Looking for new unique elf on the shelf ideas to try this year? Here are the most creative elf on the shelf ideas you can try!
The Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. It’s the perfect way to add some magic and excitement to the Christmas season. This is why we will share 20 creative and unique Elf on the Shelf ideas that will delight both kids and adults alike.
From mischievous antics to thoughtful gestures, these ideas will keep your elf busy and bring joy to your home. Let’s dive in and discover some fun ways to make this holiday season unforgettable with your very own Elf on the Shelf!
But before we get started, get your Elf on the Shelf here:
20 CREATIVE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
1. Making M&Ms Out Of Crayons
In this creative Elf on the Shelf idea, your mischievous elf can be found in the kitchen with a tiny workshop setup. They’ll have a collection of colorful crayons and a mold that resembles M&M candies.
Your elf will appear to be busy «making» M&Ms by melting crayons into the mold, adding a playful touch of sweetness to your holiday decor.
2. Eating Oreos
Mischievous elf on the shelf ideas are the best ones!
This scenario involves your elf in the act of indulging in a beloved snack – Oreos! You can stage your elf sitting next to an open Oreo package with some crumbs around, a glass of milk, and maybe even a mini-sized elf-sized Oreo in their hand. It’s a fun and relatable scene for kids to discover.
And while you are at it, you can munch on some Oreos yourself and get into the holiday spirit!
3. Playing in The Snow (Flour)
Who doesn’t love a snowy Christmas? Your elf can bring the winter wonderland indoors by creating a snowy scene using flour. Set up a small area with a pile of flour, and your elf can be seen making snow angels or building miniature snowmen.
This idea brings a touch of the outdoors inside and adds a snowy magic to your Elf’s visit. Allowing yourself and your beloved elf to enjoy a white Christmas!
4. Elf Wall Climbing
For all the adventurous spirits out there, make sure your elf also indulges in some nerve wrecking adventure! Have your Elf scale the walls of your home. You can use removable adhesive hooks or tiny suction cups to make it look like your elf is defying gravity.
This unique idea adds an element of surprise and excitement as your kids discover their elf in an unexpected place, spreading holiday cheer from high above.
5. Taking Potatoes as Prisoners
There are so many fun elf on the shelf ideas you can try, but involving other elements like food and kitchen utensils is always a good idea.
Set up a scene where your elf is holding a few small potatoes with googly eyes and drawn-on mouths, with tiny handcuffs or ropes around them. It will appear as though your elf has captured the mischievous potatoes and is keeping them as prisoners.
This idea adds a fun twist to your Elf’s adventures and will surely spark the imagination of your little ones. They can even come up with their own rescue mission to free the potato prisoners!
Read: 27 Christmas Decorations For Tree To Transform Your Christmas Tree
6. Fishing Elf on the Shelf
In another universe, your Elf on the Shelf can become a skilled fisherman in this creative idea. Set up a scene where your elf is positioned near a small fish tank or bowl, holding a tiny fishing rod with a string and a small fish-shaped cutout attached to it. It will appear as though your elf is trying to catch some fish for dinner.
This playful scene adds a touch of whimsy to your Elf’s adventures and can spark conversations about fishing and marine life with your children.
7. Giving a Lesson
It’s time to put your elf to a good purpose and use him to teach your kids a lesson, or at least tell them to listen to mom!
This is perfect for you if you’re looking for last minute elf on the shelf ideas and it’s definitely useful and effective. Simply get a small piece of cardboard and write down your message.
8. Singer Elf on the Shelf
Who doesn’t love some fun singing? In this creative idea, your elf can be found holding a tiny microphone and standing in front of a makeshift stage made out of popsicle sticks or cardboard. They can be positioned to look like they are performing a mini concert for their fellow toys or even for your family.
This idea brings a musical twist to your Elf’s adventures and can inspire your kids to sing along or put on their own performances. It’s a great way to spread some cheerful holiday tunes throughout your home.
9. Painting by the Beach
For all the beach lovers there, your Elf can bring the beach vibes indoors with this creative idea. Set up a scene where your elf is sitting at a miniature beach setup, complete with a tiny beach chair, umbrella, and a paint palette. Your elf can be seen painting a picture of the beach or a tropical sunset.
With a touch of relaxation and creativity to your Elf’s adventures and can inspire your children to express themselves through art. It’s a fun way to bring some beach spirit to your home during the holiday season.
10. Elf with Pet Crocks
Let your Elf on the Shelf can show off their love for animals in this creative idea. Set up a scene where your elf is sitting next to a miniature cage or tank, with a few tiny crocks inside. Your elf can be seen feeding and taking care of their pet crocks, creating a cute and whimsical scene.
