Sweet Elf on the Shelf ideas

When it comes to family Christmas traditions, Elf on the Shelf is a classic. But participating in this Christmas activity means you have to have plenty of fun Elf on the Shelf ideas to last you through the holiday season. While you'll likely start off strong the first few days, there's a chance that you'll run out of scenarios for your Elf on the Shelf as Christmas approaches. Lucky for you, there are so many possibilities of places to hide the elves and situations to put them in.

Whether you're just getting started on your Elf on the Shelf journey or have had a scout in your home for years already, we've got plenty of suggestions to help you out. Some are funny, with elves wearing different costumes and disguises. Others are sweet — especially when kids find them in the kitchen near a plate of Christmas treats. And others are bordering on the "naughty" side for sure. The choice is yours!

What is Elf on a Shelf?

Started by mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf rules are simple: The Scout Elf watches over your family during the day, and then checks in with Santa each night to reveal who is being naughty and who is being nice. After these nightly trips, they return to a new spot each day. But kids aren't allowed to touch the elves, or they'll lose their magic, and the elves get up to plenty of funny mischief in the night and leave evidence of it the next day.

To get started, you'll first have to adopt your elf (psst: They're available on Amazon). Don't forget to give your new elf a name! That's half the fun. Once they're properly named, then they can start their job reporting to Santa at the North Pole each night.

Ready to make a list and check it twice? Read on for all the best Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas 2022 that you can use to keep the fun going all December long. And if you're looking for more holiday fun, check out our guides to the best toy advent calendars and the best kids' Christmas movies.

1

Elf on the Shelf Says Hello

2

Elf on the Shelf Throws a Welcome Party

If you're looking to really go all out with your elf's arrival, then you can throw a Elf on the Shelf welcome party, complete with Santa table settings, snowball chair garlands and a festive elf village.

See more at Kara's Party Ideas »

3

Elf on the Shelf Scales a Rock Wall

4

Elf on the Shelf Listens to Christmas Music

5

Elf on the Shelf Runs on Dasher Donuts

6

Elf on the Shelf Redecorates the Tree

Grab a roll of toilet paper and wrap it around your Christmas tree, then have your elf sit perched on top, holding the end of the roll for evidence.

See more at The Soccer Mom Blog »

7

Elf on the Shelf Samples "Cookies"

Your kids are sure to crack up when they discover that their elf tried to sample some cookies ... only to discover they were actually dog biscuits.

See more at The Scrap Shoppe Blog »

8

Elf on the Shelf Creates a Magic Experiment

9

Elf on the Shelf Pops Out of a Cereal Box

Have your elf make a surprising entrance during breakfast by having them burst through the cover of your kid's favorite cereal box.

See more at DIY Inspired »

10

Elf on the Shelf Visits a Drive-In Movie Theater

Set up your iPad to play your child's favorite holiday movie for an elf-sized drive-in experience. It's a great way to incorporate your kids' toy car collection.

See more at Elf on the Shelf »

11

Elf on the Shelf Goes on a Shopping Spree

12

Elf on the Shelf Hides in the Silverware Drawer

13

Elf on the Shelf Sits in a Dunk Tank

Add a bit of a carnival atmosphere to your holiday! Your kids can test their aim throwing the mini marshmallow "snowballs" at the target. If you follow the link, you can print out the dunk tank template.

See more at This Mama Loves »

14

Elf on the Shelf Wraps Gifts

How cute are this elf's brown paper packages, tied up with strings? You can fill them with dollar-store trinkets, or pieces of candy, as a gift from your elf to your kids.

See more at Rachel Swartley »

15

Elf on the Shelf Hitches a Ride

16

Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast

17

Elf on the Shelf Gets Held Hostage

Use painter's tape to secure your elf on the wall close to the floor, then set up a half-circle of army guys around your poor captured elf.

See more at Let's DIY It All »

18

Elf on the Shelf Makes a Gingerbread House

Making gingerbread houses from graham crackers and candy is one of the best parts of the holidays, so why not let your elf make their own mini version?

See more at My Mommy Style »

19

Elf on the Shelf Gets a Minecraft Makeover

If your kids love playing Minecraft, then they're sure to appreciate it when their elf gets a funny Minecraft character makeover for the day.

See more at My Mommy Style »

20

Elf on the Shelf Blends in With the Bananas

21

Elf on the Shelf Gets Slimy

22

Elf on the Shelf Hugs a Tree

If you're pressed for time or forget to hide your elf one morning, then you can easily stick them at the top of your tree and see how long it takes your kid to spot 'em.

See more at A Beautiful Mess »

23

Elf on the Shelf Breaks a Leg

Accidents happen when you're a mischievous elf, but you can help your friend recover in no time with a cast, hospital gown, crutches and Christmas bandages — all available on Amazon.

