Planning to get a head start on your family’s Elf on the Shelf tradition?
The season for that naughty little elf to make its annual appearance is almost upon us, delighting children and (let's be honest) stressing out a lot of parents everywhere.
If you find yourself staring at your Elf on the Shelf and wondering what kind of shenanigans it should get into next, you’re not alone.
The holiday tradition that started as a fun way to keep kids on their best behavior can quickly become a nightly challenge even the most creative among us dread.
But fear not! We’ve gathered a sleigh of funny and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas to save you from the nightly panic of “Oh no, what on earth will the elf do tomorrow?”
Sit back, sip that eggnog, and let us help you keep the magic alive and stress-free in your life.
1. Barbie and Ken for the Season
Need a cute idea to jumpstart your Elf on the Shelf tradition? Have your elves pose as Barbie and Ken. They’ll be a hit with the kids.
2. Is This How You TikTok?
Adults’ confusion over social media can be a springboard for a hilarious Elf on the Shelf idea. Here’s one to try.
3. Please Read Them a Bedtime Story
The elves like it when kids interact with them. This idea encourages your kids to do a good deed and practice their reading skills.
4. Have an Ice Day!
Poor elf needs to be rescued from a frozen pond. The best material to use for the “icy” pond is Saran wrap.
5. Let Them Make Breakfast
Let the elf take credit for the breakfast you make for your kids.
FYI: No reindeer were harmed in making this breakfast.
6. Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?
This idea is simple but impactful, as kids love catching the elves in the act of hiding. All you need are some rolls of toilet paper and markers.
Display the tableau in a conspicuous area.
7. Ice Cream for Breakfast
The idea of having an elf-sanctioned decadent breakfast is a hit in many households.
8. An Elf Needs Help
You can create literature-based scenes for your elves. Here is a reenactment off Gulliver’s Travels written by Jonathan Smith.
The supporting cast members are some Lego mini-figures, a ceramic Santa, and a nutcracker.
9. Zipline Masters
For this idea, you need a couple of hangers and a piece of string tied across the room. Secure the elves onto the hangers.
10. Cat Wasn’t Ready for a Hair Cut
Using some fake fur and a pair of scissors, you can set the scene for a pet-and-elf interaction.
11. Elf in a Globe
You can use a clear bowl in just the right size, some Christmas-themed figures, and snowflake cutouts to create an elf-on-the-shelf snow globe.
12. Ski Day
Using either authentic Elf on the Shelf accessories or props cut out from cardboard printouts, you can set the scene for a fun day of skiing for your elves.
13. Thanksgiving Turkey
Here’s a pair of elves posing as Thanksgiving dinner. The creator of this EOTS repurposed a wine bottle cover designed to look like a cooked turkey for the elf’s costume.
14. Tangled in the Christmas Lights
For this bright idea, grab some miniature Christmas decorations, a strand of Christmas lights, and a couple of elves.
15. Home Alone Feels
Let the elves create a tableau from a favorite family movie. This idea is inspired by Home Alone, an iconic family movie for the holidays.
16. Making Fruit Faces
In this example, the elves hang out at the kitchen counter with some fruit. They probably got bored and used markers to put faces on the various pieces.
17. Espresso-ly for You
It’s such a sweet gesture from the elves to prepare food for the household. Here they are with some freshly baked cookies and coffee.
18. Coffee for Two
You could also let the elves dress as coffee to go and set them up where you usually brew the coffee.
19. Let’s Go to the Skate Park
You probably already have some toys that can help you recreate this idea. You’ll need some miniature roller skates, fingerboards, and a ramp or two.
20. Storybook Night
For this idea, get your elves to gather around a book for story time. The book can either be your kid’s favorite or a new one to add to their collection.
21. Super Sweet
Your kid might have a mini-bathtub that the elf can borrow for a sweet Froot Loops bath.
22. A Natural Climber
Create an indoor climbing wall for your elf and let them show off those climbing skills.
23. Fun With Funfetti
Looking for last-minute ideas for your Elf on the Shelf? Check your pantry for Funfetti and boxed cookie or cake mix.
Use these items to create a tableau of the elves being in the middle of making cookies or a cake.
24. Channeling a Pop Star
Have Swifties at home? Dress your elf as Taylor Swift in her music video for the song You Belong With Me.
25. The North Bowl
In this example, the elves are congregating in the North Bowl. This could be a hit with kids who love a bit of toilet humor.
26. Surrounded
Bring in other toys to create a hilarious setup. Here, mini-soldiers have captured the elf. Their demand? To get a piece of the holiday act.
