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Get ready to sprinkle your holiday season with a dash of Elf on the Shelf magic! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of mischievous elves, we’ve rounded up a sleigh-load of playful and imaginative ideas that will light up your festive traditions.
From elves going on strike to epic balloon showers, these whimsical setups will keep the holiday spirit alive and bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.
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- How to Do Elf on the Shelf
- 50+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas
How to Do Elf on the Shelf
If you’re new to Elf on the Shelf, here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
1. Choose Your Elf: First things first, you’ll need to choose your Elf on the Shelf. Whether you’ve had one for years or it’s your first time adopting, give your Elf a name and personality. It can be a mischievous troublemaker or a sweet and helpful friend—it’s entirely up to you!
2. Introduction Night: On the first night, introduce your Elf to your family. You can explain that your Elf is Santa’s special helper, sent to keep an eye on things and report back to the North Pole each night. This is also a perfect time to read the Elf on the Shelf storybook if you have one.
3. Find a Good Hiding Spot: Each night, your Elf will embark on a new adventure. Find a creative hiding spot for your Elf to surprise your family each morning. Think of places like bookshelves, the Christmas tree, or perched on the kitchen counter.
4. Plan Fun and Playful Scenarios: The magic of Elf on the Shelf comes to life when your Elf is found in playful and imaginative scenes. That’s where this list of ideas comes into play!
5. Involve the Kids: Encourage your children to interact with the Elf in fun and imaginative ways. Let them know that they can talk to the Elf and share their holiday wishes and dreams. They can also suggest ideas for what the Elf should do next.
50+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf On Strike!
When your little one’s on the naughty list, let your Elf stage a mini protest! It’s a playful way to remind them that Santa’s watching.
All Aboard the Shoe-Shoe Train!
Your Elf got creative with shoe choo-choo trains! Chug along with this charming setup.
Even when you’re not home, I’m watching Elf
Your Elf’s always keeping tabs, even when you’re out. Frame a photo of your kiddos out and about to show that magical surveillance.
Elf that got into the candy jar & had bubblegum farts
Uh-oh, your Elf had a candy meltdown! Share a laugh with this sweet and silly setup.
Stylish Elf who’s Ready for Family Photos
Your Elf is photo-ready, and it’s picture-perfect! Strike a pose with your stylish companion.
Rolls Royce Rest- Room Elf
Ok.. not everyone has a rolls royce, but this is too funny to not include! Looks like this elf thought “RR” meant “Restroom”
Elf with Christmas Pox
Need to teach your kids a lesson about not interfering with the elf magic? Give ’em Christmas Pox, a cheeky lesson in elf-magic respect.
Elf Story time with the Toys
Gather around for a magical storytime with your Elf and the toys.
Elf on the Shelf who Slept in the Fridge because he misses the North Pole
Looks like your Elf’s feeling homesick for the North Pole! A chilly surprise for your kiddos.
Elf draws a picture of the family
Express the love with your Elf’s artistic skills. It’s a sweet reminder of your special family bond.
Elf Secret Message
This is a fun one! When you want to treat your kids to dessert, let them know that the Elf cast some Christmas magic on them, and if they ask for cookies after dinner, you’ll say “Good Idea!”
The elves wrote on mom’s forehead!
Even moms have “Grinchy” days. Blame it on the Elves and share a chuckle!
Elf Balloon Shower Prank
Those cheeky Elves filled the shower with balloons! A bubbly surprise to start the day.
Elf Gym with marshmallows & candy canes
Your Elf’s all about staying fit during the holiday season. Join the fun with this tasty workout!
Elfie’s Poop Taste Testing
It’s a hilarious muffin tin challenge with candy “poops”! Taste-test the magic in this mischievous setup.
Elf gumdrop & toothpick house challenge
“I made a house. What can you make?” Spark creativity with your Elf’s challenge! It’s a sweet and sticky competition.
Snowman Nose Rejection Center
Who knew your Elf was a snowman nose critic? Find out what noses pass the test!
Elf Shaving Barbie’s Hair
This elf on the shelf idea is perfect for 2023— have your elf make his very own Weird Barbie!
Elves toasting marshmallows over a candle
Cozy up to some marshmallow toasting fun with your Elf.
Elf Gingerbread house
Looks like this elf misunderstood what a gingerbread house is. Should you show him how it’s done?
Elf praying on the Bible
A heartfelt Elf idea for religious families. It’s a moment of reflection and faith.
Starbucks on the Elves
These elves want you to treat yourself to some star bucks, with these literal star-bucks!
Elves making a mess of popcorn in the microwave
Those mischievous Elves filled the microwave with popcorn! A fun surprise for popcorn lovers.
