I remember my excitement to start the Elf on the Shelf tradition with my son when he was a toddler. Then, I quickly realized I had to come up with days of ideas, and move the elf every night, often 5 minutes before I was about to go to bed. Developing new ideas for Elf on the Shelf can be stressful during the busy holiday season, but here at Money Hacking Mama, we’re all about making life easier and more fun. So here are 22 new Elf on the Shelf ideas trending right now.
If you want to make elf on the shelf extra easy, check out this printable elf kit, complete with a welcome and goodbye letter as well as riddles, games, and coloring pages.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links that allow this blog to earn money without a cost to you. Many thanks if you use them. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Elf hanging in underwear
This Elf on the Shelf idea is sure to be a hit! Tape some underwear to your refrigerator and then have your elf hang inside of them.
DIY Elf on the Shelf swing
This idea is cute and can be done quickly with things you have lying around the house. Simply grab scissors, a toilet paper roll, and some string or floss. If you want to be extra fancy, you can also use a paper lantern. Simply secure the string or floss to the toilet paper roll and then carefully position your elf on the swing.
Elf pooping chocolate chips
If you have a naughty elf, set them up on the edge of a sink and then put chocolate chips in the sink where the elf went to the bathroom.
Elf drinking their favorite food: syrup
I love this idea because you probably have everything you need for this already in your home. Your kids will have fun searching for the elf in the morning, only to be surprised when they find them in the refrigerator.
Elf on the Shelf Mini Oreos toothpaste prank
This idea is right up your alley if you have a naughty elf. Grab Oreos or Oreo minis, and set up your elf swapping out the frosting for toothpaste. Next, you can scrape off the frosting with a toothpick. Finally, scatter the Oreos around your elf, and position the toothpaste with the lid off in your elf’s arms.
Elf on the Shelf Mini Oreo Toothpaste Prank
Elf on the Shelf photo booth
This idea is so cute and original. Start by downloading this free printable, print it out on cardstock, and follow the instructions. Then, with a few minutes of folding, cutting, and taping, you can bring some silly holiday magic to your home.
Elf rolling in toilet paper
Grab a toilet paper roll and put your elf’s legs through it, then have it rolled out on the ground like your elf was rolling around in it.
BB8 elf costume
If you or your kiddos are Star Wars fans, you will love this costume for your elf. Simply download this free template and tape it to the front of your elf. Also, if you have Star Wars toys, this looks great when set up with those toys.
Toilet paper snowman
This idea is super cute and super easy. Simply download the free printable and stick it to a few rolls of toilet paper next to your elf.
Elf hiding in the closet
This one is easy and will surprise your kiddos because it’s not the first place they’d think of when looking for their elf. Simply hang the elf inside one of your child’s sweaters.
Elf fishing
If you have this fishing game, you can set it up and have your elf play it.
Elf in the candy jar
Put your elf face down in the candy jar and fill the candy around them.
Elf wearing socks
This one is easy but still a lot of fun. You can have the elf in some of your child’s socks.
Elf feeding the toys
Grab some marshmallows, cheerios, goldfish, or fruit snacks, and have your elf sit on top of a cabinet showing that they are feeding the toys below.
Water fight
If you have spray bottles, set up the elf and another toy to have a water fight with the spray bottle pointed at each other.
Elf making roasting a marshmallow
Grab a skewer or straw and put a marshmallow on the end of it. Then, set up the elf around a candle and have them roast the marshmallows over the candle.
Elf playing with stickie notes
The tiny stickie notes work great for this. Simply grab a handful of them and attach them all over your elf. If you don’t have stickie notes, you can use stickers instead.
Elf climbing
If you buy Gatorade or packs of soda, you can use the plastic that holds them together as a rope the elf can climb for a random silly adventure.
Elf on the Shelf Baymax costume
Some people go all out and buy adorable costumes for their elves. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a budget-friendly costume or just didn’t buy one in advance. Simply download this free template and have your elf dress up as Baymax from Big Hero 6.
Elf on the Shelf Baymax Costume
Elf in cowboy boots
If your child has cowboy boots or rainboots, set up your elf wearing them for a silly and easy elf-on-the-shelf moment.
Elf “snow” angel
Here’s another simple and silly Elf on the Shelf idea. Simply pour some flour or sugar on the counter and have the elf make a snow angel. It’s a little messy, but you can control the mess by putting the elf on a plate or the counter next to the sink. Pro tip: don’t do this on carpet or fabric.
North Pole hot chocolate gift from Elf on the Shelf
Grab a baggie, some pre-packaged hot chocolate mix, and marshmallows (if you feel fancy). Combine all the ingredients in the baggie and tie a cute bow around the baggie to secure it. You can make a cute tag or download the free printable from Rediscovered Families to make this gift special.
Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate Gift
Elf cooking breakfast
If your child has a toy kitchen, this will be a breeze to set up. Just grab some toy cooking supplies and fake food and set up the elf, so it looks like they’re cooking breakfast.
Elf playing hide and seek
Put a blindfold made of gauze over your elf’s eyes, and hide some of your children’s toys to make it look like they were playing hide and seek. You can even list all the hiding toys and have your children find them.
