125+ Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Elf Printables - Natural Beach Living (2024)

If you’re looking for some of the Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas, you’re going to love these! There is a wide variety of options to choose from, and all are certain to be a hit. From the Kindness Elf to all of the Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas, you can rest easy knowing that all your fun holiday plans for your Christmas Elf are going to be totally epic.

New Elf on the Shelf Ideas

125+ Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Elf Printables - Natural Beach Living (1)

Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Whether you love the Elf on the Shelf or loathe him, theElf on the Shelfis a fun holiday tradition that so many families enjoy through the month of December. And here you’ll find hundredsof tips and tricks on how to enjoy this Elf family tradition in a creative and easy way.

Choose one or choose them all but I think it’s plain to see that these Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas can be easily done by anyone!

What do you do with elf on the shelf the first night?

We try to make the first night of the elf on the shelf extra special, just like his final night. One way to make the first night special is to have your elf deliver a special gift from the North Pole just for your kids. Check out these special ideas from my printable list of 25 elf on the shelf ideas to find the perfect first night elf activity for your family:

  • Baking – Covered in Flour: Discover your elf on the shelf covered in flour with some special Christmas cookies for your kids to decorate on the very first morning!
  • Watching a Movie on the Couch: Start the Christmas season with your elf on the shelf and a favorite holiday movie.
  • Building a Gingerbread House: Kickoff your holiday celebrations by building a gingerbread house with your elf. Then, try some of these gingerbread activities together for even more holiday fun!

Want more good ideas for the elf on the shelf?

Get the printable ideas to help you spread holiday cheer at home this Christmas.

125 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Are you adding an Elf on the Shelf to your home this Christmas?

Soon Christmas will be here, but not before you spend time making holiday memories with your elf. First, get the inside scoop on the Elf and learn what this tradition is all about. That way you’ll know what you’re getting into when you adopt an elf for your house.

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Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Tips

If you’re looking for some simple tips about your Elf on the Shelf, just keep in mind that he or she is up to you to move and get ready. As long as you’re having fun with your Elf and he or she is bringing happiness to the family, you’re going everything right!

Click Here for 6 Good Traits The Elf on the Shelf Can Teach Children

What are good ideas for Elf on the shelf?

Anything that you can think of that is considered a bit wacky for your home is always a good idea.

Some people like to combine a bit of wildness and kindness to their Elf to give him or her that perfect balance.

However you want to portray your Elf is totally up to you!

What should I do if my child touches the elf on the shelf?

Traditionally, children aren’t supposed to touch the elf on the shelf, but we all know that isn’t how it really works. Attempts to keep your child from touching the elf will eliminate the need to go searching for the elf at the end of the day, but no matter how well you convince your kids not to touch the elf, it’s inevitable that someone will accidentally touch the elf on the shelf. When they do, the legend says the elf loses his magic and can’t return to the North Pole.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to return the magic to your elf.

Here’s what to do if your child accidentally touches the elf on the shelf:

  1. Apologize to your elf on the shelf for touching him or her.
  2. Sprinkle cinnamon next to your elf before bedtime for extra holiday magic.
  3. Finally, sing a Christmas carol to your elf on the shelf.

New Elf on the Shelf Ideas

The kids are certain to go crazy about this Elf Adoption Certificate!

Printable Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Notes

Don’t forget to grab this printable list to check off all the fun activities you want to share with your kids this holiday season as you celebrate the elf on the shelf tradition. This list of elf on the shelf ideas with special notes from the elf are full of holiday magic you don’t want to miss this Christmas.

Elf on the Shelf Printables for the whole month of December

Don’t miss this printable list of Elf on the Shelf ideas and activities to share the magic of the holidays with your little ones. These fun elf ideas will make it easy to master the tradition of the Elf on the Shelf with fun activities and carefree antics your kids will giggle and grin about this Christmas.

Plus, I’ve even included many sets of adorable tiny Christmas notes the elfie can bring to your children each night of the Advent season. Ready to get started having fun with your Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival

These Elf on the Shelf Printables are a great way to have some free fun!

Plus, if you want to share a few tasty treats these elf on the shelf goodie bags are so cute.

When Elf on the Shelf arrives?

As long as your Elf arrives by December 1st, you’re all set and ready to go. (and even if you miss a beat and he arrives a few days late, it’s still awesome to join in on the fun!)

15 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

15 easy elf ideas to get you started right this year. Did you know you can use your elf as an interactive Advent calendar? It’s easy to do. Just have the elf on the shelf drop off a little surprise all the days leading up to Christmas.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Kitchen

Elf Cookies for Christmas

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Don’t miss these ideas for the elf on the shelf in the kitchen. These suggestions are perfect for busy moms who can’t spend all day in the kitchen.

Elf on the Shelf Cereal Treats

Elf Makes Reindeer Cupcakes

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Pancakes

12+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Teens and Tweens

From Letter Boards, to name games, and funny shaving mishaps, your teens will enjoy the elf on the shelf in a new cool way.

Download this list of 25 favorite elf on the shelf ideas everyone will love this Christmas.

125+ Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Elf Printables - Natural Beach Living (13)

Elf on the Shelf STEM Activities

Add some learning fun as you explore STEAM and STEM activities and challenges with the elf on the shelf this Christmas. Got a budding scientist at home? She’s going to love these Elf on the Shelf STEM challenges!

Elf on the Shelf Marshmallow Catapult with Free STEM Printable

50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

This includes positive personality traits your elf can encourage as well as DIY tutorials for making festive Christmas elf clothing. Fun Elf ideas to do for your kids, and more. Want a throne for your elf on the shelf to occupy?

