Below I found the 25 best Elf On The Shelf ideas on the internet.
My family loves these funny Elf ideas because they’re so unique and creative!
Some of these took some time to set up, but it’s worth it to see the shocked and happy looks on our girls’ faces.
The magic of Christmas day is right around the corner. Make sure you are ready and get these Elf On The Shelf ideas ready to roll.
What is Elf On The Shelf?
The concept of having a watchful scout elf in your home during December has grown so much over the last 20-ish years.
The scout Elf moves around your house to see what the kids are up to every day, starting on December 1st and ending on Christmas morning.
(Some people do Scout Elf Return Week starting November 22 to get their kids more ready for the holiday season- and their best behavior!)
It’s as simple as this: get an Elf on the Shelf kit with an official scout elf and let your creative side out by hiding it around your house.
You could also create a homemade elf if you’re crafty or make another toy an honorary elf on the shelf just for the season.
Some people keep scout elves still and just move them from place to place in different rooms.
But most prefer a funny Elf that “comes to life” after their kids go to bed and make some mischief for the kids to discover in the morning.
These easy Elf On The Shelf ideas are perfect for everyone, from toddlers to adults!
25 Genius Elf On The Shelf Ideas Your Kids Will Love
1. Mini Pancakes Elf On The Shelf
Found on Home Stories A to Z
Someone is an excellent cook! Those mini pancakes look delicious.
This is one of the best Elf On The Shelf ideas that bring the Elf to your breakfast table.
Can you think of a better way to introduce your elf for the year than having him make breakfast? He’s a keeper!
2. Date Nite Elf On The Shelf
Found on Elf on a Shelf Ideas
What a funny Elf- a date over some syrup instead of a milkshake?
Bring in your kiddos’ favorite toys to make it a little more interactive and special, or swap it for the elf’s favorite drink (aka your kid’s favorite!).
If you want to make this cute idea even cuter, see if there are any toy clothes that your elf can borrow (from Ken, maybe?) to really fit in with his date.
3. Movie Night Elf On The Shelf
Found on A Small Snippet
The kids would LOVE this Elf On The Shelf idea- they’d think Elf was watching Christmas movies all night by himself.
I love how this one made him look like he was a messy eater, too, adding to the mischief that is the Elf.
Let your kids help clean up after Elf by making a popcorn string for the Christmas tree – another great family holiday tradition!
4. Elf Being Elf
Found on Wimp
Want another messy Elf On The Shelf idea for your little ones with a salty-sweet treat twist?
Being the Elf movie fans that we are, there was no way this one would not make the list!
Just like Buddy the Elf shows up suddenly and unannounced in the movie, this could be a great way to introduce your Elf On The Shelf to the family!
5. Bungee Jumping Elf On The Shelf
Found on Busy Kids Happy Mom
For all the daredevil parents out there, you need some fun ideas for a little humor and to make your kids laugh!
Have your elf jumping right over a pile of presents with some ripped paper for some extra fun.
6. Checking Out the Toy Section
Found on Beaujangles Photos
Your scout elf is just checking out his hard work in the North Pole, looking at all the Black Friday deals.
For those parents with kids who are tough to shop for, this could be a good way to get them looking at the store ads and making their Christmas lists!
7. Emailing the Boss Elf On The Shelf
Found on Lil Blue Boo
Want a funny Elf On The Shelf idea that gets your kiddos to practice reading?
Have your Elf write some silly letters to Santa about what your family has been up to!
You could come up with some really funny emails to send to Santa.
You could use this one in the middle of the month if your kids are being naughty – just tell them the scout Elf will let the big guy know!
8. Hot Buns Elf On The Shelf
Found on Lil Blue Boo
Of course, my list is going to have some “naughty” elves being wild.
Someone had a little fun with the printer overnight, and this will send your kids into tears with how much they’ll laugh.
Keep this fun idea in your back pocket if you need a few holiday laughs for work!
9. Ziplining Elf On The Shelf
Found on Busy Kids Happy Mom
This is my favorite Elf On The Shelf idea- we LOVE this one because we got engaged on a zip line.
Get him out on a candy cane zip line and let him have some fun. Elf is an adrenal junkie, for sure! Cowabunga baby!
10. Elf Getting His Weight Up
Found on Dirty Diaper Laundry
Nothing like getting a quick lift in to stay healthy. Elf has the right idea, keep that holiday weight off with a mini marshmallow treat.
Just make sure he’s dressed the part by finding your Elf On The Shelf clothes to wear for his workout!
11. Elf Teaching Yoga
Found on Pickle Head Soup
Let’s stick with the fitness theme here. Elf is doing a great job of teaching this yoga class.
Don’t stop there – have Elf teach your kids favorite toys how to do their favorite sport or activity!
