What are some good Elf on the Shelf ideas?

December is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: the return of The Elf on the Shelf! These funny The Elf on the Shelf ideas for 2021 are surprising, special, and oh-so-silly and are sure to lift the mood each day. But the last thing we need is more stress or one more thing to do, and it takes some elbow grease to bring the little troublemaker to life—especially as the countdown comes to a close.

But don't count out the usefulness of The Elf on the Shelf! The traditional purpose of a scout Elf is to silently watch over your kids as they go about their daily activities so that he or she can report their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa...in case you're wondering what to tell them about their new housemate. So it's worth a little time and effort to carry out this tradition. And don't worry, you're not alone in this endeavor!

Enter our ideas for The Elf on the Shelf, which are as easy for parents to pull off as they are fun for kids to find. From seriously out-there projects to tried-and-true favorites (that happen to double as Christmas gift for kids, mind you), there's something on our list for just about everyone. Truthfully though, who says you even have to have kids at all to get started? Many people choose to just use them as Christmas tree decorations and even show off their collection of figurines on their mantels. Here's what you need to know about this popular tradition.

How do you introduce The Elf on the Shelf for the first time?

When you first get The Elf on the Shelf, he or she comes with an illustrated book that explains the whole backstory. So, traditionally, during Scout Elf Return Week (November 24-December 1), the elf arrives. If this is the elf's first trip to your house, you'll have a bit of work to do! Your Elf needs a name, for starters. Luckily, we've compiled a list of the best The Elf on the Shelf names! The children should be encouraged to tell their new elf any wishes or secrets. Elves are great listeners!

What are the rules of The Elf on the Shelf?

Elf 101: The children should not touch the elf, or he will lose his magic. Scout elves arrive during Scout Elf Return week and head back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. No exceptions!

Why is The Elf on the Shelf a bad idea?

First of all, we do not think The Elf on the Shelf is a bad idea. It's a magical Christmas tradition, and, most importantly, kids love it. But, if you're thinking about embarking on the elf journey for the first time, recognize that it is a bit of a commitment! But as long as you're prepared with plenty of ideas (we have you covered!), it will be enjoyable for everyone. You just might want to set a nightly alarm so you don't forget your duties.

What's a good The Elf on the Shelf gift?

Elves come with everything they need to get settled in their new home, but feel free to add some The Elf on the Shelf clothes or accessories to make the experience more fun! These additional items might even inspire some more elf magic.

Now that you know what the fuss is all about, what are you waiting for? Add a little mischief to this year's Christmas celebration with the following hilarious The Elf on the Shelf ideas. (And check out these funny The Elf on the Shelf memes while you're at it!)

1

The Elf on the Shelf Santa Cam Idea

This super-cute idea came together with items from Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby! You can keep this camera on display all season to let the kids know that Santa is watching.

See more at creationsby_ashleyc.

2

The Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Garden Idea

Three days worth of ideas in one: a candy cane garden! Use crushed chocolate cookies as "soil" and watch the peppermint grow from round candies to full candy canes.

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP CANDY CANES

3

The Elf on the Shelf Magazine Idea

When Elf's fine-print edition of Country Living arrives in the mail, the little guy peruses the pages from a good ol' porch rocker. (He LOVES the craft ideas!)

4

The Elf on the Shelf Ball Pit Idea

Of course, the elves would find themselves in a ball pit of red-and-green M&Ms! The helpful sign makes it clear that this candy is not for snacking, just in case any kids try to sneak some! This clever idea by Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell only takes a few minutes to pull off.

5

Elf on the Shelf Record Player Idea

Set up a turntable with your favorite Christmas album, and your elf will be ready to take the season by storm!

See more at A Beautiful Mess.

6

The Elf on the Shelf Brownie Idea

The elf at Wilma's Bakery at Leigh-on-Sea in England must be on the nice list to have a delicious brownie stack like this! If you're not within ordering distance of Wilma's, you can re-create the idea at home.

See more at Wilma's Bakery.

7

The Elf on the Shelf Egg Idea

This Scout Elf is ready for breakfast! The fridge is looking egg-stra festive with a dozen eggs decorated with the help of Christmas stickers and markers.

