35 Cleaver Elf on The Shelf Ideas

Warning: If you have prying little eyes save this post for later. 😉

It is that time of year again when you are ready to start saving, shopping, and scheming clever elf-on-the-shelf ideas.

This is not only fun for the kids when they see the different spots, it’s fun for us too!

It’s something about Christmas time, that brings out the kid in all of us.

If you need an elf-on-the-shelf introduction, no worries I got you. If not, you can scroll down to the list.

Oh, before I forget please save this post to Pinterest as it helps out this website. Thank you! 🙂

What Is an Elf on the Shelf?

You might be wondering: What is an Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf started with a storybook and a small elf doll.

The idea is simple: the elf acts as a scout for Santa, reporting each night to let him know if kids have been naughty or nice.

Every morning, the elf returns and appears in a new, often funny or mischievous spot in the house.

This delights children as they search for the elf each day.

What to Do with an Elf on the Shelf?

The fun of the Elf on the Shelf comes from its ability to add surprise and excitement to the holiday routine.

But if you’re running out of ideas, don’t worry! Many parents wonder how to keep the tradition fresh.

From silly pranks and creative scenes to acts of kindness and hidden surprises, the options for Elf on the Shelf fun are endless.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, planning out your elf’s activities will make the season magical.

When Do You Start Elf On The Shelf?

Most families begin their Elf on the Shelf tradition on December 1st.

Starting at the beginning of the month builds anticipation and allows for a full season of creative antics.

However, some families prefer to start their elf’s visits after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season earlier.

Whenever you choose to start, the key is consistency.

The elf should return each morning to a new spot, maintaining the magic and excitement for the kids until Christmas Eve when it departs back to the North Pole.

Look at this post for 20 Clever Elf on The Shelf Arrival Ideas

What To Do With Elf On Christmas Eve?

On Christmas Eve, your Elf on the Shelf has a special job to do: say goodbye. This final appearance is often bittersweet and filled with magic, as it marks the end of their nightly visits for the season. Here are a few ideas for what your elf can do on Christmas Eve:

Send Off Letter: Leave a note thanking your kids for all the fun and reminding them to keep the Christmas spirit alive.
Packed Up for Departure: Place the elf in a small suitcase or a makeshift sleigh to show they’re ready to head back to the North Pole.
A Goodbye Gift: Leave a small gift like holiday pajamas, a new book, or a treat as a parting surprise.
Final Mischief: Have the elf create one last playful scene, like a snow angel made out of flour or confetti.
Cozy Up by the Tree: Position the elf snuggled under the Christmas tree with a note saying goodbye and promising to return next year.

This goodbye ritual can become a cherished tradition and help bring a sweet close to your family’s Elf on the Shelf season.

Check out the next section for 35 fun and clever Elf on the Shelf ideas to inspire your holiday season!

1. Cleaning out

This is such a good one. Put your elf to action and have him or her clean out lost valuables from under the couch.

2. Tucked Into ‘Bread’

This is Clever for Sure. I wonder what they will do with this bread after.

3. Just ‘Roll’ With It

Okay, this is funny, clever, and a bit naughty. Replacing the toilet roll with a gift paper roll.

Tip: Cut a section off of the tall roll.

4. Working Out

Your elf has to stay healthy too!

5. Vegetable Platter

Encourage your child to eat a healthier food choice with the help of [name of your Elf].

6. Marked Up

Your kids may get a kick out of the elf being a little silly.

Tip: Of course, make sure it is a dry-erase marker.

Stuck in a Jar Place your elf inside a jar with a note saying, “Help, I’m stuck!” for a funny surprise.
Cookie Crumbs Trail Create a trail of cookie crumbs that leads to your elf, caught with hands in the cookie jar.
Spa Day Elf Put your elf in a bowl of cotton balls or marshmallows for a relaxing “spa day” scene.
Gift Wrapper Helper Have your elf tangled in wrapping paper with a tiny bow on their head. It looks like they tried to wrap gifts but got caught up in the process.
Mini Storytime Place the elf with a tiny book or set it up reading to toy friends.
Toothpaste Prank Use toothpaste to write “Brush your teeth!” on the mirror for a friendly hygiene reminder.
Playing Board Games Set up a scene where your elf is playing a board game with other toys.
Elf Snow Angel Spread flour or powdered sugar and place the elf making a snow angel.
Silly Selfie Elf Take a selfie of your elf with your phone and leave it as the wallpaper for the kids to find.
Kindness Countdown Leave a note from the elf encouraging kids to do a small act of kindness each day.
Bathroom Mirror Messages Leave funny or encouraging notes written in dry-erase marker on the bathroom mirror.
Pajama Day Notice Have your elf bring a note announcing an impromptu pajama day.
Christmas Movie Night Set up the elf with popcorn and a DVD of a holiday movie for family movie night.
Elf Parade Line up toy cars and dolls for a mini parade led by your elf.
Marshmallow Bubble Bath Place the elf in a bowl of mini marshmallows as if enjoying a bubble bath.
Building with Blocks Show your elf building a small tower with blocks.
Elfish Tic-Tac-Toe Draw a tic-tac-toe game with candy pieces as markers.
Magic Reindeer Food Leave a small bag of oats and glitter labeled “Magic Reindeer Food” for kids to sprinkle outside.
Wrapped Like a Mummy Wrap your elf in toilet paper for a funny “mummy” look.
Paper Snowflakes Set up your elf with paper and scissors, showing they’ve been busy making snowflakes.
Hiding in the Fridge Tuck the elf inside the fridge with a mini note that says, “Just chilling!”
Sneaky Gift Peeker Position the elf sneaking a peek at wrapped presents.
Book Fort Create a mini fort made of books and place your elf inside.
Banana Graffiti Write silly faces or notes on bananas with a marker.
Tea Party Host Arrange a mini tea party with the elf and stuffed animals.
Vegetable Veggie Surprise Use broccoli and other veggies to create a “tree” scene with the elf holding a sign saying, “Eat your trees!”
Swinging from Lights Hang your elf from a light fixture or curtain rod for a playful scene.
Cereal Spill” Stage your elf spilling cereal and trying to clean up.
Hide-and-Seek Elf Make your elf peek from a hidden spot, like the Christmas tree.
Thank You Note Leave a tiny handwritten thank-you note from your elf for the kids’ good behavior.