Elf on the shelf ideas & tricks

The "Elf on the Shelf" tradition is all about creating fun, festive mischief each day leading up to Christmas.

For parents it can quickly become a nightmare! So sit tight and save this page for the panic of what to do next!

First up the nice and easy - Elf welcome!! & where it all goes down hill...

💌 Elf Arrival Ideas

Make the beginning of the season special.

• Grand Entrance: Have the elf arrive by "parachuting" down from the ceiling or light fixture with a small paper parachute attached to their hands.

• Hot Air Balloon: Hang the elf in a small basket (like a small jar or a cup) tied to a festive balloon, as if they flew in from the North Pole.

• A Gift from Santa: Have the elf arrive inside a small, wrapped box as a special delivery from Santa Claus.

• December Box: Have the Elf arrive with the kids December box - with festive pj's, a Christmas craft & maybe the advent calendar.

💡 Quick & Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

These setups are perfect for busy parents and take just minutes!

• Toilet Paper Avalanche: Have your elf sitting on the toilet roll holder, surrounded by an unrolled stream of toilet paper that runs down the wall or stairs.

• Zip Line Adventure: Attach a string or piece of yarn between two points (like a door frame and a light fixture). Hang your elf from a candy cane or a small clip as if they are "zip-lining."

• Cereal Snow Angel: Pour a thin layer of rice, sugar, or a light-colored cereal (like oatmeal or Coco Pops for a "dirt angel") on a counter and lay your elf in the middle, moving their arms and legs to make a "snow angel."

• Bananas as Minions/Pikachus: Draw faces on a bunch of bananas with a marker, making them look like Minions, Pokémon, or other fun characters. Have the elf sitting with the "crew."

• Trapped Elf: Wrap your elf loosely in a plastic bag or a piece of plastic wrap, leaving a small note that says, "Help! I'm trapped!"

🍳 Kitchen & Food Fun

The kitchen is often the site of the most hilarious elf mischief!

• Cookie Thief: Position your elf with a half-eaten cookie (or with crumbs all around its mouth) next to an open cookie jar or box.

• Marshmallow Bath: Have the elf "soaking" in a bubble bath made of mini marshmallows inside a mug, bowl, or even the kitchen sink.

• Taco Tuesday: Wrap the elf up in a small tortilla like a tiny taco, perhaps with a note announcing "Taco Tuesday" or "Taco 'bout a great day!" (BONUS: you've even got an idea for tea then too!)

• Candy Message: Use M&M's, Skittles, or other small candies to spell out a simple message on the counter, like "BE GOOD" or "HELLO!"

• Milk Jug Climber: Have the elf attempting to climb the outside of a milk or juice carton using a piece of string or a straw.

🧸 Around the House Hijinks

Using everyday items and toys to stage a scene.

• Toy Story: Position the elf playing a board game or a card game with other dolls or stuffed animals in the house.

• Book Worm: Have the elf sitting on a bookshelf, reading a Christmas-themed picture book to a few stuffed animals.

• Elf Selfie Station: Cut a small hole in a piece of paper and draw a Santa hat or elf hat around it. Position the elf holding the paper so that it can take an "elf-ie" (or "selfie") with a family photo in the background.

• Decorating Help: Hang the elf on the Christmas tree, tangled in the lights, or holding a garland as if they were trying to help decorate.

• In a Shoe Train: Line up the family's shoes (or boots) in a row like a train. Sit the elf in the first one, acting as the conductor.

🧦 Silly Sock Scenes

These ideas turn everyday socks into props for mischief.

• Sock Snowman/Tunnel:

  • Take three white socks (preferably clean ones!) and stack them one on top of the other. Secure them loosely with a small rubber band or simply stack them.

  • Position the elf standing next to the stack, perhaps offering the "snowman" a tiny candy cane as a nose.

  • Alternative: Use a long, colorful sock as a tunnel and have the elf crawling halfway through it.

• Sock Sack Race:

  • Take one large, loose sock (like a thermal sock or a fuzzy one).

  • Place a couple of small stuffed animals or toy figures inside the sock.

  • Position the elf standing beside the sock, holding the rim, as if they are acting as the judge for a silly sack race.

• Hanging Laundry Line:

  • Tie a piece of yarn or string between two points (e.g., between two chair backs or cabinet handles).

  • Use tiny paper clips or clothespins to hang several pairs of small, brightly colored baby socks or even the elf's own clothing item if you have one.

  • Have the elf sitting on the line or hanging from it as if they are doing laundry.

• The Sock Swing:

  • Tie the open end of a long sock securely to a high point, like the handle of a cupboard or a curtain rod.

  • Place the elf down inside the hanging sock so that they are swinging in a cozy hammock or swing.

• Mismatched Mayhem:

  • Go to the family's sock drawer and pull out several pairs of socks.

  • Mismatched every pair on a bed or a dresser top, creating a chaotic display of non-matching socks.

  • Have the elf sitting proudly in the center, holding a single, lonely sock.

💥 Super Messy Elf Shenanigans

These require a bit more cleanup, but the reactions are usually worth it!

• Flour Dusted Countertop:

  • Sprinkle flour liberally across a section of the kitchen counter or table.

  • Have your elf make footprints in the flour using a small doll shoe or just by dragging their feet.

  • Bonus points: Leave a miniature rolling pin or a small spoon next to them, as if they were baking.

• The Syrup Spill:

  • "Accidentally" knock over a bottle of pancake syrup (make sure the cap is on, or use a bottle that's nearly empty for less real mess).

  • Have the elf sitting next to the spill with a straw, trying to drink the stream of syrup.

  • Alternative: Use a little bit of syrup on a plate and have them swimming in it.

• Ketchup/Mustard Artist:

  • Gently squeeze out a small, silly face or a simple holiday design (like a star or tree) onto a plate using ketchup and/or mustard.

  • Position the elf holding the bottle, looking proud of their "artwork."

• Popcorn Explosion:

  • Pop a batch of popcorn and scatter a handful dramatically around an open popcorn bag or bowl.

  • Place the elf next to the microwave or the stove, covering its ears, as if it was startled by the popping sound.

• Rainbow Sprinkle Fairy:

  • Open a container of colorful baking sprinkles and sprinkle them everywhere on a designated surface (kitchen island or a large tray).

  • Set the elf sitting in the middle of the sprinkles, perhaps making a sprinkle snow angel or holding the empty container.

🧼 Tip for Easy Messy Cleanup

To make cleanup easier, place a large sheet of baking parchment or a large chopping board/tray down before staging the messy scene. This keeps the flour, sugar, or sprinkles contained to a removable area!

✂️ Clean-Up Friendly Elf Mischief

These ideas create visual chaos using paper, tape, and accessories.

• Mirror Message Mania:

  • Use a dry-erase marker (if safe for your mirror) or stick a bunch of colorful sticky notes to a bathroom mirror.

  • Write a funny, silly, or complimentary message using the notes, like "I see you!" or "Did you brush your teeth?"

  • Position the elf sitting on the edge of the mirror or sink, observing their handiwork.

• Taping Trap:

  • Place your elf on a wall or a door frame.

  • Use masking tape (the kind that peels off easily) to stick them up, as if they were trying to hang a sign and got stuck, or were taped up by an action figure.

  • You can also use the tape to make an elaborate "laser grid" across a hallway for the elf to navigate.

• Mummy Wrap:

  • Unroll a new roll of toilet paper and wrap an inanimate object (a doll, a remote control, or a framed photo) completely like a mummy.

  • Leave the elf sitting next to the wrapped object, holding the end of the toilet paper roll.

• Googly Eye Invasion:

  • Purchase a cheap pack of stick-on googly eyes.

  • Place a pair of eyes on every single item in the fridge, the pantry, or a grouping of family photos, making everything look like it's staring at the kids.

  • The elf can be sitting in the middle of the "invasion" with a mischievous look.

• Underwear Tree:

  • Take several pairs of clean, festive, or mismatched underwear (kids' sizes work best) and hang them carefully over the branches of the Christmas tree.

  • Position the elf swinging from one of the pieces of underwear, as if turning the tree into a laundry line.

🐾 Pet-Friendly Elf Scenes

These ideas create a funny interaction without putting the elf in harm's way or using food the pet shouldn't eat.

• Dog/Cat Treat Switcheroo:

  • Set the elf sitting next to the pet's empty food bowl.

  • Next to the bowl, place a small stack of dog biscuits (or a few cat treats) piled up like they are building a tiny tower.

