green Tractor
Grab your child’s toy tractor for this idea! Set the Elf On The Shelf on top, and he is ready to cruise around the house riding on his big green tractor.
50. Elf on the Shelf Riding a Chicken and Other Knick-Knacks
Our elf loves to ride on any knick-knacks we have around the house. He loves to ride on this chicken because it is just his size! Take advantage of decorations you already have around your home, because any of them can make perfect props.
51. Elf on the Shelf and Another Potty Training Idea
Oh man, our elf still can’t seem to get potty training down yet. He doesn’t realize that the sink is different from the toilet. I can guarantee your kids, and even your husband will get a great laugh out of this one!
52. Snuggle with Elf on the Shelf
Elf has a few of his friends together to snuggle and watch his favorite movie An Elf’s Story. Take a look at comfortable and cozy they all look.
53. Elf on the Shelf Drawing On Everything
Elf On The Shelf likes to draw on everything and anything if you haven’t noticed. That works for us because we love seeing what he is going to draw on next.
54. Elf on the Shelf and Your Christmas Decorations
Use your Christmas decorations and pose your elf near them. You can even hide them around the decorations as you wish. We also use tape to help prop him up and keep him in place.
55. Elf on the Shelf Decorates Rooms In Your House
Our elf likes to decorate every room in the house, including the bathroom. He sweetly added snowflakes to our mirror, so when we woke up we had a lovely festive room!
56. Elf on the Shelf Decorated With Ribbons
Decorate the toilet for a huge surprise! I recommend adding tape to the ribbons when you stick them down, so they don’t end up in the stool. Plus, this look brightens up your bathroom too!
57. Elf on the Shelf Proposes To Barbie!
Elf On The Shelf finally got up the courage to propose to his one true love, Barbie! They are so cute together, aren’t they?
58. Elf on the Shelf Smells Good With the Peppermints!
Fill up your sink with some peppermints and your elf. It will smell amazing, and your Elf will love relaxing after a long day.
59. Elf on the Shelf Tangled Up In the Wrapping Paper
Oh no! It looks like our elf got tangled up in the tape and wrapping paper. Silly friend, I wonder what he was up to here!
60. Elf on the Shelf and the Canned Goods
How fun would it be to open the cabinet and find out all your canned goods now have googly eyes! Plus, it is adorable to see all those eyes looking back at you.
61. Elf on the Shelf Hanging On the Artwork
You can hang your elf on any of your artwork throughout the house. Susie loves just hanging around watching and making sure we are all on our best behavior for Santa.
62. Elf on the Shelf and Building a Snowman
The elf would love for you to help him build a snowman. This particular snowman is made of toilet paper and has been drawn on with some markers.
63. Elf on the Shelf and a Snowball Fight
Marshmallow fight! Elf On The Shelf is having a snowball fight using marshmallows with his best puppy friend. Wonder who is going to win?
64. Elf on the Shelf Playing Clue
There is nothing more fun than having some friends over for a game of Clue. It appears that Elf On The Shelf is concentrating pretty hard!
65. Elf on the Shelf Is Helping String Popcorn for the Christmas Tree
This elf is being so helpful by getting all the popcorn strung so we can hang it on the tree just in time for Christmas. I used to love stringing popcorn when I was a kid, so it makes sense that our elf likes it too.
66. Elf on the Shelf Sharing with Santa
Santa isn’t the only one who enjoys a big glass of cold milk and yummy cookies! Our elf is in food heaven enjoying this sweet treat.
67. Elf on the Shelf and a Romantic Evening
Barbie and Elf On The Shelf are enjoying a romantic evening with a glass of wine or juice. We used straws that come with juice boxes because they are a perfect size!
68. Elf on the Shelf Help With the Chores
Even elves have to make sure they do their chores, like cleaning the house, washing, and drying clothes. At least he has someone to sit with while he waits on the clothes to dry.
