24 Easy and Fun Elf on The Shelf Ideas
Elf on the Shelf season is almost here, and while the kids are excited about their holiday friend’s return, parents often find themselves scrambling for creative ideas each day. If you’re looking to keep the magic alive without spending hours brainstorming, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll be sharing 24 easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that are fun, simple, and sure to bring smiles to your little ones. From mischievous setups to heartwarming surprises, these ideas will help you enjoy the tradition without the stress!
This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Kits You Can Buy
If you’re short on time, and just want some easy elf ideas to create your Christmas magic, buying a kit can be easy. Here are my favorite picks:
Elf Magic in a Box
My favorite elf kit is this magical and fun one! It includes 24 daily ideas that will bring you and your kids smiles and laughter this Holiday season.
24 Days of Christmas Elf Kit
If you want some adorable props, this is your elf kit! This one has the cutest scenes, from pool day fun to baking surprises, this kit has it all!
Christmas Elf Kit
A fun idea every day leading up to Christmas! Including 24 official elf reports, and a Hello and Goodbye note from the elf.
12 Days of Elf on The Shelf
This affordable kit gives you 12 days’ worth of Elf on the Shelf ideas. With stickers, an elf sweater, and more!
Easy Elf on The Shelf Ideas
For DIY Elf on the Shelf ideas, here are 24 of them that are easy and affordable!
Bowling
Grab this affordable bowling kit and make some memories with your kids with some mini bowling fun.
Pizza Night
Make it a pizza night with for your elf with this cute mini pizza box. Grab some pizza for yourself as well so everyone gets a slice!
Candy Cane Hunt
Grab a cheap box of candy canes and hide them around your house! This idea is so affordable and will create so much fun. You can hide the candy canes super well if you want an all-day activity.
Toilet Paper Snowflakes
Grab the scissors and cut up the toilet paper to look like the elf tried to make snowflakes. This idea costs nothing, and would be so funny to wake up to!
Grating Crayons into M&M’s
All you need for this cute idea is some red and green crayons, and some red and green M&M’s.
Frog Prank
Get some mini frogs (or even use these cute Santa hat ducks) and create a fun little elf prank with the kids.
Toilet Paper Swings
Grab some empty toilet paper rolls and some festive ribbon for an easy DIY swing. Your elf can swing from a door jam, a chandelier, or even the Christmas tree.
Minion Bananas
Turn your bananas into minions with a Sharpie.
Melted Snowman
“Melt” a snowman in a ramekin for a cute and sweet elf oopsie.
Bad Milk
If you want some laughs with your kids, you can make your milk go bad!
Ginger Bread House
These silly elves can make some smiles and laugh with a gingerbread house made with bread and ginger spice.
Donut Snowmen
Have a fun and edible craft ready to go with these snowman donuts. All you need is powdered donuts, M&M’s, and mini chocolate chips.
Movie Night
Get some movie snacks and microwaveable popcorn and have your elf deliver it for a fun movie night with your kids.
Color The Sink
All you need for this idea is some dry-erase markers and some drawing skills. Make sure you don’t color on the counter!
Toilet Fishing
Some plastic wrap and some goldfish can transform the toilet into a fishing bowl!!
Elf Yourself
Bust out the washable paint and elf yourself in the mirror with this adorable idea.
Lolipop Flowers
Have your elf show off their green thumb with these sweet flowers made with dum dum suckers.
Elf Bingo
Play a game of bingo with some bingo cards and some peppermint candies!
Hot Air Balloon
This is such a cute DIY idea for your elf. All you need is a solo cup, and a balloon to create a hot air balloon for your elf to arrive in. Hang it from the ceiling for extra magic.
Colored Eggs
Grab some markers or stickers and decorate the eggs! Your kids will love the colorful surprise in the morning when it’s breakfast time.
TP the Tree
Your mischievous elf is back and trying to decorate the tree with toilet paper! You could use this idea and have your elf decorate the kids’ rooms too!
Elf Spa Day
The elf needs to be pampered too! Create a spa day for them in your sink or in a crockpot. Use cotton balls or marshmallows to create fluffy bubbles.
Root Beer Reindeer
Have your elf on the shelf pretend to be Santa, with some root beer reindeer!
Elf Googly Eyes
This silly idea only requires some cheap googly eyes. Use some removable glue dots to adhere them to your elfs eyes for easy removal.
I hope these elf on the shelf ideas were helpful for you this holiday season. If you recreate any of these ideas, tag me in your posts! I’d love to see them!
Here are some more Holiday posts that you may find helpful:
Christmas Decor Ideas For Small Apartments
Cozy Christmas Decoration Ideas
xx,
Lauren
