Elf on the Shelf Ideas: 97 Easy, Funny and Last-Minute Ideas for Every Night

The best Elf on the Shelf ideas take five minutes after the kids are asleep, use things you already have in the house, and still get a gasp at breakfast. Below are elf ideas for every night of the season, sorted the way tired parents actually need them: easy ones, last-minute ones for when you forgot, funny and naughty ones, arrival and goodbye ideas, classroom ideas and a few for the grown-ups. Every idea shows how long it takes and how much mess it makes, and there are notes from the elf you can copy at the end.

How the Elf on the Shelf Works

The scout elf arrives sometime between Thanksgiving and early December, watches the family during the day, and flies back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa. Each morning it lands somewhere new, often in the middle of some mischief. On Christmas Eve it flies home for good until next year.

The three rules most families follow:

• Do not touch the elf, or it may lose its magic. (If someone does, there is a note for that below.)
• The elf cannot talk, but it listens, so kids can tell it what they would like for Christmas.
• The elf goes home on Christmas Eve and comes back next season.

Moving it is a job for the grown-ups, quietly, after bedtime. The ideas below are what it gets up to.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas

1. Hot air balloon landing (10 min, no mess): Tie a paper cup under a party balloon and hang it from the kitchen light with the elf riding in the cup.
2. Special delivery (5 min, no mess): Put the elf in a small box addressed "From the North Pole" on the doorstep or the breakfast table.
3. Stuck in the chimney (2 min, no mess): Leave only the elf's legs sticking out of a stocking or the top of a tissue box.
4. Parachute drop (10 min, no mess): Tie a napkin to the elf with string like a parachute and hang it from the ceiling fan, turned off.
5. Arrival breakfast (10 min, low mess): A plate of pancakes or toast with a "welcome back" face made from fruit, with the elf sitting beside it.
6. Snow globe entrance (5 min, low mess): Sprinkle a little fake snow or white paper confetti around the elf on the windowsill, as if it blew in overnight.
7. Arrival letter (5 min, no mess): The elf holds a note introducing itself and the rules. Copy one from the notes section below.
8. Paper airplane landing (5 min, no mess): The elf sits in a big paper airplane on the coffee table, ready for take-off.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

9. Marshmallow bubble bath (2 min, low mess): Fill a mug or bowl with mini marshmallows and sit the elf in it with a washcloth on its head.
10. Hide and seek (1 min, no mess): Half-hide the elf behind a curtain or a houseplant with only its hat showing.
11. Reading a bedtime story (2 min, no mess): Sit the elf in a chair with a tiny book open on its lap.
12. Stuffed animal party (5 min, no mess): Gather a circle of teddies around the elf as if they stayed up all night chatting.
13. Toy car race (5 min, no mess): Put the elf in a toy car at the front of a lineup of cars on a track or a strip of tape.
14. Elf yoga (2 min, no mess): Pose the elf in a stretch on a folded washcloth with a stuffed animal copying it.
15. Drawing on the bananas (3 min, no mess): Draw silly faces on bananas or eggs with a marker and leave the elf holding the pen.
16. Board game night (5 min, no mess): Set up a half-finished game of tic-tac-toe, Candy Land or Jenga between the elf and a stuffed animal.
17. Movie night (3 min, low mess): Sit the elf in front of the TV with a tiny cup of popcorn and the remote.
18. Swinging from the light (5 min, no mess): Make a swing from string and a piece of cardboard and hang it from a cabinet handle.
19. Hanging from the tree (1 min, no mess): Leave the elf dangling from a branch like an ornament with a candy cane hook.
20. Fishing for goldfish crackers (5 min, low mess): A string on a pencil "fishing rod" dangling into a bowl of goldfish crackers.
21. Bundled up in the fridge (1 min, no mess): The elf sits in the fridge "feeling at home" next to the butter.
22. Selfie time (3 min, no mess): Leave the elf holding an old phone or a paper phone, posing with a toy.
23. Building a fort (5 min, no mess): A tiny fort of books or cushions with the elf peeking out.
24. Painting a picture (5 min, low mess): A sheet of paper, a paintbrush and a messy little Christmas tree drawing in front of the elf.

Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas

For the night you remember at midnight. Each of these takes a minute or two and nothing you do not already have.

25. Caught sleeping (1 min, no mess): Tuck the elf into a slipper or under a dishcloth like a blanket. Elves get tired too.
26. Upside down on the ceiling fan (1 min, no mess): Hang the elf by its legs from the (switched-off) fan blade or a cupboard handle.
27. Stuck in the cookie jar (1 min, no mess): Only the hat pokes out of the jar.
28. Wrapped in tape (2 min, no mess): Loosely tape the elf to the wall or the fridge door with a "Help!" look.
29. Riding the dog's toy (1 min, no mess): The elf sits on a stuffed toy or a pet bed as if riding it.
30. Toothbrush time (1 min, low mess): The elf leans on the bathroom sink holding a toothbrush with a dab of toothpaste.
31. Tangled in the Christmas lights (2 min, no mess): Wrap a loose strand of unplugged lights around the elf.
32. The "I was too busy" note (1 min, no mess): Leave the elf where it was with a note saying it was helping Santa all night. See the note below.

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

33. Zip line across the room (10 min, no mess): Tie a long string between two shelves and hang the elf from it on a candy cane.

34. Snowball fight (5 min, low mess): Two walls of cotton balls on the coffee table, the elf on one side and a teddy on the other.

    

35. Elf takes a bubble bath in the sink (3 min, low mess): A sink with a little water and bubbles, the elf in it with a rubber duck.

36. Barbie or action-figure takeover (5 min, no mess): The elf sits in the middle of the dolls as if it is hosting a party or a fashion show.

37. Jailed by the toys (5 min, no mess): Lego bricks or a stack of blocks build a jail around the elf, with the toys "guarding" it.

38. Trapped under a cup (1 min, no mess): Flip a clear plastic cup over the elf with a toy standing guard.

39. Grocery run (3 min, no mess): The elf sits in a toy shopping cart or basket filled with snacks from the cupboard.

40. Sledding down the stairs (2 min, no mess): Put the elf on a baking tray at the top of the stairs mid-ride.

41. Elf karaoke (3 min, no mess): The elf holds a spoon as a microphone in front of a row of stuffed animals as the audience.

42. Giving the toys makeovers (5 min, low mess): Hair ties and bows on all the teddies, with the elf holding the brush.

43. Mini golf (5 min, no mess): A pencil club, a marble ball and a cup on its side as the hole.

44. Spa day (3 min, no mess): Cucumber slices on the elf's eyes and a towel turban.

45. Ice skating (2 min, no mess): The elf on a sheet of foil "ice" on the table with a stuffed animal skating partner.

46. Teaching the toys a lesson (5 min, no mess): A tiny whiteboard or paper with doodles, the toys in rows facing the elf.

47. Sneaking a cookie (1 min, low mess): The elf caught with its arm in the cookie box and crumbs on its face.

Naughty Elf Ideas (With No Real Mess)

The naughty ideas are the ones kids talk about at school. These look chaotic and clean up in minutes.

48. TP the Christmas tree (5 min, easy clean-up): Loop toilet paper around the tree like garland and leave the elf holding the roll.
49. Swapped all the shoes (5 min, no mess): Mix up everyone's shoes by the door so nothing matches.
50. Underwear on the tree (3 min, no mess): Clean socks or underwear hung on the tree as ornaments.
51. Googly eyes on everything (5 min, no mess): Stick googly eyes on the fruit, the milk carton and the photos.
52. The "elf poop" joke (2 min, low mess): A few chocolate chips or chocolate raisins next to the elf with a note blaming the reindeer. Little kids find this the funniest thing all month.
53. Stole the TV remote (1 min, no mess): Hide the remote and leave the elf holding the batteries.
54. Wrapped the toilet seat (3 min, no mess): Wrapping paper on the toilet lid, with a bow, and the elf sitting on the tank.
55. Rearranged the fridge magnets (3 min, no mess): Spell a silly word or a "HI" with the magnets.
56. Hijacked the cereal (2 min, no mess): The elf sits in the cereal box with only its head poking out.
57. Fake spill (3 min, low mess): A tipped-over cup with a "spill" made from white cotton balls or tissue paper, the elf next to it looking guilty.
58. Locked the cat (or dog) out of the bed (1 min, no mess): The elf sprawled in the pet bed taking up the whole thing.