27. Bubble Bath
Working around the clock is exhausting. Give the elves a nice bubble bath, complete with floaties and essential oils.
28. Incoming!
Need a quick and easy setup? For this one, all you need is a toilet paper tube and a long piece of ribbon.
29. Guess Who’s Winning
The elf is winning big in a holiday card game with some reindeer and a Christmas dog. Looks like this festive gambler has a lucky streak.
30. A Nod to the ’80s
Have your elf recreate another iconic movie scene with this idea inspired by the 1980s hit movie Gremlins. Who knew a drop of water could make such a huge difference?
31. SOS
It’s laundry day and the elf just wanted to help out. However, it got stuck inside the washing machine and now needs help to get out.
32. High Up on the Tree
Give your elf a good vantage point to observe the goings-on in the household by perching it on the Christmas tree boughs. Binoculars are optional.
33. Elfabet Soup
Oh, no! The elves will be turned into soup.
For this setup, you need a plushie of a well-known cartoon villain, a pot, and some root veggies.
34. We’re on a Roll Here
Here’s a hilarious setup. Note that it involves a pet (preferably a dog), a roll of toilet paper, and your elf.
Wrap the dog up in toilet paper and make it look like the elf did it.
35. Snowball Fight Tonight
Let your elf have a snowball fight with other toys. Use wool, cotton, or felt balls for snow balls. A light dusting of cornstarch on the table or countertop serves as snow.
36. The Elf’s Shenanigans
Have your elf make s’mores over a bonfire. Give her a marshmallow on a stick, some crackers, and a plushie campfire to toast her s’mores.
37. Besties
Here’s the elf giving Kisses (the chocolate kind) to the family cat. What do you think of this idea?
38. Be Careful Where You Land
Elf Jenga, anyone? Use some KitKats to create a Jenga tower.
39. Smile for the Gram
Have your elf take a s-elfie for their Elfagram account.
40. All Wrapped Up
Here’s an easy, hilarious idea that makes it look like the elf has been trying so hard to wrap up some presents. Tangle up an elf in some twine and sticky tape.
41. Spider Elf
This hilarious idea is easy to set up. Have your elf wear Spider Man’s mask and hang it upside down from the ceiling with a bit of string.
42. Those Fries Were Too Curly
Let your elves’ helpful nature shine with this setup. You need cooked curly and regular fries, plus a straightening iron (make sure the iron’s unplugged).
43. Floss Like a Boss
How nice of the elves to remind the household about the importance of dental hygiene.
44. Museum of P**p
This setup shows represents toilet humor at its finest. Place different types of candies in muffin liners and label with the most likely owner of the p**p.
45. Roasting a Marshmallow
Let an unlighted scented candle be the campfire for an elf that wants to make some s’mores.
46. Isn’t This a Grate Idea?
An elf making candies! For this setup, you need a bag of Skittles, some crayons, and a grater.
47. Someone Made a Sponge Cake
This time, the elf made you a sponge cake. Unfortunately, it’s just a play on words. The cake is an actual dishwashing sponge topped with candy sprinkles.
48. A Bad Leek
Here’s another punny setup. Set the elves under the sink with a stalk of leek and a label.
If you can draw a grumpy face on the leek, the setup will be even funnier.
49. I Heart You
This elf is telling the family it loves them.
50. You Gotta Roll With It
If you’ve got a staircase, here’s a quick and easy setup. Simply insert an elf in the middle of a full roll of toilet paper and then let it roll down the stairs.
51. Ironing Out the Crinkles
Here’s another way your elf can extend a helping hand around the house. You’ll need regular potato chips and crinkly ones.
Set a miniature ironing board for your elves and maybe a sign explaining what they’re doing to add to the hilarity.
52. Setting a Trap
A laundry basket, a piece of wood, and a small animal figurine are all you need to set this tableau.
53. Like the New Chandelier?
Give the elf free rein to express its creativity. Let it turn the living room into a festive wonderland with a chandelier made of toilet paper. It’s a DIY holiday upgrade that’s both clever and comical.
54. A Little Help?
Rolling up an elf in a carpet may sound heartless, but it’s a quick, free, and easy setup if you’re running out of ideas or time.
55. Elf-Tac-Toe
Let your elves interact with your kids in a rousing game of Tic-Tac-Toe. You can use paper plates marked with X’s and O’s to place on the grid.
56. Abseiling as a Hobby
These elves like living on the edge and are pulling a stunt out the windows. Just remember to bring them back indoors once their location has been discovered.
