The Best Elf on a Shelf Ideas

Since it began, the Elf on the Shelf tradition has quickly captured the hearts of children all over the world. These little elves are cute, fun, and mischievous - and they're guaranteed to bring joy to your kids this Christmas and encourage bonding amongst the family.

But how can you make sure that your little ones get the most enjoyment out of their elf? This blog will give you some ideas on how to get the most fun from your Elf on the Shelf.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a “scout elf” is sent from Santa’s workshop to childrens’ homes to encourage them to behave themselves. These special Christmas elves wear an official solid red jumpsuit and can be placed anywhere around the home - ideally on a shelf (as the name suggests) or somewhere where the elf can see everything little ones are up to!

The Elf on the Shelf kits often come with your very own Scout Elf and a fun book for children, all about how the elf is visiting them for Christmas.

The book is good fun, and it tells your kids how the elves have magical powers that allow them to visit Father Christmas each night - before they come back to your house and appear in a different spot.

This backstory is a great springboard for your Elf ideas, full of mischief and so much fun. The elves are always getting themselves into hilarious situations, and your kids will love seeing what the elf is up to each morning in the run-up to the big day.

Amazing Elf on the Shelf ideas

Special packages

When your children first meet the Elf on the Shelf, you want it to be special. So, our first fun idea is to place the elf in a large envelope addressed to your child or children. You can detail what the elf is here for and even give them a name.

You can put the return address as the North Pole and you could include a handwritten letter from Father Christmas himself to get the children excited!

Pride of place on the Christmas tree

Instead of putting an angel or a star on top of your Christmas tree, put your Elf on the Shelf there. This is one of our very easy Elf on a Shelf ideas, but simple can be effective.

We'd recommend putting the elf on the tree on 23rd December. That way, when your kids wake up on Christmas Eve, they'll see their cute elf in pride of place, creating a good sense of anticipation above the Christmas lights. If you want your elf to be super sneaky, you could have him hiding just behind your Christmas tree skirt, and make your little ones try to find him!

After all the fun is over, you can store your tree away safely in our Christmas tree storage bags.

Marshmallow snowman

One funny elf idea is to make it look like your elf has built a snowman out of mini marshmallows. You could also use another figurine to set up a mini marshmallow snowball fight.

Elf in a cup

Another simple Elf on the Shelf idea is to hide the elf in a cup in a kitchen cupboard. When your kid is thirsty in the morning, they'll be overjoyed to discover their elf's cheeky face peering over the rim of a cup. It's always a winner to start your child's day with humour.

Toilet paper snowman

For your elf to build a snowman, all you need to do is stack two rolls of toilet paper on top of each other. Then, attach two straws with Sellotape for the arms and use some stickers for the eyes and mouth.

Place your elf beside it and wait for your kids to discover it. Just wait until you see the look on their faces!

Flour snow angels

For this idea, cover a surface in flour and use your Elf on the Shelf to create a snow angel. This is a super cute idea that your kids will love. You could even have a nutcracker stood by, watching the elf have fun in the snow.

If there's snow this Christmas, you can get your kids to copy your elf, and make their own snow angels outside too.

Candy cane swing

For children and adults alike, candy canes are one of the best parts of Christmas, and you can use one for a fun Elf on the Shelf idea. Use two pieces of ribbon and hang a candy cane from the ceiling. Then, wrap your elf's legs around it so that it's hanging upside down.

This is a bit of a wacky one, but imagine your kids waking up to find their very own elf hanging above their heads!

Christmas movie time

Put some Christmas movies on the TV and sit your Elf on the Shelf on the couch. Put the TV remote in its hand and wait for your little ones to come and join in the fun. This is also a great, affordable instigator for having a movie night with the family. Your children will want to watch a movie if the elf is watching too.

Zip lining

This is one of our most unique Elf on a Shelf ideas and we think you'll love it. Simply create a zip line with some twine string and then have your little elf hold onto a clothes peg that's attached to the string.

Perhaps you could even have your elf hanging off of a large bauble as they zip line, it'll certainly be the wackiest Christmas decoration in your home this year!

TP the tree

We told you that your elf is full of mischief, and that's why we've included one of our naughty Elf on a Shelf ideas.

Wrap your tree in toilet paper and then place the end of the roll in your elf's hand. Your kids will be delighted to see what their naughty elf has been up to!

Satisfy your Christmas needs with Christmas Tree World

If you want to explore a vast range of artificial Christmas trees or replace the baubles your elf stole last year - look no further than Christmas Tree World.

We have everything you need to make sure you and your family have the best Elf on the Shelf Christmas ever!

FAQs

When does Elf on the Shelf leave?

Traditionally, the Elf on the Shelf leaves on 24th December. This is when their job ends and they fly back to the North Pole following Father Christmas' sleigh.

Can my kids touch the Elf on the Shelf?

The main rule of Elf on the Shelf is that no humans are allowed to touch it. If humans touch them, they lose their magical powers and the ability to communicate with Father Christmas (at least, this is what you should tell your kids!).

When did Elf on the Shelf start?

The tradition started in 2005 when Carol Aebersold published 'The Elf on the Shelf' book. Usually, the elf magic begins on December 1st (or when the Elf on the Shelf kit arrives).