58 Elf on the shelf ideas Plus FREE Printable Props
58 Elf on the shelf ideas Plus FREE Printable Props [Updated for 2026]
Elf on the shelf has become increasingly popular over the years due to the magic and fun it brings to children.
There’s something whimsical about seeing the children beam with joy when they find out what the little Elf has been up to.
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I know my son absolutely loves getting up in the mornings to check out what our two naughty elves have been doing.
It’s always heart-warming seeing how invested he gets.
The Elf on the shelf tradition
The Elf on the shelf tradition is now a firm staple in our house.
Each year our two Elfs get up to a lot of no good, so I’m always on the lookout for more exciting and fun ideas.
This has led me to endless scrolling on Pinterest for ideas and I have to say, there are some fantastic ones out there.
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58 Elf on the shelf ideas
As I really enjoy looking for new, exciting ideas I wanted to create a list of some fantastically naughty and nice Elf on the shelf ideas that anyone can try!
I’ve categorised them as “24 Naughty Ideas” and “24 Nice Ideas” so you can choose which path you’d like to go down.
Maybe you only want mischievous elves that bring a barrel of laughter and naughtiness to your home.
Maybe you only want good little Elfs that bring a sense of calm and fun to the home.
Or, maybe you’d like a bit of both!
Whatever route you’re going down, I have a great list of ideas here that will bring smiles all round.
I’m also including descriptions of each activity and sharing some free printables along the way to help you really get the most out of your Elfs this year.
There are also 10 bonus ideas as well as where to find more.
24 “Naughty” Elf On The Shelf Ideas
1. Freeze house keys
This is a pretty simple yet effective activity.
Get the house keys (make sure there are no electronic devices attached) and put them in a bowl of water. Take the bowl of water and put it in the freezer.
In the morning set up your elf next to the freezer and leave a note asking the child to check the freezer. Or, leave the bowl next to the elf with a note.
2. Wrap Christmas tree with toilet paper
A very naughty activity for the elf to be involved in!
Get some toilet paper and start covering the Christmas tree in it.
Put the Elf in there somewhere as well and watch the children start laughing!
3. Elves steal phone & makes a video
I personally love this one because it’s so wonderful seeing how much the kids love it.
Take your elf or elves and set up your phone or the child’s if they have one, and get some footage of the elf/elves having a laugh.
Last year I took my son’s phone and made a few videos with the elves around the house. I made sure that it looked like we were all in bed and only the elves could be seen and heard.
To make it more realistic, I had a YouTube video playing from my phone so the elves sounded like they were laughing.
You can find the video here – Elves Laughing High Pitch
4. Draw on the fruit
Simple yet effective!
Get a black marker (non-toxic, of course) and draw some faces on the fruit or use googly eyes!
Have the elf set-up next to it with the marker.
5. Elf wraps items in wrapping paper
Why not get some wrapping paper and wrap random items.
You could wrap one shoe from every pair, random clothing items, tooth brush, the list is endless.
6. Fill bath tub/shower with balloons
This is a fun yet mischievous activity for the elf to do.
Get some balloons, we use these organic balloons and I love them! Blow up the balloons and fill the bath or shower with them.
Have the Elf set up somewhere in the bathroom.
7. Draw on photos
For this you will need a washable marker. Make sure to test it out on some glass first to make sure that it does come off.
Take the marker and get creative with the family photos. Draw moustaches, devil horns, glasses, whatever takes your fancy.
8. Elf takes toys on a ride (Tape them in tumble dryer/washing machine)
Get your elf and a couple of toys such as action figures or small plushies and tape them to the inside of a tumble dryer or washing machine.
Make it look like they have been having fun in this “ride” all night.
Even better if you have a note sticking to the door of the machine saying:
“Have a go on the Elf-coaster, you’ll have the ride of your life! Must be under XX Inches tall to ride”
9. Elf pool party
Fill the bath or sink with some water, get the elf and a few toys, and get creative!
Place the toys in poses where it looks like they are having fun in or around the water. You could even take some blue food colouring to make the water look like a pool.
We did this a few years ago and I used these floating can holders as pool floats for the toys.
My son LOVED it!
10. Robbing the piggy bank
If your child has a piggy bank, set up the elf so it looks as though it’s robbing it.
Maybe make the elf a little money sack and mask to make it look funnier.
My son has this Minecraft Pig Bank and the elves sit on it well.
11. Elf writes on the windows
Why not get a little artistic with some acrylic paint pens and create some art on the windows!
This is really fun for kids to discover and using acrylic paint pens means that it can easily wash off with some hot, soapy water.
12. Sticky bows all over the house
Get those Christmas bows out and get sticking!
Place them all over the house in random places and make a game out of it, or create a climbing wall for the elf.
Bonus tip: Do this activity before wrapping gifts, that way you can re-use the bows and cut down on waste.
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13. Elf steals car keys
Get your car keys and hide them somewhere.
Place a card next to the elf with a note that explains the keys are hidden and the hunt is on.
