Need Elf on the Shelf Ideas? Have No worries coming up with Elf on the Shelf Ideas that the kids will love this year because we have you covered with this HUGE list of EASY Elf on the Shelf Ideas! With 135 Elf Ideas, you can scroll through this list and not have to think of anything to do this year!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf is one of my favorite Christmas Holiday Traditions! I love that my kids love their elves. We have been enjoying elf visits for many years and every year the kids and I get excited that it is time for our elves to arrive. After over 10 years of Elf on the Shelf fun in our house I have so many ideas.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a super fun tradition that kids love every Christmas! 

At the start of each Christmas season (Between the day after Thanksgiving in November and December before Christmas Eve), the elf appears to serve as Santa’s eyes and ears, traveling back to the North Pole each and every night to make a detailed report of the day’s activities.

Every night Santa’s elves take a trip home to share with Santa how the kids of the world are doing. When they arrive back to their child’s home after going back to the North Pole they like to make things fun! Sometimes

Sometimes the Elves do funny things, sometimes they do tricks, sometimes they bring gifts. It all depends on the day the Elfy fun will come the kid’s way that they will find in the morning when they wake up!

If you have never done Elf on the Shelf then make sure you check out how to Start elf on the shelf! It is filled with all the information you need to know before getting started with elf on the shelf. Then you can use all of these elf on the shelf ideas to have a ton of fun during the elf visiting season!

Fun Elf on the Shelf ideas

• 25 Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas
• Kitchen Elf on the Shelf Ideas
• Dollar Store Elf on the Shelf ideas
• Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Be sure to also check out the Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers post for more ideas for the little kids.

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Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas

Now when your Elf arrives you are going to need some easy elf on the shelf arrival ideas. It is also important to make it something that the kids are going to LOVE! There are lots of cute ideas that are perfect for welcoming your elf on the shelf back!

Most years when our Elves come back they bring a letter with a small gift for the kids. Last year it was Kinder Eggs and the year before it was candy canes. This is also a great time to introduce a pet if you are planning on having an Elf Pet join your family.

If the elf comes on December 1 a great gift for them to bring the kids is an advent calendar. We have a whole post on Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas that will give you lots of ideas.

Treat Ideas for the Elves to Bring

• Christmas Tree Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
• Snowman Marshmallow Pops
• North pole Marshmallow Pops
• Christmas Tree Rice Krispies

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a super fun tradition that kids love every Christmas! 

At the start of each Christmas season, the elf appears to serve as Santa’s eyes and ears, traveling back to the North Pole each and every night to make a detailed report of the day’s activities.

Every night Santa’s elves take a trip home to share with Santa how the kids of the world are doing. When they arrive back to their child’s home after going back to the North Pole they like to make things fun! Sometimes

Sometimes the Elves do funny things, sometimes they do tricks, sometimes they bring gifts. It all depends on the day what Elfy fun will come the kid’s way that they will find in the morning when they wake up!

If you have never done Elf on the Shelf then make sure you check out how to Start elf on the shelf! It is filled with all the information you need to know before getting started with elf on the shelf. Then you can use all of these elf on the shelf ideas to have a ton of fun during the elf visiting season!

Elf on the Shelf Printables

• Elf on the Shelf Tic Tac Toe
• Elf on the Shelf Names Printable
• Elf on the Shelf BINGO Game
• Elf Kissing Booth Printable Prop
• Elf Pizza Shop Printable
• Elf Cookie Shop Prop Printable
• Elf Reindeer Friend Adoption Certificate Printable
• Elf Donut Shop Printable Prop
• Elf on the Shelf Health Certificate
• Elf on the Shelf Adoption Certificate
• Elf on the Shelf Printables Pack
• Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
• Elf on the Shelf Ideas calendar
• Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable
• Elf on the Shelf I’m Back Letters
• Elf on the Shelf We are Back Letters
• Elf on the Shelf Nice List Printable

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas

Now when your Elf arrives you are going to need some easy elf on the shelf arrival ideas. It is also important to make it something that the kids are going to LOVE! There are lots of cute ideas that are perfect for welcoming your elf on the shelf back!

