From Mischief to Magic: 45 Fun Ideas for Your Elf on the Shelf

The “Elf on the Shelf” tradition has become a cherished part of many families’ holiday celebrations. Originating from the 2005 children’s book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, this custom involves a Scout Elf sent from the North Pole to observe children’s behavior and report back to Santa Claus each night. Each morning, the elf reappears in a new spot, creating a fun and interactive experience for children as they search for their elf’s latest hiding place. Typically, families begin this tradition the day after Thanksgiving or December 1 and conclude on Christmas Eve when the elf returns to the North Pole.

To keep the excitement alive throughout the season, we’ve put together 45 creative “Elf on the Shelf” ideas so you can pick your favorites. Keep an eye out for bonuses along the way to claim free samples that can help your elf’s efforts and fulfill your own seasonal needs.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf in a cup attached to a paper lantern to resemble a hot air balloon.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Create a hot air balloon using a paper lantern and a small basket, and place your elf inside as if they’re arriving in style.

Elf Zip Line: Set up a zip line across a room using string and a candy cane for the elf to hold onto, giving the appearance of a thrilling ride.

Marshmallow Bath: Place your elf in a bowl filled with marshmallows, mimicking a cozy bubble bath.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf in a tissue box bed with cookie crumbs making a trail indicating he's been stealing and eating cookies.

Cookie Thief: Position your elf with cookie crumbs around their mouth and a half-eaten cookie in hand, as if caught in the act. Or leave a trail of crumbs leading to their bed for a more subtle indication that they’ve been up to mischief.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a cookie sample.

Snow Angel: Lay your elf on a surface sprinkled with flour or sugar to create a snow angel scene.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a sugar substitute sample that will work just as well for your elf’s snow angels.

Elf Swing: Construct a swing using a toilet paper roll and string, and hang it from a doorway or ceiling fan.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with two elves in a jail made from a candy cane box with candy canes for bars

Candy Cane Jail: Build a small jail cell using candy canes and place your elf inside, perhaps with a note explaining their mischievous behavior.

Elf Superhero: Dress your elf in a miniature superhero cape and mask, ready to save the day.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Joanne’s gift card to help with making elf’s accessories.

Elf Twister Game: Set up a mini Twister game using colored dots and position your elf mid-game.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with elf and a lightly burnt marshmallow over a battery-operated candle to imply he's roasting marshmallows over a fire.

S’mores Night: Arrange your elf “roasting” a marshmallow over a candle, preparing s’mores.

Elf Spa Day: Create a spa scene with your elf wearing a robe, cucumber slices over their eyes, and surrounded by mini spa accessories.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a travel haircare product to share with your elf.

Balloon Avalanche: Fill a doorway with balloons and place your elf at the top, as if they’ve caused an avalanche.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with elf holding a paintbrush in front of a small easel as if he's been painting

Elf Artist: Set up a tiny easel with a miniature painting and your elf holding a paintbrush, showcasing their artistic side.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a watercolor sample.

Elf Fishing: Place your elf near a sink or bowl of water with a toothpick fishing rod and goldfish crackers as the catch.

Elf Movie Night: Arrange a mini movie theater with your elf and some toy friends watching a holiday classic on a tablet or phone.

Example an elf on the shelf setup putting the elf inside a balloon and using a hand pump to blow it up so he appears to be stuck inside.

Elf in a Balloon: Trap your elf inside a clear balloon, giving the illusion they’re stuck. You can add candy to give the balloon some weight and give your kid(s) an added treat.

Elf Rock Climbing: Set up a climbing wall on the side of the refrigerator using tape and small objects as holds, with your elf scaling it.

Elf Reading Time: Position your elf with a miniature book, perhaps reading to other small toys.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf behind a row of marshmallows and another toy holding a marshmallow across from him as if they are in a snowball fight

Elf Snowball Fight: Create a snowball fight scene using mini marshmallows and other toy figures.

