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.
The Elf on the Shelf is having fun with the photocopy machine.
The best part is he leaves behind a memento for the kids!
Ah! Time for a spa day for your elf.
Don’t forget the loofa and steam out the stress.
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 Toilet Paper Roll | A Small Snippet
Who wouldn’t love an indoor swing?
Great place for the elf to hang out.
We’re a Scrabble family!
But look closely at the words the Elf on the Shelf – how fun!
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 | Snippets from Suburbia
Elf on the Shelfs like to take baths… in marshmallows.
Get different shaped marshmallows to make the bath more fun.
While the kids are sleeping, the Elf and Barbie are busy exploring the house.
Only the Elf would bring these adorable teeny tiny donuts!
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 | Snippets from Suburbia
Gulliver’s Travels come to life!
Have your child’s little friends carry off the Elf.
Cookies Anyone? | Snippets from Suburbia
Aw. The Elf baked for the family last night… will anyone eat any of them?
LOL. Have the Elf hold class and teach the forest creatures.
School is in session!
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.
Who doesn’t love making paper snowflakes?
Just don’t forget the kid scissors.
Let’s not forget the reason we celebrate Christmas with the Elf joining the nativity scene.
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 | 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 | Snippets from Suburbia
Barbie oh Barbie. Let your hair down!
Are there any Rapunzel fans in your house?
Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?
Sharing Coffee with a Friend | Snippets from Suburbia
Even Elves need a coffee break and connect with friends.
Starbucks is our favorite!
Fishing | Rocking my 365 Project
The Elf goes fishing with Pepperidge Farm fish.
Do you think he’ll catch anything?
Ziplining is all the rage and the Elf wants to get in on the fun!
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 | 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.
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 | Patricia’s Daughter
Everyone needs a bedtime story.
And “The Night Before Christmas” is a personal all-time favorite.
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 | 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 | Snippets from Suburbia
Oh that naughty naughty Elf on the Shelf!
Just be sure not to use permanent marker.
Jousting | Snippets from Suburbia
It’s a joust on horses!
I have a feeling the Elf is going to win this one.
Dominoes are such a wonderful game.
And the Elf didn’t want to get left out… he’s got a good game going.
Elves are curious folks — and she just wanted to try out the Dora the Explorer puzzle.
Can the kids help her finish?
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 | Rocking My 365 Project
Do you think the kids will know it’s the Elf and not Santa???
Who doesn’t a night of singing karaoke?
Wondering if the Elf is looking for a date – just look at what he’s singing.
What’s winter without a little snow?
And kids who love snow love sledding down the hill.
The Elf shouldn’t be lonely!
He’s all dressed up for date night. And he even brought flowers.
Replace your family’s photos with pictures of the Elf.
Watch your kids’ reactions!
Sometimes the Elf likes to be outside.
This time he’s climbing the trees in the backyard.
The Elf has gotten into the chocolates!
And he’s spelled out “Be Good.”
Oh the Elf really pooped himself out.
You know he’s wiped out when all he wants to do is sleep.
What goes perfect with a movie night?
Popcorn, of course!
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!
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!
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!
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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 🙂
I love it! Your creativity astounds me. I specially like the elf swinging on an empty toilet paper roll!! LOL
So glad you like the ideas! Have you tried any? Would love to hear how it’s going this year with your elf.
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.
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.
Thanks for sharing, you have been really helpful
Really cute ideas! Looks like you guys have a great time with this 🙂
I love the Elf on the shelf. My kids would love finding him everyday.
Haha…so many and cute pictures.
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!
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!
Great ideas! I’ll have to try some of these with our elf this year.
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing mine! 🙂
These are great, I love the beard. 🙂
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/
Sheena — Have you tried any of the new ideas yet? I love hearing what people like/don’t like 🙂
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!
Ooo! Let me know which ones you try 🙂
These are great ideas….you had me laughing on some of them can’t wait to try some of these
Miriam — Which ones have you tried so far? I’m posting new poses each week — our elf Peppermint Stick is especially busy this season!
your photos make me laugh. i love the one with lifting weights!
#pinitparty
Thanks! After doing this for a few years I am always looking for inspirational ideas!
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.)
this has really made me chuckle! #pinitparty
Where did you get the mini Starbucks coffee cups?? I’ve looked everywhere!!
What great ideas! I love the toilet paper roll swing! LOL
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!
I’ve never heard of a classroom having an elf. What a fun idea!
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!
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!!
How’s Alfred doing? I’m keeping our elf, Peppermint Stick, on his toes!
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
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?
OMG, they are all so great! The one about being carried off is my favorite 🙂
LMBO!!! bsolutely Great Ideas!!!! LOL!
I saw ALOT of funny ones. Most of them made me say LOL.
hahaha I love these. My kids will love these as well I’m sure. Being carried off is cute. Great collection. Well done