Most years when our Elves come back they bring a letter with a small gift for the kids. Last year it was Kinder Eggs and the year before it was candy canes. This is also a great time to introduce a pet if you are planning on having an Elf Pet join your family.

If the elf comes on December 1 a great gift for them to bring the kids is an advent calendar. We have a whole post on Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas that will give you lots of ideas.

Treat Ideas for the Elves to Bring

• Christmas Tree Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
• Snowman Marshmallow Pops
• North pole Marshmallow Pops
• Christmas Tree Rice Krispies

Ultimate List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Look no further than this list of elf on the shelf ideas. With this list you will be set for many Elf on the Shelf adventures. 

If you are looking for other fun activities to do with the kids, check out some of our favorites:

• DIY Cardboard Fireplace
• Coffee Filter Snowflakes
• Santa Handprint Ornament
• Snowman Handprint Ornament

Easy Elf Hiding Places – Hide and Seek

One super easy option for the elf fun is to have the elf hiding in a new spot each day. There are so many easy Elf on the Shelf hiding places in your home it makes it really simple.

In the Christmas tree

Tucked inside the branches or perched on a prominent branch, the tree can be a classic hiding spot.

Near a window

Placing the elf near a window, perhaps peering out or sitting on the sill.

Behind picture frames or wall decor

Elves are excellent at hiding in plain sight. Position the elf behind a picture frame or nestled among other decorations on the wall.

Behind or In Household Items

Set the elf behind household items such as flowerpots, vases, or curtains, partially hidden from view.

On a Bookshelf

Nestle the elf among books on a shelf, sitting next to a favorite storybook or peeking out from behind a row of books.

Peeking Out of a Christmas Stocking

Place the elf partially inside a Christmas stocking, with its legs and arms sticking out.

In the Fridge or Pantry

Place the elf among the food items in the fridge or pantry.

High Places

Perch the elf on top of a high piece of furniture, like a curtain rod, a high shelf, or on top of a picture frame. A simple Elf on the shelf idea…. on top of the fridge! Gotta grab him some friends to, since you don’t want him to have to hang out alone all day!

Under a Glass or Jar

Place the elf under a clear glass or jar, making it seem like the elf is trapped or observing the household from a confined space.

Decorate for Other Holidays

One of the easiest elf on the shelf ideas is to pull a few decorations from other holidays and have the elves decorate just a little bit with them! Have elf on the shelf decorate the house with a few Halloween decorations or Easter decorations or any other holiday that you want to. 

Decorate for Christmas

Pull out the Christmas decorations and have the elf get started on decorating. You can also have the elf leave out the box of decorations to encourage the kids to start decorating.

Elf Artist

Set up the elf with miniature art supplies, creating tiny masterpieces or drawing funny caricatures of family members.

Decorating Sugar Cookies

Have the elf set out doing the decorating or have the elf bring the cookies and supplies for decorating the cookies. You can make homemade sugar cookies and homamde Royal Icing and have the elf bring them for your kids to decorate!

Celebrate the Birthdays!

If your kid is having a birthday, make a birthday card from the elf and have your elf bring them a special birthday treat!

Bathroom Mirror Messages

Writing on the mirror with toothpaste is a fun and easy elf on the shelf idea. Plus the clean up isn’t bad at all! If you don’t want to use toothpaste you can also use shaving cream or dry erase board markers to have your elf on the shelf leave messages for your kids! You can write all sorts of messages from the elf on the shelf on the mirrors in the bathroom!

Bathroom Message ideas:

• Be Good
• Brush Your teeth
• Elf was here
• Santa is watching
• Good Morning
• Have an Elftastic Day

Elf Is sick

Elf Brings a Christmas-Themed Snack

Snacks are always good for kids, and really the amount of ideas for snacks are endless. It can be easy peasy with a store bought treat, homemade treats, or even the ingredients needed to make the kids favorite treats.

Fun Christmas Snacks the kids will love!

