8 Elf on the Shelf Ideas That Are Simple and Genius

That mischievous but charming elf

It’s just about time for that fuzzy red-felt elf to start landing in houses around the country. Elf on the Shelf has become a phenomenon in its own right in the last several years, and parents in all corners of the nation have shown their incredible creativity with ways Elf on the Shelf can be sweet, silly, festive and even sometimes a bit naughty. 

The arrival of the mischievous elf can be a bit daunting, however, with the requirement that he or she move every night into a new and impressive display designed to wow your kids. If you are lacking in the elf creativity department, fear not. Parents have gone before you and shared their ideas for creating a little magic at home with their kids during the holiday season. 

The internet is bursting with inspiration for your resident elf, and we’ve put together some of the best ideas that are still simple and doable. 

Scroll through the arrows above to find some fun ideas.

The big arrival

The elf always has to make a special arrival when it comes to play for the month. Peanut Blossom has an adorable way to have your Elf arrive — only requiring a coffee filter and string. Peanut Blosson has also shared a ton of resources for planning your Elf on the Shelf activities so you’re less likely to get behind. 

A working elf

One of the most adorable ways to set up your elf is with your kids’ toys, because it’s really fun for kids and parents alike to imagine the elf enjoying elf-sized backhoes or dollhouse toys while the humans are fast asleep. Home Stories A to Z propped their resident elf up on a child’s backhoe toy to feed the dog, which is pretty clever. 

Elf rolls down the stairs

Toilet paper has become a great vehicle for elfin hijinks, possibly because you always have some on hand to work with. The Simple Parent showed how to put together a quick and easy elf-rolls-down-stairs toilet paper trick that would be great to save when you’ve forgotten about your elf until the last minute. 

Elf is getting excited

If you’ve ever resorted to making a paper chain countdown to keep your kids from asking every five minutes how many days until Christmas/birthday/whatever the next holiday is, you’ll recognize this as a clever elf activity. Holly from Kids Activities offers a free and tiny Christmas countdown printable for your excited elf. 

Elf takes a siesta

Nearly anyone could pull this one off — sure, we all have silverware drawers! Busy Kids Happy Mom popped her elf into the perfect hiding position in the silverware drawer. Set up bowls of cereal and pretend to forget the spoons — your kids will get a surprise when they go to retrieve one and see the elf taking a little snooze. 

Elf makes breakfast

Elves are known for existing on a diet of sugar, and while that’s not a great example for your kids, a sprinkle-laden breakfast brought by your elf would really light up your kids’ morning. Use food coloring to make green or red festive milk, and put frosting and sprinkles on toast, like Frugal Coupon Living. 
 

Elf gets creative

If you have a dry erase marker on hand, writing on family photos around the house is a really cute way your elf could cause some mischief overnight — and I imagine parents would get a kick out of the process as well. Rebecca from Simple as That offers this idea and lots of other quirky tricks for your elf on her site. Make sure your marker isn’t permanent, although nail polish remover could be used to take Sharpie off the glass in a pinch.

Elf gets ready to go home

When it’s time for your elf to depart for the season, Kristen from Busy Kids Happy Mom offers this option — set your little elf up with tiny suitcases for a final goodbye from your kids before he heads back to the north pole. Jewelry boxes with pipe cleaner handles make the perfect accessory for this display. 

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2019, and updated in November 2022.