If you have an Elf on the Shelf in your home or in your classroom if you’re a teacher, you know how exhausting it can be to come up with new and fun ideas for the entire month of December. In the days leading up to December and usually all throughout, I have friends constantly searching for new and original ideas for their Elf. They want to keep the magic alive for their kids and part of that means having hilarious and surprising Elf on the Shelf ideas.
If you don’t have an Elf and you’ve never heard of this, you have probably read this far and absolutely think I am crazy! So let me explain what this Elf on the Shelf is…
The mischievous little elf, sent from the North Pole to keep an eye on the children and report back to Santa, has become a beloved tradition for families around the world. Elf on the Shelf is a magical holiday trend that all started with a little book that you can check out below.
📚Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition
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So whether you already have an Elf or you’re just learning and want to start the tradition, this post is for you!
I’ve compiled a list of 100 creative ideas to make your Elf on the Shelf’s nightly antics unforgettable. Get ready for a December filled with giggles, surprises, and holiday cheer!
100 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
1. Snow Angel Elf: Sprinkle a bit of flour on the counter, and let your elf make snow angels overnight.
2. Candy Cane Zip Line: String a candy cane zip line across the living room for an adventurous arrival.
3. Marshmallow Hot Tub: Transform a small bowl into a marshmallow hot tub with mini marshmallows and a rubber ducky.
4. Elf Movie Marathon: Set up a mini movie night for your elf using tiny DVDs and a cozy blanket.
5. Elf Yoga Class: Catch your elf in a yoga session with tiny yoga mats and a serene setting.
6. Miniature Snowball Fight: Arm your elf with mini marshmallow snowballs for a snowy skirmish.
7. Toilet Paper Shenanigans: Unravel a roll of toilet paper around the Christmas tree for a hilarious decoration.
8. Elf Rock Band: Arrange small instruments and let your elf form a rock band with other toys.
9. DIY Elf-Sized Snow Globe: Place your elf inside a clear ornament for a magical snow globe effect.
10. Elf Spa Day: Create a relaxing spa day with cotton ball towels, mini magazines, and a tiny cucumber mask.
11. Zip Ties Zipline: Construct a thrilling zip line using zip ties, allowing your elf to zoom around the room.
12. Balloon Avalanche: Suspend a bag of balloons above your elf for a surprise balloon drop.
13. Elf Tissue Box Bed: Turn an empty tissue box into a cozy bed for your elf’s sweet dreams.
14. Miniature North Pole: Craft a tiny North Pole sign and place it in a festive setting with your elf as the guardian.
15. Elf Antics with Action Figures: Have your elf team up with action figures for epic adventures around the house.
16. Jenga Tower Climbing: Arrange Jenga blocks like a tower and let your elf embark on a daring climb.
17. Elf-sized Gift Wrapping: Miniature gift wrap station with tiny presents and a note saying they’re for Santa.
18. Christmas Countdown Clock: Set up a countdown clock using a small clock and paper chain to build excitement.
19. Silly String Extravaganza: Arm your elf with a tiny can of silly string for a playful surprise in the morning.
20. Candy Cane Fishing: Fish for goldfish crackers using candy canes as makeshift fishing rods.
21. Elf Snowboarding: Craft a tiny snowboard from cardboard and let your elf hit the slopes.
22. Elf Dentist: Equip your elf with a toothbrush and dental floss to encourage good oral hygiene.
23. Bookworm Elf: Create a cozy reading nook with a tiny bookshelf and miniature books.
24. Elf Movie Director: Stage a mini movie set with a tiny camera and clapperboard.
25. Elf Hide and Seek: Play a game of hide and seek with your elf in different spots around the house.
26. Candy Cane Ladder Climb: Set up a ladder made of candy canes for an elf adventure.
27. Marshmallow Igloo: Build a small igloo using marshmallows and toothpicks.
28. Elf Karaoke Night: Arrange a karaoke setup with a tiny microphone and song lyrics.
29. Tiny Pizza Party: Host a pizza party with mini pizza slices and a festive table setting.
30. Elf-Sized Coloring Book: Provide your elf with a tiny coloring book and colored pencils.
31. Elf Mechanic: Have your elf “fix” miniature toy cars with tiny tools.
32. Candy Cane Swing: Attach a candy cane to a string and let your elf swing to and fro.
33. Elf DJ: Set up a DJ booth with a small record player and festive tunes.
34. Christmas Card Crafting: Have your elf create tiny Christmas cards for the family.
35. Gingerbread House Construction Site: Set up a gingerbread house construction site with tiny tools.
36. Elf DIY Snow Globe: Make a snow globe using a jar, water, and glitter for a magical effect.
37. Elf Bowling: Use mini marshmallows as bowling balls and arrange them for a game.
38. Elf Science Experiment: Create a mini science lab with colorful liquids and beakers.
