Whether you love him or detest him, the Elf on the Shelf has become a cherished Christmas tradition that can be found in many homes all over the country. From late-night shenanigans to fun with miniatures, the little guy manages to get himself into some sticky situations every night when he returns from the North Pole.
It can be a challenge though for some parents to keep the creative Elf on the Shelf ideas flowing through the entire month of December. Do you have a funny elf on the shelf doll or a more traditional one?
Are you sitting up at night looking at the Elf, thinking to yourself, “What in the world are you going to do tonight that you have not already done?” Or maybe you just sprang out of bed before the kids wake because you remembered that you forgot to move your Elf!
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Thinking of new, creative spots for your Elf to get into mischief for the next 30 days can cause a bit of unnecessary stress for parents during the holiday season. Creative elf ideas don’t have to be hard, complicated, or even cost a bunch of money. They don’t have to be time-consuming or mean that you have to buy extra little props every night.
Be prepared for this holiday season with this epic and affordable 2019 Christmas Planner!
Keep this family tradition stress-free and fun with quick, creative, and Easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that your kids will be sure to love and remember for Christmases to come.
Related: DIY Christmas Grinch Slime
Elf on the Shelf Ideas
The kids will love it when your Elf brings tiny little elf donuts for breakfast in this cute printable donut box. What flavor of Elf donut will be a favorite at your house?
Your Elf can have some photo booth fun this holiday season with these adorable printable Elf on the Shelf cutouts. Make sure the kids check your phone for any elf selfies that may have been taken during the night!
Related: Christmas Cookies to Impress All Your Guests
Your Elf can share his or her Elf on the Shelf love this holiday season with this easy Elf Hugs idea. This is one of my favorite Christmas elf ideas.
Every mischievous Elf on the Shelf loves to decorate to your Christmas tree with a little toilet paper! This is an easy elf on the shelf for moms who are just too worn out to come up with something extravagant.
Related: Snow Day Activities – The Creative Parent’s Guide
These free printables are Elf-sized mini books that are great for some Christmas Eve read-aloud time with your Elf and his friends. Every elf story-book is a new night idea for your elf!
Your mischievous Elf can leave your kids a special message on the bathroom mirror to say hello or to remind them to be “nice” because he is watching to report to Santa.
Your Elf can bring a special yummy treat to your kids with these super easy no-bake Santa Cookies. Maybe he left a few extra ingredients for your kids to make some of their own cookies?
Elf on the Shelf Ideas When You Forget to Move Your Elf
You can use this “Naughty or Nice” report to let your kids know that your Elf on the Shelf saw their behavior! This is a great idea for those nights that you forget to move your elf! Just print it and fill it out before the kids wake up.
Be prepared for this holiday season with this epic and affordable 2019 Christmas Planner!
Related: Dollar Tree Christmas Craft – Light-Up Tree
This list of easy elf on the shelf shortcuts, tips, and tricks are great for the nights that you are too tired from your busy day to come up with creative and fun ideas on your own.
Elf on the Shelf Crafts & Activities
This simple craft is a great way to introduce your Elf and to keep little hands busy when reading The Elf on the Shelf book.
An activity to keep the kids busy or a gift from your Elf, this Elf on the Shelf slime recipe is sure to be a hit during your Christmas countdown.
If your kids love slime, try this Christmas Grinch Slime recipe this Christmas for some added fun!
Mix Elf on the Shelf activities with STEM activities for kids in this fun zip line challenge.
Related: Holly Jolly Christmas Cupcakes
Even More Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Are you still trying to decide what to do each day? This printable Elf on the Shelf calendar has all of your Elf shenanigans planned out for the entire month!
Are you still trying to decide what to do each day? This printable Elf on the Shelf calendar has all of your Elf shenanigans planned out for the entire month!
Not a fan of the typical mischievous shenanigans of the Elf on the Shelf? These positive and funny ideas will teach your children important lessons!
Related: 17 Best Non-Candy Advent Calendars for Kids
Use your Elf on the Shelf to countdown to Christmas with this easy Advent calendar idea. Printable Advent clues included!
If your kids love all things Star Wars then they will definitely love these Elf on a Shelf Star Wars ideas!
Does the Elf visit your house at Christmas time? Does your family’s Elf have a creative name? I’d love to hear your favorite Elf activities in the comments!
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.