I know I’m not the only parent who finds herself anxiously searching Pinterest for “simple Elf on the Shelf ideas” right before her kids wake up, right? Our Elf on the Shelf returns every December 1st and my kids excitedly begin their countdown on Thanksgiving Day. I gave up early on with wild and crazy ideas for a few reasons.
Number 1 – I’m just not that creative. It’s not my ministry. I own that. I just want to have fun and deliver some holiday magic.
Number 2 – my memory is horrible hence the early morning Google and Pinterest searches.
Number 3 – seriously, it really doesn’t take much to bring a smile to my children’s faces. The magic is in the enthusiasm we all have as we get closer and closer to Christmas.
A few years ago, I began planning out our Elf’s escapades early on and setting an “alarm” to Move the Elf. It’s helped tremendously. Also, if I happen to be traveling my husband or oldest son can easily step in to help without giving me the “Really?!?” look when I ask them to do something really outlandish.
Do you want to be a bit more creative with your Elf’s escapades? Did you know there are different accessories you can purchase to help you “stage” scenes easier and quicker? What will they think of next?
24 Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Elf returns with breakfast treats & holiday decor
- Elf is hanging out with stuffed animals and/or dolls.
- Elf has made grab-n-go breakfast.
- Elf is drafting a letter to Santa on computer or laptop
- Elf has written a note on the bathroom mirror
- Elf has had fun with family photos
- Elf says HAPPY FRIYAY with candy / cereal
- Elf arrives with supplies for writing letters to Santa
- Elf has cut out paper snowflakes
- Elf is hiding in the fridge with Good Morning Sign
- Elf has swiped the game controllers / remote.
- Elf has brought out Mom’s coffee / tea supplies.
- Elf has gotten stuck in a jar / bowl. Writes HELP sign.
- Elf is making Elf Angels in the kitchen (rice or flour).
- Elf is sitting buckled in the car. We’ll find when we go run errands.
- Elf has changed the Christmas countdown sign to wrong number
- Elf is hanging around on a light fixture or ceiling fan.
- Elf is sipping green Elf milk from a cup.
- Elf is reading to toy friends.
- Elf has colored “5 Days ‘Til Christmas” note
- Elf has replaced tree topper
- Elf has brought supplies to make Christmas cookies
- Elf is reading A Christmas Story with hot chocolate
- Elf brings farewell gifts with “See Ya Next Year” Note
Do you want your Elf Pets to live like royalty? Then decorate their new home with the DIY mix and match kit. With this fun collection, they will feel at ease as soon as they step through those doors!
There you have it 24 simple Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep your family on their toes and you with your sanity. Happy Holidays!
Bonus Idea! If you have a Smart TV or Apple TV, you can play this YouTube Video showing your Elf “stuck” on the screen:
If your Elf is not brown, you can find other options by searching “elf stuck in tv” on YouTube.
There are tons of different holiday activities to do with your family to spread holiday cheer. They say this is a great time of year for a reason.
Santa Mail directly from the North Pole
You can have these “delivered” by your elf or let your children get excited with real mail delivered directly to them.
15 Elf on the Shelf Accessories
Elf on the Shelf : A Christmas Tradition Blue-Eyed Boy Light Tone Scout Elf! Elf and book included.
Is your family just starting out the Elf on the Shelf tradition and needs to adopt an elf? Perhaps, you need to replace your elf because you can’t find yours, I mean he forgot how to find your house this year. Either way, you can purchase a new one.
The Elf on the Shelf Insta Moment Pop Ups (Elf not included)
This set of five backdrops will keep your Scout Elf busy for hours! With a simple pop, they can stage countless scenes and create that perfect holiday vibe every day.
The Elf on the Shelf: Scout Elves at Play
This kit will help Scout Elves create scenes in their homes that are quick and easy.
Elf on The Shelf Scout Elves at Play Paper Crafts
Santa’s Scout elf training team has put together 13 paper crafts that elves can use to create a mini world for their families. Tips, tricks, and Pop-Outs are included so even the busiest of elves will be able to make something awesome this holiday season!
Elf on The Shelf Scout Elf Express Delivers: Letters to Santa
The Letters to Santa Kit is a great way for kids to get their letters ready and quickly sent off. Mrs. Claus’ Magic Press, Santa’s Special Paper that shrinks letters into elf size so they can be carried by your Scout Elf in just one trip down the chimney! After reading each letter aloud from Saturna Island Canada elves will hang them proudly around this Christmas Tree as keepsakes ornaments with pride knowing how much hard work went behind these handmade items.
The Elf on the Shelf North Pole Advent Train
This train-shaped advent calendar is the perfect way to count down all 24 days of Christmas with a few surprises. You’ll find mini-figures and accessories that are the North Pole themed among other fascinating items!
The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Soaring Snowflake Set (Elf not included)
The Scout Elf will have a blast on the inflatable sled! With this cute wintry scarf, they can glide over hillsides and slopes while bundled up.
The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture North Pole Goal and Gear (Elf not included)
The North Pole is a place where dreams come true and this Scout Elf has no shortage of them. With the official uniform from the soccer league, he’s ready to pass it off or shoot into an open net – either way, you win!
Bili Wizard Christmas Doll Clothes and Accessory Compatible with Elf ( Wizard Robe and Scarf
Handmade doll clothes are made to fit for Elf, and come with a Wizard Robe and Gryffindor Scarf. The chest of the clothes uses Velcro so that your elf can wear them easily without having cut their hands; every piece uses high-quality fabrics that are soft yet durable! All items go through 3 inspections before being shipped out – don’t worry about getting something wrong because it’s been checked over twice already.
The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Jolly Gingerbread Set (Elf not included)
This kit is so cute! It includes a gingerbread man costume and reversible backdrop with one side that can be colored in by children or their Scout Elfs.
The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Collection Good Tidings Toy Tote and Scarf
The Elf Pets Santa’s Sack of Toys tote is filled with fun! Whether you are traveling or playing at home, the clever accessories in this bag will take care of your favorite animal. Great gift idea for those that have an Elf Pet.
Elf on The Shelf Pets: A St. Bernard Tradition Plush
Adopting a Saint Bernard to keep the magic of Christmas alive is a great way for children who believe in Santa Claus or those that want their own version. These adorable pups will make any child feel like they are right there at home during this wonderful time!
Elf Pets Christmas Cabin Playset
Give your Elf Pets a place of their own with the Elf Pets DIY Mix and Match Kit. With it you can create unlimited platable configurations, personalize and decorate, and easily find what you need when making anything!
Elf on the Shelf Pets Reindeer
Every elf pet reindeer wears a golden heart charm around their neck, and special Christmas magic is stored inside. When children adopt one to love with all their hearts-to give gifts from its lower jaw or share food in times of plenty-the magical energy will activate!
World's Smallest The Elf On The Shelf, Multi
World’s Smallest Elf on the Shelf is a timeless Christmas classic! A miniature replica of the original full-sized character, the World’s smallest is less than 4 inches from his hat to feet and fully articulated. It makes for an excellent collectible toy or stocking stuffer that kids (and adults) will love displaying during this joyous time of year.
Recommended age: 6+.