These elf on the shelf ideas include instructions for a throne fit for an elf!

No matter how you enjoy the elf on the shelf this Christmas, I hope you experience the magic of the season in your own way.

DIY Elf Door for Christmas

Elf on the Shelf Alternatives

Not feeling the elf on the shelf? There are many fun alternatives you can participate in with your family this year!

Check out some of these fun ideas:

Reindeer in Here

Reindeer In Here is sent by Santa as a special early present to get to know each individual child and celebrate their unique differences. The reindeer teaches children that it’s ok to be different. Kids get to name their reindeer and decide if it’s a girl or a boy.

North Pole Ninjas

I’ve got to admit, I’m in love with this new holiday idea. The North Pole Ninjas are on a mission!

Just in case you didn’t know, Santa has a top secret team of elves chosen for their special abilities to help Santa. They’re on a mission about helping, caring, listening, and giving this Christmas season and they’re coming to your house.

Kindness Elves

If you’re a fan of the elf on the shelf, but don’t necessarily love the idea of housing a secret spy for Santa, you might love the kindness elves.

These kindness elves use their magic to sprinkle kindness and joy everywhere they go. They visit boys and girls for Christmas, spreading happiness and encouraging children to do little acts of kindness and gratitude each day.

Check out these acts of kindness ideas for teaching your kids all about gratitude that’s perfect for a kindness elf holiday tradition.

Got more elf on the shelf ideas and traditions I didn’t mention? I’d love to read about your ideas and traditions in the comment section, so don’t forget to share.

Christmas Activities

Studies have shown that you will also love the following ideas if you like this. I have pulled them together for you right here!

125+ Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Elf Printables - Natural Beach Living (2024)

FAQs

How do I take my elf on vacation? ›

When elves go on vacation they love to play up the theme by lounging in a hammock made out of a bandanna or packing their own box of clothes made to look like a suitcase. Children will love seeing what their elf is like while relaxing on vacation with your family!

How do you welcome your elf back? ›

Keep it simple. Grab a little card or piece of scrap paper and write "I'm back!" Or use a dry-erase maker to write "Did you miss me?" on a mirror. Plop that little elf in front of it and ignore it until your kids discover that their elf has magically returned.

What day does your elf leave? ›

According to The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, the night before Christmas, an elf's job comes to an end. On December 24, most Scout Elves say farewell to their families and fly back to the North Pole following Santa's sleigh.

Why is my elf not leaving? ›

Top Reasons Your Elf is in the Same Spot. They have a favorite spot in your home. When your Scout Elf flies back from the North Pole and lands in the same spot, chances are it's their favorite place to sit in your home. Just like you have a favorite spot on the couch, your elf has favorite spots, too!

What is the number 1 rule for Elf on the Shelf? ›

The Elf Must Not Be Touched

Considered the most important rule, the Scout Elf must never be touched (of course, apart from when the parents move them around) as that will cause them to lose their magical powers. In some cases, they could also disappear when touched, such as when a dog might get a hold of them.

Why I'm against elf on a Shelf? ›

Controversies of the Elf on the Shelf

Some say that it inadvertently teaches children that their behavior should be governed by potential rewards (i.e., if you behave well, you'll get more gifts on Christmas).

What are the 3 rules in elf? ›

The Code of the Elves is three simple rules:
  • Treat every day like Christmas.
  • There's room for everyone on the nice list.
  • The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Dec 7, 2020

How do I get my elf to talk to? ›

eMessage Your Elf

Instantly send a message to Santa or your Scout Elf. Each letter makes it to Santa's Mail Room Grotto, where the Scout Elves will read and sort each message, so you can be sure your elf reads your note! After you contact your elf, learn some new North Pole Knowledge about your red-suited helpers!

Can your elf talk to you? ›

Your Scout Elf can't talk, but they love to listen. That means your little ones are encouraged to share their wishes and messages for Santa with the Elves. They might even want to make a Christmas list for their Elf to take back to the North Pole.

How do you say sorry to your elf? ›

Write a note to your elf or Santa apologizing for touching your elf. This is the most effective way to help your Scout Elf get back in action quick! Sprinkle a little cinnamon next to your Scout Elf.

How can the elf say goodbye? ›

A simple way for your elf to say goodbye is to find a printable letter and simply tuck your elf in next to it. There are so many to choose from online. Here are some we found: Download a Free, Printable Letter from the Elf on the Shelf website.

Can your elf come on your birthday? ›

Some of the top events Scout Elves are invited to are milestones such as birthdays, big holidays or other days that are special to your family. If you're celebrating something special, Santa always tries his very hardest to grant your Scout Elf permission to join you if they're not too busy at the North Pole!

Do you leave your elf in the same spot all day? ›

The Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition in which a small elf toy is placed in a different location in the house each day, as if it has moved during the night. According to the tradition, the elf is watching the children to report back to Santa Claus about their behavior.

Can Elf on the Shelf come on other holidays? ›

Scout Elves aren't only Christmas experts; they're holiday gurus who can take any celebration to the next level. If your little ones are missing their elf, invite them to visit for a birthday, holiday or other special event.

Can Elf on the Shelf leave Christmas Day? ›

When Does The Elf on the Shelf End? December 24 is the Elf's last day in your home before he heads on his merry way. And while your in-laws might decide to extend their stay last minute, the Elf will not.

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