57. Nate on the Wall Plate
In case your elf doesn’t have a back story yet, be inspired by Nate, who is, according to his owner, “…watching closely for leaks in the building envelope all season long.
Rumor has it that he flies by night to St. Steve, informing Big Red of preventable air and water intrusions all throughout the world. His trusty Truewerk Tech Flannel ensures he’s snug and cozy for each night’s journey, returning safely each morning to a new spot to begin his detailed inspection all over again. His ultimate goal? Ensuring peace, joy, and the real meaning of comfort to homes everywhere all throughout the holiday season.”
58. To Be Donated
If you’ve got the toys from Toy Story, you might want to try recreating the donation box with Woody, Buzz, and the elves.
59. Counting Down
Make a Christmas countdown with some cardboard cutouts. The most strategic spot for this setup is on top of the toilet paper holder (after replacing the toilet paper with wrapping paper, of course).
60. Raiding the Pantry
Looking for zero-prep ideas for your elves? Make it appear like they’re caught in the act of raiding the pantry to look for their favorite candies.
61. Just a Little Bit More…
In keeping with the idea of elves hunting candies, here’s a low-prep setup. Stack several cans of pudding or soup and make it appear that the elf is reaching for some candies on the kitchen countertop.
62. Elf Needs Help
Here, the vacuum cleaner has captured an elf who is after all the M&Ms in the house.
63. Bottled Up
For this setup, you need an empty, disposable plastic water bottle. Remove the bottom of the bottle and place the elf inside.
64. It Must Be Tony
Do you love LEGOs? Create the Iron Man suit from LEGO bricks.
Instead of Tony Stark at the controls, it’s the elf.
65. Mouse Catcher
Love writing stories? Let your elf send a letter to the kids in the household, telling them of some exciting adventure they’ve been on.
Add props as you see fit. In this example, it seems like the elf and its friends have captured a “mouse.”
66. Checkers Masters
Let your elves play checkers against each other. You can use Hershey’s Kisses for the checkers pieces, with a different color for each player.
67. Chillin’ With the Aloe Plant
Here, the elf is chilling out on an aloe plant. This is a great setup for those days when you don’t have the energy to prepare something more elaborate.
68. Your Very Own Eye Pad
Elves love puns. Here, they’ve glued several googly eyes onto a pad of paper for an “Eye-Pad” made in the North Pole.
69. Home Pharmacy Looted
Somebody ransacked the first aid kit and left the poor elf tied up in Band-aids.
70. Snack Options
Let the elf offer some tasty snacks. Here, the spread consists of marshmallows, hot chocolate mix, popcorn, and potato chips.
71. Staying Cool
In this setup, you’ll find the elves in the freezer. They’re enjoying some tasty ice cream for dessert.
72. Splish Splash
This setup doesn’t have to feature actual water (which requires major cleanup afterwards). You can use some colored paper cut out to look like puddles of water.
Dress up your elves in rain gear and pose them to look like they’re jumping on the puddles.
73. Have a Happy Meal
This setup requires a couple of empty Happy Meal boxes that you can put the elves in.
74. Shoe-Shine Elves
These elves are surely thoughtful. To make the shoes shine, wrap them in tinfoil.
Put up a sign to let the household know what the elves have been up to.
75. The Apple Watch
In addition to the Eye-Pad, the elves also manufacture Apple watches.
For this one, you’ll need a watch strap (preferably from a broken watch) and half an apple. Draw a clock on the apple using a Sharpie.
Again, create a sign to let the household know what this product is.
76. First Aid Station
Roughhousing can sometimes injure the elves. Set up a first aid station so they can get treatment as soon as possible.
Here, a miniature first aid kit lends credibility to the setup.
77. Bum Scratcher
This quick idea appeals to kids’ sense of humor. You’ll need a household member’s toothbrush and a quick note explaining what the elf is up to.
78. A No-Fuss Location
If you’re out of time or energy for an elaborate setup, you can let your elf swing from the chandelier for a no-fuss display.
79. Nice Digs
If you do have time to get creative, you can set up a cozy nook for the elf in your bookshelf. Equip it with a blanket and some miniature Christmas decorations.
80. Christmas Tree Farm
Enjoy the spirit of the season with this setup featuring an elf offering some cookies shaped like pine trees. This setup can be part of your tradition after the family has picked out their Christmas tree.
81. Someone Needs the P**per Scooper
Here’s an elf helping out by puppy sitting. Unfortunately, the puppy had a bit of an accident.
