It’s that time of year again – when a fun and naughty Elf comes to stay, always on the look out for new ways to surprise and delight your kids. From Minecraft to SnapChat and yoga to emails, we’re sure you’ll love 20 more Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas fun.
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If you’re running low on Elf on the Shelf ideas, or starting to repeat past activities, have a look below for some festive inspiration!
You can also plan out your activities for each day with our free Elf on the Shelf calendar – just download, print and plan the month to keep all the late night elf panic to a minimum!
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Hilarious Elf on the Shelf Ideas
The Piggy Bank Thief
Image: Simple As That
Busted! Simple As That will be sending their elf off to the naughty corner after a dramatic piggy bank robbery. We’re sure Santa wouldn’t be happy!
Don’t Be Stuck For Ideas!
No more last-minute panic – just download our FREE Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet for plenty of fun ideas!
Festive Faces
Image: Mama Cheaps
Your elf loves when everyone is in a festive mood! Decorate photo frames with Santa hats, white beards, reindeer antlers, elf ears or any other seasonal funnies, just like this idea from Mama Cheaps.
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Paper Play
Image: Little Bit Funky
If you’ve seen the movie Elf, you’ll know that paper snowflakes are an essential part of Christmas! Your elf could help decorate the house while everyone sleeps, like this idea from Little Bit Funky.
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Ready, Set, Race
Image: A Small Snippet
It’s every elf for himself! Set up a race track, or even just a finish line like A Small Snippet did, and your kids will be delighted to see the race unfold.
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Elf + Minecraft = Elfcraft
Image: Rocking My 365 Project
Minecraft fans will love this idea from Rocking My 365 Project! Use paper cut-outs to create a Minecraft head and accessories for your elf.
How About Some Festive Fun?
Get into the festive spirit and download our FREE Christmas word search – perfect for rainy days or on-the-go fun! Can you find them all?
Catching Up on Emails
Image: Lil Blue Boo
Your elf reports back to Santa on a regular basis, but sometimes is too busy (or tired from being mischievous!) to make the nightly trip. Perhaps a quick elf-mail instead like this elf from Lil Blue Boo?
Advent Overload
Image: Jenny’s Cookies
Oh man, the elves at Jenny’s Cookies snuck in to have a midnight feast and scoffed all the advent calendar chocolates! How would your kids react if this happened? Take it from me, not very well….
Note to self: buy an extra advent calendar!
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Grow a Magic Garden
Image: Yummy Mummy Kitchen
With the help of some magic elf seeds, watch the Yummy Mummy Kitchen garden grow! This is a two-day activity – planting the seeds on day one, then returning on day two to see the sprouting of some sugary goodness (candy canes, lollipops, etc). Lots of fun!
Family Fun Guaranteed!
Don’t miss our round-up of 101 Christmas activities for kids for making festive memories!
Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?
Image: Fancy Shanty
This quick, easy and effective idea from Fancy Shanty is perfect for last-minute planning. We did something similar last year, leaving a mini version (made out of marshmallows) beside it as a treat.
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Oh Snap…Chat!
Image: The Howards Got Elfed
Did those cheeky elves have a selfie session like the ones over @TheHowardsGotElfed? Looks like they got into the SnapChat filters and had a great time. Leave the photo evidence for your kids to see – they’ll love it!
Editor’s note: This is one of my favourite Elf on the Shelf ideas for this year!
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Elf Express
What better way to return from the North Pole than on your own private plane? Busy Kids Happy Mom had a great idea for her family’s elf making a grand arrival…
Get Ready to Ho, Ho, Ho!
These fun Christmas jokes are perfect for the silly season, so get set for some Santa-sized belly laughs with these festive funnies!
Doctor’s Note
Image: Living Locurto
If your elf is under the weather and needs a few days free from activities, try this elf doctor’s note from Living Locurto. The elfologist prescribes rest and reindeer flu pills – a classic combination.
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Create A Self-Portrait
Image: Pinterest
What could be more concerning than a mischievous elf and a tub of tiny beads? Hopefully he was on his best behaviour! This image we found on Pinterest is definitely a creative way for your elf to express himself!
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Attack of the LEGO People
Image: Picklehead Soup
It looks like the LEGO brigade at Picklehead Soup’s house aren’t happy about a new elf on the block – and they took their revenge!
Plan Your Festive Fun!
Our FREE Elf on the Shelf Planner is perfect for organising all your elf antics!
Zip Around
Image: Carey Pace
Your elf would love a ride on their very own zip line! Check out this idea on Carey Pace for creating a candy cane zip line straight to the Christmas tree.
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Yogi Elf
Image: The Howards Got Elfed
Did you know elves love yoga? It helps keep them limber and fit for all those nightly flights back to the North Pole. These three elves from @TheHowardsGotElfed are particularly enthusiastic…
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Elf Stilts
Image: Frugal Coupon Living
Give your elf a new vantage point with this great idea for stilts from Frugal Coupon Living. All you need are two wrapping paper tubes and you’re good to go – it couldn’t be simpler!
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Reindeer Chocolate Milk
If your elf is looking for a nice treat idea, what about leaving out all the essentials for Reindeer Chocolate Milk? Elf on the Shelf HQ has all the info and details on what you need.
No More Stress!
Get organised for Christmas with our essential 8 Week Christmas Planner to help you make sure you don’t forget any festive essentials!
Disaster Strikes!
Well, it was a really nice gesture. But bringing a snowman back from the North Pole is probably not the best idea…
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Have a North Pole Breakfast
Image: Super Busy Mum
Some scout elves like to leave a North Pole Breakfast, and this is a great way to either announce your elf’s arrival, or to mark their departure on Christmas morning. Check out the ideas from Super Busy Mum for a magnificent North Pole feast!
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Do you have any other Elf on the Shelf ideas to share with our readers? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
About the Author: Emily Manning
