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50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Get Creative and Fun This Year!

December 4, 2017 by Mommy Evolution 39 Comments

Get inspired with these creative Elf on the Shelf ideas!

 

I have to admit it. In years past we have not been that creative with our Elf on the Shelf.

He has jumped from room to room, and that is about it.

I’ve often wondered who are these parents who create elaborate scenes with their elves? Do they not sleep?

This year, I’m determined to have a little more fun with this dude.

I’m not talking about going over the edge crazy.

But I think it’s time to mix it up a bit.

So to get me inspired, and hopefully you as well, I pulled together 50 Elf on the Shelf ideas.

Just pick a couple to do this year. Why should the kids have all of the fun? This post contains affiliate links.

50 Creative, Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas

But not everything was an Elf Fail! 

Every week this season, I’m going to share what our elf has been up to.

And for even more fun things to do with your Elf on the Shelf, check out:

  • Forgot to Move the Elf? Elf on the Shelf Ideas Week No. 1
  • That Mischievous Elf! Elf on the Shelf Ideas Week No. 2
  • Elf Fail! Elf on the Shelf Week No. 3

Do you need your own Elf on the Shelf? He (or she) is easy to get. Just click HERE. 

50 Creative & Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas! #elfontheshelf

 

Photocopy / photocopier Elf on the Shelf

Photocopy

The Elf on the Shelf is having fun with the photocopy machine.

The best part is he leaves behind a memento for the kids!

Elf Spa Day with loofa - Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Spa Day

Ah! Time for a spa day for your elf.

Don’t forget the loofa and steam out the stress.

Morning Coffee Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Morning Coffee | A Few Short Cuts

Why not invite your elf to join in on the morning coffee?

But do marshmallows go with coffee?

Swinging on a Toilet Paper Roll Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Swinging on Toilet Paper Roll | A Small Snippet

Who wouldn’t love an indoor swing?

Great place for the elf to hang out.

Scrabble Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Scrabble

We’re a Scrabble family!

But look closely at the words the Elf on the Shelf – how fun!

Building Blocks Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Building Blocks | Snippets from Suburbia

Grab some sugar cubes and have him do a building competition with one of the kid’s Barbies.

Marshmallow Bath Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Marshmallow Bath | Snippets from Suburbia

Elf on the Shelfs like to take baths… in marshmallows.

Get different shaped marshmallows to make the bath more fun.

Barbie and Elf on the Shelf go for a ride on her scooter.

Making Friends

While the kids are sleeping, the Elf and Barbie are busy exploring the house.

Want a Donut? Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Want a Donut?

Only the Elf would bring these adorable teeny tiny donuts!

Lounging at the Beach Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Lounging at the Beach | Home Stories A to Z

Even the Elf needs a day off sometimes.

Help him soak up the sun with a beach vacation.

Being Carried Off Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Being Carried Off | Snippets from Suburbia

Gulliver’s Travels come to life!

Have your child’s little friends carry off the Elf.

Cookies Anyone? Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Cookies Anyone? | Snippets from Suburbia

Aw. The Elf baked for the family last night… will anyone eat any of them?

Elves Are Your Friends Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Elves are Your Friends

LOL. Have the Elf hold class and teach the forest creatures.

School is in session!

Mater and Lightning McQueen Reindeer Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Mater and Lightning McQueen Reindeer

The Elf gets caught playing Santa with his very own reindeer 🙂

All you need are some pipe cleaners and imagination.

Elf on the Shelf making paper snowflakes

Paper Snowflakes

Who doesn’t love making paper snowflakes?

Just don’t forget the kid scissors.

Nativity Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Nativity

Let’s not forget the reason we celebrate Christmas with the Elf joining the nativity scene.

Snowman in the Freezer Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Snowman in the Freezer

Baby it’s cold outside!

Wrap up with a sweater and maybe even a homemade snowman.

Will the kids find him in the freezer?

Lifting Weights Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Lifting Weights | Snippets from Suburbia

Staying in shape is  no joke!

With two marshmallows and a toothpick, you can make your own weights for your Elf.

Let Down Your Hair Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Let Down Your Hair | Snippets from Suburbia

Barbie oh Barbie. Let your hair down!

Are there any Rapunzel fans in your house?

Mirror Mirror on the Wall Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?

Sharing Coffee with a Friend Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Sharing Coffee with a Friend | Snippets from Suburbia

Even Elves need a coffee break and connect with friends.

Starbucks is our favorite!

Fishing Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Fishing | Rocking my 365 Project

The Elf goes fishing with Pepperidge Farm fish.

Do you think he’ll catch anything?

Ziplining /Zipline Elf on the Shelf

Ziplining Elf

Ziplining is all the rage and the Elf wants to get in on the fun!

Attack of the Lego People Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Attack of the Lego People | Picklehead Soup

Gulliver’s Travels keeps popping up.

This time he’s strapped down on a Lego board.

But don’t worry, he can easily break out.

