It’s that time of year again! The Christmas lights are going up, the smell of gingerbread is in the air, and your favourite little Christmas helper is just about to arrive.
Yes, I’m talking about the Elf on the Shelf! If you’re anything like me, you love the magic that this little tradition brings to your home, but by day five, you might be running a bit short on fresh ideas. I totally get it! The pressure is real to keep those creative juices flowing for a whole month! That’s why I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and created the ultimate guide.
I’ve rounded up a heap of brilliant Elf on the Shelf ideas that are simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for Christmas fun.
Get ready to sprinkle some extra holiday cheer into your home and watch your kids wake up to a new surprise every morning. From funny scenarios to sweet and simple setups, you’ll find plenty of Elf on the Shelf ideas in this post to make this your easiest and most memorable Christmas season yet!
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Helpful Tips
- Keep it Simple and Small: You don’t need elaborate, messy setups to create magic! Focus on using items you already have around the house, like kitchen utensils, toilet paper, toys, or cereal boxes. The best elf on the shelf ideas often involve minimal supplies and only take a couple of minutes to set up before you go to bed.
- Create a Landing Zone: Give your Elf a few main areas to visit, like the kitchen bench, the bathroom mirror, or a bookshelf. You can even purchase a small, inexpensive elf surveillance camera to add to your decor, letting the kids know the Elf is always watching (it makes a great prop for a quick, lazy setup!).
- The 24-Day Rule: Plan out 24 days’ worth of locations before December 1st. Use a small notebook or a notes app on your phone and list your Elf on the Shelf ideas from easiest to hardest. This way, if you have a busy day, you know exactly which quick setup to pull out! You can easily grab an Elf-sized prop kit, which includes tiny accessories like ice skates, beach gear, and a mini basketball, giving you instant ideas when you’re in a pinch.
- Make an Exit Plan: Don’t forget to plan your Elf’s farewell! A sweet goodbye note, maybe tied to a small treat or a new Christmas ornament, is a wonderful way to finish the tradition. You could even have your Elf land in a hot air balloon kit attached to a jar (pretend it’s the ride back to the North Pole!) for a truly memorable final day.
50+ Elf On The Shelf Ideas
1. Elf Lemonade Stand
This is a simple, sweet idea that works great on a kitchen counter, and you probably have everything you need already!
Use a permanent marker on a small piece of paper to make your sign, then fill tiny shot glasses or medicine cups with a bit of lemon juice or diluted yellow drink mix. The ‘cookies’ jar nearby adds to the fun and creates a perfect miniature scene.
It’s one of those easy elf on the shelf ideas that your kids will be talking about all day.
2. Bubble Gum Trouble
I adore how simple and funny this idea is! Grab a pack of your kids’ favourite bubble gum and prop your elf up next to a sign that says “Don’t Swallow Bubble Gum!” You can even use a pink balloon to create a massive bubble that the elf is about to blow.
This is such a quick setup that makes a big impact for minimal effort.
3. Elf on the Shelf Art Attack: Rude Santa
This cheeky idea is for the parents who love a bit of adult humour in their holiday setup!
All you need is a mini easel and a red crayon or marker.
The giggling elves hugging each other next to their hilarious drawing are a perfect reminder that sometimes the elves get a little silly when the kids are asleep!
4. Elf Candy Cane Jail
Need an idea for when your Elf misbehaves? Put them in jail!
This is a fantastic way to use up those candy canes – just tape four of them to the front of a small box or container to make the ‘bars’. Write a funny note about eating Santa’s cookies or sneaking Christmas treats.
It teaches a playful lesson and is one of the most creative elf on the shelf ideas for a quick arrest.
5. Elf on the Shelf Doing the Wrong Floss
This scene is perfect for setting up in the bathroom right next to the toothbrushes – a great way to encourage dental hygiene!
The Elf is hilariously tangled up in dental floss with a note saying they ‘did the floss wrong’. The Star Wars-themed toothbrush holder is a fun bonus, showing you can use everyday items to make the scene pop.
6. Elf-ercising Gym
If you have a couple of Elves, a tiny gym scene is one of the cutest elf on the shelf ideas around.
You can make the weights easily by taping small marshmallows to a straw for a barbell or using small pieces of white candy for dumbbells.
Lay them out on the counter with a handmade ‘GYM’ sign for a fun, fit start to the day.
7. Elf Kisses Stand
What kid doesn’t love free chocolate? This is a super simple, sweet surprise.
Grab a paper cup, fill it with Hershey’s Kisses or other individually wrapped chocolates, and make a sign that says “FREE ELF KISSES.”
Your kids will rush to grab a treat before heading off to school!
