The Elf on the Shelf is officially here! That means you're in for four weeks of the little guy taking up residence in your home, and if that responsibility stresses you out, we've got you covered with funny and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas for every day of the season. Before we even finish our Thanksgiving dinner planning, it's time to think about one of our favorite traditions:
The Elf on the Shelf. The Elves will make their triumphant returns during Scout Elf Return Week (that's November 22-December 1, 2023), and it's best to be prepared with some fun ideas. If your Elf has been around for a while, you'll likely need some fresh ideas for the weeks leading up to Christmas. These easy ideas only take a few minutes so parents won't be up scrambling at the last moment.
What is the number 1 rule of The Elf on the Shelf?
It's so simple! Elf 101: The children should not touch the elf, or he will lose his magic. Also know that Scout elves arrive during Scout Elf Return week and head back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. No exceptions!
Where are you supposed to do with The Elf on the Shelf?
Well, that's the whole fun of this Christmas tradition, isn't it? The possibilities are just about endless, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to keep your elf out of the reach of curious hands if you have little kids and where family pets can't get to them (we learned that lesson the hard way!). Also, keep in mind that no one can touch the elf, so you'll want to keep him out of high-traffic areas of the home. If he takes up residence in the sink or dishwasher, for example, those spots will be out of commission until the next day.
How do you introduce The Elf on the Shelf for the first time?
When you first get The Elf on the Shelf, he or she comes with an illustrated Christmas book that explains the whole backstory. So, traditionally, during Scout Elf Return Week (November 22-December 1), the elf arrives. If this is the elf's first trip to your house, you'll have a bit of work to do! Your Elf needs a name, for starters. Luckily, we've compiled a list of the best The Elf on the Shelf names! The children should be encouraged to tell their new elf any wishes or secrets. Elves are great listeners!
What's a good age to start Elf on the Shelf?
It depends on the child, but we recommend three years old, or as soon as he or she starts to understand the magic of Christmas. Of course, if there are older siblings in the house, the tradition will start even sooner than that. There's really no harm in starting earlier—your child just might not be as engaged at an earlier age.
What's a good The Elf on the Shelf gift?
Elves come with everything they need to get settled in their new home, but feel free to add some The Elf on the Shelf clothes or accessories to make the experience more fun! These additional items might even inspire some more elf magic.
Now that you know what the fuss is all about, what are you waiting for? Add a little mischief to this year's Christmas celebration with the following hilarious The Elf on the Shelf ideas. (And check out these funny The Elf on the Shelf memes while you're at it!)
Plant a few candy dum-dums in small terracotta pots and watch your Elf brag about his green thumb. (Wait, does he even have thumbs?)
A thermos lid, a little wire, and a few Swedish Fish will allow you to re-create this scene straight out of a country song.
3. Elizabethan Elf on the Shelf Idea
To elf or not to elf? Is there really any question? All you need is a cupcake liner or two for a ye-olde statement collar and an old book and you’ll unleash a tiny Shakespearean sprite.
4. Egg Dozen Elf on the Shelf Idea
Feign shock as you set out to make omelets and discover that your pesky elf has swapped out your dozen eggs for decorative ornaments.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
5. Tire Swing Elf on the Shelf Idea
Start with a chocolate donut (we used Entenmann's) and hang it from a tree with twine. (Tip: Chill your donut beforehand to minimize a melty mess.)
6. Ladder Elf on the Shelf Idea
Cut several paper straws into equal-sized sections and thread with bakers twine. Hang from a cabinet below a stash of candy worth the climb!
7. Button Elf on the Shelf Idea
Use vintage buttons to spell out a festive message or greeting from Mr. Claus himself. Fuzzy Santa beard optional.
8. Crafty Elf on the Shelf Idea
Look, he got into the yarn and knitted up all the ornaments! To make the ornaments, wrap yarn around a clear plastic Christmas ornament, holding the beginning of the yarn in place with a dab of hot glue, until the ornament is completely covered. Thread bamboo cocktail picks through the yarn to mimic knitting needles. Hang as desired.
