85 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Funny and Naughty Elves
These cute and clever options will help you out during those final hectic days leading up to Christmas.
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For nearly a decade now, Elf on the Shelf has become a Christmas tradition that millions of families partake in every year. And while we love the sentiment and how much joy it brings kids, after doing this for, like we said, nearly a decade, coming up with new things to do with your elf is a bit tricky.
After the grand arrival of our elf on December 1, parents are tasked with not only moving it from place to place, but also making sure it's doing something funny, cute or clever that will delight the kids when they wake up in the morning. Twenty-four days of this (or more if you follow the Scout Elf Return Week, which starts November 23)? It's a lot! So if you're a couple weeks in and completely stumped with what mischief your elf can get into in the days leading up to Christmas, read on for all the best and easiest Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas that you can use to keep the fun going right up until December 24.
What is Elf on a Shelf?
Started by mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf rules are simple: The Scout Elf watches over your family during the day, and then checks in with Santa each night to reveal who is being naughty and who is being nice. After these nightly trips, they return to a new spot each day. But kids aren't allowed to touch the elves, or they'll lose their magic, and the elves get up to plenty of funny pranks and tricks in the night and leave evidence of it the next day.
To get started, you'll first have to adopt your elf (psst: They're available on Amazon). Don't forget to give your new elf a name! That's half the fun. Once they're properly named, then they can start their job reporting to Santa at the North Pole each night.
What should the Elf on the Shelf do on Christmas Eve?
Once you've made it to December 24, it's time to say goodbye. After Santa leaves presents for kids on Christmas Eve, he takes all of his elves back with him to the North Pole. But make sure everyone knows that your elf will be back next season!
And if you're looking for more holiday fun, check out our guide to the best kids' Christmas movies.
Elf on the Shelf Meets Elsa
Chance are you have an Elsa doll somewhere in your house that's in need of a little attention this holiday season. Let her and your elf get into some trouble with this simple DIY.
Elf on the Shelf Bakes
There's no other season where baking is front and center, so of course your elf is getting in on the fun. You likely have some of these little toys lying around, but the brand also sells a while accessories kit.
Elf on the Shelf Throws a Welcome Party
If you're looking to really go all out with your elf's arrival, then you can throw an Elf on the Shelf welcome party, complete with Santa table settings, snowball chair garlands and a festive elf village.
Elf on the Shelf Scales a Rock Wall
Put your elf's rock climbing skills to the test by turning your fireplace into an indoor climbing gym with the help of some Christmas ribbons.
Elf on the Shelf Listens to Christmas Music
It's a known fact that elves love Christmas music, so it makes sense that your elf would be found spinnin' round on a record player (while carols play, of course).
Elf on the Shelf Goes Camping
We're telling you, these days, there are countless accessories you can buy to make things even easier. Here, your elf can go camping as he searches for Santa.
Elf on the Shelf Runs on Dasher Donuts
Set up your own elf-sized Dasher Donuts shop, complete with a felt apron, donut stand and mini donuts for little ones to eat.
Elf on the Shelf Redecorates the Tree
Grab a roll of toilet paper and wrap it around your Christmas tree, then have your elf sit perched on top, holding the end of the roll for evidence.
Elf on the Shelf Samples "Cookies"
Your kids are sure to crack up when they discover that their elf tried to sample some cookies ... only to discover they were actually dog biscuits.
Elf on the Shelf Creates a Magic Experiment
There's no better way to start the day than with a household science experiment. Arrange some Skittles in a circle on a plate and have your elf instruct your kids to pour hot water in the middle. Then watch to see what happens!
Elf on the Shelf Pops Out of a Cereal Box
Have your elf make a surprising entrance during breakfast by having them burst through the cover of your kid's favorite cereal box.
Elf on the Shelf Goes on a Shopping Spree
With a digital download from Etsy, you can make a stack of elf-sized "Elfazon" boxes for an elf who's gone a little overboard with online shopping.
Elf on the Shelf Hides in the Silverware Drawer
Hey, that's not a fork! The elf will surely be discovered over breakfast.
Elf on the Shelf Sits in a Dunk Tank
Add a bit of a carnival atmosphere to your holiday! Your kids can test their aim throwing the mini marshmallow "snowballs" at the target. If you follow the link, you can print out the dunk tank template.
Elf on the Shelf Wraps Gifts
How cute are this elf's brown paper packages, tied up with strings? You can fill them with dollar-store trinkets, or pieces of candy, as a gift from your elf to your kids.
Elf on the Shelf Hitches a Ride
If you plan on taking a car ride with your kids, then have your elf surprise them by hanging out on the rearview mirror.
Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast
What do elves eat for breakfast? Green Christmas bagels, naturally — and making these festive sprinkle bagels is easier than you think!
Elf on the Shelf Gets Held Hostage
Use painter's tape to secure your elf on the wall close to the floor, then set up a half-circle of army guys around your poor captured elf.
Elf on the Shelf Makes a Gingerbread House
Making gingerbread houses from graham crackers and candy is one of the best parts of the holidays, so why not let your elf make their own mini version?
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