The Ultimate List of Elf On The Shelf Ideas - [2023]

The Elf has cookie batter on his nose, and is holding a plastic spatula while sitting next to baked cookies and holding a note that says, “For kids who made the nice list this year”, or “For Santa. (P.S. I won’t tell if you eat a couple)”. The Elf knows how to earn his spot as the family favorite.

Your elf is enjoying a healthy meal consisting of the 4 main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. Don’t have any candy corn? Not to worry, 3 out of the 4 food groups work just as well, especially if your elf has a candy corn allergy.

This delicious Elf on The Shelf Christmas tree farm will keep the kids coming back for more.

WARNING: These trees will "sell" out fast!!!

Give your elf a name. The elf is sitting with a name tag or note that says “My name is _____”. If your elf knows his name, he’ll need to let your family know what he wants to be called by! Whether you keep his name as Scout Elf, or call him Buddy, Jingle, Twinkle, or Sprinkle, your elf will be happy to be called by his very own name.

Find the elf holding (or sitting on) a pile of letters (one letter for each child in the house). Each letter contains a “letter from Santa”, telling the kids that if they were good this year, they’d wake up on Christmas morning to the present on their wish list. Include an incentive at the end to write back to Santa. Personalize it by mentioning an item from your child’s actual Christmas wish list!

Sitting in front of the computer, which is displaying a mostly-finished letter to Santa. Clearly your elf has been caught writing his updates to Santa. If your kids have been naughty, this could be a good opportunity for them to do something nice to counteract their naughty actions before the elf sends his update.

Fashioned after the story, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The grinch has shown up, and is dragging out a bag full of Christmas items, including the elf who’s mouth has been taped shut and his legs are hanging out of the bag. All he has left behind is the Grinch movie or book.

It’s always good to include a “good deed” elf on the shelf idea to balance out the silly tricks Elf likes to play! Maybe Elf is trying to make up for all the mischief he’s caused so far. The elf is found doing a good deed for one of the children or even the parents, like the dishes are clean, and the elf is sitting next to dish soap and the sponge. The elf is holding a note that says, “I did my good deed for the day! What’s yours? Pass it on: Do one good deed today for someone you love!”

The elf is sitting next to a pile of cotton balls with yellow dye spread throughout; his hands positioned across his mouth, like he’s giggling. There’s a piece of paper next to him that says “Don’t eat the yellow snow!”

Oops, looks like Elf crossed into enemy territory. The elf is tied up by his legs and arms with ribbon, or rolled into a burrito with wrapping paper. Around him stand army men, GI-Joes, or other toys surrounding him, as if he is captured.

Oops. The elf has obviously tried to wrap a present, but has become tangled in the ribbon. wrapping paper, tape, etc. He’s also got a bow on the top of his head. Ask the kids if they want to help Elf re-wrap the present for a fun family activity!

Well now he’s just lashing out. The elf has drawn on all of the family photos (over the glass and with wipe-off marker, of course), and has drawn mustaches, beards, santa’s hats, etc. on family members. Still holding the marker behind his back with one hand, his other hand his mouth. Want to frame one of the kids? Draw on everyone in the family except that one child.

There are plenty of fish in the sea(nk). The Elf is sitting on the edge of a sink with a homemade fishing pole in his hands, while the sink is filled with goldfish crackers or swedish fish.

There is a miniature Twister mat where the elf and some other toys have been playing Twister, and all of them are in funny positions across the Twister mat. Seeing as Elf is the only one with such mobile limbs, I think it’s safe to say he won.

Your elf has picked out his favorite movie, “Elf”. Sitting next to the movie, your elf is holding a paper with none other than Buddy the Elf’s signature with one of his classic quotes written on it.

The elf has left out a clue, telling your kids to “come and find me”. The answer, of course, will lead the kids to another clue, and so on. At the end, the kids find the elf in their stocking, along with their favorite candy. This might just convince the kids that hanging out with family is just a little bit cooler than playing on the iPad.

Just like this Blue Elf on the Shelf, Your elf couldn’t find any snow, so he opted to spread his wings in some powdered sugar instead (Flour or sprinkles also works)! An easy set-up and quick clean-up for a memorable elf trick.

Give the Elf the snowy tundra he’s been missing by building him an igloo out of some sugar cubes or marshmallows. Bonus tip: Glue melts sugar cubes, so use frosting / icing instead.

But first: let me take a s-ELF-ie. Writing cute notes with Sharpie on the bottom of the polaroid can be a convenient bribe to remind the kids to “Be Good”.

Looks like Elf’s really missing his chilly home up north! The elf is simply sticking out of the ice dispenser in the freezer, and it’s apparent that he was searching for somewhere colder, because he missed the North Pole.

The elf, sitting with some scissors, has made quite the paper mess while creating paper snowflakes (which are now hanging around). This is why we can’t have “ice” things.

The elf is rock climbing on bows that are attached to the wall. Some simple Christmas bows stuck to the wall is one of the easiest ways to ensure a chuckle from the rest of the family (with your elf’s help, of course).

Your troublemaker elf is caught opening a present! Caught in the act, the elf sitting by the present, is halfway done with tearing off the wrapping paper and bow. Luckily, the elf didn’t open it enough to reveal the gift! The gift tag on the present could say “Don’t open ‘til Christmas”. To a mischievous elf, “Don’t open ‘til Christmas” translates to “I dare you to open me!”

The elf is disguising himself as a part of the nativity scene. See how long your family can go without noticing the funny addition to your nativity scene.

The botched snowmen nose jobs are getting a little out of hand, but Elf’s here to help with zero judgment.

The elf has made a “toast”-y jacket, and thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

Breakfast just got a lot more artistic! When the kids open the fridge they’ll discover the opened egg carton with the elf drawing faces on the eggs.

The elf has printed photos of himself and cut himself out to add into several family photos. The kids will love running around trying to find him in all the photos. Haters will say it’s Photoshopped.

Elf was up to his naughty antics again, but Rudolph has come back with vengeance!

The elf has changed your grocery list to fit his dietary preferences. The edits include all the holiday treats and drinks you can think of. To finish the list off, the elf has written “Don’t forget the spaghetti and syrup!”

The elf is having himself a good old fashioned rodeo. Wearing a cowboy hat, and straddling a reindeer figure, the elf has one of his hands up in the air, the other hand holding onto the reindeer.

The elf has gotten into all the chocolate, and although he’s trying act innocent, he forgot to wipe the chocolate smudges off his face. Looks like Elfie is “chocolate wasted!”

On one end of a trail of peppermint candies is a note telling the kids to follow the peppermint road. The candy trail is leading up to the elf, who is bathing in a bowl full of peppermints and holiday candy. Scavenger hunts always make the holidays a little more magical.

The elf is up to his trouble-making antics again, and has melted frosty the snowman. Pour a little milk on your counter (more visible than water), and “decorate” the milk puddle to resemble what was once a happy snowman.

Perfect for the night after making Spaghetti, The elf is sitting down at the table to a breakfast just like Buddy the Elf had on Elf, with pasta, syrup, marshmallows, and more. Dare your kids to try some by leaving a note that says “Eat up! After all, Every elf’s day begins with a nutritious meal of pasta, syrup, candy, and chocolate fudge Pop Tarts.“

Elves are naturally inventive, so it’s no wonder that he made it to the “off-limits” top shelf candy after crafting a makeshift stairway.

You better watch out, you better not cry...Santa’s got his best elves keeping an eye! The elf is sitting with a note, signed by Santa. The letter lists the childrens’ names, as well as one good thing or one naughty thing that they’ve done throughout the year, saying something along the lines of, “You’ve been a good / naughty girl / boy this year! I saw when you (helped your sister, punched your brother, etc.)”.

The elf decided to surprise the next bathroom visitor with some “festive” toilet paper, by cutting part of the roll into snowflakes.

Replace the toilet paper with duct tape to surprise the next guest in the bathroom!

The elf is in the process of assembling a gingerbread house, and is taking a break, sitting on the side near all the other supplies. There’s a note near the elf that says, “Can you please help me put this gingerbread house together? I can’t seem to figure it out!”. In the elf’s defense, putting together a gingerbread house is tricky business.