For this setup, you can borrow your child’s dog plushie and a piece of ribbon for a leash. Mini chocolate chips for the “accident” are optional.
82. Well-Dressed for the Job
You’ll need a miniature shovel for this outdoor setup. Dress up the elf in a mini-hoodie and a beanie to complete the holiday look.
83. Arm Day
It’s arm day at the North Pole gym, and the elf is busy using weights made out of marshmallows.
84. Pet Walking
This is a variation of the dog sitter setup above. You need a bunch of miniature dog figures, and can use colorful pipe cleaner wires to create leashes for each one.
Once again, mini chocolate chips are optional.
85. Stuck in Ice
Here’s a cool setup using the bathroom sink. Stretch Saran wrap over the sink and insert an elf right in the middle.
You can use cornstarch and mini marshmallows to mimic snow on the edges of the Saran wrap and around the stuck elf’s waist.
86. Makeovers Are Hard
Set up the elf to make it appear like it has ransacked a household member’s makeup bag. You might want to glue some false eyelashes on the elf for added hilarity.
87. Hurt
Is it a challenge to get your kids to clean their rooms? Here’s an idea to try with a bit of help from the elf.
88. Elfing Around Is Hard Work
Give your elf a break from all the hard work it’s been doing the last few nights. You can set up an inflatable unicorn on the kitchen sink to ride on, with a glass of cold drink in hand.
89. Quick, Hide!
Here’s another no-stress setup for your Elf on the Shelf: Have them hide inside some stacked toilet paper rolls.
90. Turning Water into Gummy Bears
With this setup, your household will experience a little Christmas magic. Let the elves turn the water flowing from the bathroom sink into a cascade of gummy bears.
91. Beans on Toast
Here’s another punny idea. You’ll need a piece of toast and some cutouts of Mr. Bean’s face.
92. Sweet Picnic
Looks like the elf decided to enjoy a cozy picnic today. Complete with tiny snacks and a checkered blanket, this setup is giving off major holiday relaxation vibes.
93. Cotton Candy Cart
Let the elves treat themselves to some sweet fun with their cotton candy stand. This trio can bring sweetness to the holiday season, one sugary spin at a time.
94. Christmas Craft Day
The elves have become holiday crafters, making salt dough ornaments, painting nutcrackers, and decorating some baubles with creative flair. With an unlimited hot chocolate stand nearby, they stay cozy and fueled for all their festive projects.
95. Chugga Chugga Choo Choo
All aboard the Elf Express!
This festive felt train is taking our elf on a magical holiday adventure, spreading cheer to all who pass by the Christmas tree.
96. A Scene from Star Wars
Here’s an idea for Star Wars fans.
The elf has crossed into a galaxy far, far away for a dramatic showdown with Darth Vader. Using the Force (and a bit of holiday magic), this iconic scene just got a festive twist.
97. The Biggest Cereal Bowl
The elves have turned the bathtub into a giant cereal bowl, with “milk” flowing straight from the faucet.
It’s a breakfast not just for champions but maybe a giant or two.
98. Elf Wants to Play Jenga
The elf is ready for some fun, surrounded by Jenga blocks and a playful note saying, “Let’s play Jenga! XOXO.”
Looks like it’s game time. Who’s up for the challenge?
99. Is This Disguise Working?
The elf went full Grinch mode but is sweetening the deal with some Hershey’s Kisses.
Even in disguise, this little mischief-maker still works hard to spread holiday cheer.
100. Worst Cookies Ever
The elves’ latest culinary adventure had them trying out some dry dog food and declaring it the “Worst Cookies Ever!”
101. Elves’ Farewell Gifts Idea
As the elves prepare for their final flight back to the North Pole, let them leave a special surprise for the kids. Maybe this can be part of your annual Elf on the Shelf tradition, with the elves leaving a little extra holiday magic before they head home.
Final Thoughts on Elf on the Shelf Ideas
There you have it—Elf on the Shelf ideas that will bring extra magic (and much less stress) to your nightly routine this holiday season.
Remember, it’s not about the elf pulling off an Oscar-worthy performance—it’s about the joy and laughter it brings to your family.
Through this tradition, you're creating priceless memories that will warm hearts long after the holiday season ends.
If you’re looking for more resources about families and activities you can do with loved ones, check out the following articles:
- 15 Kindness Activities for Kids to Practice
- 15 Printable Elf Coloring Pages to Enjoy the Holidays
- 33 Best Songs About Family & Being with Loved Ones
- 81 Fun Things & Activities to Do at Home When Bored