69. Elf on the Shelf With a Cold
Uh oh, Susie, the elf is feeling pretty crummy with a cold. Thankfully, he has everything he needs to get to feeling better in a hurry.
70. Elf on the Shelf Going for an Amusement Park Ride!
Put your dryer to work for you with this hysterically funny idea! Grab your elf and some of his friends, and they can go for a dryer ride as if it is an amusement park ride!
71. Elf on the Shelf Kissing Booth
Everyone get in line if you want a kiss from an elf! The best part is that he is giving away the kisses for free, you just have to be good and do your chores.
72. Elf on the Shelf Tangled in the Christmas Lights
Looks like someone got tangled in the Christmas lights again. In his defense, strings of lights can be a pain to work with sometimes.
73. Elf on Shelf and Exercise
This elf understands that when you live off sugar, you need to exercise to make up for it. Those marshmallows are heavy too! We used a piece of uncooked spaghetti noodle for the bar.
74. Gifts from Elf on the Shelf
It is always nice when you get a little gift from your elf like a book, toy or game. We like to have our winter-loving friend leave at least one present during the season as long as your kids are good.
75. Elf on the Shelf on a Reindeer Ride!
Sometimes you need to go for a reindeer ride! If you have a mantle at your house, then you will have a beautiful place to put some scenes for your elf.
76. Elf on the Shelf Hanging in Your Stocking
Let your elf hang in a stocking so he can get a good look at what everyone is doing. You can even decorate the stocking and put his or her name on it.
77. Elf on the Shelf and a Sack Race!
Nothing like a sack race to start the day! Your children will go crazy for these cute toys in gift bags. It will be a lot of fun to have to maneuver around them throughout the day too.
78. Elf on the Shelf Going for Ice Cream
Who wants ice cream? Elf on the Shelf is spending the day making delicious ice cream cones and sundaes for all of his friends.
79. Elf on the Shelf Working on the Car
Why take the car to a mechanic when you can do the work yourself. At least when you are an elf, you are naturally good at working with your hands!
80. Elf on the Shelf with Stickers Hanging on the Cabinet
We love sloths at our house, so it is fitting that our elf would be covered in sloth stickers and stuck hanging to the cabinet. You can use stickers that your kids like to make it unique.
81. Elf on the Shelf and a Snowball Fight!
Fill a bowl with cotton balls or marshmallows and put a handwritten or typed note for this simple idea. Trust me, the answer to the question will always be yes!
82. Elf on the Shelf with Toast Covered With Pink Frosting and Sprinkles
Hope you love toast with pink frosting and sprinkles that has been made with love! I have to admit that it is very tempting to give this unique breakfast a taste.
83. Elf on the Shelf Playing a Game with Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head and Elf On The Shelf are in a heated battle of Tic Tac Toe. I am not sure who is going to win, but it sure looks like fun. My only question is how they can play without eating the marshmallows.
84. Elf on the Shelf in a Daredevil Act
This elf is a little daredevil hanging upside down on a candy cane that is only attached by some tulle. The kids laughed so hard when they saw him.
85. Mr. Potato Head Making an Elf Sandwich
Oh goodness! It looks like Mr. Potato Head is going to eat our adorable elf! Just kidding, he won’t get eaten, but he makes an adorable sandwich.
86. Elf on the Shelf has a Sweet Tooth
This idea is an absolute blast because not only do your kids get to look for their elf, they also get to go on a hunt for candy canes. What is more fun than that?
87. Elf on the Shelf and M&M’s
I have a feeling our elf is in a sugar coma after eating so much candy! Good thing he is so used to eating lots of candy and chocolate.
88. Elf on the Shelf Roasting Marshmallows
Is there anything tastier than an ooey-gooey roasted marshmallow? I love that he is using a candle to heat his up.
89. Elf on the Shelf Hiding in the Silverware Drawer
Your kids are going to have to search extra hard to find your elf if you hide it in the silverware drawer. I think it is great that it isn’t in a visible hiding spot.
