31 Elf on the Shelf ideas guaranteed to win Christmas
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31 Elf on the Shelf ideas guaranteed to win Christmas
Looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas 2022? An Elf on the Shelf is a festive tradition that sees an elf misbehaving around the home in the lead-up to Christmas — and it's great fun for kids.
The idea is that the little elf, adorned in a suitably red outfit and hat, comes to your home at the start of December to keep an eye on children. If you're in need of some simple ideas to keep your elf and children entertained each morning, we've found some fun, family-friendly ideas that children will love, and won't take up too much time.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
The concept is based on a book written in 2005 by US author Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bel. The story goes that Santa has sent out helpful little Scout Elves to people's homes to watch whether children have been naughty or nice during December. The idea is that every night they go back to the North Pole to report back to Santa, which helps him know who is on the naughty or nice list.
Then, when they are back in children's homes, they move to a new spot. Some elves are very active and get themselves into funny and often tricky situations, such as getting stuck somewhere or caught eating something. Children will love looking around the house to find out what they've been up to.
The elves go home after Christmas Day when Santa arrives to deliver presents. He takes them back with him to the North Pole, so they're not to be seen again until the next year.
The story from the book has since grown into a real-life activity, as the Scout Elves are available to buy and it soon became a month-long tradition across homes in the UK and beyond.
The gift set includes an adoptable Scout Elf with an official adoption certificate, a keepsake box and a lovely illustrated storybook.
How to start the Elf on the Shelf tradition
Once you've bought the book and the toy, you should read the book together so the children know the story. Then the elf needs to be given a name too.
Children can't touch the elves either, as if they do, the elves will lose their magic. Although they can't talk, the elves are very good at listening, so children can talk to them and whisper secrets and wishes too, which they can take back to Santa.
What to buy for your Elf on the Shelf
There's plenty of accessories you can buy for the elves too, which can help personalise them and help create fun situations. These include a book of tools and tips, expressive T-shirts, snowflake themed outfits, or even pets for the elves. You can also buy them a traditional red sleigh, or a sleeping bag and swing set among other products.
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1) Elf on the Shelf does retail therapy
Follow this cut out stencil to create some little elf-sized shopping bags.
elfontheshelf@Instagram - 3/32
2) Elf on the Shelf hides in the fridge
An egg-cellent surprise from your Scout Elf!
elfontheshelf@Instagram - 4/32
3) Elf on the Shelf has a snowball fight
Snowball fight, anyone?
elfontheshelf@Instagram - 5/32
4) Elf of the Shelf spilled milk
There's no point crying over spilled milk, so this elf cleverly turned the spillage into a snowman.
thebobincafe@Instagram - 6/32
5) Elf on the Shelf gets creative
This elf welcomed in Monday morning with a little office mischief by doing some photocopying.
artline_eu@Instagram - 7/32
6) Elf on the Shelf hiding in festive loo rolls
A super simple one to recreate, and you won't have to buy anything extra either. All you need is some coloured felt tips.
pauline_m67@Instagram - 8/32
7) Elf on the Shelf ironing
This mischievous elf isn't being too helpful when it comes to the ironing.
our_little_bubble_x@Instagram - 9/32
8) Elf of the Shelf goes shopping in the cupboards
Get your elf to go on a mini shopping trip... in your cupboards and pantry.
boshowonair@Instagram - 10/32
9) Elf on the Shelf finds the cereals
The elves have found the cereal, but we're not too hopeful they'll clear up the mess.
the_elves_at_no.62@Instagram - 11/32
10) Elf on the Shelf finds chocolate money
Uh oh, someone found the chocolate money and has certainly tucked in, and hasn't even thought to hide the evidence.
cookingsmamela@Instagram - 12/32
11) Elf on the Shelf makes pizza
These little elves made their own version of a Dominoes pizza. Hats off to the chefs.
pilky_2000@Instagram - 13/32
12) Elf on the Shelf takes a bath
How the elves like to take baths – full of marshmallows. Kids will love it even more if this is followed by a creamy hot chocolate, so maybe save this one for weekends.
haileylainehodge@Instagram - 14/32
13) Elf on the Shelf creates snow angels
Another super simple idea, this one is creating snow angels from flour, sugar or decimated coconut.
the_townsend_elves@Instagram - 15/32
14) Elf on the Shelf gets washing
This elf is ready to help get the washing on. No props needed – a great one if you're short on time.
bt_sports_therapy@Instagram - 16/32
15) Elf on the shelf tied up in lights
These little elves tried to be helpful and decorate the tree, but they ended up getting tangled up in the lights instead.
leanneaccari@Instagram - 17/32
16) Elf on the Shelf uses magic
A reminder that the elves really are magic – this one has turned water into sweets. Not as easy as some of the others, but it really will wow little ones.
richie_the_elf@Instagram - 18/32
17) Elf of the Shelf gets snap happy
Another creative elf gets snap happy by gathering some of the other teddies to take a festive photograph in front of the tree.
life.of.a.mama.blog@Instagram - 19/32
18) Elf on the Shelf take a dip
Cover a box in sprinkles and the elves will no doubt want to dive right in and make some snow angels.
jingles_chelsea_eots@Instagram - 20/32
19) Elf on the Shelf goes outside
They don't always have to be inside. Some more green-fingered elves might be found outside too.
theadventuresofwilsy@Instagram - 21/32
20) Elf on the Shelf causing chaos
When left to their own devices, the elves can clearly have a good time. String some ribbon around and leave bits on the floor to create a chaotic scene.
grantsmith82@Instagram - 22/32
21) The Elf on the Shelf goes climbing
Rock climbing, but make it festive. This is a fun take that will be hard for little ones to spot, especially if its up high.
elvishchristmas@Instagram - 23/32
22) Elf on the Shelf gets artistic
Creativity is not a skill every elf possesses – and some might end up colouring a little out of the lines. Just make sure it's not their favourite picture ruined!
elf_on_the_shelf_2021@Instagram - 24/32
23) Elf on the Shelf gets greedy
Popping the elf into a bag of sweets, with plenty scattered around making it look liked they've dived straight in, will really make children smile.
blue_shue@Instagram - 25/32
24) Elf on the Shelf tries yoga
Even elves need to practice yoga and mindfulness – December is a busy month for them too!
charlie_nini_lovebirds@Instagram - 26/32
25) Elf on the Shelf gets naughty
Sometimes they can be quite naughty too! Like this one who has put another one in the blender.
elvispoppyandco@Instagram - 27/32
26) Elf on the Shelf gets camouflaged
A clever bit of camouflage never fails – here they'll be hard to find on the washing line.
december_withelfonso@Instagram - 28/32
27) Elf on the Shelf on holiday
If you're on holiday during December, kids will love finding their elf in new places like on the beach.
randyandbambi@Instagram - 29/32
28) Elf on the Shelf makes crisps
This little duo are being helpful by making everyone's favourite snack, crisps.
armbruster_elves@Instagram - 30/32
29) Elf on the Shelf in the sofa
Another very speedy idea – elves looking for lost change, keys and other goodies lost down the back of the sofa.
marleymoaty@Instagram - 31/32
30) Elf on the Shelf gets toastie
Make the elf nice and toasty on a chilly morning, with this literal twist at breakfast time.
cookies_elfonashelf@Instagram - 32/32
31) Elf on the Shelf gone fishing
Pop your elf onto the top of your fish tank with a little rod to make them look like they're going fishing.
aimee_lorinda84@Instagram
