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The holiday season is a magical time, and what better way to bring joy and excitement to your kids than with Elf on the Shelf activities?
Struggling to come up with new Elf on the Shelf antics every night?
You’re in good company!
Juggling holiday prep and keeping the kiddos excited can be a challenge.
But don’t worry, I’ve got some clever ideas to share that’ll keep your elf’s adventures fresh and fun.
As a mom of three, I’m here to share some fantastic ideas to make the elf’s visit unforgettable!
Let’s sprinkle some holiday cheer and dive into the world of elf escapades together!
- Don’t forget! Pin this post to Pinterest to read again later!
- General Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 1. Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 2. Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids
- 3. Easy Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
- 4. Easy Elf on the Shelf Leaving Ideas
- 5. Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Two Elves
- 6. Awesome Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 7. Day 1 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 8. Elf on the Shelf Ideas Night 1
- Themed Activities and Antics
- 9. Elf Activities
- 10. Elf Antics
- 11. Elf Fun
- 12. Magic Elf Ideas
- 13. Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Activities
- 14. Dance Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 15. Mean Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 16. Skiing Elf on the Shelf
- 17. Snow Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 18. Elf on the Shelf Boat Ideas
- 19. Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Scooter
- Elf on the Shelf for Specific Groups
- 20. Elf on the Shelf Activities for Toddlers
- 21. Toddler Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 22. Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers Day 1
- 23. Elf on the Shelf for Older Kids
- 24. Two Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids
- Printables and Games
- Special Themes
- School and Beginner Ideas
- Final Thoughts on Elf on the Shelf Activities
Don’t forget! Pin this post to Pinterest to read again later!
General Elf on the Shelf Ideas
1. Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Your elf can start simple by hiding in unexpected places like the refrigerator or a sock drawer. Keep your kids on their toes by mixing up the spots every day!
2. Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids
Give your elf a mini crafting session. Set out colored paper and scissors, let the elf cut out a paper snowflake, and leave it on the table for the kids to find in the morning.
3. Easy Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
Have the elf arrive in a hot air balloon made from a paper cup and some balloons. Your kids will be thrilled to see their elf descending from the sky!
4. Easy Elf on the Shelf Leaving Ideas
On their last night, have the elf leave a goodbye note with a small gift. This could be anything from a new ornament for the tree to a mini baking set for the kids.
5. Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Two Elves
If you’re managing two elves, have them play a game of tic-tac-toe with candy buttons. It’s an easy setup that guarantees smiles.
6. Awesome Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Create a zip line across your living room with a string. Let the elf glide across it, holding onto a candy cane! Your kids will love the action-packed scene.
7. Day 1 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Start with a bang! Have your elf arrive with a tiny welcome banner and some holiday treats to kick off the season right.
8. Elf on the Shelf Ideas Night 1
Place the elf by the window, as if they’re gazing out at the stars. It’s a peaceful way to set the scene for their nightly adventures.
Themed Activities and Antics
9. Elf Activities
Your elf can lead a fun indoor scavenger hunt. Leave clues around the house that lead to a sweet surprise.
10. Elf Antics
Have the elf create a “potato sack race” with a group of toy figurines. Use small fabric scraps as the sacks. Pure hilarity!
11. Elf Fun
Turn your kitchen into a mini-bakery where the elf decorates cookies. Sprinkle some flour and arrange cookie cutters to tangibly “show” the mischief!
12. Magic Elf Ideas
Stage a magic show with the elf as the star! Use a small wand and a deck of cards to set the scene for some “magical” moments.
13. Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Activities
Kids love interactive play! Set up a craft station where the elf shows how to make a simple holiday craft.
14. Dance Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Turn your living room into a disco scene! Use a flashlight or smartphone to mimic a spotlight, and have the elf dance with Barbie or G.I. Joe.
15. Mean Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Have the elf wrap the remote controls or the toilet in festive paper for a playful prank. Make sure it’s all in good fun!
16. Skiing Elf on the Shelf
Use popsicle sticks to fashion skis, and let the elf hit the slopes down a makeshift mountain of pillows or along a staircase handrail.
17. Snow Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Create a snowy scene with cotton balls or shredded paper. The elf can make “snow angels” for added fun!
18. Elf on the Shelf Boat Ideas
Place the elf in a makeshift boat, like a paper bowl, and float them in the bathtub for an adventurous voyage.
19. Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Scooter
Did someone say scooter races? Use toy scooters and have your elf zip around the toy race track.
Elf on the Shelf for Specific Groups
20. Elf on the Shelf Activities for Toddlers
Keep it simple for toddlers. Let the elf build a block tower, then knock it down. Your little ones will love the playful mess.
21. Toddler Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Set up a tea party with the elf and some stuffed animals. It’s an adorable scene that will capture your toddler’s imagination!
22. Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers Day 1
Kick things off by having the elf arrive with a board book. It’s a gift that combines fun with a touch of learning.
23. Elf on the Shelf for Older Kids
Older kids might enjoy solving a riddle or decoding a message left by the elf. Make them the detective in this festive caper.
24. Two Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids
Double the elves, double the fun! Let them play a friendly game of tag or use them as bookends on the kids’ shelves.
Printables and Games
25. Elf on the Shelf Printables Free
Print coloring pages or word searches. Let the elf be the “postmaster” delivering these fun sheets overnight.
26. Elf on the Shelf Games
Create a board game night with your elf as a host! Use homemade cards with holiday trivia for an educational twist.
Special Themes
27. Elf Magic
Have the elf set up a magic show with hats, a wand, and mystical props to captivate your young audience.
28. Xmas Elf
Dress your elf in festive attire and have them deliver tiny Christmas stockings filled with treats!
29. Buddy the Elf
Bring in elements from the beloved movie “Elf” and recreate funny scenes. Maybe your elf likes syrup in their spaghetti too!
School and Beginner Ideas
30. Elf on the Shelf Ideas for School
Send the elf with the kids to school in their backpack with a simple note, “I’m learning with you today!”
31. Elf on the Shelf Beginner
If it’s your first time, start with basics. The elf can hold a welcome sign introducing himself to the family.
Final Thoughts on Elf on the Shelf Activities
We’ve explored some fun Elf on the Shelf activities that can bring joy to your holiday season!
Remember, the goal is to keep it exciting yet manageable.
Whether it’s a crafty setup or a simple idea, the key is to enjoy the magic with your kids.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or starting fresh, these ideas are sure to fill your home with joy and laughter! So, grab your elf and let the fun begin!
How will you surprise your little ones next? Let me know in the comments below!
