Elf on the shelf ideas

If you’re looking for elf on the shelf ideas, you’re not alone! It’s something many parents will be doing at this time of the year and ideas can run a little tend to run a little thin. 

Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell published their bestselling book ‘The Elf On The Shelf: A Christmas Tradition’ in 2005. It’s helped to create a lovely Christmas tradition where children get a little magic and parents get to exercise their creativity, humour and fun just a little.

The basics of elf on the shelf

It’s a great way to encourage children to behave themselves in the build-up to Christmas, as it starts anytime after the 24th of November and ends on the night before Christmas. Elf is said to be a scout from the North Pole, checking in on who’s been naughty and nice. The elf watches children day and night, returning each night to the North Pole to report on how naughty or nice they’ve been that day. He then takes up a new position to continue his watch.

Elf on the shelf has two simple rules - children can’t touch it, or the elf will lose its magic (but this can be repaired with a short letter of apology to Santa and a sprinkle of vitamin-boosting cinnamon next to it before bedtime). The second rule is that the elf doesn’t speak or move whilst children are awake. 

24 elf on the shelf ideas

Are you looking for some inspiration for your elf this year? Check out these 24 elf on the shelf ideas.

1. Eating treats in the kitchen

2. Hiding in your child’s bedroom

3. Taking a selfie

4. On a swing (use a loo roll and some ribbon to create this)

5. Create an indoor garden scene for your elf

6. Hiding in the toilet roll stack

7. Hiding in the cutlery drawer

8. Hanging off a light or lamp

9. Hiding in the Christmas tree or other Christmas decoration

10. Sat on the bathroom windowsill

11. Hiding in the cereal cupboard

12. Hanging out with some other toys - lego, dolls, balls

13. Create a scene for elf to enjoy - sunbathing, sledging, relaxing, reading

14. Enjoying his favourite food - get creative with your child's favourite treats

15. Elf is getting creative - word search, colouring, drawing pencils etc

16. Putting elf to work - watering plants, next to cookie making ingredients etc

17. Sat next to a special message for your child

18. Playing safe - wearing a little mask, in quarantine, etc

19. Climbing a window or wall

20. Having a bath or spa day

21. Wrapping presents

22. Stuck in the blinds or curtains

23. Reading a book or magazine

24. Stealing sweets from the kitchen

Additional ideas to check out for elf on the shelf

There are so many great ideas to try out for your elf on the shelf. Check out these 43 ideas on the Good Housekeeping website. Country Living has a massive list of 75 funny ideas to choose from, whilst House Beautiful have 73 fun ones to get you started.

Just remember, this isn’t just about creating daily fun on the build-up to Christmas; it’s also an excellent way to create memories. So make sure you’re taking lots of photos and sharing the elf on the shelf ideas you use - as they can help inspire many other parents too!