I recommend doing this on a weekend or a day when you don’t need to get out of the house quickly.
14. Snowball fight
Set up a snowball fight scene using some white paper or toilet paper.
Scrunch up some little faux snowballs and place the elf and toys around and make it look like they have been having a snowball fight.
15. Draw on face with black eyeliner
Get some black eyeliner, pencil or liquid is fine, and draw on the child’s face.
I suggest this over pen as it’s much easier to get off and most likely won’t stain the skin.
16. Elf uses food colouring to turn milk red
I absolutely loved doing this with my son last year.
The elf was on the kitchen table top with a little note reading “enjoy your festive breakfast” and my son was very confused.
So, we got his normal breakfast of corn flakes ready and opened the fridge to see a glass bottle of milk that was red.
I suggest getting a different bottle like a glass or plastic one to put some milk in with red or green food colouring. This means you aren’t turning your whole carton a funny colour.
17. Shaving foam all over the mirrors
For this one you are going to need some shaving foam and a mirror.
Very simple yet effective. It’s low effort and sure to make the kids laugh.
18. Elf puts googly eyes on photos all over the house
A funny yet naughty little prank for the elf to pull.
Get yourself some googly eyes, preferably ones with sticky backs or use some blutack and stick them over people’s eyes on photos.
19. Stealing sweets/cookies
Get a box of cookies or tub of sweets and set up a scene where the elf is stealing some.
Maybe you could have the elf next to the tub with some chocolate/crumbs on its face and wrappers next to it.
20. Elf gets tangled in toilet paper
For this you’ll need some toilet paper, and that’s it!
I suggest buying a cheap pack that you can use just for the Christmas pranks and have fun with it.
Get the elf tangled up in the toilet roll and have some laying around the bathroom floor.
21. Snow angels in flour
Get yourself some flour, pour it onto a table top and have the elf set up so it is making “snow angels”.
We did this a few years ago and it was great seeing how amused my son was.
22. Wrapping shoes in clingfilm
I loved doing this with my son as he found it absolutely hilarious that the elf had wrapped all shoes individually in clingfilm.
23. Elf gets out of control with stickers
Get yourself some stickers, and get sticker happy placing them all over the child’s rooms.
It’s so fun watching them try to find them all!
We tend to place them without force so the stickers can be peeled off, and out into our reusable sticker book. This way the stickers can be re-used and creates less waste.
24. Elf starts pooping out raisins
Another one my son loved was seeing the elf in the bathroom with little raisins trailing out of its butt.
We placed a card next to him saying “Elf poop is edible, have a taste!” and my son lost it when I picked one up to eat.
Make sure the surface you are using is clean and disinfected first before you think about eating from it. I would not recommend a toilet, maybe use a sink or bath instead.
Free Printable Props
Make this years Elf on the Shelf extra special with this set of printable props!
There are 16 printable’s altogether including a letter to Santa template and Elf arrival letter.
Make your Elf stand out with the photo props, games, colouring pages, movie night tickets and much more.
Get them now!
Download via Google Drive // Download via Gumroad
24 “Nice” Elf On The Shelf Ideas
1. Elf brings an advent calendar
To start your elf magic off, why not have them arrive with a ‘Elf arrival letter’ and advent calendar.
There is also a free elf arrival letter included in the printable pack linked here in this post.
2. Movie night!
Have the elf bring the magic of Christmas movies to the home using some movie night cards and tickets for that extra special touch. There are some in the free printable pack you can use.
Why not go the extra mile and get some popcorn in, sweets and little popcorn buckets to keep it magical and fun.
You could get some gorgeous personalised popcorn bowls that would be a nice extra treat.
Or, you could go down the route of a S’mores kit to make it extra fun.
3. Bedtime Christmas book
Bring some bedtime magic with an extra special festive book!
There’s lots of choices out there for Christmas books, here’s some of our favourites:
- The Christmasaurus
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
- Squirrel’s Snowman: A Winter Lift-the-Flap Story
- We’re Going on a Sleigh Ride: A Lift-the-Flap Adventure
To make it extra cosy, set the elf up on the bed with the book and maybe even get some elf Pjs for the elf to get cosy in bed as well.
4. Toy party
Get some toys together and have a little party!
You could get some balloons and party decorations to create a party scene with the toys.
There is a printable twister game in the pack I’ve linked above which would be great for using during the toy party.
5. Elf brings Santa’s Letter
The Santa letter is such a special and magical moment for children at Christmas, so why not make it even more whimsical by having the elf on the shelf bring the special delivery.
There are lots of amazing Santa letter bundles online, but I highly recommend this set: Personalised Letter From Santa Father Christmas Nice List Certificate
6. Elf makes school lunch box with yummy treats
Why not have the elf take over making the packed lunch box for school or lunch at home.
Have them create an extra special lunch with yummy treats.
I highly recommend using Christmas shaped cookie cutters for sandwiches, my son loves when they are different festive shapes.
