Funny, easy, and last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love.
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As you prepare for Christmas and all of the busyness that comes along with the holiday season, it’s never a bad idea to get ahead on planning. Coming up with creative ways to get the whole family into the holiday spirit and keep kids entertained with Christmas activities can be a challenge. Whether you want to create a new holiday tradition or you participate in the Elf on the Shelf trend year after year, you can find fresh inspiration on our list of the best Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas 2023.
While it's easy to start off with plenty of steam when it comes to creative Elf on the Shelf scenarios, you'll need 25 days worth of antics. That's why we've compiled a variety of elf staging ideas, including funny and surprising hiding spots, interactive situations, and easy, last-minute suggestions. Plan ahead on more intricate ideas such as the gummy bear rock climbing wall and choir of cans, or wing it right before the kids wake up with the elf name generator and butt brush.
What is The Elf on the Shelf?
If you need a refresher, the magical Scout Elf visits families every day of December to keep an eye on who is being naughty and who's being nice. They report back to the big man at the North Pole each night, and reappear in a new spot each morning. Of course, the elves always end up making mischief while on house duty, leaving evidence of their nightly shenanigans the next day. Oh, and kids can't touch the elves, because then they'll lose their magic.
Read through our full list of Elf on the Shelf ideas for inspiration, and don't forget to check out our guide to the best Elf on the Shelf accessories.
For more holiday fun, we've got Christmas riddles, DIY Christmas decorations, and easy Christmas crafts for kids and adults.
1
Elf on the Shelf Printer Shenanigans
Your kids are sure to get the giggles after seeing what their elf did overnight. Arrange the elf in funny poses on the copy machine for lots of laughs.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
2
Elf on the Shelf Helps You Find Your Elf Name
This easy, printable elf name generator is a great last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea that your kids will love. It will make them feel like an honorary member of the North Pole.
Get the printable at Mom Envy.
3
Elf on the Shelf Decorates the Car
Make sure to decorate your vehicle for the holidays, or your elf will do it for you.
Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
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4
Elf on the Shelf Gifts a Gingerbread House
This is a great Elf on the Shelf idea to use on a weekend. Buy a gingerbread house, and say it was a gift from the elf.
Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
5
Elf on the Shelf Joins the Gallery Wall
Use a small frame, toy frame, or cut a frame out of paper for your elf to use next to your family pictures. He's a part of the family too, after all!
Get the tutorial at A Small Snippet.
6
Elf on the Shelf Races to the Finish Line
Make the most of your children's toys, and set up a game of 'race to the finish line.' Show the results of the race the next morning with a toy trophy for a two-day idea.
Get the tutorial at A Small Snippet.
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7
Elf on the Shelf Gets a Clean Shave
The lead up to Christmas requires major prep, not only in the toy department but in the primping department too. A freshly shaved face is a must, so he can look his best for the most important day of the year.
Get the tutorial at A Small Snippet.
8
Elf on the Shelf Goes to Candy Cane Jail
Naughty kids get coal for Christmas, but what happens to naughty elves? They get sent to Candy Cane Jail! Find the printable at This Mama Loves.
Get the tutorial at This Mama Loves.
9
Elf on the Shelf Plays Dunk an Elf
This elf is a glutton for punishment, and no wonder — the balls are made of marshmallow! Find the printable at This Mama Loves.
Get the tutorial at This Mama Loves.
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10
Elf on the Shelf Shines Shoes
Pull off this endearing mishap with a pair of shoes (preferably a children's pair) and a roll of aluminum foil.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
11
Elf on the Shelf Rock Climbs
Glue some gummy bears to a piece of poster board or cardboard to execute this creative idea!
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
12
Elf on the Shelf Gifts Hot Chocolate Treat
An elf's favorite drink is hot chocolate, so it's only right that everyone enjoy a mug together. This elf present is perfect for a night of Christmas movies!
Get the tutorial at Moms Connecting Moms.
RELATED: The Best Christmas Movies for Kids
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13
Elf on the Shelf Delivers Letter to Santa
Use the elf as a messenger to Santa, and leave letter templates for your kids to fill out. When they fall asleep, the elf will take the letters straight to the North Pole.
Get the tutorial at Moms Connecting Moms.
14
Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Farm
Arrange an array of tree-shaped items together for this cute Christmas tree farm idea. Use toy trees, bottle brush trees, tree-shaped snack cakes, or cookie cutter trees for this adorable holiday sale.
Get the tutorial at I Think We Could Be Friends.
15
Elf on the Shelf Gives Geography Lesson
Use this Elf on the Shelf idea as a chance to teach your little one about the world. Show them were they live and where Santa lives with these easy, printable arrows. All you'll need is a globe!
Get the printable at I Think We Could Be Friends.
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16
Elf on the Shelf Garage Sale
Use toys or silly items such as a smelly sock and roll of toilet paper for this quirky garage sale idea. Just remember, the more creative the items, the funnier it will be.
Get the printable at I Think We Could Be Friends.
17
Elf on the Shelf Makes Forbidden Hot Dog
Place a toy dog between two hot dog buns, and arrange with ketchup and mustard for this misguided "hot dog" stand.
See more at @kerryswi23 on Instagram.
18
Elf on the Shelf Uses Butt Brush
This silly set-up is sure to make kids laugh. Use their toothbrush as the elf's butt brush, and watch them giggle all morning.
See more at @kerryswi23 on Instagram.
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19
Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing
Elves have hobbies too! Glue two straws together to create a fishing rod, and place goldfish crackers in a bowl of water for this quirky idea.
See more at @thetravelingred on Instagram.
20
Elf on the Shelf Hosts Tea Party
Get your child's favorite toy figures together for a spot of tea with the elf. Add warm water to the teacups for added realism, so it looks as if tea time was just interrupted.
See more at @thetravelingred on Instagram.
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Kate Franke
Editorial Assistant
Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
