It’s almost time to bring back your Elf on the Shelf, so why not fancy it up and have fun? Whether you keep it interesting and try a new idea every day or only do “special” activities with your elf once in a while, that’s completely up to you.
Also See: 16 of the Coolest Christmas Tree Ideas
What Is Elf on the Shelf?
Bring the Christmas magic home to your family this year! The original Elf on the Shelf set includes a magical scout elf from the North Pole and a beautiful children’s story book, all in a keepsake gift box. When you adopt this special elf and name him, he receives his Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole—but only when all girls and boys are sound asleep.
At the start of each holiday season, the elf returns to his family’s house to be Santa’s eyes and ears, and every night he travels back to the North Pole to report in. Families can register their elf online to receive an official adoption certificate and a special letter from Santa.
We’ve rounded up some of the most fun Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can try at home! As an added bonus, many of these links to these blogs have many OTHER ideas! So, this is a list of 25, which gives you links to so many more!
Also See: How to do Christmas on a budget
UNIQUE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
1. How to make your Elf bendable from Frugal Coupon Living
This DIY hack transforms the Elf on the Shelf into a poseable figure. By inserting a wire into the doll’s limbs, the elf gains flexibility, allowing for more creative and dynamic setups.
Also See: Printable Nice and Naughty Notices
2. Suffering from “Ankshiosis” with Doc Mcstuffin and Friends
In this playful scene, the Elf on the Shelf lies “diagnosed” with “Ankshiosis” (a pun on anxiety for Christmas). Surrounded by Doc McStuffins and other stuffed animal “medical staff,” complete with a doctor’s bag and notepad, the setup creates a humorous medical examination scenario.
3. Coffee Making Elf from Raining Hot Coupons
The mischievous elf is caught making a giant cup of hot cocoa. Sitting in an oversized blue mug filled with marshmallows, with more scattered on the counter, the elf creates a cozy and whimsical holiday scene against a backdrop of Christmas decorations.
4. LEGO People Attack
This amusing setup depicts the Elf on the Shelf under siege by LEGO minifigures. Holding a candy cane “weapon” and a “Help!” sign, this funny elf is surrounded by tiny LEGO attackers, creating a playful battle scene on a carpeted surface.
5. Elf Shaving from Balancing Home
The elf engages in a grown-up activity, pretending to shave. Holding a miniature “razor,” the elf sits beside a pile of white fluff representing shaving cream or a beard. This scene adds a touch of adult humor to the elf’s antics.
6. The Coloring Elf from Little Bit Funky
The Elf on the Shelf sits beside an open coloring book with a partially colored winter scene. Surrounded by holiday decorations, the easy elf setup show getting caught in the act of coloring, adding a creative and artistic touch to its nightly adventures.
7. The Fishing Elf
Perched on the edge of a sink filled with water, the elf dangles a small fishing rod. Colorful bath toys float in the “pond,” creating a whimsical indoor fishing scene. This setup cleverly transforms everyday bathroom items into a playful aquatic adventure.
8. Football Playing Elf
The elf lies on its stomach on a carpeted floor, arms outstretched as if diving to catch a football. A small toy football is positioned nearby, suggesting an imaginary game in progress. This scene brings a sporty element to the elf’s nighttime activities.
9. Elf Cooks Breakfast from Home Stories A to Z
Positioned next to a plate of mini pancakes and a tiny bottle of syrup, the elf appears to have prepared breakfast. This charming setup showcases the elf’s culinary skills and adds a sweet touch to morning holiday surprises.
10. Elf all wrapped up from A Few Short Cuts
This elf is shown partially wrapped in wrapping paper, scissors nearby. This mischievous scene suggests the elf got carried away while helping with holiday preparations, ending up comically entangled in festive paper.
11. “Elf” Portrait from Frugal Coupon Living
The Elf on the Shelf stands next to a large, hand-drawn self-portrait on green paper. This clever setup showcases the elf’s artistic side with a humorous twist on holiday creativity.
12. Elf plays with decorations from Midget Momma
This elf is perched atop a creative holiday decoration made from pine cones. The pine cones are arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a wreath or nest, with Christmas lights woven through the base. This playful setup shows the elf interacting with natural and festive elements, bringing a touch of outdoor charm indoors for the holidays.
13. Elf swinging from the ceiling from My Mommy Style
The elf hangs from two strings attached to the ceiling, arms outstretched as if mid-swing. This playful setup creates the illusion of the elf enjoying a daring acrobatic display, adding excitement to its nightly adventures.
14. Welcome Elf Hot Cocoa Party from Sweet C Designs
The elf hosts a charming hot cocoa party. Posed next to a mug filled with marshmallows and a jar of chocolate chips, the scene suggests a cozy winter treat.
15. Elf makes mini paper chain countdown from Family Life is Great
Sitting against a wall, the elf is accompanied by a small paper chain and a sign reading “Days till Christmas.” This creative idea combines the elf’s antics with a fun, interactive way for children to count down to the big day.
16. Ziplining Elves from Gina Rae Miller Photography
Multiple Elf on the Shelf dolls are attached to a string stretched across a room, creating a playful zipline effect. The elves appear to be sliding along the line, simulating an exciting aerial adventure. This creative setup brings a sense of action and outdoor fun to the indoor holiday decorations, such as attaching to the Christmas tree.
17. Cheerio Donuts from Lil Blue Boo
This elf idea shows the elf sitting on a plate surrounded by small “donuts” made from Cheerios. This creative scene uses everyday cereal to simulate a miniature donut shop, showcasing the elf’s imaginative culinary skills.
Also See: Fun Christmas Craft Ideas
18. Elf Kissing booth from Living Locurto
A festive kissing booth setup features the elf alongside other Christmas decorations, creating a charming and humorous holiday scene that plays on traditional fair attractions.
21. Sledding Elf by Crazy Lou Creations
This mistevious elf is sliding down a stair railing, simulating a sledding adventure indoors. This creative setup brings outdoor winter fun inside the house.
22. Making snow angels out of sprinkles (unknown)
The Elf on the Shelf lies on its back in a pile of white sprinkles, mimicking the act of making snow angels. This inventive scene recreates a beloved winter activity using pantry items.
23. Elf trapped in glass from Blog Andiamo
The elf is placed inside a clear glass jar, holding a small “HELP” sign, showing how he got trapped during its nightly adventures.
24. Minion Banana Party from Fancy Shanty
This Elf on the Shelf is posed next to a bunch of bananas and the bananas have been creatively decorated with marker to resemble Minion characters from the Despicable Me films. This setup cleverly combines two popular children’s entertainment properties in a fun and unexpected way.
25. Worst Cookies Ever from Richard Bronosky
The scene shows the Elf on the Shelf next to a small elevated dog bowl and getting sick from eating dog biscuits. Adding to the fun, there’s a handwritten note image with a humorous message about not leaving these particular “cookies” out for Santa.
What have been your family’s favorite activities for your Elf on the Shelf?
