It’s time to make mischief! Elf on the Shelf is back and more exciting than ever.
We’re chock full of Elf on the Shelf ideas for parents, from simple ideas to creative and unusual. You’ll find something that’ll light up your little one's faces each morning and bring magic into your home!
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Beginning on the 1st of December 2023 the elves return from the North Pole and keep an eye on the kids throughout the whole of December.
They’ll report back to Santa each day so the kids need to be on their best behaviour to make sure they make the nice list, rather than the naughty list!
Each day in the morning, the kids will find their elves in new situations, positions and sometimes up to no good!
Maybe your elf will appear creating a snow angel in flour, or maybe they’ll be hanging from the kitchen fan? Wherever your elf may end up, your little ones will love finding them.
We know it can be tricky for parents to come up with 24 new Elf on the Shelf ideas so that’s where we come in with our huge round-up of ideas.
Where to buy Elf on the Shelf?
If you're in the UK adopt your Elf from Elf on the Shelf official store.
If you're in the US and worldwide adopt your elf from Elf on the Shelf US official store.
When does Elf on the Shelf start?
Elf on the Shelf begins on 1st December 2023.
When does Elf on the Shelf leave?
Elf on the Shelf leaves on 24th December 2023.
Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas
1. Elf on the Shelf arrival idea in a gift box
Let the kids find this cheeky elf under the tree peeking out from a gift box. It’s a simple yet exciting way for the little ones to find them. Make sure you add a fun message to the box to greet the kids.
2. Elf on the Shelf breakfast feast
Who doesn’t love lots of treats in the morning? Get the kids off to an amazing start with a breakfast spread. Grab tasty pastries, fresh fruits and juice, and other treats your little ones love!
Place the elf in the middle of the table to greet the family like Elva M design has done.
3. Elf on the Shelf sweets
Sweets and chocolate are a go-to to capture kids' attention. Place your elf alongside an ‘I’m back’ sign made from their favourite sweets or chocolates.
Image: Frugal Coupon Living.
4. Elf on the shelf arrival by plane
Give your elf a stylish entrance with these fun paper aeroplanes by Mom Envy.
5. Arrival with advent calendars
The elf is bearing gifts! Have your elf arrive along with your children’s advent calendars, or if you’re making your own DIY advent calendar they could be the gift behind day number one!
Image: Pinterest.
Easy Elf on the Shelf ideas for kids 2023
6. Snow angel
The elves have raided the pantry and found the flour! The kids will wake up to find the elves have been up to no good and making snow angels on the kitchen sides.
Image: Fun Elf ideas
7. Elf on the Shelf candy cane hunt
Santa’s helpers have hidden the treats! Can your little ones find all of the candy canes hidden around the house?
Image: KA inspired
8. Elf on the Shelf golf round
We know Dads will love setting up the elf for a round of golf, it might even work as an excuse for them to go too!
Image: Sarah Scoop
9. Elf on the shelf balloons
The elves are escaping! Your little ones will gasp with awe when they see their elf friend in flight.
Image: Elf on the Shelf
10. Elf on the Shelf cereal
Surprise kids in the morning by finding the elves inside cereal boxes! Better catch them before they eat all the cereal.
Image: Crystal and Comp
11. Loo roll swing
Make the kids giggle with the Elf on the Shelf loo roll swing! It’s really easy to set up and your elf will be able to keep an eye on the kids from up high.
Image: A Small Snippet
12. Elf on the shelf kitchen
The elves are causing kitchen mayhem and shredding veggies! This one will definitely make your kids laugh.
13. Elf on the shelf toilet paper tree
The elves have gotten into the toilet paper and thrown it around the Christmas tree! Those cheeky monkeys.
Image: @The_Adventures_of_Elf_Trixibel
14. Toast Elf on the Shelf
Keep your elves toasty with this fun idea! It’s an easy one to do and you only need a couple of slices of bread.
Image: @xmythreeboysandme
15. Milk has gone bad Elf on the Shelf
These troublesome elves have gotten into the fridge and drawn funny faces on the milk.
Image: @moskitchen_ukzw
16. Grinch treats for the kids
The elves are feeling friendly today and have prepared some cute Grinch fruit sticks. Psst, it’s a great way to get the five a day in.
Image: @plumerea
17. Elf in outer space
Your elf's mission is to get into outer space, so they’ll need a suit! Grab the tin foil and a plastic bottle and get your elf ready for a space adventure.
Image: @elfontheshelf_thesilvacrew
18. Elf on the Shelf portrait painting idea
The elves are getting crafty and painting portraits of the kids! Why not get the kids painting portraits of their elves in return?
Image: @adventuresoftippy
19. Hidden Elves game
The elves are hiding under one of these cups! Will the kids find them? Place treats or tricks under the other cups for extra fun!
Image: @mum_and_elf
20. Skittles magic plate elf idea
Pour water on the Skittles and watch the elves make their magic! Find the tutorial from Paging Fun Moms.
21. Melted snowman elf idea
He was bringing back a snowman for the kids but didn't anticipate the warmth – oops!