Tissue Box Bed Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Tissue Box Bed | Home Stories A to Z

The Elf needs a cozy comfy bed to snuggle up in.

And this tissue box is the perfect place for him to snuggle up with his favorite stuffed animal and catch up on some ZZZs. 

Hanging Out in the Car Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

In the Car | Patricia’s Daughter

The Elf didn’t want to be left at home today.

He’s making himself comfortable hanging from the rearview mirror of mom’s car.

Reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas | Patricia’s Daughter

Everyone needs a bedtime story.

And “The Night Before Christmas” is a personal all-time favorite.

Cleaning Up Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Cleaning Up | A Few Short Cuts

Even the Elf has chores.

Do you think his favorite one is scrubbing out the bathroom sink with a cleansing brush?

Happy Snowmen Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Happy Snowmen | Mom Vs the Boys

Whether you have snow outside or not, the Elf felt like making snowmen.

Use toothpicks to hold the marshmallows together and mark them up with a Sharpie pen.

Drawing on Photos Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Drawing on Photos | Snippets from Suburbia

Oh that naughty naughty Elf on the Shelf! 

Just be sure not to use permanent marker.

Jousting Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Jousting | Snippets from Suburbia

It’s a joust on horses!

I have a feeling the Elf is going to win this one.

Dominoes Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Dominoes

Dominoes are such a wonderful game.

And the Elf didn’t want to get left out… he’s got a good game going.

Puzzled

Elves are curious folks — and she just wanted to try out the Dora the Explorer puzzle. 

Can the kids help her finish?

Birthday Balloons Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Birthday Balloons | Rocking My 365 Project

Does someone have a December birthday?

The Elf wants to help celebrate your child’s big day and brought some balloons for the party.

Getting His Santa On Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Getting His Santa On | Rocking My 365 Project

Do you think the kids will know it’s the Elf and not Santa???

Elf singing karaoke #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas

Karaoke Night

Who doesn’t a night of singing karaoke?

Wondering if the Elf is looking for a date – just look at what he’s singing.

Sledding down the hill - Elf on the Shelf

Sledding down the Hill

What’s winter without a little snow?

And kids who love snow love sledding down the hill.

Date night for elf on the shelf

Date Night

The Elf shouldn’t be lonely!

He’s all dressed up for date night. And he even brought flowers.

Replace your family photos with pictures of the Elf. That naughty elf!

Vain Elf

Replace your family’s photos with pictures of the Elf.

Watch your kids’ reactions!

Elf on the Shelf stuck up in a tree.

Stuck up a Tree

Sometimes the Elf likes to be outside.

This time he’s climbing the trees in the backyard.

Elf on the shelf Writing messages in chocolate candies

Spelling Bee Elf

The Elf has gotten into the chocolates!

And he’s spelled out “Be Good.” 

Exhausted Elf - Too Tired to Play!

Exhausted Elf

Oh the Elf really pooped himself out.

You know he’s wiped out when all he wants to do is sleep.

Elf on the Shelf Making popcorn for movie night

Just Making a Snack

What goes perfect with a movie night?

Popcorn, of course!

Elf on the Shelf Fairy Door

Welcome to my Home

Ever wonder where the Elf lives?

Here’s the secret entrance to his tiny home!

Need more Elf inspiration? Check out the following affiliate links:

Shipping is FREE with Amazon Prime or $35+ orders. Sign up for a FREE 30-Day Amazon Prime Trial HERE. Along with FREE shipping you will get access to thousands of movies, tv shows, books and music for FREE!

Looking for more great Christmas ideas? Be sure to check more Christmas Crafts and Activities for the entire family on Mommy Evolution!

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Filed Under: Christmas

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Comments

  1. Amy @Consider Me Inspired says

    November 26, 2013 at 8:00 am

    Thanks for sharing all of these. I have decided to go with getting an Elf on the Shelf this year. We are excited. I just wish AC Moore would hurry and put there 50% or 55% coupon good on sale items out and I am going to get one. Barnes and Nobles is doing 20% right now…so hopefully we will get our elf, Hiijacks MeMoney soon!

    Reply
    • Amy @Consider Me Inspired says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:01 am

      Thanks for sharing all of these. I have decided to go with getting an Elf on the Shelf this year. We are excited. I just wish AC Moore would hurry and put their 50% or 55% coupon good on sale items out and I am going to get one. Barnes and Nobles is doing 20% right now…so hopefully we will get our elf, Hiijacks MeMoney soon!
      Your comment is awaiting moderation.

      Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:47 am

      How’s the Elf on the Shelf going? That first year can take a while to get the creative juices flowing! I’m posting new ideas every week — our elf Peppermint Stick is one active dude 🙂

      Reply
  2. Maria Iemma says

    November 26, 2013 at 8:13 am

    I love it! Your creativity astounds me. I specially like the elf swinging on an empty toilet paper roll!! LOL

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:48 am

      So glad you like the ideas! Have you tried any? Would love to hear how it’s going this year with your elf.

