85 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas, Because the Elf Will Return Sooner Than You Think

Corinne Sullivan
1

Elf on the Shelf Throws a Welcome Party

Pretty Party Studio

The Elf loves to make a grand entrance! If you’re looking to go all out with their arrival, then you can throw an Elf on the Shelf welcome party, complete with Santa table settings, snowball chair garlands and a festive holiday village.

See more at Kara’s Party Ideas »

2

Elf on the Shelf Introduces Himself

wooden elf on the shelf postcard
Etsy/MGWoodCompany

The Elf can also announce its arrival via a personalized wooden postcard, which also reminds kids about the rules. You stick the Elf’s arms and legs through the circular holes. (Goodbye postcards are also available.)

SHOP POSTCARD

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3

Elf on the Shelf with Friends

elf on the shelf party
Elf on the Shelf

Why should the humans get to have all the fun? With Elf Pets, some furry friends can get in on the act, including a fox, reindeer and dog. And with a party pack, they can all get in on the festivities.

SHOP PARTY PACK

4

Elf on the Shelf Meets Elsa

frozen elf on the shelf
Studio DIY

No, Elsa will not “let it go” — the winter time is for her. Let Elsa and your Elf get into some trouble with this simple DIY.

See more at Studio DIY »

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5

Elf on the Shelf Bakes

elf on the shelf baking
Elf on the Shelf

The Elf loves to whip up some goodness in kitchen! You can re-purpose some of the toy accessories that are already in your house, or get this set of Elf Props to make it look like they’re following a recipe.

SHOP ELF PROPS

6

Elf on the Shelf Scales a Rock Wall

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf scales a rock wall
The Keeper of the Cheerios

How do they get into all those high places anyway? Give kids a hint by turning your a fireplace or wall into an indoor climbing gym. All it takes is some holiday bows.

See more at The Keeper of the Cheerios »

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7

Elf on the Shelf Listens to Christmas Music

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf listens to christmas music
A Beautiful Mess
8

Elf on the Shelf Runs on Dasher Donuts

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf runs on dasher donuts shop
Happiness Is Homemade

Who doesn’t need help getting going in the morning? With a “Dasher” Donuts shop, complete with a felt apron, donut stand and mini donuts for little ones to eat, the day starts off on the right foot.

See more at Happiness Is Homemade »

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9

Elf on the Shelf Redecorates the Tree

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf decorates the tree
The Soccer Mom Blog

What has the Elf done now? To pull off this “prank,” 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.

See more at The Soccer Mom Blog »

10

Elf on the Shelf Samples “Cookies”

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf samples cookies
The Scrap Shoppe Blog

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11

Elf on the Shelf Creates a Magic Experiment

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf creates a magic experiment
The Simple Parent

There’s nothing in the rules that say the Elf can’t try to sneak in some STEM learning while they’re watching out on Santa’s behalf. For this 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!

See more at The Simple Parent »

12

Elf on the Shelf Pops Out of a Cereal Box

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf pops out of a cereal box
DIY Inspired

The Elf looks right at home on the box, don’t they? Kids will have to crack a smile when they see them burst through the front of their favorite breakfast.

See more at DIY Inspired »

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13

Elf on the Shelf Goes on a Shopping Spree

elf on the shelf with amazon packages
mumsgotmojo
14

Elf on the Shelf Hides in the Silverware Drawer

silverware drawer elf in elf on the shelf ideas
Paper Heart Family

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15

Elf on the Shelf Sits in a Dunk Tank

dunk tank in elf on the shelf ideas
This Mama Loves

Add a bit of a carnival atmosphere to your holiday! 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.

See more at This Mama Loves »

16

Elf on the Shelf Hitches a Ride

elf on the shelf ideas  elf on the shelf hitches a ride
See Vanessa Craft

They won’t find the Elf in their bedrooms. They won’t find them in the kitchen. They’ll think the Elf has truly given them the slip until it’s time to go to school and — bam! — they’ll find a hanger-on trying to stow away in the family ride.

See more at See Vanessa Craft »

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17

Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf makes breakfast
I Heart Arts ‘n Crafts
18

Elf on the Shelf Gets Held Hostage

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf gets held hostage
Let’s DIY It All

Uh-oh, the Elf has found himself in a tight spot! It just takes painter’s tape and a few Army soldiers to pull this one off.

See more at Let’s DIY It All »

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19

Elf on the Shelf Makes a Gingerbread House

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf creates a gingerbread house
My Mommy Style

Kids love making gingerbread houses during the holiday season, so it stands the reason the Elf would, too. Plus, it gives kids something to snack on as a morning treat!

See more at My Mommy Style »

20

Elf on the Shelf Gets a Minecraft Makeover

elf on the shelf ideas elf on the shelf gets a minecraft makeover
My Mommy Style
Headshot of Corinne Sullivan

Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé. 

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