Elf Baking Cookies: Set up a baking scene with your elf covered in flour, rolling out dough, and using cookie cutters.

Elf Toilet Paper Roll Sledding: Place your elf inside a toilet paper roll and position them as if they’re sledding down a staircase railing.

Elf Candy Cane Hunt: Hide candy canes around the house and have your elf leave a note with clues for the kids to find them.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Post-Its sample perfect for leaving a trail of notes.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf inside the fridge with cotton balls set up to look like a snowy igloo around him.

Elf in the Fridge: Place your elf inside the refrigerator, perhaps wrapped in a scarf, enjoying the cold reminiscent of the North Pole. Alternatively, have the elf coming out of the ice maker on the door after he’s been enjoying the cold.

Elf Photo Booth: Set up a mini photo booth with props and a backdrop, and position your elf taking selfies.

Elf Ziplock Bag Swimming: Fill a ziplock bag with blue gelatin or water, place your elf inside, and tape it to a window to mimic swimming.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf playing a game of tic-tac-toe using hershey's kisses and peppermints

Elf Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a tic-tac-toe board and set up your elf playing against another toy, mid-game. You can use Hershey’s kisses for the Xs and starlight mints for the Os.

Elf Wrapped in Lights: Tangle your elf in a string of holiday lights, as if they were trying to help decorate but got caught.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a string of lights.

Elf Tea Party: Set up a mini tea party with toy tea sets and snacks, with your elf as the host.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a tea sample.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf riding a sleigh made from cardboard and a toilet paper roll down a ramp made from a cardboard box.

Elf Slide: Use wrapping paper or cardboard to create a slide down the stairs or sofa, with your elf sliding down.

Elf Gift Wrapping: Place your elf surrounded by wrapping paper, scissors, and tape, as if they’re busy wrapping presents.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Scotch tape sample.

Elf Karaoke Night: Set up a mini microphone and stage for your elf to perform their favorite holiday tunes.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf wearing googly eyes and several fridge items also stuck with the eyes

Googly Eye Scavenger Hunt: Put googly eyes on your elf and then go on a hunt for where else the elf put googly eyes. Could be all the items in the fridge or on all the family photos.

Elf Balloon Ride: Tape your elf to a helium balloon and let it float around the room.
Elf Baking Mishap: Sprinkle flour or sugar around your elf, with overturned bowls and a rolling pin, as if they made a mess.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf and other toys taped inside a clothes dryer waiting for a ride.

Elf Adventure: Tape your elf (and friends) inside the dryer and turn it on low to watch him take a little ride.
Elf Playground: Create a swing set or playground scene using everyday household items like toilet paper rolls or string.
Elf Rock Band: Arrange toy instruments and position your elf as the lead musician in a mini band.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf playing with a Rubik's cube

Elf Puzzle Solver: Place your elf working on a mini jigsaw puzzle or Rubik’s cube.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a kid’s card game.

Elf Zip Tie Prank: Use zip ties to “tie up” another toy or figure, making it look like the elf played a mischievous prank.

Elf Countdown Clock: Set up a countdown timer with a small sign saying “Days until Santa arrives” next to your elf.

Elf in a Stocking: Tuck your elf inside a Christmas stocking, peeking out as if they’re hiding.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf doing a yoga pose while another elf instructs him

Elf Yoga Class: Arrange other toys around your elf in different yoga poses and set up a mini yoga mat for the elf.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an essential oil sample to bring calm to you and your elf.

Elf on the Bookshelf: Let your elf “read” a book, using tiny glasses or leaving a bookmark in place.

Elf Mapmaker: Place your elf next to a map or globe with a marker, as if they’re planning Santa’s route.

Example an elf on the shelf setup with the elf and a goodbye letter for Christmas Eve promising to return next year.

Elf Goodbye Letter: On Christmas Eve, leave a farewell note from the elf to thank the family for a fun season and promise to return next year.

These ideas will keep the “Elf on the Shelf” tradition exciting and fun for the whole family throughout the holiday season!

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