Elves & Barbie go for a wild ride in the washing machine
Watch your Elf take Barbie for a spin in a hilarious washing machine adventure.
Elves made a slide out of wrapping paper in the kitchen
Who needs stairs when you have an Elf-made slide in the kitchen? Slide into holiday fun!
Elf Bowling with brussel sprouts
Your Elf’s all set for a game of brussel sprout bowling.
“This was not my sharpest decision” elf trapped in a pencil sharpener
Oh, Elf! Trapped in a pencil sharpener? A comical setup that’s sure to make you giggle.
Elves Making a mini charcuterie board
Mini charcuterie, anyone? Join your Elves for a tiny treat.
Elf getting the Gremlin wet
Looks like your Elf is tempting fate by getting the Gremlins wet. Will there be any evil “Gremlins” around?
Elf hiding in a toilet paper snowman
Find your Elf hiding in a snowy toilet paper snowman! A cute and cozy hideout.
Batman & Spiderman give Elf flying lessons
Your Elf’s superheroes are giving him flying lessons! A fun twist for comic book fans.
“Help!” Elf trapped in a balloon
Your Elf’s in a balloon bind. Join the rescue mission to free them!
Mischevious Elf TPed the Christmas Tree
Oh no, the Elf TPed the tree! A playful twist on a holiday classic.
The Joker kidnapped Elf and Batman came to save him
A showdown between the Elf, Joker, and Batman? Sounds like a thrilling adventure!
Elf tried to bring you a snowman, but he melted
A melted snowman with googly eyes, a carrot, and water. Did your Elf have a “cool” idea?
Elf kidnapped in the fridge— “Help us! the milk has gone bad!”
The milk has gone bad— literally! Save your elf from this kidnapping.
Elves having a Piñata Party
Get the party started with your Elf and a fun piñata celebration.
Elves made toast to keep themselves “toasty”
Your Elves are “toasty” warm with a slice of bread. A clever wordplay for a chilly morning.
“I borrowed your butt scratcher!” Elf with toothbrush
Oops, your Elf borrowed the toothbrush! A lighthearted setup.
Elf takes the dogs for a walk
Your Elf is dog-walking in style. Join in for a leisurely stroll.
Elfin’ Around Holiday Party
It’s an Elf-themed holiday party! Join your Elf for a whimsical celebration.
Quarantine Elf
Even though Covid is mostly over, still a clever idea to inspire your kids not to intervene with elf magic.
Elf Message written in Toothpaste
Leave a fun and minty message with your Elf’s toothpaste creativity.
Elf caught with the TV on and a bag of popcorn
Your Elf is catching up on TV with a side of popcorn. A cozy night in.
Elf turned the bananas into minions with sharpie
Your Elf’s into mischief, turning bananas into adorable minions with a sharpie.
Elves throw a disco party in the kitchen with glow sticks
Get the kitchen grooving with your Elf’s disco party, complete with glow sticks.
Elf wants to play a game
“I have hidden 6 candy canes in the room, can you find them in 6 minutes?”
A candy cane scavenger hunt! A fun challenge to find hidden treats.
Elf makes a snow angel out of flour
Your Elf’s making a mess while creating a snowy masterpiece.
Elves decorated the car
Just use Car window paint to display “ You decorated the house but forgot the car” on the window, and add some decor!
Elf making potato chips out of Mr. Potatohead
Your Elf is a culinary genius, making potato chips out of Mr. Potato Head. A playful spin on the classic toy.
Elf plays connect four with Einstein
Your Elf is challenging Einstein to a game of Connect Four. Who will win this brainy battle?
Elves make breakfast with candy eggs
Join your Elves for a candy egg breakfast, a sweet way to start the day.
Elf Jokes Day with cutout elf themed jokes
Get ready to laugh with your Elf’s joke day. Share the chuckles with these elf-themed jokes.
Elves got into the craft room & the yarn tied them up
Crafty Elves got a little too carried away with the yarn. Join in the crafty chaos!
Elf planetarium
“Tonights free viewing: uranus” It’s a night under the stars, Elf-style. Join your Elf for some cosmic exploration.
Elf made their own Christmas Tree with Solo Cups
Your Elf’s DIY Christmas tree is a creative twist on holiday decor. Maybe this elf is telling you it’s time to put up your tree as a family!
In conclusion, Elf on the Shelf is more than just a whimsical holiday trasdition; it’s a delightful way to infuse the season with laughter, creativity, and enchantment.
With the right mix of imagination and a touch of mischievous fun, you can create cherished memories that your family will treasure for years to come. So, let your Elf embark on their nightly adventures, and embrace the magic of the season as you celebrate with your very own North Pole helper.
