Hey there, festive friends! The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means – time for the mischievous Elf on the Shelf to work its magic! If you’re on the lookout for some super fun and friendly Elf on the Shelf ideas, you’re in for a treat. I’m sharing my exact lineup for this year, so get ready for 24 days of fun filled Elf on the Shelf Ideas!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is more than just a holiday thing; it’s like a magical adventure that makes our home extra special during Christmas. It’s a cute tradition where we put a little elf toy in different spots around the house every day. When the kids wake up, they find the elf up to some funny business. It all started from a cool kids’ book called “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. Our little elf buddy is like part of the family, making the holiday season super exciting. The elf’s job is to tell Santa about how the kids are doing, making good behavior even more awesome. Elf on the Shelf is all about creating happy memories and getting everyone in the holiday spirit!
Need help staying on track? Grab this 2023 Elf on the Shelf Ideas Calendar
24 Days of Elf on the Shelf
1. Grand Elf Arrival with Advent Calendars:
Let your kids know the Elf has returned with a sign or a letter! Have the Elf give them their advent calendars to countdown for Christmas!
2. Can You Find Me? Cup Hide-and-Seek:
Kick off the elfin adventure with a game of hide-and-seek. Use green or red solo cups and lay them out around the house. Hide the Elf in one of the cups. Leave a note challenging the kiddos to find the elf hidden under one of the cups.
3. Christmas Tree Farm with Little Debbies:
Sprinkle some sweetness by transforming Little Debbie snacks into a mini Christmas tree farm. Your elf will be the overseer of the tastiest trees in town!
4. All Aboard the Shoe Shoe Train:
Turn your hallway into a magical train station using shoes as trains. Your elf, of course, will be the enthusiastic conductor, ready for a journey to the North Pole.
photo credit from wehavekids.com
5. Shark Attack in the Bathtub or Sink:
Make a splash with an underwater elf adventure! Set up a shark attack scene with your elf seeking for help! – guaranteed giggles!
6. Let’s Color Together:
Surprise the little ones with holiday coloring books and crayons. Your elf will leave behind a tiny masterpiece after an artsy coloring session.
7. Playing Cards with Animal Friends:
Create a scene of your Elf playing a card game with a few stuffed animal pals. It’s a friendly gathering that adds a touch of warmth to your Elf on the Shelf routine. Check out this Santa themed Go-Fish we are using for this!
8. Movie Night with Popcorn and Candy:
Set up a cozy Christmas movie night with popcorn buckets and candy.
9. Christmas Bow Climbing Wall:
Transform your wall or window with a climbing wall made of festive bows. Watch as your elf goes on a daring adventure!
photo credit from thekrazycouponlady.com
10. Gingerbread House Extravaganza: Have your Elf invite your littles one to build a gingerbread house!
11. Don’t Feed the Dinosaurs:
Set up a scene of “Don’t Feel the Dinosaurs” where the elf is feeding the dinosaurs mini marshmallows.
12. Want to See a Rainbow? Just Add Water to Skittles:
Create a magical rainbow with a simple Skittles experiment. Your elf can be found overseeing the colorful transformation – a sweet and science-filled surprise!
photo credit from kainspired.com
13. Snowman Made Out of Hot Wheels Race Cars:
Get those Hot Wheels involved in the holiday spirit! Your elf can be spotted building a snowman using miniature race cars.
14. Give to Get: Donation Basket for Kids:
Teach the spirit of giving by introducing a donation basket. Encourage kids to put old toys in the basket for a heartwarming act of kindness.
photo credit from frugalcouponliving.com
15. Ice Cream Cone Christmas Trees:
Transform ice cream cones into festive Christmas trees with colorful decorations. Your elf can be seen enjoying a sweet treat-making session.
16. Snowball Fight:
Create a snowball fight scene using cotton balls, tissue paper, printer paper, or pretend snowballs. Your elf and a few toy friends can be caught in the midst of a friendly snowball battle.
17. Pin the Heart on the Grinch Game:
Spice things up with your Elf playing a game of Pin the Heart on the Grinch and invite the kids to join in! I snagged this game for only $5 and it will add an extra dash of holiday fun with our Elf!
18. Help! I’m Stuck Hanging in Underwear on the Fridge:
Add a hilarious twist to the daily routine with your elf pretending to be stuck, hanging from underwear on the fridge. Cue the giggles!
photo credit from recipemagik.com
19. We Look Like Rudolph:
Turn your elf into Rudolph by attaching red pom-poms to its nose and adding red pom-poms on the pictures around the house.
20. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Create a snowy scene with powdered donuts, turning them into adorable snowmen. Your elf can be found in the midst of this delicious wintery activity and asking your kids to make a snowman themselves!
21. Free Elf Kisses with Hershey Kisses:
Leave behind sweet treats with a note from your elf offering free “Elf Kisses” made of Hershey Kisses. It’s a heartwarming gesture sure to bring smiles.
photo credit from recipemagik.com
22. Cookie Baking Day:
Have your elf take charge of a baking session! The sweet aroma of holiday cookies is bound to excite the whole family.
23. Jesus is the Reason for the Season:
Incorporate a touch of the true meaning of Christmas. Place your elf in a nativity scene and encourage the family to read a book about the birth of Jesus for a reflective moment.
24. Goodbye and Reindeer Food Making on Christmas Eve:
On the final day, bid farewell to your elf with a note expressing gratitude for the magical moments. Include a simple DIY reindeer food recipe for the kids to make on Christmas Eve.
24 Days of Elf-tastic Adventures
With these 24 days of Elf-tastic fun, your holiday season is sure to be filled with laughter, joy, and cherished memories. Embrace the magic of the season and enjoy every moment with your mischievous Elf on the Shelf.
Happy holidays, and may your days be merry and bright!