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

8

The Elf on the Shelf Movie Night Idea

9

The Elf on the Shelf Sledding Idea

10

The Elf on the Shelf Donut Idea

It's no secret that elves love sweets! This pair got caught with their hands in the Krispy Kreme box (and who could blame them?). Just pick up a box of festive donuts from your local bakery and let the feasting begin.

11

The Elf on the Shelf Mask Idea

We love this tiny elf twist on the Masked Singer! Can the kids guess which elf is hidden behind each mask?

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

12

The Elf on the Shelf Tic Tac Toe Idea

These elves are ready for a friendly game of tic tac toe! Their game board is made of bows and painter's tape that won't leave a mess on the wall.

See more at MommyGlitter.

13

The Elf on the Shelf in a Bind

This Elf found himself in a tricky situation, but he can see a lot from this vantage point! Luckily, the handy printable explains everything.

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

14

The Elf on the Shelf Tangled in Floss

Kids will get a kick out of finding the Elf all wrapped up in dental floss when they go to brush their teeth in the morning.

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP FLOSS

15

The Elf on the Shelf Olaf Idea

Got a few extra rolls of toilet paper and some orange construction paper? Then you're well on your way to recreating this genius Olaf idea that'll delight Frozen fans in your home.

Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.

SHOP CONSTRUCTION PAPER

16

The Elf on the Shelf Ducks Idea

We love this fun idea from Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell. Any sink in the house can serve as a pond for the ducks, just remember that it will be out of commission for the day! Don't forget to give the elf a piece of bread so he can feed the ducks below.

17

The Elf on the Shelf "Wanted" Poster

All of the children in the house know the most important rule for The Elf on the Shelf, but the four-legged friends might not be on board. In the event that a naughty puppy gets a hold of the elf, explain to the kids that this doesn't cause him to lose his magic. Make a "Wanted" poster to explain why the elf moved locations.

18

The Elf on the Shelf Sunbathing Idea

This elf is ready for some fun in the sun! This idea is all about the details. All it takes is a tiny towel, felt sun and sunglasses, and a mini copy of Elf Illustrated magazine.

See more at A Small Snippet.

19

The Elf on the Shelf Cereal Idea

The Elf on the Shelf cereal usually pops up on grocery store shelves this time of year! Simply cut out the elf's head on the cereal box, and position your elf so he's peeking out from inside.

See more at Cheers To Life Blogging.

20

The Elf on the Shelf Messenger Idea

These clever elves have a high-tech message for the kids. The note instructs the child to check their Messenger Kids account, where they'll find a surprise (s)elfie!

21

The Elf on the Shelf North Pole Putt Putt

22

The Elf on the Shelf Stay Warm Idea

Even elves get tired of the winter weather! This one stays cozy close (but not too close!) to the fireplace. Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell helped her elf dream of summertime with a tiny umbrella, sunglasses, and towel.

23

The Elf on the Shelf Banana Idea

Let your elf have a little fun drawing on the peels of your bananas. Nobody was going to eat them anyway!

Get the tutorial at Mama Cheaps.

SHOP BANANA HANGERS

24

The Elf on the Shelf Balloon Blockade

25

The Elf on the Shelf Hidden Treat Idea

26

The Elf on the Shelf Movie Cup Idea

We love this idea for welcoming your elves back during Scout Elf Return Week. Pair your elves with cups from your kids' favorite Christmas movies, and they'll be drinking from it throughout the holiday season.

See more at MommyGlitter.

27

The Elf on the Shelf Box Idea

Scout Elf, reporting for duty! This elf made his grand return in a package addressed to the kids of the house. He carries with him a calendar marking the date of his return!

See more at A Small Snippet.

28

The Elf on the Shelf Wall Climb Idea

Who knew elves were such good climbers? Ashley Byrom from Stage.Organize.Sell found hers scaling the kitchen cabinets with the help of sticky bows.

29

The Elf on the Shelf Paper Snowflake Idea

It's not all fun and games when you're an Elf. Sometimes, they've got to take a break to do important tasks—like making paper snowflakes.

Get the tutorial at Busy Kids Happy Mom.

