17 Elf on the Shelf Ideas for a Magical Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, it’s time to start thinking of fun and creative ways to get your kids in the Christmas spirit – why not bring out the Elf on the Shelf for an extra touch of magic? The beloved holiday tradition has grown in popularity over recent years, and there are plenty of creative activities you can do with your children throughout December that will make the experience even more special.
Here, we have rounded up 20 Elf on the Shelf ideas that will leave your kids beaming with joy and delight. So gather up those Elves and give these festive activities a go – you won’t regret it!
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What is the Elf on the Shelf Tradition?
Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition where an elf figurine is placed in different locations around the house to “watch” children and report back to Santa Claus about their behavior. It is a fun way to celebrate and bring the magic of Christmas to life.
When Does the Elf on the Shelf tradition begin?
The Elf on the Shelf officially starts its yearly mission on Thanksgiving Day! This festive, magical character is said to fly from the North Pole to watch over children and report back to Santa on their behavior.
As the elf lands in his or her new home, families are encouraged to have a special ceremony of sorts to celebrate them coming together for the holiday season. Families can then look forward to all kinds of mischief and surprises that their elf will bring in the weeks leading up to Christmas morning!
If Thanksgiving Day is too early for the Elf on the Shelf to arrive, he can make his first appearance anywhere from November 24th to December 1st!
Items Needed for These Elf-on-the-Shelf Ideas
Here are some of the common items needed for many of the quick elf-on-the-shelf ideas listed below.
- Elf on the Shelf
- Printer
- Printing Paper
- Elf on the Shelf Accessories
- Elf on the Shelf 24 Days of Activities (optional)
Before you go any further, grab our free “whats your elf name game.” These printables are fun for kids of all ages, make a great icebreaker at a holiday gathering, or are perfect for game night! Also, if you haven’t named your elf on the shelf or this is your first year partaking in this event, check out these 80 elf on the shelf names!
17 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
These Elf-on-the-Shelf ideas are perfect for the holiday season! Whether you’re a parent looking for creative ways to entertain your kids or just someone who loves all things Christmas, these Elf-on-the-Shelf ideas are sure to bring joy and laughter to your home.
1. Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Letter
What a perfect way to welcome back the Elf on the Shelf with this prewritten letter! As your Elf on the Shelf returns from the North Pole, they will be bringing a surprise gift for you and your family. This special letter is just what you need to ensure everyone gets in the holiday spirit!
With this magical message, you can prepare for all the fun of having an Elf on the Shelf visit your home.
2. 54 Elf on the Shelf Letter Board
Are you looking for fun Elf on the Shelf letter board ideas? Here are 54 fun printable Elf on the Shelf letter board sign ideas. You can print them off and use these ideas to create your own Elf on the Shelf letterboard message.
Whether you’re writing a funny message for your kids or a heartfelt note to surprise them, these Elf on the Shelf letterboard sign ideas are sure to make them smile! Get creative with these printable signs and use them to add some extra holiday cheer to your home this Christmas season.
Read more at Mama’s Buzz
3. Elf on the Shelf Printable Snack Shack
Use this Elf on the Shelf printable to help count down the days until Christmas! Download this free snack shack printable using the link below, and print it out to start the fun. Then, mark off each day until Christmas with a festive snack or surprise! Enjoy!
Also, check out this Elf ideas super set to add even more fun to your Elf on the Shelf adventures!
Read more at Saving Dollars and Sense
4. Elf on the Shelf Activities
Ready for some holiday fun? Print and enjoy these 7 Elf on the Shelf printables! These fun activities and games are perfect for getting your family together in the spirit of Christmas.
From coloring pages to a letter to the North Pole, these printables will make your holiday season even more magical. Get ready for some laughter and smiles this holiday season!
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5. Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
An Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt is one of our personal favorite Elf on the Shelf activities. Try out this fun and creative way to spread the Christmas spirit with your family. Hide your Elf in an unexpected place, then send your little ones on a hunt to find it! You can even give them clues along the way. The possibilities are endless. Have fun! 🎅🤶✨
Ready more at Homeschool of 1
6. Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letters
What a fun way to welcome back the Elf on the Shelf than these arrival letters! We’re sure your kids will be delighted to receive a special letter from their beloved elf, letting them know that the Christmas season is here! There are five different variations of these free arrival letters. Pick one out and print it out!
Ready more at Homeschool of 1
7. Printable Elf on the Shelf Pizza Stand
What a fun way for your Elf on the Shelf to make his grand entrance! This printable pizza stand will be the highlight of your child’s morning. It comes with a printable menu as well!! This is an instant download, so you can print it right away and have your Elf hop right in!
8. Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Hunt
Are you looking for a low-prep Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane game? Grab this free printable and try out this fun Elf on the Shelf candy cane hunt!
Read more at Paper Heart Family
9. Free Printable Twister Game (Elf on the Shelf Addition)
Have you ever played Twister with an Elf? This Elf on the Shelf makes for a great game idea that will have your kids jumping with joy as they play a game with their elf!
Haven’t played Twister before? Make it a must-try this holiday season!
Read more The Gingerbread House
10. Elf on the Shelf Playing Cards
These Elf on the Shelf playing cards will provide fun for the whole family. These printable elf cards each feature Santa’s magical elves on the back. These cards can be used for all kinds of games.
From Go Fish to Memory Match, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this festive set of playing cards. Let your imagination take you on a magical adventure with your own Elf on the Shelf playing cards.
Read more at 3 Boys and a Dog
11. Elf on the Shelf Super Hero Costumes
Are you looking for a last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea? Try out one of these free printable Super Hero Costumes. They’re easy to print and assemble; your kids will love them!
Read more at Mom Hacks 101
12. Elf on the Shelf Notes
Need some cute notes to set out with your Elf on the Shelf! Try one of these free printable Elf on the Shelf notes to bring a little extra magic into your home this holiday season.
Whether you’re using an Elf on the Shelf for the first time or just need to give your elf some fresh ideas, these notes are sure to spark creativity and bring lots of smiles. Print them off and leave them out with your elf – they make for a great surprise and fun activity!
Read more at Mom Hacks 101
13. Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Trying to find 25 different Elf on the Shelf ideas is hard work! Here are 35 must-try Elf on the Shelf ideas! These ideas are beyond adorable and yet easy to recreate! Simply grab your Elf on the Shelf and try one of these neat ideas.
Read more at Minimalist Mama
14. Elf on the Shelf Notes
These creative notes are so fun to leave out when the elf is in town! Print out these creative Elf on the Shelf notes and bring this fun tradition to life! With these notes, your child will never miss out on the magic of the holiday season. From funny jokes to helpful tips, there’s something for everyone!
Don’t forget – Elf on the Shelf isn’t just about finding new places to hide. Make each day count with these fun Elf on the Shelf Notes.
Read more Minimalist Mama
15. Elf on the Shelf Joke Cards
It’s true, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Make it even better with these fun Elf on the Shelf joke cards. These joke cards consist of 165 different jokes. Place them around the house, in your child’s lunch box, or under their pillow.
Read more at Lil Tigers
16. Elf on the Shelf Names
Are you just starting out with Elf on the Shelf? Well, now is the perfect time to name your Elf! There are so many great ideas that will get you started. From traditional names like Candy Cane or Snowflake to more creative ones like Twinkle Toes or Mistletoe, there’s a name out there just waiting for you to discover it!
Let your child pick one that speaks to him/her, and prepare to spread the Christmas cheer!
Read more at My Motherhood Made Easy
17. Elf on the Shelf Message Decoder
Looking to create a secret message that only your child can decode? Then be sure to grab this fun Elf on the Shelf printable!
Read more at 24 Hour Family
Must Read Elf Books
The fun doesn’t have to end yet! Grab one of these BEST elf books and keep the holiday spirit alive all year round, from stories about mischievous elves to adventures with Santa and his reindeer.
The Elf on the Shelf: The Night Before Christmas– The Elf on the Shelf tries to make it back to the North Pole before Christmas. However, things don’t go as planned. Follow this elf’s journey to see what happens next!
How to Catch an Elf– This makes for such a cute Christmas book for kids! Follow this with this mischievous elf as he hides around your home on Christmas Eve.
This makes for the perfect winter story, stocking stuffer, or even Christmas gift!
The Littlest Elf– Follow along with the littlest elf and see his role in Santa’s workshop!
Good Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Summary
With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to think outside the box when it comes to coming up with ideas for Elf on the Shelf. This post has highlighted twenty ideas for you to try out this December. From creating a holiday-themed obstacle course to creating a fun scavenger hunt for your kids, these ideas can make the most of your Elf’s visit this holiday season.
The range of ideas will make sure that every kid is excited and engaged no matter what their age or interest level. Don’t be afraid to let your children use their imaginations when it comes to making elf magic in your home this year!
So gather some supplies, get creative, and enjoy all the fun of Elf-on-the-Shelf ideas for kids.
Make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more kid’s craft ideas!
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