Elf Snack and Treat Ideas

The food ideas are the most popular, and the easiest to waste. Use small amounts and eat them at breakfast.

59. Hot cocoa party (5 min, low mess): A mug of mini marshmallows, a candy cane spoon and the elf toasting with a teddy.
60. Cereal message (5 min, low mess): Spell the kids' names or "HI" in cereal on the table.
61. Pancake faces (10 min, low mess): A plate of pancakes with fruit faces, served by the elf.
62. Candy cane fishing (3 min, no mess): The elf hooks wrapped candy canes from a bowl with a candy cane rod.
63. Kisses message (5 min, no mess): Chocolate kisses spelling out a short word next to the elf.
64. S'mores by the "fire" (5 min, low mess): Graham crackers and marshmallows around a candle-style LED light.
65. Elf breakfast in bed (5 min, low mess): A mini tray of fruit left on a kid's nightstand.
66. Doughnut tires (3 min, low mess): Two doughnuts as wheels on a toy truck the elf is driving.

Kindness and Countdown Ideas

67. Kindness challenge (2 min, no mess): The elf leaves one kind thing to do today, like drawing a card for a grandparent.
68. Countdown chain (10 min, low mess): A paper chain with one link per day to Christmas Eve.

69. Donation box (5 min, no mess): The elf sits in a box with a note asking kids to pick one toy to give away.
70. Letter to Santa (5 min, no mess): Paper and crayons ready for the kids to write to Santa, with the elf promising to deliver it.
71. Thank-you notes (5 min, no mess): The elf leaves blank cards for the kids to thank their teacher or bus driver.

Special Day Elf Ideas

72. Birthday elf (5 min, low mess): A balloon and a tiny paper party hat on the elf, with a birthday note.
73. Sick day elf (2 min, no mess): The elf tucked under a tissue blanket with a toy thermometer, keeping the sick kid company.
74. Snow day elf (5 min, low mess): A bowl of real snow or ice cubes and the elf building a tiny snowman.
75. Thanksgiving elf (3 min, no mess): If the elf arrives early, it sits at the table with a paper turkey hat.

Elf on the Shelf Prank Ideas

The elf is a prankster at heart. These use the free tools on Pranksters, and none of them cost anything.

76. The elf cracked the TV (2 min, no mess): Put the fake broken screen on the TV or a tablet and leave the elf beside it with a toy hammer. Reveal it before anyone panics.
77. A call from Santa (2 min, no mess): Let the kids get a call from Santa checking on how the elf is doing.
78. The elf is calling (2 min, no mess): Set up a fake call on your phone so it rings from "Elf" at breakfast.
79. Mystery jingle (2 min, no mess): Play the jingle ringtone from the notification sounds board on a hidden phone as the elf "lands".
80. Ping, ping, ping (2 min, no mess): Play a message ding from the same board every few minutes until someone spots the elf holding a phone.
81. Fake low battery (1 min, no mess): Open the fake low battery screen on a tablet with the elf "charging" next to it.

Classroom Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Classroom elves need to be quick, quiet and safe for a room full of kids. No food, no glitter.

