This post shows you the best elf on the shelf ideas.
If you’re looking for creative Elf on the Shelf ideas, you’ve come to the right place!
The holiday season is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start brainstorming some fun setups for Santa’s little helper.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the shelf is a fun holiday tradition that has captured the hearts of families everywhere.
The concept is simple: a magical Scout Elf is sent from the North Pole to help Santa manage his naughty and nice list.
Every night, the elf flies back to the North Pole to report on the day’s activities, and each morning, it returns to a new spot in your home, often with a bit of mischief or a fun surprise.
The Rules of Elf on the Shelf
To keep the magic alive, there are a few simple rules to follow.
First, the elf must not be touched by anyone in the household; otherwise, it might lose its magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole.
Second, the elf moves to a new spot each night, so kids wake up to find it in a different place every morning.
Finally, the elf never speaks or moves while anyone in the house is awake—its magic happens only when everyone is asleep!
Now whether you’re already a pro at this or new to the tradition, finding fresh and fun ways to display the elf keeps things exciting for everyone in the family.
From silly scenarios to incredibly creative setups, there are endless ways to make your Elf on the Shelf experience unforgettable this holiday season.
I’ll share some fresh ideas to help you delight your kids and spread holiday cheer throughout your home.
Here are 29 Cool Elf on the Shelf Ideas We Love!
1. Sundae Sunday elf party
The elves are throwing a sundae party!
Set up a spread of sundae toppings, syrups, and cones.
Then, arrange Santa’s little helpers around the scene, and don’t forget the letter board that reads, “SUNDAYS ARE FOR SUNDAES.”
2. Elf spa day
Here, Santa’s little helper is treating themselves to a relaxing spa day.
You can wrap the elf in a fluffy towel and place paper cucumber slices over its eyes.
Make sure to add a little sign to complete the spa vibe.
3. Snowball fight elf
This one is pretty straightforward.
Use white pom-poms as snowballs for decoration.
Have your mischievous elf hold the sign.
The sign is another important, playful addition that really helps in telling the story.
4. Chocolate thief elf
This sneaky elf has gotten into the chocolates!
Place the elf half-buried in an open chocolate box.
Then surround the elf with shiny, crinkled wrappers.
Kids will love giggling at this naughty elf.
5. Crayon candy maker elf
This is another adorable and clever idea.
Show the elf “magically” turning crayons into Skittles with the help of a cheese grater.
It’s a fun setup using everyday household items, so there’s no need to spend extra money.
6. Elf sleepover party
It’s a cozy sleepover party for this elf and its toy friends!
Tuck in the elf and a group of small toy characters into socks, creating the perfect setting for a sleepover.
Then add a handwritten sign to complete the sleepover theme.
7. Melted snowman mischief
This poor elf seems to have had a bit of a mishap!
Fill a glass with water, a carrot, and two small black beads to mimic a melted snowman.
Finally, add a detailed note to create a funny narrative about what happened.
8. Do not feed the dinosaurs
This naughty elf doesn’t follow the rules!
Place the elf on a kitchen shelf with a bowl of mini marshmallows nearby.
Then scatter toy dinosaurs on the countertop with some marshmallows in front of them.
Also don’t forget to add a sign that says, “Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs.”
9. McElves burgers
This elf apparently had a busy day but brought home some “fast food.”
This one is a fun take on McDonald’s burgers.
The note is really important in telling the story, so be sure to add it.
10. #Elfie time!
This elf loves taking selfies!
Set up a camera and several Polaroid-style photos of the elf with some sleeping family members.
This tells the story that the elf was busy taking photos all around the house.
11. Sponge cake surprise
This sweet elf was nice enough to make you a “sponge cake.” Literally!
All you need is a sponge, sprinkles, and a note from the elf himself.
The kids will get a good laugh out of this one!
12. Elf movie night
It’s movie night, elf-style!
Set up the elves inside oversized popcorn cups, ready for a cozy movie marathon.
You can place them on kitchen countertops or the dining room.