9. Slingshot Elf on the Shelf Idea
Find a Y-shaped branch, and cut it to fit your elf. Then attach a mini-marshmallow to a rubber band, and loop it over the branch.
10. Camper Elf on the Shelf Idea
A construction paper sash and a marshmallow on a stick (or pretzel stick) will convey the general idea, but a bottle brush tree forest, tealight candle campfire, and scrap-fabric sleeping bag will really reinforce the theme.
11. Bingo Elf on the Shelf Idea
Swap standard chips with peppermints and it’s officially game on.
Becky Lugart-Stayner
12. Tic-Tac-Toe Elf on the Shelf Idea
A set of mason jar rings and lids along with a few feet of ribbon is all you need to set up this classic crowd-pleasing game.
Maria of @mommyglitter sent off her elves with this fun idea featuring Hershey's Kisses and a note that reads, "We will miss you all. Kisses to you. Merry Christmas."
14. The Elf on the Shelf Santa Cam Idea
This super-cute idea came together with items from Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby! You can keep this camera on display all season to let the kids know that Santa is watching.
15. The Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Garden Idea
Three days worth of ideas in one: a candy cane garden! Use crushed chocolate cookies as "soil" and watch the peppermint grow from round candies to full candy canes.
16. The Elf on the Shelf Tea Idea
These Elves have jokes! Simply cut a letter T from a piece of paper and place it in a tea cup for this funny and simple idea from Maria at @mommyglitter.
17. The Elf on the Shelf Magazine Idea
When Elf's fine-print edition of decorative styles arrives in the mail, the little guy peruses the pages from a good ol' porch rocker. (He LOVES the craft ideas!)
The Elf on the Shelf
18.The Elf on the Shelf Melted Snowman
This idea is sure to make the kids laugh! All you need is a jar, rocks, a baby carrot, and buttons.
19. The Elf on the Shelf Plant Idea
For nights when you don't have time for an elaborate plan, simply perch your elf in your biggest plant. Hide him among the leaves to make spotting him a challenge.
Ashley Byrom
20.The Elf on the Shelf Ball Pit Idea
Of course, the elves would find themselves in a ball pit of red-and-green M&Ms! The helpful sign makes it clear that this candy is not for snacking, just in case any kids try to sneak some! This clever idea by Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell only takes a few minutes to pull off.
The Elf on the Shelf
21. The Elf on the Shelf "Eye Pad" Idea
Does your little one have an i-Pad on his Christmas list? Make him laugh with this "eye pad" version. All you need is a legal pad and some googly eyes.
How does your elf return to your house each day? Through their own elf door, of course! This door is available in six colors and comes with a wreath, Christmas lights, a mailbox, and more.
23. Elf on the Shelf Record Player Idea
A Beautiful Mess
Set up a turntable with your favorite Christmas album, and your elf will be ready to take the season by storm!
24. The Elf on the Shelf Egg Idea
This Scout Elf is ready for breakfast! The fridge is looking egg-stra festive with a dozen eggs decorated with the help of Christmas stickers and markers.
25. The Elf on the Shelf Movie Night Idea
Kick off the holiday season with a family Christmas movie night. Your elf can get everyone ready with a tray of popcorn and peppermint candy.
26. The Elf on the Shelf Soda Can Choir
This idea takes it to the next level! Save your soda cans and create a festive choir with googly eyes, striped paper, and pipe cleaners.
Candy canes aren't just delicious and nice to look at! In this fun idea, they double as a sled fit for any Elf.
28. Elf Slumber Party Idea
Pull out the sleeping bags and camp out by the Christmas tree for a fun Elf slumber party. You can buy an inexpensive sleeping bag for the Elf or easily make one out of a scrap of flannel.
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29. The Elf on the Shelf Mask Idea
We love this tiny elf twist on the Masked Singer! Can the kids guess which elf is hidden behind each mask?
30. The Elf on the Shelf Bow Idea
These elves are ready for a friendly game! Their game board is made of bows and painter's tape that won't leave a mess on the wall.
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