• Reindeer Poop Cookies
• Santa Hat Cupcakes
• Christmas Tree Brownies

Elf Drinks chocolate syrup

Quick and easy. Place the elf in the fridge with a straw in to the chocolate syrup.

Elf Brings Hot Chocolate!

Hot Chocolate is a great treat for the elf on the shelf to bring. You can also have him bring new Christmas mugs. Homemade hot chocolate or store bought hot chocolate will work perfectly for this fun elf on the shelf treat! You can also add to add some toppings to make it even more fun like mini-marshmallows or candy canes.

Hot Chocolate Recipes

• hot chocolate spoons
• Pink hot chocolate
• Green Hot chocolate
• Caramel Hot Chocolate

Elf makes breakfast!

It is really easy to have your elf pour a bowl of cereal and hanging on the counter! If you want to make it fancy and festive, have Elf on the shelf bring a box of special cereal! A few of our favorite Christmas themed cereals are:

• Christmas Captain Crunch Cereal
• Kellogg’s Holiday Colors Rice Krispies Breakfast Cereal
• Lucky Charms Chocolatey Winter

If you are looking for Breakfast Ideas for the Elf to make, check these easy Christmas breakfast out that the kids will love! Since they are elves, they can make them and bring them whenever they want to!

• Santa Cinnamon Rolls
• Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
• Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls
• Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Elf on the Shelf ideas for older kids

If you have older kids then there are lots of ideas that are simple and the kids will enjoy more than the younger kids.

Elf in a water bottle trick

Hiding in a water bottle is another awesome and fun elf on the shelf idea… Check out how to put elf on the shelf in a water bottle for the full step by step directions.

Elf Yoga Class

Position the elf doing yoga poses with other toys or stuffed animals in a yoga session.

Christmas Scavenger hunt

Have an elf on the shelf scavenger hunt! A fun elf on the shelf idea is to hide candy canes, or other small candy items around the house and have the elf on a shelf leave a note for the kids to find the goodies.

Elf Adventure Map

Leave a map with clues around the house leading to where the elf is hiding.

Elf Science Lab

Arrange a scene where the elf conducts funny experiments with simple household items.

Toilet paper decorating the Christmas Tree

Using toilet paper to “tp” the house or things in the house is an easy and funny elf on the shelf idea that the kids will love!

Toilet Papering the house

Toilet papering is an easy funny elf on shelf idea and you can toilet paper just about anything in the house and the kids will think it is funny!

Elf on the shelf mischievous ideas

Crafting a plan with mischievous antics Elf on the Shelf are sure to spark laughter and elf magic with the kids.

Elf Copies

The copy machine also makes for a great mischievous elf on the shelf idea! Plus it is SUPER simple! Just photocopy the elf on the shelf and then leave the photo there with elf on the shelf on the printer.

Underwear on the Tree

Hanging underwear on the tree… now that is always an easy elf on the shelf idea that the kids will love!

And we have more Elf Ideas so keep on scrolling!

Sneak into the piggy bank…..

Naughty Elf Ideas

There are lots of other places that the elf can be naughty and get into things! The kitchen is a great place, so make sure you check out these Kitchen Elf on he Shelf ideas for even more Ideas that you can do in the kitchen! There are so many easy ones!

Coffee Time!

And of course the getting into the coffee cups and deterring the morning need for coffee is quite the naughty elf on the shelf idea!

Be helpful!

Those presents already under the Christmas tree, make for an easy naughty elf on the shelf idea! Just grab a black marker and the elf can have some fun!

Sometimes the elf might just steal lights off the Christmas tree and climb them… this one is always a hit!

Stealing candy… now that is a tasty and mischievous!

Or attempting to knit… better say he didn’t do to well with this one. 😉

Sneaking money… or is he putting himself in the change jar? Either one will work well!

Trapping the kids in their room with ribbon….

Stuck in the candy jar…

Or grab some silly string…

Eating to many cookies from the cookie jar….

or skipping out on flushing the toilet…

Or sneaking in a shower so no one else can….

or just set up his own little Christmas tree!