90. Elf on the Shelf Hanging from a Towel Ring
Take a look at this elf hanging from a towel ring. You need a little bit of tape, so his legs stay together and then you are done. This may be one of the lowest effort ideas yet.
91. Elf on the Shelf with Cold, Snow and Snowflakes
Our elf loves anything to do with cold, snow or snowflakes. I am pretty confident that snowflakes are one of his favorite things to decorate with.
92. Elf on the Shelf Fishing in the Sink
Create this look by filling your sink with water, adding some fish, tying some thread to a cake ball stick and adding your elf. Super easy and your kids will get a kick out of it.
93. Elf on the Shelf Slinking Down the Stairs
Playing with a slink is already loads of fun, but when you add your Elf On The Shelf it takes it to a whole new level of awesome!
94. Elf on the Shelf Walking on the Ceiling
Your magical elf can even walk on the ceiling with a little bit of tape. There is no doubt when you children see it that they are going to be so surprised!
95. Elf on the Shelf Having Tea with Barbie
If you have a dollhouse handy, the options are endless as to how you can use it for your elf. As you can see, he is enjoying a nice big cup of tea with Barbie.
96. Elf on the Shelf Rolling Down the Stairs
If your elf likes to get a little wild, he will love going down the stairs in a roll of toilet paper. It is a bit of a bumpy ride, but don’t worry, he will have a blast.
97. Elf on the Shelf Having a Slumber Party
There is always time for a slumber party. Grab some cozy winter socks, place all your friends inside and let the party begin.
98. Silly String and Elf on the Shelf
This naughty little Elf On The Shelf knows how to have a good time with a can of silly string! Good thing it is easy to clean up and the children love it so much.
99. Elf on the Shelf Having a Cup Stacking Contest
We had some little red cups around that are intended to be shot glasses. I figured they would be an excellent prop for our elf to have a cup stacking contest!
100. Elf on the Shelf Stuck in the Mixer Making Cookies
Elf On The Shelf was intending to make some cookies, but accidentally got stuck in the mixer before he could whip them up. Glad he didn’t get hurt!
101. Elf on the Shelf Exhausted and Needing Rest
This elf is exhausted and needs some rest and relaxation on a giant cloud of cotton balls. Actually, I think that sounds delightful and would love to do that myself!
A Few Supplies To Help With Your Elf On The Shelf ideas
- Chalkboard
- Pancakes
- Cookies
- Beach shells
- Candy jar
- Oreo’s
- Movies
- Popcorn
- Lego’s
- Stuffed animals
- Doll
- Board games
- Eggs
- Story book
- Marshmallows
- Hot chocolate
- Shoe
- Christmas decorations
- M&M’s
What is your favorite Elf On The Shelf Idea?
There are so many great ideas here I don’t know if I could pick a favorite!
Whichever ones you choose to use, your children will love the suspense of watching to see where the Elf turns up next! Those memories will last a lifetime!
Print these elf ideas so that you elf never gets stumped at 3AM again, haha!
These are fantastic elf on the shelf ideas! These should keep the elf busy all season long!
I love these elf on the shelf ideas! Even though my kids are older we still break out the elf and they love finding it each morning. These ideas are definitely going to come in handy!
SO many fun elf on the shelf ideas! With kids at home, I’m always on the lookout for fresh and fun elf ideas to keep the magic alive, and your suggestions are just perfect. Can’t wait to see their reactions this December!
I love that you have so many elf on the shelf ideas, I’m always looking for new ideas. I love the snow angel one the most I think.
Thank you this creative list of elf ideas! What a fun, festive way to keep imagination running strong!
I didn’t grow up with the Elf on the Shelf tradition, so these Elf on the Shelf ideas are just what a person like me needs. How fun!!
it can be challenging to keep it interesting and non-repetitive when it comes to elf on the shelf ideas. These are great!
I love how simple and fun these ideas are!