All you need is a glass of water, some carrots and googly eyes for this Elf on the Shelf idea.
Image: Mom Envy
22. Elfie selfie
The elf has been snap-happy and transformed the family into elves (even the dog!).
Image: @thepartycupboard
23. Elf on the Shelf sensory bucket
This one is great for toddlers. Fill a tub with brown rice, pom poms, beads and candy canes and get your little ones building hot chocolates with their elves.
Get the full tutorial from Happy Toddler Playtime.
24. Stuck to the wall Elf on the Shelf idea
The elves have been up to no good! This one is a really easy yet fun way to make the kids giggle.
Image: Recipe magik
25. Sprinkle angel elf
This one is similar to the snow angel just trading out the flour for colourful sprinkles! Why not make fairy bread afterwards?
Image: Frugal Coupon Living
26. Funny Elf on the Shelf glow party
It’s party time for the elves! Invite yours along to this neon party.
All you need is some glow sticks.
Image: @redcarpetstorunnynoses
27. Clown noses on the family photos
The family portrait has been given a silly makeover! Stick little red pom poms to each family member's nose (and of course one on the elf).
Image: Elf on the Shelf
28. Long legs funny Elf on the Shelf idea
Did the elves suddenly have a growth spurt overnight? Recreate this fun idea with two rolls of wrapping paper.
Image: We Have Kids
30. Movie night Elf on the Shelf idea
It’s been a long day of making mischief for the elves, so it’s time for a quick nap in the popcorn!
Image: Elf on the Shelf
31. Rock climbing Elf on the Shelf
Sporty elf is in the house! Watch as they climb the ribbons up the wall!
This idea is great if you’ve got kids who love sports or rock climbing.
Image: Brie Brie Blooms
32. Easy Elf on the Shelf idea joke board
Does your elf have a wicked sense of humour or do they love a pun? The elves can share all their favourite Christmas jokes with this easy idea.
Image: Make the Best of Everything
33. Marshmallow bowl Elf on the Shelf
This time the elves are mellowing out in a big bowl of fluffy marshmallows! A fun idea and a sweet treat the kids will love.
Image: Make the Best of Everything
34. Bath time Elf on the Shelf
This one is a great way to get the kids excited about bath time!
The elves are chilling on mini inflatable rings floating on the water. The rings are actually just drink holders.
Image: @life.by.vanessa
35. Mini mechanic Elf on the Shelf
This Elf on the Shelf idea is a great way to make use of other toys around the home. This elf is on his best behaviour and fixing other toys.
Image: @brooke.clerkin
36. Jurassic Elf on the Shelf
The dinosaurs are here! And this elf is on a safari. This one is also a great way to make use of other toys.
Image: @bitsofbri
37. Loo roll Elf on the Shelf idea
An easy idea for last-minute Elf on Shelf visits. Have your elf trapped in the middle of the toilet roll after rolling down the stairs!
Image: The Gingerbread House
38. Selfie with the kid's Elf on the Shelf idea
You’ve got to be really sneaky with this one but it pays off! Snap a selfie with your elf and child when they are asleep.
They’ll love seeing it in the morning (just be sure not to get caught!).
Image: She Knows
39. Book time Elf on the Shelf idea
The elves are here to read a story! They even brought their own book.
This one is easy to do and encourages your little ones to read.
Image: Leah with Love
40. Board game time Elf on the Shelf idea
The elves are settling down for a game of Monopoly. Let’s hope they don’t argue…
This adorable miniature set can be printed for free over at DIY inspired. How imaginative!
41. Movie night with the Elf on the Shelf
The elves have chosen a movie, brought the snacks, and are ready to settle down for the night!
This one is great for a weekend treat.
Image: Leah with Love
42. Secret messages Elf on the Shelf
The elves have a secret message that can only be read by the kids!
A really easy idea that can be adapted to suit your little ones.
Image: @neverdunnthrifting
43. Makeup dolls funny Elf on the Shelf idea
The elves have gotten into Mom's makeup and decided to give the dolls a new look!
Image: We Have Kids
44. Lego Elf on the Shelf idea
Another great one for busy parents! Build a little model with Lego, Duplo or any building bricks you have.
Then have the elf sit atop his creation.
Image: Me and B Make Tea
45. Paper Chains Elf on the Shelf idea
Time to get crafty and the elves are here to help.
Get your little ones making festive paper chains, then when you’re done you can display them on the Christmas tree.
Image: @craftymumofgirls
46. The floor is lava Elf on the Shelf idea
The floor is lava! It’s a classic game the kids love and now the elves have gotten involved in.
Frugal Coupon Living has used red streamers to make the lava.
47. Flour footprints Elf on the Shelf idea
Flour footprints are a fun idea to leave on the kitchen sides. Why not have your little ones follow the footprints until they find their elves?
Image: Pinterest
48. Elf on the Shelf shark idea
It’s James Bond but for elves! They’re climbing across the sink but will they fall into the deadly sharks below?
Image: Recipe magik
49. Sprouts for breakfast naughty elf idea
The naughty elves are at it again! They’ve filled two bowls with sprouts for breakfast!