Elf on the Shelf ideas kids Love

If you are looking for more elf on the shelf ideas for older kids then you are going to love these next few elf on the shelf ideas!

The kids toys are a great thing to use when having fun with elf on the shelf. So when you are looking for elf on the shelf ideas for older kids check out the stuff they have in their rooms and the toys that they love!

For some odd reason my kids get a big kick out of it when the elf on the shelf is getting caught or tied up. I am not sure why exactly, but they do and it is a quick and easy thing the elf can do that they enjoy.

Grab a candle, or the electric candles and make a camp fire for your elf on the shelf. Use mini marshmallows and a toothpick and have your elf enjoy a campfire and roasting marshmallows! Super easy elf on the shelf idea!

Quick elf on the shelf ideas

If you are running short on time, and need some quick elf on the shelf ideas these are some really quick elf ideas that can be done in under a minute!

Things, like hanging your elf from the laundry room shelf, or getting into the cookies, make perfect quick elf on the shelf ideas!

Grab a package of cookies.… Then just stick elf in! Tada! Quick Elf on the Shelf Idea! This one is perfect for if you are running totally behind schedule!

Frosting is such a favorite treat for Elf on the shelf! Just grab a spoon, the container and let the elf have some tasty fun!

Easy Elf on the Shelf Hiding Places

Random hiding places around the house are always great quick elf on the shelf ideas!

He can easily hide in the pantry, or a kitchen cabinet!

… in the car ….

in a vase…..

In a Christmas tree….

In a bowl in the kitchen….Now this is one super easy idea!

Another super simple elf on the shelf idea, is to have him (or her) hanging on the vacuum, which can be done so easily if you have forgotten to move them the night before. If you are like me then your vacuum is easily accessible because you are always using it!

The kids toys are one of the easiest ways to get the elf moving in your house! One of our go to is anything Barbie! Barbie items are the perfect size for Elf on the shelf!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for kids

Playing guitar with barbie….

Taking a bubble bath with barbie…

Riding in the car with barbie….

Ideas for in the playroom

The playroom, has plenty of easy hiding places for Elf on the Shelf and it is a great way to find elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers since they spend a lot of time in their playrooms. This is a great way to have eld on the shelf hanging out with your kids while they are play.

Elf on the shelf ideas with marshmallows

Using marshmallows or other candy items are a great way to have your elf leave a message for the kids!

Speaking of Marshmallows, they make a great way to give your elf a bubble bath!

Or have your elf on the shelf take a bath in the sink with marshmallows!

If you are looking for another elf on the shelf ideas with marshmallows, the big marshmallows are perfect for making snowmen!

Use a candy cane and some mini marshmallows with a candle, then make a little seat and tada! Your elf is roasting marshmallows!

Crafting with Elf on the Shelf

Crafts are always a big kit with kids, and craft items make great gifts for the elf on the shelf to bring!

Looking for craft ideas? Check these out!

• Grinch Handprint Ornament
• Snowplace like home Canvas Art
• Paper plate Christmas Tree
• Reindeer Poop Slime

Or you can have your elf on the shelf do the crafting as gifts for the kids! It is really easy to set up having the elf on the shelf coloring a picture for the kids.

More Christmas Crafts the kids will love

• Christmas Tree Footprint DIY Ornament
• Christmas Mouse Footprint Craft
• Mistletoe Footprint Canvas

If your kiddos are having struggles remembering to do their chores, your elf on the shelf can leave them a reminder!

Easy Balloon ride

There are a few different ways to have do an elf on the shelf balloon ride, you can have the elf on the shelf in a ballon and hang the balloon on a tree or anywhere else in the house that you want to.

You can also use a safety pin and balloons to have your elf go on a balloon ride.

Elf on the shelf activity ideas

There are lots of easy elf on the shelf activity ideas that you can have your elf on the shelf do that will make it fun for the kids to find their elf friend in the morning when they wake up.

Reading is a lot of fun for your elf on the shelf to do!