8. Elf Bowling Alley
This mini bowling alley is an instant classic and so easy to set up on a table.
All you need are Kisses chocolates (with their flat bottoms, they make perfect bowling pins) and a small marble or pom-pom for the bowling ball.
Write a note saying the elf wanted to play a game after overhearing the parents mention bowling!
9. Toilet Paper Attack
Oh dear, looks like the Elf got into the toilet paper again! Hanging the Elf from a roll of toilet paper and then unwrapping it down the Christmas tree is a dramatic and fun setup.
This is a brilliant way to use up a bit of toilet paper and make a memorable mess that the kids will absolutely love finding in the morning.
10. Elf vs. The Grinch
This is such a creative use of washi tape or painter’s tape! Tape a Christmas tree shape onto the wall, then wrap your Elf with a candy cane rope and have a Grinch toy standing guard.
It’s a simple, festive scene that requires very few props, which makes it one of my favourite simple elf on the shelf ideas for a family room wall.
11. Elf Measuring Up
Looking for an easy idea to set up on a bedroom wall? Have one Elf measure the other against the wall with a pencil.
You can write funny things next to the pencil marks, like ‘Short-ie’ and ‘Jingle’ or even compare their height to your kids’ height lines on the wall.
It’s a fun, quick setup that doesn’t need many props.
12. Elf Rescue Mission
This is one of the most clever Elf on the Shelf ideas because it brings other favourite toys into the action!
Have a tiny crew of LEGO figures, Playmobil characters, or even army men try to help the Elf who is trapped under a roll of toilet paper.
A little drama makes for a big morning excitement!
13. Elf Golf Course
This festive golf course is a great idea to set up on a kitchen island or table.
Use small pieces of fake grass or green felt for the ‘greens,’ and prop up toothpicks with paper flags. The golf balls are just mini marshmallows!
The Elf can be seen swinging a candy cane putter.
14. Sprinkles Faucet
Now here’s an Elf who really knows how to have fun in the bathroom! This idea is a blast of colour and mischief.
Carefully open the faucet handle and fill the spout with sprinkles, making sure they pour out into the sink. Add a note that says, “Who needs water when you can have SPRINKLES!”
15. Chocolate Sprouts
This is one of those classic funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to play a trick on the kids.
Carefully peel back the foil on a Ferrero Rocher or similar chocolate and replace the treat inside with a Brussels sprout.
Your Elves can be seen sitting among the wrappers, showing off their mischievous work!
16. Elf Long Legs
A genius way to use wrapping paper tubes! Slide a roll of wrapping paper over each of the Elf’s legs and finish the look by slipping their feet into your kids’ shoes or sneakers.
This makes a giant, silly Elf character that the kids will literally have to look up to find in the morning.
17. Gaming Elf
If you have a console gamer in the house, this is the perfect setup.
Find a cosy spot for your Elf, pop them onto a controller, and place some headphones over their hat.
You could even add a note saying, “Sorry, can’t move, I’m levelling up on my way to the North Pole!”
18. Naughty Cereal Mess
A mess is always a fun way to start the morning, and this one is easy!
Have one Elf diving headfirst into the cereal box while the other one sits nearby, writing a message with the spilled cereal pieces. If your cereal is circular, the Elf could even make a tiny ‘wreath’ or circle design!
19. Tomato Smash
Looks like someone was trying to make a big pot of soup but didn’t quite get the hang of it!
Set your Elf next to a meat tenderiser or a large wooden spoon and a pile of smashed cherry tomatoes. You can even smear a little bit of the pulp on their face for a hilarious, messy touch.
20. Reindeer Poop
Gross-out humour is always a win with kids!
Fill a small container or bowl with chocolate-covered raisins or milk chocolate candies and label it “FREE REINDEER POOP!!”
This is one of the quickest and funniest Elf on the Shelf ideas you can pull off on a busy weeknight.
21. Elf on the Shelf Sauce-y Scene
This is a fun idea to set up inside the fridge when the kids open it for breakfast.
Have two elves collaborating to create a messy masterpiece on a plate or dish using ketchup and mayonnaise. The box of raisins nearby can be used as ‘eyes’ or ‘buttons’ to make the scene look like a little face!
22. Pasta Explosion
Looks like this pair of Elves had a terrible cooking accident overnight!
Dump a bag of dry, corkscrew pasta onto the stove or counter, and have one Elf sitting on a pot filled with it.
The sight of all that pasta scattered everywhere will make your kids erupt in laughter.
23. Reindeer Roundup
This is a festive, family-friendly scene that looks intricate but is actually very easy to set up.
Print out or draw small reindeer faces and antlers, and tape them onto a row of soda or root beer cans. The Elf sits on a package nearby, using the cans as his team of reindeer. It’s perfect for a wide floor space.
24. Elf Gone Fishing
If you have a children’s fishing game, this is an excellent idea to bring it out!
Have the Elf sitting on a small wooden tray or bench with a tiny sign that says, “Gone Fishing!” The Elf can hold a small stick or string as a fishing rod.
This is a sweet, simple scene for the coffee table.
25. Marshmallow Hot Tub
A relaxing spa day for your Elves! Fill a slow cooker or a large bowl with mini marshmallows and tuck your Elves inside. Give them small white towels (made from paper towels or napkins) wrapped around their heads and add some rubber duckies.
This is a great scene to find on a cold winter morning!
26. T-Rex Rider
Looking for an over-the-top, adventure-themed scene? Have your Elf ride one of your kids’ dinosaur toys! The Elf can hold on with ribbon or string, ready for an exciting journey.
Set it up on a bookshelf or dresser so it looks like they’ve just arrived from a prehistoric land.
27. Elf on the Shelf Wrapping Gone Wrong
This is such a funny take on the Elves helping with Christmas prep.
Use wrapping paper to completely wrap up one Elf like a present, and have the other Elf sitting nearby, covered in ribbon, tape, and scissors, pretending to take a break after their messy work.
28. Elf on the Shelf Board Game Night
This scene is perfect for a small table or coffee table!
Have two Elves playing a game like Connect Four – you only need the game board, not the whole box. Position them facing the TV with a Christmas movie (like the Grinch!) on the screen in the background for a cosy, festive game night.
29. Elf Nerd Alert
If you have some small novelty glasses, this idea is a winner!
Have your Elf wear the glasses and hold a giant box of Nerds Rope candy. Position a small letterboard next to them with a funny message like “NERD ALERT.”
This is a quick and fun way to bring a little personality to your Elf.
30. Don’t Forget
This sweet and encouraging idea is a fantastic way to surprise your kids with breakfast!
Buy a box of doughnuts with red and green sprinkles, then write an uplifting message on a letterboard or small sign. Positioning the Elves on either side of the message makes them look like cheerful guards of the treat.
31. Elf Snowball Fight
This is a simple, sweet idea for younger kids.
Set up two Elves behind small hardcover books on the floor near the Christmas tree, using cotton balls or soft pom-poms as ‘snowballs.’ It looks like a fun, friendly snowball fight took place overnight.
32. Poop Tasting
For a bit of silly fun, and if you don’t mind a little candy mess!
Create a ‘poop tasting’ tray in a muffin tin. Fill the cups with different colored candies and use tape and toothpicks to label them with funny, imaginary names like “Elf Poop” and “Reindeer Poop.” Add a sign with a funny warning!
33. Elf on the Shelf Artistic Pig
This is one of the most clever Elf on the Shelf ideas for a family that loves art.
Have one Elf sitting on a small chair as a model while the other Elf, holding a tiny paintbrush, creates a masterpiece of a festive pig on a mini easel. Use a small dab of paint on a piece of paper for the Elf’s palette.
34. Elf Vacuum Attack
Oh no, it looks like a clean-up disaster! Have one Elf pose like they’re being chased or vacuumed by a stick vacuum, while the other Elf peers mischievously from behind a couch cushion.
This is a hilarious way to use an everyday household item to create a dramatic scene.
35. Elf Hair Tie Trapped
Need an easy idea using things you already own?
Cover your Elf completely with hair ties, scrunchies, and bows – it looks like they’ve been trapped by a colourful fashion monster! You can even give the Elf a giant bow on its head for a humorous touch.
This works great on a dresser or bathroom counter.
36. Toasty
This risky photo is only for the Elves! Set up a very funny scene by having one Elf “rescue” the other from a toaster. You can even smudge the Elf with cocoa powder to make it look like it got a little burnt.
Please remember to keep the toaster unplugged for safety!
37. Orange Juice
This is a simple, healthy, and funny idea to set up at the breakfast table!
Have your two Elves sitting on some clementines or oranges with small straws stuck into the fruit. It looks like they are drinking fresh juice straight from the source.
This is a great, easy setup for a busy morning.
38. Elf Pea’d My Pants
This is a perfect example of silly elf on the shelf ideas that kids will find hilarious.
Write a funny, slightly inappropriate joke on a letterboard or sign. Then, dress the Elf in a pair of your child’s pants and fill them up with green split peas or small green candies to create the punchline.
39. Popcorn Blowout
If you want to add a bit of drama, have your Elves use a hairdryer to “pop” a mess of corn kernels onto a cutting board. Have the unpopped kernels next to the hairdryer, and the popped kernels piled up on the other side.