39. Elf Fruit Stand: Set up a tiny fruit stand with miniature fruits and a price tag.
40. Elf Candy Store: Arrange a sweet candy shop with tiny treats and a cash register.
41. Elf Puzzle Challenge: Leave out a small puzzle for your elf to solve by morning.
42. Elf Post Office: Create a mini post office with letters, stamps, and a mailbox.
43. Elf in the Fridge: Chilly surprise! Place your elf in the fridge for a frosty morning.
44. Elf Movie Marathon: Set up a mini movie night for your elf using tiny DVDs and a cozy blanket.
45. Elf Baker: Equip your elf with a tiny apron and let them whip up some floury fun.
46. Elf Disco Party: Set up a disco ball and let your elf dance the night away.
47. Elf Bubble Bath: Create a luxurious bubble bath with cotton ball bubbles.
48. Elf DJ Dance Party: Host a dance party with your elf as the DJ.
49. Elf Spa Day: Treat your elf to a spa day with cotton ball towels and mini bathrobes.
50. Elf Magic Show: Set up a magic show with tiny tricks and a top hat.
51. Elf Cookie Decorating: Provide your elf with mini cookies and tiny decorating supplies.
52. Elf Movie Director: Create a movie set with a tiny camera and director’s chair.
53. Elf Artist: Set up an art studio with tiny canvases and paint.
54. Elf Bowling Alley: Use mini candy canes as bowling pins and a small ball as the bowling ball.
55. Elf Ice Skating Rink: Create a mini ice skating rink using a mirror as the ice.
56. Elf in a Balloon Parade: Tie balloons to your elf and create a festive parade.
57. Elf Garden: Set up a tiny garden with miniature plants.
58. Elf Astronaut: Send your elf on a space adventure with a rocket and stars.
59. Elf Pirate: Dress your elf as a pirate and set up a pirate ship.
60. Elf Detective: Set up a crime scene for your elf detective to solve.
61. Elf Candy Sleigh: Create a sleigh using candy canes and place your elf in it.
62. Elf Superhero: Dress your elf as a superhero and create a comic strip.
63. Elf Tea Party: Set up a tea party with tiny cups and saucers.
64. Elf Snow Angel: Make a snow angel using flour or powdered sugar.
65. Elf Supermodel: Create a mini runway for your elf fashion show.
66. Elf Barber Shop: Set up a barber shop with tiny scissors and combs.
67. Elf Fisherman: Go fishing with a small bowl and fish-shaped crackers.
68. Elf Candy Scientist: Conduct a candy science experiment with colorful liquids.
69. Elf Postcard from the North Pole: Have your elf send a postcard from the North Pole.
70. Elf Cupcake Bakery: Create a cupcake bakery with mini cupcakes and frosting.
71. Elf Basketball Game: Set up a mini basketball game using a small hoop.
72. Elf Pirate Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure map and hide small treasures for your elf.
73. Elf Disco Ball Dance Party: Turn on the disco ball and let your elf dance.
74. Elf Snowboard Ramp: Create a snowboard ramp using cardboard.
75. Elf Rock Climbing: Use Velcro to create a rock-climbing wall for your elf.
76. Elf Movie Night Snack Stand: Set up a snack stand with tiny treats for movie night.
77. Elf Bowling Alley: Create a bowling alley using small bottles as pins.
78. Elf Dinosaur Safari: Go on a dinosaur safari with toy dinosaurs.
79. Elf Cupcake Decorating: Decorate tiny cupcakes with colorful frosting.
80. Elf Artist Studio: Set up an art studio with tiny easels and paint.
81. Elf Snowman Building: Use mini marshmallows to build a snowman.
82. Elf Scientist Lab: Conduct a science experiment with baking soda and vinegar.
83. Elf Hot Air Balloon Ride: Create a hot air balloon using a small basket and balloons.
84. Elf Pirate Ship: Set up a pirate ship using household items.
85. Elf DIY Christmas Cards: Create tiny Christmas cards for family and friends.
86. Elf Mini Golf: Set up a mini golf course using household items.
87. Elf Tissue Box Rocket: Turn an empty tissue box into a rocket.
88. Elf Disco Dance Floor: Set up a disco dance floor using foil and lights.
89. Elf Puzzle Master: Create a puzzle challenge for your elf.
90. Elf Reindeer Trainer: Train toy reindeer for Santa’s sleigh.
91. Elf Super Spy: Set up a spy mission for your elf.
92. Elf Candy Cane Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course using candy canes.
93. Elf Beach Day: Set up a beach scene with tiny umbrellas and sand.
94. Elf Magician: Perform magic tricks with your elf.
95. Elf Photographer: Set up a photography studio for your elf.
96. Elf Circus Act: Perform circus tricks with your elf.
97. Elf Ice Cream Shop: Create an ice cream shop with mini cones and toppings.
98. Elf Scavenger Hunt: Plan a scavenger hunt with clues for your elf.
99. Elf Bubble Wrap Bonanza: Cover the floor with bubble wrap for a popping surprise.
100. Elf Christmas Party: Have your Elf invite some friends from the playroom (Barbie, Woody, Mr. Potato Head) and throw a Christmas party!
With these 100 Elf on the Shelf ideas, your December is sure to be filled with laughter, creativity, and holiday spirit. Get ready for a month of magical moments as your elf brings joy and excitement to your home. Happy elf-ing! 🎅🎄