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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Day 10: Elf is Gone Fishing
Materials:
- Goldfish
- Toy Fishing Pole
- Elves
Even Elves’ need a relaxing day on the water sometimes.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Day 18: Postcard Prelude
Materials:
- Miniature postcards
- Elves
Our elves send personalized postcards from their ‘vacations’, creating a memorable keepsake.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Day 23: Elves Reading Stories
Materials:
- Miniature books
- Elves
The elves are found reading holiday stories, inspiring our own family reading time.
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.
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!
Shop goodbye letters!
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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