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The holiday season is here, which means it’s time to bring back one of our favorite Christmas traditions — the Elf on the Shelf! Whether you’re kids enjoy the tradition or you’re an adult looking for a festive tradition to start with her roommates (in college or post-grad), these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas will bring magic to life without the stress.
From simple setups you can create in minutes to fun Elf on the Shelf ideas that will have everyone giggling when they wake up, this list of ideas is full of creative inspiration to make December feel extra magical.
If you haven’t already, adopt an elf at your authorized adoption centers:
The Elf on the Shelf – Boy
The Elf on the Shelf – Girl
25 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
1. Elf Making Sprinkle Angels
Your elf is having a great time making sprinkle angels. With just a pile of sprinkles, this setup is super easy to recreate on your kitchen counter.
2. Elf Walking Dogs
Give your elf a side-hustle. Let him walk the dogs for a day — he or she will have so much fun.
3. Tree Farm with Elf
How adorable is this tree farm idea? All you need are some ice cream cones, frosting, and sprinkles to decorate the trees with your elf.
4. Elf Jail — Oh No!
Has your elf been a little too naughty? Send him to the elf jail for a day or two to teach him a lesson.
5. Elf Makes Toilet Paper Snowflakes
Your elf just wants to help decorate the house, and a string of snowflake streamers will do just the trick!
6. Candy Cane Search with Elf
Oh, your elf is so fun! He created a fun candy cane hunt around the house. See how quickly you can find all the candy canes.
7. Hide and Seek with Your Elf
Don’t lose sight of your elf! He’s getting good at finding creative places to hide — like in several rolls of toilet paper disguised as a snowman.
8. Choir Conductor Elf
We love an elf who’s musically inclined and putting his gifts to use. To recreate this idea, draw “singing faces” on the outside of fruit on your counter and let your elf be the conductor.
9. The Floor is Lava!
Who doesn’t love a quick game of “the floor is lava”? Well, you elf is ready to go this morning and is already challenging you to it.
10. Elf Trapped in a Glass
Oh no! Your elf trapped himself in a glass jar. Maybe he’s just protecting himself from accidentally being touched.
11. Paper Towel Roll Countdown
Your elf is making sure you know how many days are left until Christmas! He even wrote it on the paper towel roll with a marker.
12. Make Cookies with Your Elf
There’s nothing more cozy than baking cookies on a cold day. Your elf is so thoughtful and brought you some Elf cookies to make today a bit more magical.
13. Melted Snowman from the North Pole
Oh, no! Your elf was being thoughtful and brought back a snowman from the North Pole. However, he melted before you got up. Maybe you’ll catch him next time.
14. Build a Gumdrop House with Your Elf
A holiday craft is always a good idea. Your elf is doing something right today. Spend some time building a gumdrop house with toothpicks to share with your elf.
15. Elf Sleeping in a Dresser Drawer
Don’t forget…your elves need sleep after all the mischief they create. It’s time for them to take a short nap in your dresser drawer.
16. Elf Target Practice
Oh boy! Your elf is up to no good practicing his target practice in the kitchen. To be fair, this idea is quite genius!
17. Elves Watching TV
If your elves are up to no good all the time, they are most definitely in need of some time to unwind. Turn on a Christmas movie for them to enjoy and make sure they have a snack ready to go.
18. Elf Ball Pit
Your elves got creative with your craft supplies last night and made their own ball pit! How fun!
19. Elf Caught By Other Toys
Uh oh! Your elf has been caught by the other toys. Who knows how this happened!
20. “Donut Worry I’m Back” Elf with Donuts
A sweet donut treat is always a good idea. If your elf has to go away for some time, he’ll probably tell you he’s sorry and bring you some donut holes, too.
21. “We Love You to Pieces” Gift from Elf
Aw! Your elf loves you so much. He is pretty punny, too. We love this Elf on the Shelf idea so much.
22. Post-It Mischief
Sometimes elves just want to have fun— even if that means getting a little wild with some Post-It notes. Just make sure they know they have to clean them up at night.
23. Surprise Yarn Ball Gift from Your Elf
How fun is this surprise gift idea from your elf! Wrap a small gift —whether it’s candy or a small item in yarn — and see the surprise that comes from unraveling it.
24. Uno Game with Your Elves
Are your elves competitive game players? If so, a game of Uno would be a fun idea to recreate.
25. Elves Poppin’ Popcorn
Oh man, your elves got a bit messy popping popcorn in the microwave. Maybe they didn’t read the directions on the back of the box — LOL.