Sometimes elf can read with friends, sometimes your elf can read to friends. There are lots of different things you can change up to make it so your elf has fun with reading. The elf could even bring a new book for the kids!

Go Fishing!

Going fishing is also something that is a fun activity!

You can use a fish tank if you have one, but if you don’t a cup full of water with some goldfish works perfectly!

Plant Candy Cane seeds!

Another fun activity is planting candy cane seeds. Super simple! Have your elf bring candy cane seeds (peppermints) and then a bowl of sugar plant the seeds, then in the morning when the kids wake up they will grow in to candy canes!

 

Again…put those toys to good use for easy elf on the shelf ideas!

They can hangout in the barn with all the animals…. or ride a horse!

Speaking of animals… he can clean up after them too! Chocolate candies are great for this one!

Of course we can not forget making snow angels… that is always a great idea. Flour makes the perfect fake snow!

Speaking of making messes…. The kids always get a chuckle then the elf goes number 2…. hershey kisses are perfect! On the floor, in a barbie potty… there are lots of ways to make this one an easy elf on the shelf idea!

or maybe he just wants to make more mess with toilet paper and decorate a doll house!

Swinging and hanging are always fun elf on the shelf ideas!

The Christmas tree makes an easy hanging spot for elf on the shelf!

or using some underwear….

Possibly he or she wants to be helpful.

Like setting up more Christmas decorations.

Or decorating the tree….

…or his own elf on the shelf tree

Or playing with the cat…. sometimes elf on the shelf can be a helpful little fella!

Sometimes elf on the shelf might want to be a cat…. or a dog whichever pet you have 🙂

He might want to make a castle out of can goods…which can also be a great way to encourage the kids to give to others during the holiday season.

Or making Mom a cup of coffee.

or making breakfast….

taking photos….

Doing work or homework…

Baking a cake….

Sewing some clothing…

or maybe he just wants to hide….. on a shelf because after all he is the Elf on a Shelf!

Or he could want to play pretend and want to be Dr. Who! Dr. Who elf on the shelf how cool is that!?!

Elf on the Shelf Games

Elf on the shelf games are always fun!

Building an elf gingerbread house… also the perfect time for the Elf on the Shelf to bring a gingerbread house kit for the kids to make!

Sometimes simple elf on the shelf ideas are the best… like hanging out on a clock!

And sometimes the Elf on the Shelf needs to give the kids a little reminder…

If there is an angel in the house then he could totally get married to her!

The kids can totally give the elf some gifts too!

or have a tasty sweet snack!

Or make a giant mess in the kitchen trying to build a snowman with flour…

or playing video games…

Sometimes elf on the Shelf likes to decorate the house…

or he might steal the remote….

or ride a slipper down the banister…

or be a hair stylist…

or he could just want to hang around!

Making some fun apple face and then brushing the apple’s teeth…. Grab a toothrush from the dollar store for this fun one! Which you might also want to check out these awesome dollar store elf on the shelf ideas!

Shaving cream makes a fun (but easy to clean up) mess that is totally a messy elf on the shelf idea that will make the kids laugh!

You can make elf on the shelf fly around anywhere you want to with this easy trick on how to make Elf on the Shelf Fly!

Hanging underwear on the tree… now that is always an easy elf on the shelf idea that the kids will love!

Reading Christmas Stories….

Of course one of the best things ever that the elf on the shelf can do… is make them one tasty breakfast!

 

Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter

When it is time to say good bye… a cute Elf on the Shelf goodbye poem is perfect!

 

Thanks to all the readers who sent their photos of their elves in, that made it possible to share this amazing list of Elf on the Shelf Ideas!! We also update this list of Elf on the Shelf Ideas whenever we come up with a new, fun and easy elf on the shelf idea!

You might also want to prep yourself for the chance that the elf does not move with these 12 Reasons Elf did not move.

Plus you can print the 24 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas calendar so you don’t have to worry about planning, just follow the calendar and have your elfy fun each day!

Make sure you also grab the awesome Elf on the Shelf Letter. It makes welcoming the elf on the shelf super easy!

Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter