The tradition of Elf on the Shelf creates just the right magical sense of wonder and fun for our holiday season. But let’s be honest: The problem is, it can be hard to develop new, creative ideas for your elf’s antics. Don’t worry! So we put together 20 smart and awesome Elf on the Shelf ideas to make your kids giggle every morning.

Let’s jump into the fun!

Let’s Start with the 20 Awesome Elf on the Shelf Ideas

1. Bubble Bath Bliss

To make a “bubble bath,” fill the sink or a small container with mini marshmallows.

Lay your elf out in the “tub” and have it lounging with a toy rubber duck or a tiny towel on its head.

2. Spider-Elf

Make a ‘web’ in a corner or over furniture using string or floss. Hang your elf on the web with a note that says, “The friendly neighborhood Spider-Elf here!”

3. Potato Sack Race

Pack potatoes in small paper bags, referred to as ‘potato sacks.’ Put your elf and some toy friends in a race scene.

4. Sticky Note Bandit

Get some sticky notes with funny messages like ‘Santa is watching!’ and cover a mirror, door, or table with them.

Position your elf with a pen in hand.

5. Miniature Rock Climber

For climbing rope use string and for ‘rocks’ marshmallows or gumdrops.

Put your elf on the wall or furniture halfway up and attach it mid-climb.

6. Reindeer Rodeo

Put your elf on a toy reindeer, dinosaur, or stuffed animal if you have one, and if you have a tiny cowboy hat, place it on your elf.

7. Wacky Mustache Maker

Use dry-erase markers to draw mustaches on family photos (make sure it’s safe for the surface).

Get your elf to pose with a marker in hand.

8. Elf Snowball Fight

Put scatter mini marshmallows or cotton balls and set up your elf with a toy shield or ‘fort’ to sit behind.

Opponents can be added in the form of toy soldiers or action figures. This is one of the best playful elf on the shelf ideas on the list.

9. Candy Thief

Ask your elf to hide in a pile of wrappers, or sneak candy from a jar. There is a note that simply says, “I couldn’t resist!”

10. Pancake Flipper

Put your elf in a toy frying pan with mini pancakes (cookies or crackers). Make it look like a cooking spree, scattering utensils here and there.

11. Hot Cocoa Stand

You can set up a mini hot chocolate stand with tiny mugs, marshmallows, and a sign that reads “Hot Cocoa 5 cents.”

12. TP Trouble

Roll toilet paper down the stairs or across the room, and put your elf at the end holding a roll.

13. Gingerbread Architect

Get your elf posing mid-construction of a gingerbread house made out of graham crackers and frosting.

14. Snowball Target Practice

Put paper or plastic cups down as targets and scatter mini marshmallows around. Put your elf with a straw or tube as the launcher.

15. Elf Yoga Retreat

Memorize the Yoga poses involving Pose 1, Pose 2, and Pose 3, and then get your elf and small toys together and have them do yoga poses on mini mats made of paper or fabric. You can set up these elf ideas for yoga lovers.

16. Balloon Avalanche

Colorful balloons in a doorway so when your kids open it, the ‘stuff’ falls out of the doorway. Place your elf at the scene with a pin in hand.

17. Ice Skating Rink

Set up a mirror or a shiny tray as the “rink” and place your elf-wearing skates made of paper clips.

18. Wrapped-Up Elf

So, wrap your elf in colorful wrapping paper and ribbons and place it under the tree with a tag that says, ‘Do not open until Christmas!’

19. Candy Cane Swing

Position a shelf or string hang a candy cane and then position your elf swinging on it.

20. Naughty List Scare

Place your elf in a tiny desk, sitting with a ‘naughty list’ starring funny, over-the-top names (or your kids’ names in fun), and give him a job. Add a tiny pencil.

Last Words

The laughter and memories that Elf on the Shelf brings to your home are what makes it magical. Each morning will be a delightful surprise and these awesome elf on the shelf ideas will keep your kids entertained. So get creative, have fun, and let the holiday mischief begin! Happy Elf-ing!