This is a fun and very creative way to use a small appliance.
40. Gummy Worm Wine
This Elf definitely has a sweet tooth! Position the Elf sitting on the rim of a large wine glass, using a straw to drink some soda or juice in the other glass. A pile of gummy worms in the second glass looks like his bar snack.
This scene makes for a cheeky setup on the kitchen counter.
41. Elf Photo Shoot
You don’t need fancy props for this one – just a camera! Have one Elf lying on a side table, striking a dramatic pose while another Elf is behind the camera.
It’s a fun, simple, and glamorous way to show off the Elf’s personality. You could even use your cell phone camera instead of a big DSLR.
42. Elf Band Practice
Got a couple of Elves? Make them a band!
You can craft a drum kit easily using different-sized empty tin cans wrapped in silver duct tape. Toothpicks and bits of cardboard make perfect drumsticks and cymbals, while another Elf can hold a small cardboard guitar. Rock on, Christmas!
43. Elf Smartie Pants
These Elves are trying to give your kids a compliment!
Take a couple of pairs of underwear and stick small Smarties or M&Ms onto them with a tiny dab of frosting or peanut butter. Add a handwritten note that says, “Morning Smartie Pants!”
This is a sweet, colourful, and fun find in the morning.
44. Gas Money
This is one of the silliest and funniest Elf on the Shelf ideas for older kids or teens.
Write a hilarious joke about farting in Dad’s wallet to give him “gas money” on a chalkboard or sign. Have the Elf bending over a wallet for a perfect, giggle-inducing pose.
45. Last Day of School
Celebrate the last day before Christmas break!
Lightly dust flour on a dark counter and write “Last day of School!” in it. Have one Elf lie down and make a ‘flour angel.’ The other Elves can sit on the canisters, watching the fun.
This is a great photo opportunity for a special day.
46. Toothpaste Oreos
Watch out! This is a classic prank idea that brings tons of laughs.
Carefully open a few Oreo cookies and scrape out the cream filling, replacing it with a small amount of white toothpaste. Position the Elf next to the tube of toothpaste and the pack of cookies, looking guilty.
47. Elf Foosball
This simple tabletop game is one of the most creative Elf on the Shelf ideas I’ve seen!
Create a mini foosball table using a shoebox or small container. Skewers or dowels make the rods, and different colored gummy bears or gumdrops make the players. Add a letterboard for extra fun!
48. S’mores Roasting
Create a cosy scene with your Elf roasting a marshmallow over a flickering LED candle. Put a few graham crackers and a small piece of chocolate next to the Elf to set the mood for S’mores.
This is a super cute, safe way to bring an outdoor activity indoors!
49. Apple Juice or Elf Pee
This is a slightly cheeky, funny challenge perfect for older kids.
Line up four small, red cups filled with apple juice (or a similar yellow drink). Place a whiteboard sign next to them with the challenge: “Are you brave enough to see if it’s Apple Juice or Elf Pee?”
50. I’ve Got My Eyes on You
This is a great scene to set up if your kids need a gentle reminder to behave!
Get a jar of googly eyes and pour them out onto a shelf. Place a few googly eyes on your Elf’s face and have them hold a sign that says, “I’ve Got My Eyes on You.”
The effect is instantly hilarious and watchful.
51. Gumdrop House
This is a fun idea that leaves a Christmas craft for the kids to do!
All you need are toothpicks and boxes of Holiday Dots or gumdrops. Write a note asking the kids to build a gumdrop house.
It’s a great way to turn the Elf’s arrival into a fun, engaging Christmas activity.
52. Elf Rock Paper Scissors
A perfect setup for a couch or chair. This simple game is easy to recreate using a small rock for ‘rock,’ a pair of kid-safe scissors for ‘scissors,’ and a small piece of notebook paper for ‘paper.’
The Elf can hold a sign asking, “Wanna play… Rock, Paper, Scissors?”
53. McElves
This is one of the most adorable elf on the shelf ideas for a special breakfast or treat.
Use small cookies, wafer candies, and colourful frosting to create miniature ‘McElves’ burgers.
The Elf can bring them in a tiny shopping cart with a funny, custom-made McDonald’s sign.
54. Listen to Your Mum
This is one of the most helpful, subtle elf on the shelf ideas you can use for behaviour redirection!
Have the Elf sit on a small sled and hold a sign that says, “PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR MUM. HER YELLING HURTS MY EARS -ALFIE.”
It’s a very cute and clever way to gently remind your kids about good behaviour.
To Sum Up
I hope this 50+ Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kids Will Love This Christmas has inspired you to create your own magical and memorable Elf on the Shelf tradition this December!
