50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Get Creative and Fun This Year!

Get inspired with these creative Elf on the Shelf ideas!

I have to admit it. In years past we have not been that creative with our Elf on the Shelf. He has jumped from room to room, and that is about it.

I’ve often wondered who are these parents who create elaborate scenes with their elves? Do they not sleep?

This year, I’m determined to have a little more fun with this dude. I’m not talking about going over the edge crazy. But I think it’s time to mix it up a bit.

So to get me inspired, and hopefully you as well, I pulled together 50 Elf on the Shelf ideas.

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Just pick a couple to do this year. Why should the kids have all of the fun? 

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Get more Christmas inspiration — including Christmas recipes, holiday crafts and children’s activities.

50 Creative, Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas

But not everything was an Elf Fail! 

Every week this season, I’m going to share what our elf has been up to.

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And for even more fun things to do with your Elf on the Shelf, check out:

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50 Creative & Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas! #elfontheshelf

 

Photocopy / photocopier Elf on the Shelf

Photocopy

The Elf on the Shelf is having fun with the photocopy machine.

The best part is he leaves behind a memento for the kids!

Elf Spa Day with loofa - Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Spa Day

Ah! Time for a spa day for your elf.

Don’t forget the loofa and steam out the stress.

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Morning Coffee Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Morning Coffee | A Few Short Cuts

Why not invite your elf to join in on the morning coffee?

But do marshmallows go with coffee?

Swinging on a Toilet Paper Roll Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Swinging on Toilet Paper Roll | A Small Snippet

Who wouldn’t love an indoor swing?

Great place for the elf to hang out.

Scrabble Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Scrabble

We’re a Scrabble family!

But look closely at the words the Elf on the Shelf – how fun!

Building Blocks Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Building Blocks | Snippets from Suburbia

Grab some sugar cubes and have him do a building competition with one of the kid’s Barbies.

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Marshmallow Bath Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Marshmallow Bath | Snippets from Suburbia

Elf on the Shelfs like to take baths… in marshmallows.

Get different shaped marshmallows to make the bath more fun.

Barbie and Elf on the Shelf go for a ride on her scooter.

Making Friends

While the kids are sleeping, the Elf and Barbie are busy exploring the house.

Want a Donut? Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Want a Donut?

Only the Elf would bring these adorable teeny tiny donuts!

Lounging at the Beach Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Lounging at the Beach | Home Stories A to Z

Even the Elf needs a day off sometimes.

Help him soak up the sun with a beach vacation.

Being Carried Off Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Being Carried Off | Snippets from Suburbia

Gulliver’s Travels come to life!

Have your child’s little friends carry off the Elf.

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Cookies Anyone? Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Cookies Anyone? | Snippets from Suburbia

Aw. The Elf baked for the family last night… will anyone eat any of them?

Elves Are Your Friends Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Elves are Your Friends

LOL. Have the Elf hold class and teach the forest creatures.

School is in session!

Mater and Lightning McQueen Reindeer Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Mater and Lightning McQueen Reindeer

The Elf gets caught playing Santa with his very own reindeer 🙂

All you need are some pipe cleaners and imagination.

Elf on the Shelf making paper snowflakes

Paper Snowflakes

Who doesn’t love making paper snowflakes?

Just don’t forget the kid scissors.

Nativity Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Nativity

Let’s not forget the reason we celebrate Christmas with the Elf joining the nativity scene.

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Snowman in the Freezer Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Snowman in the Freezer

Baby it’s cold outside!

Wrap up with a sweater and maybe even a homemade snowman.

Will the kids find him in the freezer?

Lifting Weights Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Lifting Weights | Snippets from Suburbia

Staying in shape is  no joke!

With two marshmallows and a toothpick, you can make your own weights for your Elf.

Let Down Your Hair Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Let Down Your Hair | Snippets from Suburbia

Barbie oh Barbie. Let your hair down!

Are there any Rapunzel fans in your house?

Mirror Mirror on the Wall Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?