The elf is in the process of decorating gingerbread cookies, and is taking a break, sitting on the side near all the other supplies. There’s a note near the elf that says, “Decorating is tough, can you please help me finish up these cookies?

The elves love to have fun. This time, they’ve made themselves a sled hill on your stairway's railing! Your kids will love seeing their creativity, and it might even inspire your family to get out and do some sledding of their own!

Your elf has created his own amusement park in the dryer, and is taking a tumble in his very own amusement park ride!

Your elf is putting those pine-scented Christmas candles to good use by making himself some S’mores! Leave a clever note inviting your family to join in and make S’mores for themselves.

The elf is ziplining down like he’s making a great escape in an action movie.

Like the whobilation from the Grinch, the games for Holiday Cheermeister have begun with a good ol’ fashioned sack race.

Surprise the kiddos right before their shower with a silly, sleeping elf. The elf has made a make-shift hammock using toilet paper (can also be done with a towel if you have clothes pins).

The elf is inspecting the scene of a train wreck, holding a pen and paper that states “Accident Report”. The train wreck can be caused by toy animals, dinosaurs, or even another elf that has been tied up and left on the track! If you have some yellow ribbon, string it around the scene as if it’s caution tape.

Looks like Spiderman isn’t a fan of the elf, and has decided to string him up in one of his webs. Either use a Spider Man action figure, or simply slap a printed paper Spider Man mask onto one of your other toys to create this silly scene.

So that’s how they make M&Ms! Your elf is coloring M&Ms to be more festive colors.
PSA: You don’t actually have to color the white candies green and red, just purchase green, red, and white holiday M&Ms.

Whether the elf toilet papers a large portion of the house, or just played around with a small area, this quick and easy mischievous activity is fun for the kids to stumble upon.

With a couple packs of chewing gum and a balloon that matches in color, it’ll look like the elf has blown an epic bubble.

The elf has shown up with an urgent message… He’s ready to reveal his official elf report on whether your child has been naughty or nice! Santa’s got eyes and ears everywhere. Can’t say Elf didn’t warn you...

The elf has turned your family into everyone’s favorite reindeer by putting red pom-poms on the family photo!

Everyone likes to take a holiday vacation from time to time, even your elf! Since he’s busy at work, he brought his hawaiian vacation to him.

The elf just watched Jurassic Park, and has decided to imitate the movie! With a T-Rex (or other dino) right in front of him, the elf has both of his hands over his eyes.

The elf has replaced your traditional cow’s milk with his favorite elf milk! Simply dye a glass of milk green, and write “Elf Milk” on the milk carton or a note. This is a simple way to surprise your kids with the elf’s mischief as soon as they open the fridge.

Add a little humor to your children’s bedtime routine with a mixup that’s likely to leave them snickering from the innocent potty humor.

The elf has been sampling Santa’s milk and cookies! Sitting next to the glass and plate, he’s covered in crumbs and frosting is still on his face. Catch your elf red-handed...or in his case, chocolate-handed.

The elf has jumped from the shelf. We repeat, the elf has jumped from the shelf, and he’s doing it in style. What better way for the elf to watch over your kids than to have an eagle-eye point of view?

Add a little adventure to the holiday elf festivities and make your elf cross a treacherous bridge with a hungry alligator or shark waiting in the sink below. If you don’t have a makeshift bridge, use floss to make it even more daring, and have your elf shimmy across the floss to reach the other side of the sink!

Can’t elves read? Of course they can, but your elf has decided to feed all the dinosaurs anyways! Wouldn’t you? He might want to stick to feeding ducks at the park next time, it looks like he’s gotten himself into a dangerous situation.

Caught napping on the Job. Wake up to the elf resting peacefully in a comfy box of tissues.

The elf is practicing his favorite sport, Hockey, with a candy cane stick and peppermint puck. Most hockey players probably don’t get to eat their sticks and pucks, but these ones look pretty yummy.

The elf’s got to be strong to help Santa lift all those presents! Help him train with some jumbo marshmallows and a straw to create this makeshift dumbbells for weight lifting.

The elf is all in to win this big pot of candy, but can he keep a poker-face against these other toys?

The elf has gone full Mission Impossible as he hangs from a string from the ceiling, with all his spy equipment. How else do you think Santa knows if you’ve been bad or good without his squad of elf-spionage helpers?