Image: @mum_and_elf
50. Candy canes swing elf idea
The elves are swinging from the lampshade again! Except this time they’re using candy canes.
Image: Bee-ing Mommy
Naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas
If your elf on the shelf is visiting some older children or a household with a mix of ages, here’s some slightly naughty ideas for more mischievous elves!
51. Elves are notorious practical jokers
You need to always keep one eye open when you’ve got a cheeky elf in the house – you never know what they’ll get up to while you’re asleep! They also love to pull this trick on parents too, usually whoever went to bed earliest!
Image: Kalynn Greeley
52. Elf on the shelf underwear joke
Part of the joy of Elf on the Shelf is that those naughty little elves can turn up almost anywhere… or should that be underwear?
Image: wehavekids
53. LEGO VS Elf on the Shelf ideas
While the Elf on the Shelf might come for a visit at Christmas, the rest of the toys live at home all year round – and they need to teach that elf who’s in charge!
Image: keepmquiet
54. ELF ON STRIKE
Oh, you think it’s all talk, do you? You think you can get away with being naughty and still get presents from Santa? Well, that’s it, you’ve gone too far kids - ELF STRIKE!!!
Image: KingsKreativeDesigns
55. Elf on the shelf graffiti
That Banksy’s got a lot to answer for! Make sure to hide any permanent markers when your Elf on a Shelf comes to stay, otherwise, they might make some ‘additions’ to your family photos.
Image: iamjoegaudet
56. They were trying to help… maybe
The elves have realised that you come looking for them at breakfast time, so they’ve tried to help you start the day… in their own unique way.
Image: wehavekids
57. You can’t spell presents without ‘P
Oh those naughty elves! As well as being a bunch of jokers, they’re also big fans of toilet humour – we’re 99% sure it’s apple juice… it is apple juice… right?
Image: - mommyglitter
58. Elf on the shelf bathroom ideas
We told you that elves love a bit of toilet humour, and if you’re struggling to locate your elf in the morning, it’s a pretty safe bet that they’re probably messing about in the bathroom!
Image: - discoverhubpages
59. Don't let the elf get too naughty
Everyone enjoys a joke, but if your elf has been getting a bit too cheeky, show them (and the kids) who's boss by sending them for a time out.
Image: Andrea Wegert
60. When an elf has gotta go…
You knew that elves were magic… but did you know that they poop peppermints?
Image: ourkidsmom
Elf on the Shelf goodbye ideas
It’s time to say goodbye for another year to your little buddy! Use these easy elf ideas to end the countdown with a bang!
61. Elf’s report card
It’s time for your elf to head back to the North Pole and deliver his report to Santa. Kids will love seeing that they’ve got a glowing report card heading to Santa… unless they’re on the naughty list of course!
Find a printable report card from www.midlifehealthyliving.com
62 How many suitcases does one elf need?
The elves have made their observations and are ready to return home and report back to Santa… but not without an emotional goodbye first. Find yours waiting with their suitcases for one last cuddle.
Image: just a little creativity
63. The car is packed and ready to go
Your elf has a long journey ahead, so it’s going to take a while to get the car all packed. Park the car by the door so your kids can add any goodbye gifts they want their elf to take with them.
Image: little bit funky
64. Find your elf’s secret message
It can be a bit sad waking up once your elf has gone, but it’ll put a smile on your little one’s faces when they find that the elves have left a message out of breakfast cereal.
Image: rachelswartley
65. A final gift from your elf
Being one of Santa’s employees, your elf knows all the tricks to keep the reindeer happy. Your elf might have left some oats behind (maybe even with some magic glitter inside) which will help the reindeer find your home.
Image: pinterest
66. Goodbye writing in the snow
Whether it’s been a white Christmas or your elf has a can of spray snow to hand, a written goodbye message in the snow is a sweet way to part.
Image: thenerdswife
67. Goodnight and sweet dreams
If your elf is leaving on Christmas Eve, they might want to leave your little ones with some new Christmas PJs as a goodbye present.
Image: rookiemoms
68. Buckle up little elf
On your elf’s final day your little ones might struggle to find them in the house… but imagine the joy on their faces when they discover your elf waiting patiently in the car! Just like the kids, he needs your parents to give him a ride home!
Image: justalittlecreativity
69. A promotion for your elf
As much as your elf has loved staying at your home, they have important work to do… especially as they’ve just been given a promotion – it must have been all the good things Santa’s heard about you!
Image: doityourselfdivas
70. Stay in touch with your elf
It’s a long way back to the North Pole, so the elves like to send a little postcard – just to let you know they got back safely!
Postcard printable from frugalcouponliving
Elf on the shelf ideas for kids of any age
Elf on the Shelf is a fun tradition for both kids and adults. It brings the magic of Christmas into the home and it’s something for the kids to enjoy every day of December.
Find plenty of ideas right here and make sure your Elf on the Shelf gets up to lots of mischief this festive season.
Make your own elf
If you’re feeling extra crafty then you can make your own elf. A homemade elf is bound to stick around the family forever.
