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Elf on the Shelf season is here! If you’re ready to make the holiday season magical, entertaining, and maybe even a little mischievous, you’re going to love these ideas. From silly setups to clever hiding spots, I’ve gathered 50+ genius Elf on the Shelf ideas that will keep kids giggling and guessing all month long.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a holiday tradition that brings a playful, magical element into the home. It all started with a children’s book that introduced the idea of an Elf who visits families during the holiday season, “reporting back” to Santa about the kids’ behaviour. The Elf typically appears on December 1st and “moves” to a new spot each night, creating a fun game of hide-and-seek every morning.
The best part? The Elf on the Shelf doesn’t just “sit on a shelf”—he or she can get into all sorts of silly, creative, and sometimes messy situations, bringing joy and surprise to each day leading up to Christmas!
Time to get creative!
Whether you’re a seasoned Elf pro or new to the tradition, it can be a challenge to come up with creative ideas day after day. That’s why this list is packed with inspiration to make sure your Elf’s adventures are as memorable as ever. From funny pranks to heartfelt moments, these ideas are perfect for making holiday memories your family will talk about for years to come.
Create it at home
So grab your Elf and get ready to spread some holiday cheer! Let’s dive into some fresh, fun, and festive Elf on the Shelf ideas that will make each morning a new surprise.
Genius Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kids Will Love!
Check out all the accounts tagged below for more amazing ideas.
1) Want some cereal? via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
2) Elf thieves via Hannah
Image and elf idea via @hannah_zachary_and_mila
3) Toilet Paper Snowman via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
4) Elf Snowflakes via Naomi Banjo
Image and idea via @naomibanjo
5) Worms in the apples via My Santa Letter
Image and idea via @mysantaletteruk
6) Toasty Elf via Naomi Banjo
Image and idea via @naomibanjo
7) Toilet Paper Rollin via Stephanie
Image and idea via @the_crochet_mama
8) Elf Ball Pit via Teacher’s Pet
Image and idea via @tpetuk
9) No Grinches via Hannah
Image and idea via @hannah_zachary_and_mila
10) Invisible Elves via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
11) Ironed your chips via Christmas Elves
Image and idea via @christmaself2019
12) Gone Fishing via STIX & STONES
Image and idea via @stixnstonesinc
13) Elf Yourself via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
14) Elf Jail via Hannah
Image and idea via @hannah_zachary_and_mila
15) Cabinet Opener via Naomi Banjo
Image and idea via @naomibanjo
16) Hot air Balloon via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
17) Ready Time via Ashley
Image and idea via @ashley_forshey
18) Shoe Train via Emma
Image and idea via @emmafaith_x
19) Snowflake Q-Tips via Stephanie
Image and idea via @the_crochet_mama
20) Gingerbread House via Nikki ‘Ko’ Brown
Image and idea via @nikkib_on_d_hair
21) Bow Climbing via Stephanie
Image and idea via @the_crochet_mama
22) Friendship Bracelets via Trina
Image and idea via @trinarhea47
23) Alien Abduction via Tiffany
Image and idea via @real.at.tiffanys
24) Elf Slides via Rhea
Image and idea via @rheamendezona
25) Tee-peeing the living room via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
26) Chocolate Anyone? via The Pineapple Post
Image and idea via @thepineapplepost
27) Frozen Elf via Days Gone Disney
Image and idea via @days_gone_disney
28) Sunday Sundaes via Stephanie
Image and idea via @the_crochet_mama
29) A Fun Plane Ride via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
30) Egg Faces via ConfessionsofaMunchkinMaker
Image and idea via @confessionsofamunchkinmaker
31) Can Christmas Choir via Hannah
Image and idea via @hannah_zachary_and_mila
32) Messy Elf via Emma
Image and idea via @playtime_with_ellie_and_finley
33) Shotgun! via Maria
Image and idea via @mommyglitter
34) Toilet Paper Snowflakes via Naomi Banjo
Image and idea via @naomibanjo
35) Crayons to m&ms via iluvchristmas
Image and idea via @iluvchristmas1225
36) Thin Ice via Christmas Elves
Image and idea via @christmaself2019
37) We’ve BEAN Naughty via Emma
Image and idea via @emmafaith_X
38) Kind Words via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
39) Elf Car Wash via Christmas Videos
Image and idea via @christmasvideos
40) Hiding the Christmas Tree via Rosaliebe
Image and idea via @rosaliebe1
41) Spa treatment via Stephanie
Image and idea via @the_crochet_mama
42) Sprinkle Water via Tiffanys
Image and idea via @real.at.tiffanys
43) Balloon Mischief via elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
Image and idea via @elfontheshelf_sahmstyle
44) Elf Zip line via Emma
Image and idea via @emmafaith_x
45) Let’s make a rainbow via Natalie
Image and Idea via @nataliewood105
46) Elf Twister via Lauren
Image and idea via @l_boogie19
47) Ketchup Graffiti via Emma
Image and idea via @emmafaith_x
48) Is this how you use floss? via Cookie, Sprinkle, and Chip
Image and idea via @cookie.sprinkle.chip
49) Don’t play with tape via DAM
Image and idea via @dam_good_ideas
50) Playing with Christmas Lights via DAM
Image and Idea via @dam_good_ideas
51) Elf Burrito via Elfos Traviesos!
Image and idea via @elfos.traviesos
52) X’s and O’s via My Santa Letter
Image and idea via @mysantaletteruk
I hope you loved all of these fun Elf on the Shelf ideas! Whatever you do decide to try, your kids are going to love it.