SHOP ELF CARE KIT

24

Elf on the Shelf Has a Slumber Party

25

Elf on the Shelf Plays Twister

26

Elf on the Shelf Creates a Holiday Lite-Brite Scene

27

Elf on the Shelf Bakes Cookies

28

Elf on the Shelf Hangs From a Light Fixture

29

Elf on the Shelf Learns Ballet

30

Elf on the Shelf Dresses Up as Santa

31

Elf on the Shelf Sneaks Some Candy

Your kids will love waking up to discover that their naughty elf has snuck in some early-morning candy... especially if you leave some chocolate smudged on the elf's face.

See more at Let's DIY It All »

32

Elf on the Shelf Takes an "Elfie"

33

Elf on the Shelf Joins a Christmas Parade

Do your kids have a bunch of toy cars and trains around the house? Line them up around your tree and have your elf take part in an impromptu Christmas parade.

See more at The Scrap Shoppe Blog »

34

Elf on the Shelf Works at the Car Wash

Time to get those toy cars clean! And is that a hint of peppermint I smell? The car wash looks professional, but its made with craft sticks, sponges and a few more household items.

See more at The Keeper of the Cheerios »

35

Elf on the Shelf Leaves a Secret Message

36

Elf on the Shelf Kicks Back in a Hammock

Suspend a mini hammock from your Christmas tree branches and let your elf take it easy for the day with a good book.

SHOP HAMMOCK

37

Elf on the Shelf Goes Sledding

White washcloths make a handy stand-in for snowy slopes! You can also improvise a scarf for extra coziness as they head down the hill.

See more at Elf on the Shelf »

38

Elf on the Shelf Counts Down to Christmas

39

Elf on the Shelf Paints a Picture

40

Elf on the Shelf Plays with Puppies

41

Elf on the Shelf Finds a Winter Fairy Garden

If the elves manage to bring back a bit of the North Pole home, it'll be a truly magical experience. This scene uses faux snow and glitter to create a fairy house for the elf.

See more at See Vanessa Craft »

42

Elf on the Shelf Becomes a Snowman

Your elf gets a delightful snowman disguise, thanks to a couple spare rolls of toilet paper. We love the way they look peeking out!

See more at Mama Cheaps »

43

Elf on the Shelf Scores a Goal

44

Elf on the Shelf Goes to Hogwarts

45

Elf on the Shelf Builds a Snowman

46

Elf on the Shelf Swings Around

A cardboard tube and some ribbon can give your elf a nice perch for the day. They can keep an eye out from below the shelf.

See more at DIY Inspired »

47

Elf on the Shelf Has Eyes on You

48

Elf on the Shelf Dangles From Twinkle Lights

49

Elf on the Shelf Takes a Peppermint Balloon Ride

Up, up and away! This elf is ready for a sweet ride, literally, thanks to a candy-colored hot air balloon. If your elf likes to hide, it's a well-known parent trick that kids are more likely look down than up, so try setting this up somewhere high!

SHOP HOT AIR BALLOON

50

Elf on the Shelf Re-Caffeinates

Here's one way to reuse those old K-Cups — just cut a straw in half and let them "drink" up. The candy-striped straw feels extra festive, too.

See more at Mama Cheaps »

51

Elf on the Shelf Becomes Buddy the Elf

Kids will be shocked to discover that their elf has transformed into Buddy overnight (especially if they find their friend snacking on spaghetti with maple syrup).

SHOP BUDDY THE ELF COSTUME

52

Elf on the Shelf Turns Into Baby Yoda

Your kids will definitely be shocked to find that their elf has transformed into a Mandalorian character over night.

See more at This Mama Loves »

53

Elf on the Shelf Wins an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

54

Elf on the Shelf Chills in the Refrigerator

55

Elf on the Shelf Transforms Into a Mermaid

Turn your elf into a mermaid on the shelf with this slip-on tail — then set them up next to the bathtub or a sink. Now, they can report on goings-on from under the sea!

SHOP MERMAID OUTFIT

56

Elf on the Shelf Makes Snow Angels

This elf is making his snow angels out of rice, but you can also use sugar or sprinkles. This one is for families who don't mind cleaning up a mess!

See more at Lil Blue Boo »

57

Elf on the Shelf Starts a Kissing Booth

Is it a smooch the elf is after? No, it's a chocolate Kiss! But their cheeks look extra rosy when peeking out from a DIY kissing booth.

See more at Young at Heart Mommy »

58

Elf on the Shelf Sells Hot Chocolate

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, so this elf-sized hot chocolate stand is sure to be a hit.

SHOP HOT COCOA STAND

59

Elf on the Shelf Joins the Nativity Scene

60

Elf on the Shelf Saves the Day as Spiderman

61

Elf on the Shelf Gets Trapped in an Ornament

62

Elf on the Shelf Redecorates Family Portraits

63

Elf on the Shelf Takes a Sick Day

Even elves find themselves under the weather from time to time. If yours feels the chills, get a doctor's note so they can take some much-needed time off. (Bonus: You get the day off, too.)

See more at Living Locurto »

64

Elf on the Shelf Plays Extreme Hide and Seek

65

Elf on the Shelf Rides a Red-Nosed Reindeer

66

Elf on the Shelf Sips Syrup

Elves consider syrup to be one of the four main food groups, and you can make sure your elf gets their maple fill by suspending them from a pantry shelf and giving them syrup with a straw.

