If you've ever found yourself tiptoeing through the house at 10pm panicking “Where should the elf go tonight?” — you're in the right place.
This post is filled with easy, creative Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you sparkle up the season without the stress.
You'll also get a free printable planning list + a blank calendar, so you can map out your elf's adventures ahead of time (hello, sleep!).
Whether your elf likes silly antics, sweet little surprises, or holiday mischief — you'll leave here prepared, inspired, and totally in control of the North Pole magic.
30+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas for a Magical December!
Your elf doesn't have to build a gingerbread mansion to be magical, even the simple setups can make the biggest smiles.
Alternating between fun set-ups and simple hide and seek can make the season less stressful but just as fun for kids.
Here are some simple ideas that are perfect for the nights you're exhausted, busy, or simply trying to keep the magic alive with minimal effort.
Try these:
Have your elf:
- hiding in the cereal box
- reading Christmas books with stuffed animals
- tucked in a tissue-box bed
- peeking out of a boot
- coloring in a Christmas coloring page
Pro tip: Prep a last-minute emergency stash of quick ideas such as tape, a book, marshmallows, and a candy cane to save the day.
Elf Ideas That Double as Activities & Surprises
Your elf can be more than cute — they can bring crafts, treats, and activities that keep little hands happy all day long. These ideas pair magic with play.
Try these interactive setups:
- Elf delivers hot chocolate packets + mugs
- Elf brings a Christmas scavenger hunt
- Elf leaves beads + string to make ornaments
- Elf brings pancake mix for a holiday breakfast
- Elf sets out a blank letter to Santa
Use the included printable calendar to schedule “special activity” days on weekends when you have more time.
More Fun Elf On The Shelf Ideas
Elf has just arrived! Use powdered sugar and tiny Elf footprints to lead the kids to a partially opened box filled with sweet Christmas treats and your Elf who also brought along an arrival letter!
Elf is caught enjoying chocolates in the pantry
Elf takes a sElfie and makes it a screensaver on all of your devices
Elf hosts a fun hot cocoa bar party
Your Elf drew funny faces on your bananas
Stick a “Ball Pit” sign on a jar and fill it with Christmas pompoms and your Elf
Elf made a snow angle (using glitter and icing sugar)
Your Elf took a funny selfie and made it the screensaver on every phone and computer in the house
Elf whips up a batch of elf-sized mini pancakes for breakfast!
Have Elf help with doing the laundry
Elf has fun reading “Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook” with his toy friends
Elf leaves all the cupboards open and blames the kids!
Watch the Elf movie with your Elf. Don't forget to to make treats to enjoy
Stick the Elf inside of a toilet paper roll and roll it down the stairs
Your Elf installs the “Santa Cam” so Santa can see whether the kids are being naughty or nice
Elf has decorated all of the eggs in the fridge (draw and/or use Christmas stickers
Elf is ready to go sledding using his candy cane sled
Elf is tied on on the train tracks and needs help!
Elf makes a garland for the Christmas tree out of cereal hoops
Your Elf is hiking up the Christmas tree
The Elf enjoys a bubble bath (using cotton balls) with your kids' favorite toys
Use your Elf as a Christmas tree bauble by stuffing him in a clear bauble
Elf attends a masked party with his friends. Can anyone spot him in the crowd?
Elf builds a snowman using toilet paper rolls while watching the movie Frozen
The Elf hides a few sweet treats under cups for your kids to find
Elf has fun racing in a sack race with his friends
Elf is caught red handed eating cookies from the cookie jar!
Elf is having a snow fight (using cubed sugar and mini marshmallows) with his toy friends
Elf goes fishing (using Goldfish crackers)…in the sink!
Elf draws mustaches on family photos (use dry erase only!)
Elf messes up all of the beds in the house while trying to find a comfortable place to sleep, only to end up taking a nap on his own elf bed
Elf makes everyone a bowl of Elf Cereal for breakfast, with green elf milk! (using food coloring
Elf got in to the gingerbread house kit at night and wrote a special message using icing for the kids
Elf is feeling especially artsy so he decides to color festive elf coloring pages
Elf has an upset tummy from enjoying too many sweets! He goes #2 in the toilet (using chocolate chips or cocoa puffs)
Elf watches as the family bakes Christmas cookies
Ideas For Christmas Eve – Saying Goodbye to Your Elf
It's time for Scout Elf to head back to the North Pole. Here are some fun ideas to finish off a fun month:
Goodbye Letter
Use powdered sugar and tiny Elf footprints to lead the kids to a letter left by Scout Elf as well as a “Good Bye” message written using mini marshmallows.
Goodbye Breakfast or Hot Cocoa Bar
Set your elf up beside a small tray with hot chocolate packets, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and candy canes. Add a tiny note that says “One last treat before I go!” It's simple, sweet, and makes Christmas Eve feel extra cozy.
Elf Leaves a Memory Book
Have your elf bring a little “yearbook” or note card set where kids can draw or write their favorite elf memories from the month. You can even add a small printed photo of your elf in one of their funniest moments.
North Pole Travel Kit (for the kids!)
Instead of the elf receiving gifts, your elf gives one. Leave pajamas, a Christmas book, a new ornament, or reindeer food. They can come packaged with a message like “Enjoy this while you wait for Santa tonight!”
Elf Boarding Pass + Goodbye Letter
Print or make a tiny “boarding pass” back to the North Pole and set it beside your elf. Pair it with a heartfelt letter thanking the kids for the fun, reminding them to be kind, and promising to return next year. Kids LOVE official-looking farewell details!
Free Printable Elf On The Shelf Ideas List & Calendar
Grab your printable Elf ideas list by clicking on the link below. It comes as an easy to print PDF.
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