30 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links. The Review Wire may collect a share of sales if you decide to shop from them. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

If you haven’t heard of Elf on the Shelf, be prepared to start having some holiday fun! This magical Elf is sent from Santa himself to watch over your children and then report back to him every night. This Elf is like no other though. Once he arrives at your house, your child needs to name him so he can “receive” his special powers to fly to The North Pole. Once your children are asleep, your Elf goes to work! But beware… your Elf likes to cause a little mischief each night!

Here Are 30 Elf Ideas to Get You Started:

Lipstick message on the mirror
Make a flour “snow” angel
Get trapped in drinking glass inside the cabinet
Arrange a message in candy (M&M’S work great)
Hang from the ceiling fan, then turn it on
Holding and playing the video game controller
Watching the movie, Elf
Reading a book, preferably one about Santa
Sitting with other stuffed animals
Making a mess of the laundry basket, throwing clothes everywhere
Riding in a toy car or train
Building a LEGO
In the fridge drinking chocolate milk
Having a battle with other small figures
Eating Kisses with chocolate all over face
Fishing for goldfish out of the sink
Playing cards with other “friends”
Sharing a drink or ice cream with Barbie
Cut out lots of snowflakes and hang them all over the house
Message in the sink with toothpaste
Stack a pyramid of plastic cups with Elf on top
Take a marshmallow bath
Sledding Down the banister
Having a real “Elf” breakfast with syrup, spaghetti, and candy
Taped to the wall, surrounded by army men
Dressed in Barbie or GI Joe clothes
Racing with other toy cars and trucks
Print elf accessories to wear
Wrap the toilet in wrapping paper
Playing a board game
BONUS: Roasting marshmallows over a candle jar

How To Get an Elf

Elf on the Shelf is available in a gift set called The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition hardbound children’s book. This set includes one of Santa’s special scout elves (available in dark-skinned boy or girl and light-skinned boy or girl). You can also get Elf his favorite pet in A Reindeer Tradition which comes with a book and a plush reindeer.