82. Story time (2 min, no mess): The elf sits on the bookshelf reading to a circle of classroom toys.
83. Swapped the name tags (5 min, no mess): The elf mixes up a few desk name tags for the class to fix.
84. Wrote on the whiteboard (2 min, no mess): A silly drawing or a riddle for the class to solve.
85. Hiding in the supply bin (1 min, no mess): Only the elf's hat pokes out of the crayon box.
86. Math challenge (5 min, no mess): The elf leaves a page of easy Christmas word problems.
87. Paper snowflake storm (10 min, low mess): Paper snowflakes taped to the windows and the elf holding the scissors.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Adults and the Office

88. Desk takeover (3 min, no mess): The elf in a coworker's chair with a mug and a tiny "out of office" sign.
89. Coffee break (2 min, no mess): The elf sitting in the office coffee filter basket, waiting for the first person in.
90. Stapler hostage (2 min, no mess): The elf wraps someone's stapler in tinsel.
91. Gift-wrapped keyboard (5 min, no mess): Wrap a coworker's keyboard and leave the elf on top. Check it is not their only one first.
92. Partner surprise (5 min, no mess): The elf brings your partner breakfast in bed. A rare elf that does the chores.

Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas

On Christmas Eve the elf flies home. A goodbye makes it easier for kids to let it go.

93. Packed suitcase (5 min, no mess): The elf sits on a tiny suitcase by the window with a scarf on.
94. Goodbye letter (5 min, no mess): A note thanking the kids for a great season. Copy the one below.
95. Last breakfast (10 min, low mess): A special breakfast laid out for the family, with the elf at the head of the table.
96. Gift left behind (5 min, no mess): A small gift like Christmas pajamas, or a book, for the kids to open on Christmas Eve.
97. Reindeer food (5 min, low mess): A bag of oats and sprinkles for the kids to scatter outside for Santa's reindeer, with the elf's instructions.

Notes From the Elf (Copy and Paste)

Arrival note: "I'm back! Santa sent me to keep an eye on things until Christmas Eve. Remember: you can talk to me, but please do not touch me, or my magic might wear off. Every night I fly to the North Pole, and every morning I'll be somewhere new. Love, your elf."

When the elf did not move: "I was so busy helping Santa's workshop last night that I did not have time to find a new spot. I'll make up for it tomorrow! Love, your elf."

When someone touched the elf: "Oops! Someone touched me, but do not worry. I sprinkled a little extra Christmas magic, said sorry to Santa, and I'm all fixed. Love, your elf."

Goodbye note: "It's Christmas Eve, and that means it's time for me to fly home. Thank you for making me laugh this year. I'll tell Santa all about how kind you've been. See you next year! Love, your elf."

The Most-Watched Elf on the Shelf Idea Videos

1. Nataliia: quick and easy elf ideas

Watch on YouTube

A run of quick ideas any parent can copy that night, including the elf "drawing" on a sleeping kid's face (use a washable marker). Credit: Nataliia | SAHM.

2. Iryna Yauseyeva: the bathroom sink idea

Watch on YouTube

Part of a series of elf setups, this one built around the bathroom sink. Credit: Iryna Yauseyeva.

3. Yana Kuzmich: the magic water trick

Watch on YouTube

The elf leaves a jar and a note asking the kids to pour in its "magic water". A simple science trick that makes the elf look like it really has magic. Credit: Yana Kuzmich.

Tips for an Easier Elf Season

• Keep an "elf box" of string, tape, cotton balls, googly eyes and a few small toys so every idea is a two-minute job.
• Plan the big ones for weekends and save the one-minute ideas for school nights.
• Skip anything scary for little kids, like the elf "hurt" or trapped in a frightening way.
• Keep food ideas small and eat them the next morning, so nothing goes to waste.
• Keep it safe: nothing near the stove or candles, no small parts within reach of toddlers, and the ceiling fan stays off.

Where to Go Next

Play Christmas party games with the family, let the kids get a call from Santa, or find more easy pranks for the holidays.

The Elf on the Shelf® is a trademark of CCA and B, LLC (The Lumistella Company). Pranksters is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.