The holiday season brings the joy of tradition, and one of the most beloved family traditions in recent years has been the Elf on the Shelf. Parents and kids eagerly await the Elf’s new antics every morning, and this holiday ritual has quickly become a staple in many households.
But as any seasoned parent knows, keeping up with fresh and fun ideas can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas to spark your imagination and make this season unforgettable!
Whether you’re looking for silly setups, elf mischief, or heartwarming scenes, these ideas will keep your kids guessing (and smiling) all season long.
1. Elf’s Hot Cocoa Bath

Set up a mini hot cocoa spa for your Elf! Fill a mug with marshmallows, add a small candy cane for a stir stick, and nestle the Elf for a warm and cozy cocoa bath. A note saying, “Taking a break to warm up!” adds a cute touch.
2. Christmas Tree Climber

Kids will love finding their Elf halfway up the Christmas tree, tangled in lights, or “holding on” to a branch. Attach a small strand of lights to your Elf to make it look like he’s trying to decorate—or possibly causing chaos.
3. Snowball Fight with Stuffed Animals

Give your Elf some backup by setting up a snowball fight scene with miniature marshmallows. Arrange stuffed animals or toys before the Elf, with mini marshmallows as “snowballs” scattered around.
4. Elf’s Movie Night

Set your Elf up for a cozy evening scene with popcorn, mini candy, and a phone or tablet playing a Christmas movie. Make it festive by setting him next to other toys and enjoying the “movie” together.
5. Elf’s Bubble Bath

Fill the sink or a small container with cotton balls or white pom-poms to resemble bubbles. Place the Elf inside, perhaps with a mini rubber duck or other bath toys. Kids will giggle at seeing Elf taking a relaxing “bubble bath.”
6. Naughty Elf Coloring on the Walls

Get washable markers and let your Elf draw funny faces on a family photo or a mirror. Just be sure it’s easily erasable! This naughty idea is bound to elicit laughs and groans in equal measure.
7. Elf the Baker

Bring the magic of holiday baking to your Elf on the Shelf setup! Place your Elf in the kitchen with a small bowl of flour, tiny cookie cutters, and sprinkles. Sprinkle flour around to make it look like the Elf has been busy baking holiday treats.
8. Elf’s Zip Line Adventure

For excitement, rig a “zip line” using string from one end of the room to the other. Attach your Elf and make him look like he’s zooming across the room for a thrilling adventure.
9. Elf’s Snow Angel

Sprinkle some flour or sugar on a baking sheet. Lay your Elf on it, spreading his arms and legs to create a “snow angel.” This one is simple to set up and always looks cute.
10. Elf at the Christmas Concert

Set up a little concert scene with toy instruments and have your elf “sing” along. Arrange other stuffed animals as the audience, and perhaps a few “programs” for that added concert touch.
11. Elf’s Fishing Trip

Turn a bathroom sink or glass of water into a fishing hole! Craft a small fishing rod using a toothpick and string, and “catch” a goldfish cracker or other treat. Kids will love finding their Elf mid-fishing adventure.
12. The Superhero Elf

Give your Elf a superhero cape and have him “fly” around the room. You can use a fishing line or clear tape to attach him to a high spot or even a ceiling fan (make sure it’s off!). Your kids will adore the heroic twist on their magical Elf.
13. Toilet Paper Roll Fun

Have your elf “roll” down the stairs in a toilet paper tube. This classic prank setup is easy to arrange and gives the kids a little holiday laugh first thing in the morning.
14. Skiing Elf

Craft some skis out of popsicle sticks and poles out of toothpicks. Arrange your Elf in a “skiing” pose on a pile of flour “snow.” This sporty Elf will surely bring a big smile to your kids’ faces!
15. Elf’s North Pole Breakfast

Surprise the kids with a festive breakfast, courtesy of the Elf! Arrange mini pancakes, a sprinkle of marshmallows, and a tiny cup of hot cocoa. Your Elf can even hold a note inviting everyone to the “North Pole Breakfast.”
16. Spa Day for Elf and Friends

Set up a small spa scene using cotton balls as “towels” and a face mask made from a small piece of paper. You can include other toys enjoying the spa day, making this a cute and relaxing scene.
17. Elf Writes a Letter to Santa

Have your Elf sit with a tiny piece of paper and a pencil, writing a letter to Santa. Kids will love seeing the “unfinished” letter and imagining what their Elf has to say about them!
18. Elf Takes a Selfie

Prop up a phone with the camera on and position the Elf in front of it as if he’s taking a selfie! Bonus points if you leave the selfie saved on the phone for your kids to find.
19. Elf on a Rock Climbing Adventure

For adventurous elves, create a rock climbing scene! Attach small pieces of tape or miniature “rocks” made from crumpled paper on a wall, and position your Elf halfway up in a climbing pose.
20. Elf’s Bedtime with a Book

Set up a cozy scene with your Elf lying in bed (a tissue box works excellent as a makeshift bed) with a small book. You can use an actual book or create a tiny version. This idea is perfect for ending a day of elf antics on a calm and heartwarming note.
Tips for Setting Up Your Elf on the Shelf Scenes
– Keep it Simple: Not every setup has to be elaborate. Sometimes, the most straightforward scenes can be the most memorable.
– Involve Household Items: Look around your house for items you can repurpose for the Elf’s setup, such as marshmallows, cotton balls, and small toys.
– Add Personal Touches: Include items unique to your family, like family photos or favorite toys, to make each scene feel extra special.
– Mix up the Themes: From cozy scenes to mischievous antics, changing up the elves’ activities keeps the fun alive for the kids.
Adding a bit of magic each morning with creative Elf on the Shelf ideas can make the holiday season extra special. These fun and imaginative setups bring children joy and build lasting memories for the entire family. With these 20 creative ideas, you’re sure to keep the holiday magic alive—and maybe even spark some laughter and wonder along the way.
Happy holidays, and may your Elf bring endless joy and a sprinkle of magic to your home this season! 🎄
It’s only the 12th and I feel like I’m already out of ideas lol I’ve been trying to brainstorm some more while I wait for the carpet cleaners to finish up and my mind is just blank. You have no idea how much I appreciate this! I sometimes wish I hadn’t started the elf tradition but I love how much more magical it makes the holiday season, I just struggle with my creativity. Thank you!