Sharing Coffee with a Friend Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Sharing Coffee with a Friend | Snippets from Suburbia

Even Elves need a coffee break and connect with friends.

Starbucks is our favorite!

Fishing Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Fishing | Rocking my 365 Project

The Elf goes fishing with Pepperidge Farm fish.

Do you think he’ll catch anything?

Ziplining /Zipline Elf on the Shelf

Ziplining Elf

Ziplining is all the rage and the Elf wants to get in on the fun!

Attack of the Lego People Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Attack of the Lego People | Picklehead Soup

Gulliver’s Travels keeps popping up.

This time he’s strapped down on a Lego board.

But don’t worry, he can easily break out.

Tissue Box Bed Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Tissue Box Bed | Home Stories A to Z

The Elf needs a cozy comfy bed to snuggle up in.

And this tissue box is the perfect place for him to snuggle up with his favorite stuffed animal and catch up on some ZZZs. 

Hanging Out in the Car Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

In the Car | Patricia’s Daughter

The Elf didn’t want to be left at home today.

He’s making himself comfortable hanging from the rearview mirror of mom’s car.

Reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas | Patricia’s Daughter

Everyone needs a bedtime story.

And “The Night Before Christmas” is a personal all-time favorite.

Cleaning Up Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Cleaning Up | A Few Short Cuts

Even the Elf has chores.

Do you think his favorite one is scrubbing out the bathroom sink with a cleansing brush?

Happy Snowmen Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Happy Snowmen | Mom Vs the Boys

Whether you have snow outside or not, the Elf felt like making snowmen.

Use toothpicks to hold the marshmallows together and mark them up with a Sharpie pen.

Drawing on Photos Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Drawing on Photos | Snippets from Suburbia

Oh that naughty naughty Elf on the Shelf! 

Just be sure not to use permanent marker.

Jousting Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Jousting | Snippets from Suburbia

It’s a joust on horses!

I have a feeling the Elf is going to win this one.

Dominoes Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Dominoes

Dominoes are such a wonderful game.

And the Elf didn’t want to get left out… he’s got a good game going.

Puzzled

Elves are curious folks — and she just wanted to try out the Dora the Explorer puzzle. 

Can the kids help her finish?

Birthday Balloons Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Birthday Balloons | Rocking My 365 Project

Does someone have a December birthday?

The Elf wants to help celebrate your child’s big day and brought some balloons for the party.

Getting His Santa On Elf on the Shelf. Click for more ideas! #elfontheshelf

Getting His Santa On | Rocking My 365 Project

Do you think the kids will know it’s the Elf and not Santa???

Elf singing karaoke #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas

Karaoke Night

Who doesn’t a night of singing karaoke?

Wondering if the Elf is looking for a date – just look at what he’s singing.

Sledding down the hill - Elf on the Shelf

Sledding down the Hill

What’s winter without a little snow?

And kids who love snow love sledding down the hill.

Date night for elf on the shelf

Date Night

The Elf shouldn’t be lonely!

He’s all dressed up for date night. And he even brought flowers.

Replace your family photos with pictures of the Elf. That naughty elf!

Vain Elf

Replace your family’s photos with pictures of the Elf.

Watch your kids’ reactions!

Elf on the Shelf stuck up in a tree.

Stuck up a Tree

Sometimes the Elf likes to be outside.

This time he’s climbing the trees in the backyard.

Elf on the shelf Writing messages in chocolate candies

Spelling Bee Elf

The Elf has gotten into the chocolates!

And he’s spelled out “Be Good.” 

Exhausted Elf - Too Tired to Play!

Exhausted Elf

Oh the Elf really pooped himself out.

You know he’s wiped out when all he wants to do is sleep.

Elf on the Shelf Making popcorn for movie night

Just Making a Snack

What goes perfect with a movie night?

Popcorn, of course!

Elf on the Shelf Fairy Door

Welcome to my Home

Ever wonder where the Elf lives?

Here’s the secret entrance to his tiny home!

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