If you live with children, chances are you have a Christmas ‘Elf on the shelf’. If not, you’re probably being pestered for one! These mischievous elves arrive on 1 December and hang around until Christmas eve, when they head off to the North Pole to help Father Christmas deliver his presents. They keep a watchful eye on the children in the lead up to Christmas, and help decide whether to put them on the naughty or nice list. They also listen to the children’s Christmas wishes.  

Each night, when the children are in bed, the elves send behaviour reports back to the North Pole, and then move somewhere else in the house.  

Over the years the tradition has evolved, and now some elves get up to elaborate mischief, crafts and playful pranks overnight.  In some households (and on social media) their antics are impressive, and it can be hard to keep up! 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with Elf on the Shelf ideas ranging from easy to fun to messy.  

 

Elf on the Shelf with advent calendars in front of the Christmas tree

Keep it simple and traditional

If you’re new to the tradition, -looking for something easy or are a traditionalist, just move the elf around the house each night. Much joy can be had simply running around the house each morning to find them. Here are some simple Elf on the shelf ideas: 

  • At the bottom of the bed 
  • Next to school bags and shoes 
  • At the breakfast table 
  • On the Christmas tree 

Elf on the Shelf baking

Foodie fun

Christmas and festive food go hand-in-hand, so get foodie with your Elf on the shelf. They can deliver treats or they can set up baking activities or meals. Here are some yummy Elf on the shelf ideas for you to try: 

  • Deliver the advent calendars 
  • Make a ketchup and mayonnaise Santa or elf shape  
  • Set up a Christmassy breakfast with sprinkles, cookie cutters and festive plates/napkins 
  • Make the packed lunches (leaving feet poking out of the bag)  
  • Deliver a yummy candy cane, gingerbread man or tree-shaped chocolates  
  • ‘Cook’ mini fried egg sweets in a pan 
  • Make mini elf donuts out of Cheerios, icing and sprinkles 

 

Elf on the Shelf and orange faces

Elves behaving badly

Most of us enjoy a bit of potty humour and slapstick comedy, and these mischievous elves certainly deliver. These cheeky Elf on the shelf ideas will have everyone laughing: 

  • Wrap the Christmas tree in toilet paper 
  • Take some toys for ransom 
  • Break into the snack/treat stash 
  • Stick or draw eyes onto fruit and vegetables 
  • Set up an elf zip wire or slide with string and cardboard 
  • Ride around on a toy train or car  
  • Elfie-selfie with sleeping family members 
  • Elf getaway through the letterbox/window 
  • Draw moustaches on family photos or sleeping family members 

Elf on the Shelf playing cars

Make a mess

Instead of tidying the house before bed, you can deliberately mess it up for four weeks! Get ready for some delightfully messy Elf on the shelf ideas: 

  • Make snow angels out of flour or sugar 
  • Make a melted snowman with a glass of water, a carrot and googly eyes/stones 
  • Cotton wool ball snowball fight 
  • Pom-pom elf ball pit or football match 
  • Draw toothpaste pictures and messages on the mirror 

Elf on the Shelf hanging out the letterbox

Crafty mischief

Think of the scene in the Elf movie, where Buddy transforms the toy shop into a magical winter wonderland. Now imagine your children’s faces waking up to that <3 Check out these creative Elf on the shelf ideas that are sure to excite the little ones: 

  • Paper snowflakes orpaper chains 
  • Set up a Christmas card writing station 
  • Deliver a festive craft activity 
  • Set up an elf camp with sock sleeping bags and books for a tent 
  • Build a Lego/Duplo Christmas tree 
  • Scavenger hunt  
  • Reading a book and/or watching TV 

Elf on the Shelf as a transformer 

Simple acts of kindness

Christmas is a perfect time to encourage little ones to think of others who may not be as lucky as they are. Here are some heartfelt Elf on the shelf ideas to inspire kindness: 

  • Ask the children to do an act of kindness 
  • Suggest donating a toy to Project Rudolph 
  • Tell the children about food banks and invite them to donate 
  • Leave a note to ring a grandparent or loves one they’ve not spoken to for a while 
  • Challenge the children to spread kindness 

 

Make this Christmas a little easier for yourself with our round up of Elf on the Shelf inspiration! Please share and tag us in your ideas on Instagram, and watch our elves in action @your_east_sussex