See more at Lil Blue Boo »

67

Elf on the Shelf Dresses Up as a Gingerbread Cookie

Your elf can run, run as fast as he can, but he'll never get caught (because that's against the rules). How cute would this look near a plate of real gingerbread cookies?

SHOP GINGERBREAD MAN COSTUME

68

Elf on the Shelf Has Christmas Pox

The Elf on the Shelf has come down with a good case of Christmas pox. Luckily, the only thing contagious from these elves is their Christmas cheer.

See more at MommyGlitter »

69

Elf on the Shelf Enjoys a Spa Day

70

Elf on the Shelf Plans a Movie Night

71

Elf on the Shelf Stages a Photo Shoot

Everybody loves a photobooth! Get your elf to bring some of the other toys in on the photobooth fun — and give them some DIY props.

See more at Living Locurto »

72

Elf on the Shelf Peeks Into the Presents

They gets the run of the house at night, so of course your elf is going to feel tempted to peek at some presents. Hopefully, they won't let the cat out of the bag.

See more at Snapshots of My Life »

73

Elf on the Shelf Spells With Cereal

74

Elf on the Shelf Experiences a LEGO Ambush

75

Elf on the Shelf Joins a Rock Band

With a few tin cans and other materials you already have lying around the house, you can make your elf an upcycled drum set for rockin' out.

See more at Frugal Coupon Living »

76

Elf on the Shelf Tries on New Shoes

If your kid left some boots by the front door, then they'll be tickled to find their elf trying them on for size in the morning.

See more at Paper Heart Family »

77

Elf on the Shelf Mourns a Melting Snowman

78

Elf on the Shelf Reads Books

79

Elf on the Shelf Receives a Massage

Keeping watch over a whole family during the holidays can be stressful, so your elf could definitely use a relaxing peppermint massage from another toy.

See more at This Mama Loves »

80

Elf on the Shelf Faces a Runaway Train

81

Elf on the Shelf Has a Snack Break

When you put your elf in a cake stand or a cookie jar, make sure you add an empty wrapper so it looks like your elf has been munching.

See more at Three Little Ferns »

82

Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing

If you can stand parting with a few Goldfish crackers (and then cleaning them up out of the sink), they make for the perfect denizens of a bathroom fishin' hole.

See more at Rocking My 365 Project »

83

Elf on the Shelf Draws Banana Minions

If your elf is a bit of a graffiti artist, they might be tempted to turn some bright-yellow bananas into Minions. It makes for a very silly breakfast.

See more at Fancy Shanty »

84

Elf on the Shelf Enjoys Candy Cane Sledding

85

Elf on the Shelf Roasts Marshmallows

Yes, of course elves love s'mores, and even if you don't have a fireplace, you can set your TV to a yule log video to get those marshmallows roasting.

See more at A Small Snippet »

86

Elf on the Shelf Goes Golfing

They may be on the job, but your elves can still get in a little leisure time. Use a mini marshmallow and a candy cane for their putt-putt gear.

See more at Elf on the Shelf »

87

Elf on the Shelf Has a Sack Race

It's always a delight when the elves interact with your kids' other toys. Your little ones will be truly thrilled to see how they stack up in a race.

See more at Fancy Shanty »

88

Elf on the Shelf Takes a Tumble

Stick your elf in the middle of a roll of toilet paper and then let them take a tumble down the stairs, holding on to the end to create a paper trail.

See more at Little Bit Funky »

89

Elf on the Shelf Makes Doughnuts

Tell your kids that your elf brought back some freshly baked doughnuts from the North Pole, straight out of the Claus' oven! And, what a coincidence! They brought back one for you, too. (Wink.)

See more at Elf on the Shelf »

90

Elf on the Shelf Plays Tic-Tac-Toe

Give me an X, give me an O, give me three elves in a row! This twist on the childhood classic incorporates your elves and everyone's favorite game.

See more at MommyGlitter »

91

Elf on the Shelf Plays Pin the Nose on the Reindeer

92

Elf on the Shelf Takes a Gaming Break

Even the Elf wants to win a Mario Kart. These Nintendo-style devices are perfectly sized for elf hands, and they'll be a hit with your little gamer, too.

SHOP GAMING ACCESSORIES

93

Elf on the Shelf Practices the Piano

If you have a piano in your home, then your can set your elf up on a booster seat and let them practice tickling the ivories.

See more at Bombshell Bling »

94

Elf on the Shelf Goes Sunbathing

Even though it’s cold outside this Christmas, your elf can take a staycation and enjoy the sunshine this holiday season.

See more at A Small Snippet »

95

Elf on the Shelf Feeds the Ducks

96

Elf on the Shelf Teaches a Lesson

Welcome to the Elf on the Shelf School of Kindness. In this classroom, it is important to remember that elves are your friends.

See more at A Small Snippet »

97

Elf on the Shelf Heads Back to the North Pole

What are some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas?

What is the number one rule for Elf on the Shelf?

What can I do with the elf tonight?

Does the Elf on the Shelf bring treats?