Elf season is here, and it doesn’t have to be stressful. These easy Elf on the Shelf ideas for kids are simple, fun, and use things you already have at home. Pick a few favorites and enjoy the magic each morning with your little ones.
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What Is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a fun Christmas tradition where a small elf doll “visits” your home during the holiday season. Each night, the elf moves to a new spot, creating little surprises for kids to find in the morning. The idea is that the elf watches over the home and “reports back to Santa,” but for many families, it’s simply a playful way to build excitement and joy throughout December. With easy elf on the shelf ideas for kids, you can keep the tradition simple, magical, and stress-free. Need an Elf on the Shelf? Grab one here! I promise your kids will LOVE it! Mine look forward to ours every year!
24 Fun & Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids
1. Secret Message Envelope
Have the elf arrive with a postal envelope and a hidden message inside—like telling the kids their advent calendars are under the tree.
2. Solo Cup Christmas Tree
Set up green solo cups in a tree shape with the elf hiding underneath one.
3. Christmas Tree Farm
Lay out Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes like a tiny “tree farm” for the elf to explore.
4. Shoe Train
Line up shoes like a train and place stuffed animals inside with the elf as the conductor.
5. Shark Attack!
Fill the sink or tub with water and add pretend sharks. Have the elf floating with a note: “Help me!”
6. Dino Snack Time
Set up dinosaurs looking up at the elf while he “feeds” marshmallows to them.
7. Elf Movie Night
Popcorn, candy, and a cozy setup for a movie night surprise.
8. “Help, I’m Stuck!”
Place the elf inside a pair of underwear and tape it to a wall or refrigerator with a silly note.
9. Gingerbread House Time
Leave out a gingerbread house kit with the elf asking, “Want to build a gingerbread house?”
10. Christmas Go Fish
Set up a simple card game like Christmas Go Fish with stuffed animals as the players.
11. Skittles Rainbow
Place Skittles in a circle with a note: “Want to see a rainbow?” Kids pour warm water and watch the colors spread.
12. Hot Wheels Snowman
Build a snowman shape using Hot Wheels cars.
13. “Give to Get” Basket
Place a laundry basket with a sign saying: “You have to give to get.” Kids fill it with toys to donate.
14. Snowball Fight
Crunch up white paper as “snowballs” or buy some fake ones like these and set up a mini snowball fight scene.
15. Elf Brings a Holiday Game
Use a fun game like “Pin the Heart on the Grinch” and leave it out for the kids.
16. Christmas Bow Rock-Climbing Wall
Tape gift bows onto the wall like a climbing route for the elf.
17. Powdered Donut Snowman
Use powdered donuts, pretzels, chocolate chips, M&Ms, Tic Tacs, and a mini Reese’s Cup to build a snowman.
18. Free Hugs and Kisses
Sit the elf in a jar filled with Hershey Hugs and Kisses with a note: “Free hugs and kisses!”
19. Jesus Is the Reason
Place the elf near your nativity set with a Christmas storybook to point kids back to Jesus.
20. Jesus Loves You Candy Message
Write “Jesus loves you” using M&Ms and candy canes, with the elf popping out of the M&M bag.
21. Gingerbread Cookie Baking
Leave a gingerbread book, a cookie cutter, and a note: “Want to make gingerbread cookies today?”
22. Reindeer Poop Taste Test
Mix M&Ms, chocolate chips, marshmallows, Skittles, chocolate-covered raisins, and raisins with a tag: “Reindeer poop—try some!”
23. Elf Hot Tub
Place the elf inside an unplugged crockpot full of cotton balls with a rubber ducky.
24. Departure Letter + Reindeer Food
Leave a goodbye letter with pre-made reindeer food or ingredients for the kids to make together. (It’s simple– we just use oats and christmas sprinkles and mix together!) Have them sprinkle it outside on Christmas Eve.
Happy holidays, and may your days be merry and bright!
