50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Spark Holiday Magic

Although Elf on the Shelf has been popular during the holiday magic, there’s always fun in finding new ways of entertaining your kids at home. Whether one is advanced in the elf game or simply starting
1. Top Tips for Quick & Easy Meals that you can cook during Busy Nights
We’ve all been there: it’s getting dark, you are sleepy and the last thing you remember was that you had to relocate the elf but never did.
Don’t worry! Here are some quick setups that require minimal effort:
Marshmallow Hot Tub: Put your elf inside a bowl of mini-mallows with the contentment look like someone enjoying a hot tub.
Toilet Paper Sledding: Take a roll of toilet paper and place your elf on it, in the same manner as a slide.
Also, you can put some toy simulated characters on the bed for fun.
Cookie Thief: Cuddle your elf with a plate of cookies beside it with crumbs found on the mouth of the elf.
It is then a rather sly but cute scene.

These setups take only 5-7 minutes but will make your kids wake up with a smile the following morning.
2. Creative Elf Mischief
Now and then, your elf can feel the mischievous desire in him and is willing to cause a little mischief.
Here are some mischievous ideas:
Cereal Spill: Have your elf “misbehave” by spilling a box of cereal – and guide people right to where they hid with a spoon in their hand.
Shaving Cream Snowman: Wipe an outline of a snowman on the bathroom mirror with shaving cream with the elf standing with the can of shaving cream looking embarrassed.
Underwear Banner: Tie your clean family’s underwear like bunting all over a room and your elf should be carrying a small clothespin.

These layouts capture your elf’s mischievous but endearing nature thus bringing a funny side of your mornings.
3. We decided to create Interactive Adventures for the Kids.
Get the kids involved with interactive setups that encourage them to play along with the elf:
Letter Writing Station: Maybe create an elf in your own home and provide a mini mailbox with correspondence supplies where the kids could write letters to Santa.
Hide and Seek: Write a short message from your elf telling that they have gone ‘somewhere’ and the children should go looking for them in their home.
Candy Cane Hunt: Put out some candy canes as treats and let your elf leave a map or clue for the kids to be able to find them.

These ideas do not just make the elf product become a decoration on the wall but makes its presence so much more – an experience.
4. Elves Embracing the Holidays Who doesn’t love seeing their elf get into the holiday spirit and start participating in celebrations?
Here are some ways to make your elf’s antics extra seasonal:
Christmas Tree Climber: You might place your elf ascending or descending the Christmas tree, and may be holding some bauble or two.
Gift Wrapper Extraordinaire: Put your elf where they are surrounded by wrapping paper, sticky tape and decorations as if they were helping to wrap some Christmas presents (or play).
Snow Angel: Using flour, sugar or another type of fake snow make a small snow angel and place your elf right in the middle of the angel.
These setups encompass the Christmas spirit and give your elf some sense of belonging to the bandwagon.
5. DIY Elf Accessories and Props Get even more out of your elf’s shenanigans by making some quick prop items yourself.
It’s easier than it sounds and can make a big impact:
Mini Elf Hammock: For this position you can also use the same small dish towel and string into a hammock where the elf can relax in.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Blow helium in a balloon then put a small basket where you can place your elf such that the elf floats in the air.
Elf Bed: Make your elf build a tiny bed from a shoebox and some fabric pieces and make your elf look sleepy and comfy.
Including handmade elements make your elf’s set-ups personal and special, which the kids will not go unnoticed.
6. Themed Elf Days It is why not to set the theme for the day to your elf?
These ideas are perfect for adding variety to the month:
Superhero Elf: Put a tiny superhero cape on your elf and place it ‘rescuing’ a toy from ‘dangers’.
Chef Elf: The idea is simple, you put your elf in the kitchen with a recipe card, a mixing bowl and some flour spilled on the floor, as if, the little elf was baking.
Artist Elf: Make a small portable ‘art gallery’ with a piece of artwork of the kind that elves might create.
Ideas of thematic decorations make the event more interesting and the children never know what this elf will get up to next.
7. Elves with Friends and Pets Your elf doesn’t have to star in his or her own drama!
Include other toys or even your pets for added fun:
Toy Tea Party: Organize a tea party for your elf and some barbies, teddy bears or action figures – whatever your child likes.
Reindeer Rides: You should pose your elf on a toy reindeer, or if they will, on your family pet.
Board Game Night: As players create an idea of Monopoly or Candy Land using your elf as the toy figure and some of your toys as birthday players.
These group activities enhance your elf’s performance and make the performance humorous for the audience.
8. Good Deed Elf Spread some holiday kindness by having your elf inspire good deeds:
Charity Reminder: Make a note from the elf stating that the family should give out toys, clothes or foods to the needy individuals.
Kindness Countdown: Make a paper chain advent calendar, where each circle provides a simple idea for giving.
Thank You Notes: Your elf should help the kids compose thank you letters to teachers, neighbors, family members, or anyone else.
These setups also aid in helping to focus on the true meaning of the holidays; giving and being thankful.
Final Thoughts
As much as people perceive Elf on the Shelf is all about joy and memories, it is in most part true.
From big productions like this to small and ordinary candle placements, the goal here is to bring laughter and joy into your home.
Feel free to take these ideas and let loose because the holidays are just as much for you as it is for the kiddos!