SHOP COMPUTER PAPER

30

The Elf on the Shelf Fridge Idea

Your kids will be so surprised to find their elves chilling out in the fridge! Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell added a tiny scarf made from flannel scraps and earmuffs constructed from pom-poms and a chenille stem.

31

The Elf on the Shelf Snowball Fight Idea

This elf is engaged in a friendly snowball battle! Stack up some sugar cubes and use some mini-marshmallows as snowballs for this fun scene.

See more at A Small Snippet.

32

The Elf on the Shelf Breakfast Idea

It's the most important meal of the day! So why not stash the Elf in your fridge when your kids go looking for their cereal milk—only to find it's now green Elf milk?

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP ELF TABLE

33

The Elf on the Shelf Sack Race Idea

34

The Elf on the Shelf Red Nose Idea

35

The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Pox Idea

Oh no, these elves have come down with a case of the Christmas pox! Don't worry, as the note explains, these stickers only cause extra Christmas spirit! This easy idea comes together in a pinch with removable dot stickers.

See more at MommyGlitter.

36

The Elf on the Shelf Bubble Bath Idea

There's only one thing more delightful than an Elf on the Shelf taking a bubble bath: an Elf on the Shelf taking a bubble bath in a pile of mini marshmallows.

Get the tutorial at Bombshell Bling.

SHOP MINI MARSHMALLOWS

37

The Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing in the Sink

He may never get to see a real ocean, but he doesn't mind: Your elf will have an excellent time fishing for Goldfish crackers right in the middle of your kids' bathroom.

Get the tutorial at Rocking My 365.

SHOP GOLDFISH

38

The Elf on the Shelf Art Appreciation Idea

39

The Elf on the Shelf Piano Idea

Okay, fine, he may not be able to reach the keyboard without a little assistance. But once he's gotten his footing, this little Elf is a prodigy.

Get the tutorial at Rachel Swartley.

SHOP SHEET MUSIC

40

The Elf on the Shelf Pancake Idea

Here's an idea that's as delicious as it is adorable. Make a teeny-tiny stack of pancakes, then serve them up to your elf. Er, we mean... Let your elf make a teeny-tiny stack of pancakes!

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP PANCAKE MIX

41

The Elf on the Shelf "I'm Back" Idea

Avid Christmas cookie decorators always have a few extra gumdrops laying around. Turn them into a hilarious Elf on the Shelf vignette with this project.

Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.

SHOP GUMDROPS

42

The Elf on the Shelf Cloche Idea

This elf finds himself in a precarious position under a glass dome on the kitchen counter. Don't worry—he will have escaped by tomorrow!

43

The Elf on the Shelf Pizza Party Idea

Got a December birthday in your family? In addition to their Christmas duties, you'll have to let the elves plan a celebratory bash!

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP PLAY-DOH

44

The Elf on the Shelf Photo Shoot Idea

Life can get lonely as an elf. Give your little guy a few friends in the form of your children's Barbie dolls—then let them have a fun photo shoot together!

Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.

SHOP TOOTHPICKS

45

The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Camo

If subtlety's more your style, you'll like this idea. The Elf on the Shelf gets a camo makeover, then takes cover in your tree.

Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.

Shop Pine Cones

46

The Elf on the Shelf Gingerbread House Idea

Looks like this Scout Elf got in to the gingerbread house kit at night! Leave an icing message for the kids to find in the morning when they wake up.

See more at Cheers To Life Blogging.

47

The Elf on the Shelf K-Cup Idea

Hey, even elves need caffeine! Take advantage of the tiny size of your K-Cup accessories with this cunning idea.

Get the tutorial at Mama Cheaps.

SHOP K-CUPS

48

The Elf on the Shelf Rock Band Idea

Even elves have the right to rock! This hilarious idea involves a few cans straight from your pantry, some pipe cleaners, and of course, the star of the show: your family's elf.

Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.

49

The Elf on the Shelf TP Race Idea

50

The Elf on the Shelf Wrapping Gifts Idea

If he's going to live in your home, why not put him to work? In this fun idea, the Elf takes on a gift-wrapping task.

Get the tutorial at Rachel Swartley.