12. Trouble Maker Elf On The Shelf
Found on Mandie with Multiples
Are your kids harmless pranksters? Well, pick some funny Elf On The Shelf ideas that match their trouble-making ways!
Try using the old idea of “takes one to know one” and have your naughty Elf draw on the person who’s at risk of making Santa’s naughty list.
13. Wrapped Up the Wrong Way
Found on Mandie with Multiples
That funny elf was trying to do some gift wrapping, and it all went wrong- and somehow, he thought toilet paper was the way to go?
It’s not just gifts that might need wrapping – check out some of these amazing DIY Christmas decorations that your elf could help make!
14. Teacher Elf On The Shelf
Found on A Small Snippet
Since I am a teacher, of course, this is on our list of Elf On The Shelf ideas.
Super cute, and many ways to pull this one off. This one is perfect for scout elves in a classroom setting, too!
15. The Great Getaway…Almost
Found on A Small Snippet
Seriously this one is way too funny! Is Elf a thief?
Maybe your Elf is naughty and on his way out to the store – write a little Elf On The Shelf shopping list of candy canes and sweets for a planned (but failed) grocery trip!
16. Snowball Fight Elf On The Shelf
Found on A Small Snippet
Any Elf On The Shelf ideas with marshmallows make life easier – one bag of marshmallows will last a long time!
Definitely use your kids’ favorite toys for this one to make it extra special, or have two elves if you want to expand some of your elf mischief.
You can also have them play tic tac toe with mini marshmallows- using a sweet candy cane tic tac toe board- just as easy and less pieces to clean up after.
17. Brush Your Teeth!
Found on The Yummy Factory
Your funny Elf can be helpful, too! Have him tell your children the importance of brushing their teeth.
Helpful Elf On The Shelf ideas like this are great for toddlers – have Elf help teach them the alphabet while they brush!
18. Angry Birds Attack
Found on Sweet Shop Designs
Everyone likes angry birds. If you have some laying around your house use them with Elf this year! So creative!
Expand to more Elf On The Shelf ideas by having Elf reenact scenes from your kids’ favorite movies, like Peter Pan or Harry Potter!
19. Trying to Put Up the Lights
Found on Sweet Shoppe Designs
Anyone who has ever hung up Christmas lights can relate to the struggle. This one is SUPER easy to do last minute.
Add a fun (and extra naughty) twist by having your Elf On The Shelf tangled in the lights he tried removing from the Christmas tree!
20. The True Meaning of Christmas
Found on Sweet Shoppe Designs
With all the excitement of Christmas, the true meaning can sometimes be lost.
It’s important to always remind your children of the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Elf magic can remind us that the season is about giving and love- and for some of us, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
21. Snow Angel Elf On The Shelf
Found on A Small Snippet
What a funny Elf, making a mess! He can create snow angels or foottracks in the “snow” on your counter.
Just pour out the flour or sugar on the counter, put some spots down, roll your Elf in the mess, and you’re basically done.
Then, use orange construction paper underneath with a note asking your kids to help him make these amazing cookies for Santa.
Some homemade elf cookies for them and Santa will make the day perfect and get you ready for Christmas Eve!
22. Kiss Me Elf On The Shelf
Found on LivingLocurto
Super cute kissing booth! Using candy as a prop, the options are endless to create new Elf On The Shelf ideas each year.
23. Handrail Sledding Elf On The Shelf
Found on CrazyLou
Want some perfect Elf On The Shelf ideas for dads?
It’s always Dad who lets kids do the dangerous things in the house, right?
“Watch out below, here I come!” Just make sure he’s got a pile of cotton ball “snow” at the bottom!
24. Marshmellow Chillin Elf On The Shelf
Found on Living Locurto
Buddy is just chilling in a bowl full of marshmallows. Looks really comfortable, actually!
Elf can remind your kids that it’s Christmas Eve, a time to relax and sleep well- before moms and dads deal with chaos and big Christmas plans.
25. See You Next Year!
Found on Little Bit Funky
What better way to say goodbye to our funny Elf than seeing him off to end the holiday season?
Don’t forget to have a going away party! And maybe make his car out of candy canes to make it a bittersweet goodbye- until next Scout Elf Return Week!
My Thoughts
The magic of Christmas can be made even more delightful and memorable by incorporating an Elf on the Shelf into your holiday traditions.
The Elf On The Shelf ideas listed in this article are designed to spark joy and help your kids laugh a little all season long, creating fun-filled scenes throughout the whole festive season.
Whether your elf is caught baking cookies, writing letters to Santa, or even embarking on a heist, these creative scenarios will entertain your kids and build up their Christmas spirit.
Remember, the true magic lies in the shared moments and the joy that these little surprises can bring.
Happy Elfing, and have an incredibly magical Christmas this year!