      Reply
  3. Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families says

    November 26, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Great ideas, you should check out my blog for some great ideas. I posted pictures of my Elf last year. He will be returning shortly.

    Reply
  4. Adelien says

    November 26, 2013 at 11:48 am

    What very cute elves. I just heard about Elf on the Shelf right now. The warm smile of the elves will make people forget how suffered they are. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Elena reed says

    November 26, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Thanks for sharing, you have been really helpful

    Reply
  6. L.C. Mortimer says

    November 26, 2013 at 11:54 am

    Really cute ideas! Looks like you guys have a great time with this 🙂

    Reply
  7. tara pittman says

    November 26, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    I love the Elf on the shelf. My kids would love finding him everyday.

    Reply
  8. Jeanette says

    November 26, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Haha…so many and cute pictures.

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Peaslee says

    November 26, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    OMG this is the cutest thing ever. I’ve never done Elf on the Shelf, and this post definitely made me want to this year!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Jennifer — Did you end up doing the Elf on the Shelf this year? Hope it’s going well and that your kiddo(s) are having fun!

      Reply
  10. Malia says

    November 26, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Great ideas! I’ll have to try some of these with our elf this year.

    Reply
  11. Adventures of a Mamarazzi Blog says

    November 26, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    Great ideas! Thank you for sharing mine! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Rosey says

    November 28, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    These are great, I love the beard. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Sheena @ thekeeperofthecheerios.blogspot.com says

    November 29, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    oh my gosh such cute ideas, I cant wait to try some of these out with my kids, thank you for sharing, now following you
    Sheena @ http://thekeeperofcheerios.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:49 am

      Sheena — Have you tried any of the new ideas yet? I love hearing what people like/don’t like 🙂

      Reply
  14. C.K. at 50daysofnogrey says

    November 29, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    I love the Elf on the Shelf ideas and will be using some of them for our own elf this year. It is such fun for the kids to wake up and look for the elf!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:49 am

      Ooo! Let me know which ones you try 🙂

      Reply
  15. Miriam says

    November 30, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    These are great ideas….you had me laughing on some of them can’t wait to try some of these

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:50 am

      Miriam — Which ones have you tried so far? I’m posting new poses each week — our elf Peppermint Stick is especially busy this season!

      Reply
  16. otilia says

    December 3, 2013 at 11:51 am

    your photos make me laugh. i love the one with lifting weights!

    #pinitparty

    Reply
  17. Chrystal M. says

    December 3, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Thanks! After doing this for a few years I am always looking for inspirational ideas!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Yeah. I got a bit stale last year. Toward the end I was just moving him from room to room. I’m posting new poses each week so be sure to check for them. (Our elf Peppermint Stick is one busy guy.)

      Reply
  18. HPMcQ says

    December 3, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    this has really made me chuckle! #pinitparty

    Reply
  19. Nicole says

    December 4, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Where did you get the mini Starbucks coffee cups?? I’ve looked everywhere!!

    Reply
  20. Tiffany says

    December 4, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    What great ideas! I love the toilet paper roll swing! LOL

    Reply
  21. Ritchil says

    December 4, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    How fun! I love all these ideas! Last year my son’s kindergarten class had an elf in the shelf and they named it Star. All the kids loved it!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:51 am

      I’ve never heard of a classroom having an elf. What a fun idea!

      Reply
  22. md Kennedy says

    December 6, 2013 at 6:45 am

    What a riot! I am not quite sure I get the EOTS thing, so I will read up. But my favorite is the most simple: stuffing the guy in a glass in the glass cupboard!

    Reply
  23. Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says

    December 8, 2013 at 4:40 am

    This must have taken you AGES to put together, but I’m glad you did because I’ve got Alfred the Elf here right now and need to make him do more cheeky things I think!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:52 am

      How’s Alfred doing? I’m keeping our elf, Peppermint Stick, on his toes!

      Reply
  24. Kriss MacDonald says

    December 8, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    I have to admit I had no clue about the Elf on the Shelf until last week *feeble smile* but am very tempted to get one now I see all these ideas *big smile.*
    #learnthroughplayhop

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 10, 2013 at 10:53 am

      No feeble smiles 🙂 The Elf on the Shelf is a bit of a cult that became popular in the last decade. I didn’t know about it until my sister-in-law told me about it. Did you end up getting an elf?

      Reply
  25. Dagmar ~ Dagmar's Home says

    December 11, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    OMG, they are all so great! The one about being carried off is my favorite 🙂

    Reply
  26. Lisa Jones says

    December 12, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    LMBO!!! bsolutely Great Ideas!!!! LOL!

    Reply
  27. Kerstynn Sitzmann says

    April 10, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    I saw ALOT of funny ones. Most of them made me say LOL.

    Reply
  28. Lucy says

    December 4, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    hahaha I love these. My kids will love these as well I’m sure. Being carried off is cute. Great collection. Well done

    Reply

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