Filled with the notion of nature and responsibility to your Elf’s adventures and can spark conversations about pet care with your children. It’s a fun way to teach them about taking care of animals and being responsible even during the holiday!
Read: 20 Cute Christmas Decor Ideas To Get Into The Holiday Spirit
11. Twirling on the Hand Blender
We know you don’t always have time to set up big scenes for your Elf, so here’s another one of our favorite easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that take no time.
Your Elf can engage in some kitchen escapades by being discovered perched on the handle of a hand blender. The blender can be unplugged and turned off, of course, ensuring safety.
He will look like they were having a merry twirl on this kitchen gadget, adding a whimsical touch to the otherwise mundane morning routine.
12. Becoming a Teacher
Another idea is to transform him into a teacher! Sat at a tiny desk with a chalkboard or whiteboard, your elf can have a miniature classroom set up with tiny books, pencils, and a lecture podium, imparting some holiday wisdom to any other toys or stuffed animals who may be «students.»
Alternatively, your elf can be seen grading papers or giving out gold star stickers to reward good behavior. This idea adds an educational element to your Elf’s visit and can encourage your children to engage in imaginative play as they pretend to be students in the elf’s classroom.
13. Relaxing at a Marshmallows Spa
Holidays are all about relaxation! Set up a scene where your Elf on the Shelf is sitting in a miniature spa made out of marshmallows. He can be seen lounging on a marshmallow chair, with a marshmallow towel wrapped around them, and maybe even holding a tiny marshmallow face mask.
This idea brings a cozy and indulgent vibe to your Elf’s adventures and can inspire your children to take some time for self-care during the holiday season. It’s a fun way to promote relaxation and pampering in a playful way.
14. Pulling Pranks
Elves are known for their mischievous ways! And yours will be no different. Your elf can be found setting up some harmless pranks around the house. For example, they can hang underwear on the Christmas tree or hide shoes in the refrigerator.
Another scene could include changing the toilet paper roll to face the wrong way or filling the bathtub with balloons. These playful pranks will bring laughter and joy to your home during the holiday season.
15. Making a Sponge Cake
Kids love when their Elf gives them little gifts. This is why this is one of your favorite quick Elf on the Shelf ideas.
This idea adds a delicious touch to your Elf’s adventures and can inspire your children to get involved in baking during the holiday season. It’s a fun way to create sweet memories and treats together.
Read: 20 Unique Christmas Wreaths That Will Transform Your Front Door
16. Eating Dog Cookies
Cookies but make it more fun! Your Elf can show their love for pets by pretending to eat dog cookies. Set up a scene where your elf is sitting at a mini table with a plate full of dog-shaped cookies. They can be seen taking a bite or holding a cookie up to their mouth.
This scene brings a humorous twist to your Elf’s adventures and can spark conversations about pets with your children. It’s a fun way to incorporate your family’s furry friends into the holiday tradition.
17. Hiding in the Freezer
Your elf on the shelf can bring some excitement to the kitchen by hiding in the freezer. Set up a scene where your elf is peeking out from behind frozen bags or containers. It will give your children a surprise when they open the freezer door.
A playful element to your elf’s adventures and can create a sense of wonder and anticipation during the holiday season! It’s a fun way to keep the holiday spirit alive and engage your children in a game of hide-and-seek with their elf.
18. Fishing in the Sink
Can’t get your little one to brush their teeth? This Elf on the Shelf idea will sort out that worry for you. Set up a scene where your elf is found fishing in the sink.
Use a toy fishing rod with a string and attach a small fish cutout to the end. Your elf can be seen reeling in the fish as if it’s caught on the «hook.» This playful and engaging scene will surely encourage your children to brush their teeth without any resistance.
19. Making Funny (Or Bad) Jokes
Your Elf on the Shelf can become the resident comedian in this creative idea. Who knew elves loved telling jokes? Oh, but it doesn’t mean they’re super good at it. We still love fun Elf on the Shelf ideas that are easy and creative!
This idea adds a humorous touch to your Elf’s adventures and can inspire your kids to share their own jokes and laughter during the holiday season. It’s a great way to spread some holiday cheer through laughter.
20. Roasting Marshmallows With a Candle
Who says you need a campfire to enjoy roasted marshmallows? Your Elf can bring the campfire experience indoors by roasting mini marshmallows over a candle. Set up a scene where your elf is sitting by a safe, lit candle with a tiny skewer and mini marshmallows. They can be seen roasting marshmallows, just like you would around a real campfire.
This is the perfect idea to add a cozy and nostalgic touch to your Elf’s adventures and can inspire your children to enjoy some indoor camping fun during the holiday season. It’s a delightful way to create warm and memorable moments together!
This was all about Elf on the Shelf ideas!
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