The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a beloved part of holiday festivities in many homes, mine included. With six kids ranging from teens to little ones, we strive to make every day leading up to Christmas special and memorable.

That being said, I know how hard it can be to come up with fun ideas for your elves day after day! I’ve gathered up some of my favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas below to help you out.

25 Days of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here are 25 imaginative Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep the magic alive all December long. I’ve included the needed materials to make set up a breeze, as well!

Day 1: The Great Tight-rope Arrival

Materials:

• String
• Elves

There is simply no better way to make an entrance! These elves are making a thrilling entrance, using a tightrope from a window into the kitchen. Check out this article for more Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas!

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Day 2: A Toy Story Standoff

Materials:

• Toy Story Dolls (Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato, etc.)
• Tape
• Elves

This one is for all the Disney fans! The elves are humorously ‘caught’ by the OG toys that come to life when you aren’t looking.

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Day 3: Melted Snowman Scene

Materials:

• Melting snowman kit or DIY materials
• Elves

A humorous melted snowman scene, created by the elves, brings laughter and a sense of playfulness to our day.

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Day 4: Spa Day Relaxation

Materials:

• Small bowls
• Marshmallows
• Cucumbers
• Nail Polish
• Elves

A relaxing spa day setup for our elves, with marshmallow foot baths, reminds us of the joys of relaxation during the holiday hustle.

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Day 5: Travel Day

• Clear, durable jar with a secure lid
• Travel-themed stickers or decals (optional)
• Elf

This travel-friendly elf becomes a magical companion your little one can carry around and take on adventures. This is a great option if you have any December vacations planned!

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Day 6: Elves Skiing and Sledding Adventure

Materials:

• Paper towel rolls
• Pillows or soft, elevated surfaces
• Cupcake holders (for sleds)
• Miniature skis or DIY skis (using craft sticks)
• Elves

Have your elves embark on a thrilling skiing and sledding adventure, right in your living room! Using simple household items, you can create a miniature winter wonderland for your elves.

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Day 7: Brownie Baking Elves

Materials:

• Brownies
• Mini kitchen accessories (optional)
• Elves

We discover our elves in the kitchen, either having baked or ‘baking’ brownies. This sweet surprise is a delightful treat for the family.

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Day 8: Magic Pasta

Materials:

• Fishing Line String
• Fork
• Bowl
• Noodles
• Elves

Elves perform magic every day, but on special days they might just have a little something extra in store… like floating utensils!

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Day 9: Crash Landing Comedy

Materials:

• Paper plane
• Christmas tree
• Elves

Have your elf make a crash landing in your Christmas tree! You can use a paper plane or a toy plane if you have one around.

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Day 10: Elf is Gone Fishing

Materials:

• Goldfish
• Toy Fishing Pole
• Elves

Even Elves’ need a relaxing day on the water sometimes.

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Day 11: TP Mischief

Materials:

• Toilet paper
• Elves

Have your elves TP the bathroom! One of our elves even ended up relaxing in a TP hammock.

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Day 12: Walkway Light-Up

Materials:

• Strings of lights
• Elves

Have the elves lead the effort to light up your walkway, creating a magical and inviting entrance to your home.

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Day 13: Santa’s Watchful Camera

Materials:

• Polaroid Camera
• Sharpie
• Elves

Have your elf take a little photoshoot documenting the mischief they have gotten up to.

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Day 14: Danger! Thin Ice!

Materials:

• Saran Wrap
• Powdered Sugar
• Marshmallows
• Elves

Oh no! Your elves wandered out onto an icy lake (errr sink?) and fell through!

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Day 15: Reindeer Pudding Treats

Materials:

• Pudding cups
• Craft supplies for reindeer decoration
• Elves

The elves transform pudding cups into reindeer, a delightful snack that combines creativity with a sweet treat.

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Day 16: Elves’ Miniature Home

Materials:

• Dollhouse
• Elves

It is fun to create a mini home for your elves within the house, complete with a door and festive decorations.

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Day 17: Snow Tracks Surprise

Materials:

• White powder (sugar or salt)
• Elves

The elves leave behind mysterious snow tracks, sparking excitement and curiosity about their nightly adventures.

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Day 18: Postcard Prelude

Materials:

• Miniature postcards
• Elves

Our elves send personalized postcards from their ‘vacations’, creating a memorable keepsake.

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Day 19: Toilet Paper Hide N Seek

Materials:

• Toilet Paper
• Carrot
• Sharpie
• Elves

This idea comes together quickly! Have your elves turn a toilet paper stack into a snowman.

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Day 20: Elf on a Rollercoaster

Materials:

• Tape
• Elves

Use tape turn turn your drying machine into a rollercoaster for all the dolls in the house!

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Day 21: I love you DEER-ly!

Materials:

• Toy reindeer
• Miniature sign
• Elves

The elves take a merry ride on a toy reindeer, complete with a sign saying “I love you deer-ly,” bringing a touch of endearment to our morning.

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Day 22: Elves Baking Cookies

Materials:

• Miniature kitchen set or real cookie ingredients
• Elves

You might just discover the elves baking cookies, filling your home with delightful aromas, and promising a sweet treat.

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Day 23: Elves Reading Stories

Materials:

• Miniature books
• Elves

The elves are found reading holiday stories, inspiring our own family reading time.

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Day 24: Elves Wrapping Presents

Materials:

• Miniature gift wrap set
• Elves

On Christmas Eve, the elves help wrap presents, showcasing their helpfulness and building excitement for Christmas Day.

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Day 25: Christmas Day Farewell

Materials:

• Farewell note
• Elves

On Christmas Day, the elves bid farewell, leaving behind a note expressing their love and promising to return next year. Download my free customizable template here!

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Shop goodbye letters!

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Each day, our Elf on the Shelf ideas bring a spark of joy and creativity to our home. These imaginative scenarios not only delight the kids but also strengthen our family bond, creating lasting memories during the holiday season.

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