  • Have the elf holding a single, tiny, wrapped chocolate treat (like a Hershey's Kiss), looking like they have swapped the boring food for something sweet. (Make sure to immediately remove the real candy if the pet shows interest.)

• The Sledding Tangle:

  • Take the pet's leash or a durable piece of string/yarn.

  • Stage the elf pulling a small toy car, block, or box (acting as a "sled") attached to the leash.

  • Position the elf in a way that makes it look like they got tangled in the leash while trying to "drive" the sled.

• Playing Hide-and-Seek:

  • Carefully hide the elf partially inside the pet's dog bed or cat tower/house.

  • The elf should be peeking out, holding a small sign that says, "You can't catch me!" or "I win!"

• Best Friends Forever:

  • If your pet has a favorite stuffed toy (that is machine washable), position the elf giving the toy a hug or a high-five.

  • Place a small, temporary paper hat on the pet's toy to make it look like the toy is joining the fun.

• The Paper Trail:

  • Take the pet's favorite toy (ball, frisbee, etc.).

  • Use a piece of easily removable painter's tape to "capture" the toy and stick it just out of reach (e.g., sticking it lightly to the floor under a chair).

  • Have the elf sitting next to the pet's empty toy basket, pointing and laughing at the captured toy.

Safety Note - Always ensure the elf is placed in a spot that is out of reach of the pet, especially if your dog or cat is a curious chewer. Use high shelves, counters, or secured surfaces when staging scenes with small items.

⚠️ Naughty List Warning

This scene is a classic reminder to keep the holiday spirit going!

• The Prop: A simple piece of white printer paper or a small index card.

• The Setup:

  • Create the List: Write the header "Naughty List" at the top of the paper, perhaps with a frowning face emoji.

  • The Names: Write your child(ren)'s name(s) beneath the header. (You can write it lightly in pencil so you can erase it later, or write a different child's name each day for humor.)

  • The Message: Under the names, write a short, bold message like: "BE GOOD!" or "YOU ARE CLOSE TO THE NICE LIST!"

  • Display: Roll up the paper like a scroll and tie it with a small ribbon, or just fold it neatly.

  • Position the Elf: Have the elf sitting very seriously on a high shelf, the kitchen table, or near the fireplace.

  • Delivery: Place the "Naughty List" paper right in front of the elf. You can even have the elf pointing directly to the names on the list with a tiny stick or a pencil.

📚 Schoolwork & Routine Encouragement

• Doing Homework (The Right Way):

  • Find a piece of homework the child hasn't started yet (or a blank page in a notebook).

  • Set the elf sitting at a desk or table, holding a small pencil or pen.

  • Have the elf "write" a quick, encouraging message on the paper, such as: "You've got this!" or "Time to get smart!" or just draw a silly, small picture.

• The Reading Challenge:

  • Open a school reading book or a chapter book your child is working on.

  • Position the elf sitting on the pages, maybe using a tiny bookmark (or a paperclip) as a pointer.

  • Leave a note that says: "I read two chapters! Can you read three?"

• Math Problem Helper:

  • If your child is learning simple addition or subtraction, set the elf next to a sheet of paper.

  • Use a marker to write a very simple math problem (e.g., $2 + 2 =$) and put the correct answer next to it, circled neatly.

  • The elf can be holding a handful of small objects (like mini marshmallows or dried beans) as if they are counting them out to solve the problem.

• Brushing Motivation:

  • This promotes good morning routine! Set the elf on the edge of the bathroom sink.

  • Place the elf holding or near your child's toothbrush and a small piece of paper that says: "2 minutes!" (referring to the recommended brushing time).

  • Bonus: You can even use the cap from the toothpaste tube as a tiny cup for the elf to drink from.

• Lunchbox Note:

  • Have the elf hiding inside the child's lunchbox or next to their backpack.

  • The elf can be holding a sweet little note for them to find at school, like: "Have a great day! I'm thinking of you!"

    
    

💌 Elf Exit Ideas

Make the end of the season special & CELEBRATE with the freedom for another year.

• Goodbye Note: On Christmas Eve, have the elf leave a note saying goodbye, perhaps with a small gift like a pack of hot cocoa or a new toothbrush.

• Frozen Exit: Place the elf in the freezer (inside a plastic bag or container) as if they are resting up before their long trip back to the North Pole.

We'd love to see some of your creations from the list, send them us via message on our socials or email us on info@boommagazine.co.uk