The scene is complete with a sign, “Let’s have a family movie night!
Pick out a Christmas movie to watch together!”
13. Domino’s pizza, elf style
This is another playful elf setup.
Lay out dominos on a pizza crust and you have a “Domino’s Pizza.”
You’ll need to add a sign as well that reads, “I ordered you a DOMINO’S PIZZA!”
The play on words is sure to make everyone smile.
14. Elf’s art class
This elf is ready to inspire some creativity!
Set up a box of Crayola crayons and have the elf encourage kids to color a picture for Santa.
This interactive setup will really engage the kids and get them excited to draw.
15. Lottery winning elves
These lucky elves have hit the jackpot!
Guess they are indeed WELFY!
Have your elves sit amidst a pile of play money, looking like they’ve struck it rich.
Make sure to add a sign filled with funny puns to complete this setup.
16. Elf resting up
This elf is catching up on some much-needed sleep.
Tuck the tired elf in with a sleeping mask on.
Also, add a note next to the sleeping elf—after all, even elves need a little rest!
17. Watch out for the crocs!
This elf has cleverly turned a pair of blue Crocs into “crocodiles” by adding paper eyes and teeth, making them look like little snapping jaws!
The elf even has a string tied around one of the Crocs, as if trying to tame them.
18. Elf painting party
This adorable elf is inviting everyone to paint with him.
Set up a mini easel and have your elf hold a paintbrush.
On the easel, write, “CAN YOU PAINT with me?” to invite everyone to join in the fun.
19. Elf dog walker
This elf is busy taking some pups for a walk!
Use any toy dogs you have, but a Paw Patrol dog set would be adorable.
Then create leashes with pipe cleaners for a fun and easy setup.
20. Candy crush elf
This elf is literally crushing candies!
Have your elf hold a hammer and set up a board with various hard candies arranged in a grid.
Then crush some of the candies to show off the elf’s progress.
21. Rude-olph the reindeer
Here’s another playful elf who loves puns!
This one is about “Rude-olph,” the deer with bad manners.
Use a whiteboard to write this funny pun, and your kids are sure to giggle.
22. Danger on thin ice!
These elves aren’t really good at reading signs!
In this setup, one elf has “fallen” through the ice while the other is trying to rescue them.
Use plastic wrap to create the “ice” and sprinkle baking soda around for a snowy effect.
23. Butter watch out
This elf is spreading some holiday cheer with a cheeky twist on a classic Christmas song!
Place an elf inside a festive mug, holding a butter knife.
Then set it on a plate filled with butter to complete the scene.
This would make a nice surprise for the family in your dining room.
24. Do you want to build a snowman?
This elf really wants you to build a snowman with him.
Use edible props for this setup so the kids can enjoy a snack while they craft.
Don’t forget the phrase, “Do you want to build a snowman?”
It’s a must-have for this scene!
25. Mrs. Claus bakery elf
This adorable elf has been baking up some goodies at the “Mrs. Claus Bakery”!
Set up a festive bakery counter with your elf behind it.
Props like these really help tell the story and make the scene come alive.
26. Elf in the refrigerator
It seems elves love the cold because this elf has found a cozy spot inside the refrigerator!
It’s even wrapped snugly next to the bottle of creamer.
It’s a simple but fun setup, and the kids will get a surprise when they open the fridge!
27. Tic-tac-toe mirror game
Looks like the elves got bored and decided to play tic-tac-toe on the bathroom mirror!
Have the elves hold markers and create a grid with tape.
Also fill the grid with X’s and O’s.
28. Elf’s cookie mix-up
This naughty elf ended up eating the dog’s biscuit and is warning everyone not to leave them out for Santa!
He even left a chalkboard note to let you know how awful the dog biscuits tasted.
29. Elf goes fishing
This elf has decided to go fishing… well, fishing for Goldfish crackers!
Dress the elf in a cozy holiday sweater and set up a simple fishing scene.
It’s an easy but entertaining setup that will surely delight the kids.
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