SHOP KRAFT PAPER

51

The Elf on the Shelf Bingo Idea

Candy and a stuffed toy reindeer make this idea hard to beat. But it's the free printable that has us truly sold!

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP CARD STOCK

52

The Elf on the Shelf Arrival With Kisses

53

The Elf on the Shelf Chocolate Idea

54

The Elf on the Shelf Coloring Idea

It looks like this elf spent the night coloring! Set him up with a box of crayons and a partially colored-in page. The official Elf on the Shelf website has some free coloring pages you can download and print.

55

The Elf on the Shelf Easy Egg Idea

56

The Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Poop Idea

This reindeer poop idea is sure to get a laugh out of the kids! Chocolate Cocoa Puffs make the perfect (non-stinky!) substitute. The tiny bucket and shovel take this idea from Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell over the top.

57

The Elf on the Shelf Hot Air Balloon Idea

Perhaps Santa's helper swapped the sleigh for a hot air balloon ride as his mode of transportation. Tip: His idea works for the arrival as well.

Get the tutorial at Busy Kids Happy Mom.

SHOP PAPER LANTERNS

58

The Elf on the Shelf Framed Photo Idea

Swap out your child's school portrait with a photo of their elf. They'll find this super-easy idea hilarious.

59

The Elf on the Shelf Snow Angel Idea

60

The Elf on the Shelf Movie Night Idea

These elves are ready to watch, you guessed it, Elf! They're cozy under a Christmas throw and ready with their remotes. Just pop some popcorn and you'll be ready to watch their favorite flick.

61

The Elf on the Shelf Cocoa Party

62

The Elf on the Shelf Snowflake Idea

Elves like to get crafty too! This idea from Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell finds the elf constructing snowflakes from cotton swabs and glue. Add some glitter for a little extra sparkle!

63

The Elf on the Shelf Matchbox Car Idea

All aboard, the Elf Train! If your house is filled with matchbox cars, line them up to form a special holiday train around the living room. Just be sure no one steps on them!

64

The Elf on the Shelf LEGO Ambush

Apparently, this elf threw a party the previous night and forgot to invite a few plastic friends. They sought revenge the following day.

Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.

SHOP LEGOS

65

The Elf on the Shelf Swing Idea

Transform a toilet paper roll into a swing for your kids' mischievous little buddy.

Get the tutorial at A Small Snippet.

SHOP TWINE

66

The Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar

You never know where the elf will show up! This one appeared in one of the Advent calendar pockets, and he brought some of his Lego friends with him!

67

The Elf on the Shelf Kissing Booth

68

The Elf on the Shelf Red Paint Idea

This idea takes an extra sneaky elf to pull it off. The elf is set up with some paint and a sign for the sleeping child to find in the morning. He'll be so surprised to wake up finding he looks like Rudolph!

69

The Elf on the Shelf S'Mores Idea

70

The Elf on the Shelf Teacher Idea

71

The Elf on the Shelf Scrabble Idea

Set up a board game for your elf, and spell out a message with the letters.

SHOP SCRABBLE

72

The Elf on the Shelf Zipline Idea

73

The Elf on the Shelf Superman Idea

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...a Super Elf! A tiny cape cut from felt and a Superman sticker affixed to his chest are all it takes to transform a regular elf into a superhero.

74

The Elf on the Shelf Workout Idea

75

The Elf on the Shelf Sick Day Idea

Perhaps all that time spent sledding outside made your mini friend catch a cold. This doctor's note gives him (and you) an excuse to stay put for one day or a few.

Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.

SHOP MINTS

76

The Elf on the Shelf Pool Idea

After a long holiday season, the elf will want to kick back by the pool! This bowl of water colored with blue food coloring is just the right size for relaxation.

77

The Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Idea

78

The Elf on the Shelf Mirror Message

Have your elf write a short message on the bathroom mirror using an eyeliner pencil or dry-erase marker.

79

The Elf on the Shelf with Mini Donuts

Mini donuts are the perfect size for your elf! Leave a stack at a safe distance from the elf, and breakfast is served.

80

The Elf on the Shelf Shoe Idea

Some days, elves don't have a lot of energy for big displays or mischief. This idea is for those days!

Katie Bowlby Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone.

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