40+ of the BEST Elf on the Shelf Ideas

My boys received their Elf on the Shelf ("Elfie") as a gift long before I had this blog. Since then, we have had a lot of fun with our Elf and his antics. Today, I am sharing 40+ of our favourite Elf on the Shelf ideas... including tons of free printable photo props.

*Click on the links below for more details and free printable props. Or check out the video at the end of this post.*


1) Santa sends a letter letting the kids know that their Elf on the Shelf is coming soon - Click here to get the details of the letter and download free printable stationary (straight from the desk of Santa Claus).

2) Elf on the Shelf brings a "Welcome Breakfast" - The arrival of the Elf on the Shelf is an exciting annual event, and it's even more fun when it involves a special welcome breakfast. (Click here for the free welcome breakfast printables I designed.)

3) Elf in a cereal box - It doesn't get much easier than this... cut a hole in a cereal box, and poke the Elf's head through.

4) The Elf on the Shelf wraps books and movies for a countdown to Christmas - How cute is this Elf on the Shelf advent calendar alternative?

5) Elf on the Shelf gets his own key... and you can download the key chain for free here.

6) Elf on the Shelf brings a magic glove - A magic glove lets you touch an Elf on the Shelf without the Elf losing it's magic...  and you can download the instructions and tags for free here. 

7) Elf on the Shelf brings magic elf dust - This is exactly what you need to fix your elf if someone touches him/her. You can restore his/her magic with this magic elf dust, and you can find the details and the free printable tags here.

8) Elf on the Shelf draws a self portrait - A piece of paper and a marker is all you need for this simple idea.

9) Elf on the Shelf builds an Igloo - An old milk jug and some cotton balls can be transformed into a fun Elf igloo with a little effort. Find the full instructions here.

10) Elf on the Shelf brings donuts - This is one of my boys' favourite ideas. Every year our Elf brings mini donuts in adorable boxes that you can download for free here.

11) Elf on the Shelf hides in the light fixture (far away from the bulb that could burn him/her).

12) Elf on the Shelf replaces family pictures with ELFies.

13) Elf on the shelf brings a candy cane scavenger hunt - A scavenger hunt is super fun for kids, and you can download clues (for free) here.

14) Elf on the Shelf hides in a Christmas wreath. 

15) Elf on the Shelf makes a sugary shopping list - It's no secret that Elves love sugar, so this "sweet" grocery list makes perfect sense. You can download a copy for free here.

16) Elf on the Shelf brings a gingerbread house for the kids to build and decorate.

17) Elf on the Shelf brings hot chocolate from the North Pole - Hot Chocolate is the official drink of the North Pole, and you can download the label for this "special blend" here.

18) Elf on the Shelf takes a nap in a tissue box. 

19) Elf on the Shelf cools off in the fridge. 

20) Elf on the Shelf brings "Elf Kisses" - Elf kisses are a sweet treat for Christmas, and you can download the little sign here.

21) Elf on the Shelf set up an Elf on the Shelf Kissing Booth - This Elf Kissing Booth is nothing short of adorable, and you can download a copy for free here.

22) Elf on the Shelf plays with blocks.

23) Elf on the Shelf plays with Star Wars toys.

24) Elf on the Shelf brings "North Pole Treats" - These sweet treats come straight from the North Pole, and you find the instructions and free printable labels here.

25) Elf on the Shelf hosts a bake sale for charity - Even Elves know how important it is to give back during the holidays. Find out how our Elf on the Shelf hosts an annual bake sale for charity here.

26) Elf on the Shelf builds a chair out of LEGO.

27) Elf on the Shelf brings supplies to decorate "sugar cone trees" - This is a super-fun alternative to decorating cookies. You can find all the instructions here.

28) Elf on the Shelf brings a letter from Santa.

29) Elf on the Shelf lets you know that Santa has sent you a special video message.

30) Elf on the Shelf takes a marshmallow bath.

31) Elf on the Shelf plays in a bubble gum ball pit.

32)  Elf on the Shelf makes snowman donuts from mini donuts, mini chocolate chips and candy corn.

33) Elf on the Shelf makes a "sweet" spaghetti breakfast.

34) Elf on the Shelf hides in the Christmas tree.

35) Elf on the Shelf hangs from the cupboard doors.

36) Elf on the Shelf brings a Christmas movie.

37) Elf on the Shelf builds a snowman out of marshmallows 

38) Elf on the shelf builds a snowman out of toilet paper.

39) Elf on the Shelf brings magic "Elf Seeds" - This idea is one of our favourites. Every year our Elf brings magic seeds, and every year they grow into something new. Read all about it here.

40) Elf on the Shelf brings seeds for a candy cane garden - With a little Christmas magic, tiny cookie decorations become a magical candy cane garden. You can get the free printable tags for the seeds here.

41) Elf on the Shelf leaves a good bye note and a special movie.

42) Elf on the Shelf writes a goodbye message with spray snow.

There are so many fun Elf on the Shelf ideas on the web, but I love this collection, don't you? What are some of your favorite Elf on Shelf antics?

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

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