Kids acting up and not cleaning up after themselves? Your elf is here to help by going on Strike! While not exactly bribery, it comes pretty close...if your kids ever want to see Elf again, they’ve got to clean their room!

The elf has been licking the Tootsie Pop to see how many licks it takes to get to the center. There is a pencil and paper beside him with tally marks showing his count.

Uh oh, the elf has been trapped under a fallen glass cup, and needs your kids to help him escape!

Your elf is a master of disguise! See how long it’ll take your kids to notice that he’s hiding in plain sight to watch them.

Looks like Fido got sick and tired of the elfie antics, and will no longer be ignored.

Replace regular sized Oreos or Hersey's Kisses with mini Oreos or chocolate chips in this unique “shrinking machine”. *Crosses fingers that kids don’t ask to see it in action*

Looks like the elf’s caught your kid’s sickness! This is perfect to break out if...er..when the family comes down with the annual fight with the common cold.

If you don’t mind a little cleanup, this shaving-cream frosty and friends makes for a great elf on the shelf scene!

The elf is paying the price for his joyride, and must write what he did wrong over and over. Maybe this is why Elf was exiled to your house?

Elf wants to put on a show, living his life-long dream of running a circus! He has enlisted animal crackers as the circus animals, and is holding a ring and a whip to get the animals to jump through the hoop.

All Elves love games, your elf included! He’s hidden treats under cups, and has a sign that says “You get 3 chances to find the hidden treat!

Oh deer, this would be a fun way to get ready for school! (Just make sure you spell "Deer" correctly, unlike I did)

The elf is looking up through the chimney, and has set a pillow at the bottom of the chimney to help cushion Santa’s entryway. World’s best welcoming committee!

This is as easy as it is clever. Wonder how long it will take for someone to notice the elf on the ceiling.

Give your family a cute reminder that Santa says hello with some Fruit Loops, Cheerios, or candy arranged in a fun note!

Popcorn may not be one of the elves’ essential food groups, but they sure love swimming in it just the same! Looks like tonight’s movie night. Extra butter, please!

Your elf is quite the daredevil, and has set up a stunt that’ll rival Evel Knievel in his glory days!

If your elf see’s a cookie, he’s going to eat it. Unfortunately, these weren’t the type of cookies he was expecting. Your puppy is sure to be jealous.

You’ve sent your elf to timeout after he’s been extra-mischievous. You might even feel a little sorry for your poor little elf when you see him slumped over, staring at the wall for the naughty things he’s done!

Surprise your family with a fun and interactive elf on the shelf idea: a game of Tic-Tac-Toe with marked marshmallows! Elf starts first, of course.

Elf must be carving something special! Place your elf with a knife (make sure the kids don’t grab hold of it! ) and some wooden ornaments that he’s “carved” just for your family’s Christmas tree.

Your elf must have worked in the present wrapping facility in the past, and clearly wanted to sharpen his skills. The elf has started wrapping random items throughout the house, such as photos, the TV, and even the toaster!

Now THIS is a holiday party. Put some Christmas tunes on when your family discovers Elf, so you can all jam to “Little Drummer Boy” together.

Talk about hometown pride! Elf just wants your family to get a glimpse of the North Pole that he knows and loves so well. Maybe it’s a hint that he wants a family vacation this winter!

Have your Elves enjoying a game of foosball! This gummy version of table football will guarantee some giggles.

Looks like Elf traded in his sled for a brand new car. Line up all of your Hot Wheels cars to create a makeshift car wash shop!

Snow, marshmallows...to Elf, it’s all the same! For you, however, marshmallows will be a heck of a lot easier to clean up than real snow, so bomb’s away!

You can really jump into the holiday spirit with this elf on a shelf idea. Simply suspend your elf by a clear string from the ceiling over a bowl of water dyed blue with food coloring in a cannonball position to ensure a good laugh from your family.

Create a fun putting green or golf course driving range on the kitchen table with a candy cane and some marshmallows!

You can either create your own or download a secret message with decoder symbols to let your kids decipher a fun Christmas code.

This crafty makeshift bowling lane is fun for all. Add some mini candy canes for a fun holiday twist.