30 Elf on the Shelf Ideas [Updated – April 2025]
Elf on the shelf, it’s became somewhat of a staple now when December hits hasn’t it?
Over the past few years, we’ve had an elf and done some bits here and there, but it’s never really stuck.
Well, until this year.
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Bringing fun to the house
After the absolute mess that 2020 has been, I thought that this year I would make a proper go for Elf on the shelf to bring some cheer and magic into Little Bears life and really up the festivities this year.
I decided to properly go for it after thinking about ways to make December the best things possible to end this year on a high note.
I knew we had an elf from last year, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. So, we picked up a new one along with some pieces like a robe, bed and jumper.
They were on sale in a shop that was shutting down and as soon as I got the elf home, I started to brainstorm some ideas on what they would get up to this year.
The two naughty elves
I put the new elf away ready for December, excited to get up to all sorts of mischief.
The end of November rolled around and we were getting the decorations ready to be put out.
Little bear was helping and just happened to open the little tin that the original elf was in.
My heart sank, but luckily, I came up with the story that the elf was probably playing hide and seek because it knew we were getting the decorations out.
Little bear believed that and thought it was hilarious, so from then on, we have been doing all sorts with the elves.
They have been very naughty this year, hence the name, The Two Naughty Elves.
RELATED: Elves Behavin’ Badly 12 Inch Long Leg Soft Body Vinyl Face Elf
30 Elf on the shelf ideas
As we have been having so much fun with the elves, I wanted to share 30 ideas to help you have the most fun this December.
- Elves bring an advent calendar
- Take elf to work
- Socks on the tree
- Spin the bottle with Teddy’s
- Shoe Shoe train
- Writing on the windows
- Snowball fight
- Baking a cake
- Building a train track
- Wrap the TV
- Playing a board game
- Hanging from lights
- Drawing on fruit
- Snow angels with flour
- Zip line
- Taped to the wall
- Holding toy hostage
- Roasting marshmallows over candle
- Making a fort/den
- Pants on the tree
- Driving toy cars
- Turning photos upside down
- Making breakfast
- Toilet paper roll race
- Elves taking a selfie
- Doing crafts
- Sleeping Selfies
- Elves steal a phone
- Elves hide a treat/treasure hunt
- Sliding down a bannister
Have you been having fun with elf on the shelf?
What’s your favourite thing the elves have done?
Elf on the Shelf – Props
1. The Complete Elf Survival Kit by FORMgiftsUK
2 . Personalised CHRISTMAS Gift Box by DottyHens
Posts you may like
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Ah, this is so sweet. Flora's too old for this now (we had The Talk about Father Christmas last year) but I love these ideas. All the ones I see are the memes where the Elf meets Barbie (I'll let you imagine the rest…) but these are just perfect for kids. Glad LB is enjoying it so much 🙂 xxx
I'm dreading the day my little one finds out about Santa! Oh I know what you mean, I much prefer the ones for kids.
I congratulate parents who have the patience for elf on the shelf. I’m a mum of three and I don’t think I could do it hah
Haha, I think I'm having more fun than my little one to be honest
I love the idea of Elf on the Shelf and would love to do one one day! I think I could spend hours brainstorming the best ideas, haha!
Tash /
It's honestly so fun to do! Thinking up the ideas is the best part lol
I've loved watching what your elves get up to on your insta! As it's just us two we don't have any elf shenanigans but I love watching and seeing what other people come up with!
Em xx
Aww thank you hun, I've been having tons of fun doing elf on the shelf this year!
These are great! I was running out of ideas for our elf. Thanks for sharing, I should be able to make it to Christmas now.
Thank you! I'm so glad they were helpful 🙂
Elves on the shelves are fun ways to spread the holiday fun and mischief about any busy, full house. Taking elf to work sounds 😆. I also love shopping around for beautifully crafted elves; many creatives do amazing work!
Thanks for sharing.
Jaya