Some are naughty, but every idea is nice.
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To mark the countdown until Christmas Day, you might use an advent calendar to check off the 24 days leading up to Christmas. But you can also spend the time before Santa Claus climbs down the chimney decorating your home. If the adults in your family set up elaborate Elf on the Shelf ideas for the kids to enjoy, you know that from tiny Elf on the Shelf accessories to hilarious scenes all over the house, the options are endless.
If you aren't familiar with the history of the Elf on the Shelf, here's a quick recap before you buy your own Elf on the Shelf this Christmas. These special elves are Santa's Scout Elves, who travel to homes near and far to report back who's been nice and who's been naughty. After reporting to Santa, the elves reappear in a new spot each day, causing lots of giggles from the kids who may be shocked to find their friend in surprising locations like the bathtub or hanging from a light fixture. Arranging the scene is a Christmas activity in itself for older kids and parents, who can have fun placing the Elf in crazy situations that will prompt more laughter than a Christmas riddle.
Elf on the Shelf ideas are meant to bring smiles and cheer into your household throughout the month of December, and these amusing scenes may even top funny Christmas memes and festive jokes. Whether this is your first year with an Elf on the Shelf visiting your home, or your family has enjoyed the tradition for years now, read on for the best Elf on the Shelf ideas to try this December.
1
Christmas Movie Marathon
Of course elves love Christmas movies! A few toy cars and an iPad set the scene for a drive-in movie event.
Source: The Lumistella Company
2
Toilet Paper Hide-and-Seek Elf
Uh oh, the elves have invaded the bathroom! Turn a few unused rolls of TP into funny snowmen for your elf to hide inside.
Source: The Lumistella Company
3
Ball Pit Elf
Pom poms and mini bottlebrush trees are Christmas craft staples, so put the leftovers to good use with a DIY ball pit for your elf.
Source: @elfontheshelf
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4
Egg-cellent Elf
Easter isn't the only holiday where decorated eggs come out to play. Doodle festive designs on a carton and strategically position your Elf in the fridge.
Source: @elfontheshelf and The Lumistella Company
5
Scout Elf Strumming the Guitar
Have a few music lovers in your household? Then this musical set-up will prompt a holiday jam sesh.
Source: @elfontheshelf and The Lumistella Company
6
Spec-Taco-lar Food Truck
After you set up this adorable scene, prepare your favorite recipe for Taco Tuesday.
Source: @elfontheshelf and The Lumistella Company
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7
Balloon Bubble Bath Elves
Blow up a mix of white and clear balloons — with your Elf inside one of the clear ones — to fill your tub, then add a few bath toys to complete the scene. A little time consuming? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely.
Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel
8
Ping Pong Elves
What kind of trouble did the elves get up to while everyone was asleep? Only a rousing game of ping pong, it seems.
Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel
9
Washing Machine Elves
When the kids go to do a load of a laundry, they'll find that these two elves have already pressed "Start."
Source: @ella_the_scoutelf
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10
What the duck?!
"What duck?!" is exactly the phrase that will be slipping from your loved ones' lips when they open the shower curtain to this display.
Source: @ella_the_scoutelf
11
Christmas Tree TP Elves
Your kids won't believe their eyes when they wake up to find the Christmas tree covered in toilet paper…but a closer look will reveal the naughty elves responsible.
Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel
12
Elf Snow Globe
The elf in the snow globe is adorable, of course, but it's the mischievous elf sitting beside him that really makes this Elf on the Shelf idea a winner.
Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel
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13
Airplane Arrival Elves
Welcome back the elves in style this year — flying in on a vintage soda bottle aircraft, complete with little propellers.
Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel
14
Carol Songleader Elf
Adding googly eyes to anything makes it funnier, and these carol-singing soda cans are no exception. Finding the Elf on the Shelf leading these Christmas carolers in song will have your whole family in stitches.
Source: @the_adventures_of_elf_trixibel
15
Elf Quarantine
The pandemic is no joke, but we can't help but giggle at this clever play on "self-quarantine."
Source: @mrscraftyaf
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16
Kissing Booth Elf
18
Buddy the Elf on the Shelf
This Elf movie idea is so perfectly executed, we wouldn't change a thing.
Source: @25daysofelf
RELATED: 44 Funny Christmas Movies That Will Make You Laugh With Holiday Joy
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19
Harry Potter Elf
Potterheads and Muggles alike will be wowed by this magical Harry Potter-themed Elf on the Shelf setup.
Source: @25daysofelf
20
Freddie Mercury Elf
Add a mustache to your Elf on the Shelf and the resemblance to Queen's lead singer is uncanny.
Source: @25daysofelf
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