7. The Elf brings a task from Santa
A fun elf activity to do is have the elf bring a task from Santa himself.
Get a piece of card or use the printable’s provided in this post, and create a task for the kids to do.
This not only keeps them busy and gives them something fun to do, it makes them feel important that they have a special task from Santa.
8. Treasure hunt with candy canes
Another fun activity is to have a treasure hunt with candy canes.
There are printable candy cane treasure hunt props available in the free prop pack.
9. Elf brings DIY tree decorations for arts & crafts activity
Why not have the elf bring a DIY tree decoration kit to keep kids entertained.
There are lots of great kits you can get online, but my son had a blast with these ones: Paint your own Christmas Baubles.
10. Toy sleepover with Elf
Get the toys together for a big sleepover!
This is fun and easy to achieve. All you have to do is get some socks, put toys in the socks and lay them out in the child’s bedroom as if they are sleeping.
To amp this up, you could have some pieces of popcorn laying around them and a DVD case open as if the toys had a fun night.
11. Baking with the Elf
Why not have the elf bring a baking kit for the children to have fun with!
I highly recommend putting together a mini baking package for the elf to present the children. Most shops stock seasonal baking kits for the likes of cupcakes or cookies.
12. Playing UNO with the toys
Get those UNO cards out and set the toys up because it’s time for a game night.
Another simple yet fun activity for the elf to get up to.
13. Elf brings plate and key for Santa
The children get so excited setting up on Christmas eve for Santa don’t they?
Well, why not have the elf bring some special goodies perfect for setting up for Santa. The elf could bring a Santa tray, glass, key, whatever takes your fancy.
14. Elf brings new tooth brushes and tooth paste
Teaching children to take good care of their teeth is important, so why not have the elf bring a new toothbrush and toothpaste all the way from the North Pole.
15. Surprise gift
It’s always nice to get a little surprise gift isn’t it?
Maybe the elf on the shelf could bring one for the kids such as a teddy or small toy for being extra good.
16. Elf brings yummy desserts
Why not have the elf bring some amazing yummy desserts for the kids!
It’s a lovely little gesture and I’m sure the kids will love it.
17. Elf builds marshmallow snowmen to eat
Get some marshmallows, black icing, toothpicks and build some snowmen!
It’s a lovely surprise for children. You could even set up a little station for the children to do it as well.
18. Find the hidden treat/gift treasure hunt
Much like a candy cane treasure hunt, you could opt for a treasure hunt using a gift as the prize or some of their favourite sweets.
Why not create clues for the kids to follow and search for their prize. Have the elf set up with the instructions and you’re ready to go.
19. Roasting Marshmallows night
Maybe the elf could bring a marshmallow kit for toasting.
It’s a great thing for kids to do and will bring so much fun.
20. Elf brings Christmas Eve box
The Christmas eve box has become a firm staple in our house! So, we have started setting it up so that the elf brings it on the 24th.
It’s a fun way for the box to be given to the children and a lovely elf activity.
21. Elf sneaks into school bag
A funny prank for the elf to play is sneaking into the school bag.
Slip the elf in without the child knowing and then listen to their story when they come home about how shocked they were.
We did this when my son was in primary 1 and he talked about it for weeks after.
22. The Elf has the mince pie/cookie, carrot, reindeer dust and milk to leave out for Santa
Why not have the elf bring all the goodies that you will need for Santa!
Have the elf set up with a goody bag filled with the items you need.
23. Elf looks out all the Christmas movies
A simple yet effective activity for the elf to get up to.
Have the elf set out in front of the TV and Christmas DVDs scattered around them or have the likes of Netflix on with the Christmas selection open and the elf holding the remote.
24. Elf looks out camera/phone for Christmas family photo
Why not have your elf on the shelf set up with a little card explaining that they would like a family photo to send to Santa.
Maybe you could have matching Christmas pyjamas or some photo props to make it extra cute.
I know how hard it can be getting the kids to agree to family photos at times, so having “Santa” give this task to the elf might make it a lot more fun.
10 Bonus Ideas
Looking for more Elf on the Shelf ideas? Then here are 10 more to consider.
For help on how to achieve them or more Elf on the Shelf ideas, check out my Pinterest board here – Christmas Inspiration
- Elf in the Christmas tree
- Elf hiding in a Pringles tub
- The Elf brings a snowman from Santa’s Grotto
- Elf wall climbing
- Elf plays Jenga with KitKat sticks
- Time for a Shoe Shoe train
- Elf takes a bath
- Elf has a basket for clearing out toys
- Time for a magic trick
- Elf made too much popcorn
Posts you may like
- Christmas Eve Box Ideas for All Ages
- 16 Perfect Advent Calendars for Children this Year [2025]
- 30 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Thank you for sharing this post! I’m always looking for ways to make the pesky Elves have fun and the children happy lol. This is perfect and thank you for the props, I’m going to print them today.
It’s very rare I come across a blog that is so well written, full of passion and genuinely informative and helpful.
Keep up the good work 😁
~ Kayleigh