To mark the countdown until Christmas Day, you might use an advent calendar to check off the 24 days leading up to Christmas. But you can also spend the time before Santa Claus climbs down the chimney decorating your home. If the adults in your family set up elaborate Elf on the Shelf ideas for the kids to enjoy, you know that from tiny Elf on the Shelf accessories to hilarious scenes all over the house, the options are endless.
If you aren't familiar with the history of the Elf on the Shelf, here's a quick recap before you buy your own Elf on the Shelf this Christmas. These special elves are Santa's Scout Elves, who travel to homes near and far to report back who's been nice and who's been naughty. After reporting to Santa, the elves reappear in a new spot each day, causing lots of giggles from the kids who may be shocked to find their friend in surprising locations like the bathtub or hanging from a light fixture. Arranging the scene is a Christmas activity in itself for older kids and parents, who can have fun placing the Elf in crazy situations that will prompt more laughter than a Christmas riddle.
Elf on the Shelf ideas are meant to bring smiles and cheer into your household throughout the month of December, and these amusing scenes may even top funny Christmas memes and festive jokes. Whether this is your first year with an Elf on the Shelf visiting your home, or your family has enjoyed the tradition for years now, read on for the best Elf on the Shelf ideas to try this December.
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Christmas Movie Marathon
The Lumistella Company
Of course elves love Christmas movies! A few toy cars and an iPad set the scene for a drive-in movie event.
Easter isn't the only holiday where decorated eggs come out to play. Doodle festive designs on a carton and strategically position your Elf in the fridge.
Blow up a mix of white and clear balloons — with your Elf inside one of the clear ones — to fill your tub, then add a few bath toys to complete the scene. A little time consuming? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely.
Your kids won't believe their eyes when they wake up to find the Christmas tree covered in toilet paper…but a closer look will reveal the naughty elves responsible.
The elf in the snow globe is adorable, of course, but it's the mischievous elf sitting beside him that really makes this Elf on the Shelf idea a winner.
Adding googly eyes to anything makes it funnier, and these carol-singing soda cans are no exception. Finding the Elf on the Shelf leading these Christmas carolers in song will have your whole family in stitches.
All you have to do to recreate this clever idea is print out a page with your family's favorite Christmas characters from movies and TV shows, with Buddy the Elf in the center. Then, simply cut a hole and place your elf's head where Buddy's was.
If you live in a locale that's warm year 'round, make a splash with your elf by putting him in the pool (or even the kitchen sink) in his very own miniature pool float.
It doesn't need to be your kid's birthday to celebrate life with these fun little elves. Your children will get a kick out of seeing their elves together.
Surprise your kids with this elf shrinking machine, but be warned, they may try to stick other things through it. Who wouldn't want a shrunken bouncy ball?
This elf on the shelf idea is a win-win! Your kids will be on their best behavior because Santa's watching through the camera, and the rustic look will decorate any home.
Your Elf on the Shelf will be nice and cozy in their bread blanket. We just can't promise your kids won't want to wrap themselves in bread, too, after seeing this.
Take the old-school board game to the next level by having your two Elves play against each other. Who knows? Maybe your kids will want to join in, too!
Whether you live somewhere that snowball fights are impossible or it's just too cold to go outside, you can bring the snowball fight indoors with this adorable Elf on the Shelf idea.
Get the funniest parent award when you take your little one's Elf on the Shelf and hang him upside down like this. Bonus: They may not even find it right away, so it could be a fun hide and seek game.
Even if you aren't a huge fan of Seinfeld, you may have heard the slogan, "A Festivus for the rest of us!" Basically, Festivus is a secular holiday from the sitcom that comes without the pressures and commercialism of Christmas. It's celebrated on December 23.
An elf needs some R&R during the Christmas season. Wait for your kids to stumble upon your Elf on the Shelf in a nice bubble bath made of mini marshmallows.
Who needs snow when you have sprinkles? Set the elf up creating indoor "snow" angels on a colorful pile of sprinkles, which can of course be used for ice cream sundaes after if you're feeling extra sweet.
Brighten up those chilly days by leaving this colorful magic trick. Place skittles on a white plate, with the note, "Just add warm water." Even you will be amazed to see the rainbow creation that appears before you very eyes after a few minutes.
For the kids in your life who love video games, this Minecraft-themed Elf on the Shelf setup is a fun way to combine their passion with a holiday tradition.
Although a little trickier to pull off, any kid will love waking up and finding their bathroom sink overflowing with candy. Simply take a small rod, glue gummy bears all around, then position so that it looks like the candy is flowing out of the faucet into a big pile.
Someone's been hacked! Change all the screensavers on electronics around the house to a "s-elfie" by the elf herself! When the house wakes up, everyone will be in for a surprise.
While it's definitely not the ideal scenario when the family is in a rush, this wrapped toilet, complete with a bow, is true dedication to the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon.
Even before Frozen made an incredibly catchy song about building a snowman, it was a classic winter activity. Honor the fun pastime with this silly toilet paper tower.
Even the elves want to join in on pizza night. Give the elves some slices of their own with these mini gummy pizzas that your kid will probably clamor over more than the real thing.
Christy PiñaDigital FellowChristy Piña is the digital fellow at WomansDay.com, where she covers women’s issues, lifestyle, and entertainment.
Elizabeth BerryEditorial AssistantElizabeth Berry (she/her) is the digital editorial assistant for Woman’s Day, where she covers seasonal recipes, holiday gift ideas, and other lifestyle topics for the website.
