24 Elf on the Shelf Ideas from Elf on the Shelf (official)
24 Elf on the Shelf ideas originally shared by Elf on the Shelf (official), written by The Lumistella Company. Backfilled — official brand site Every idea below links back to the original post — visit their site for more parenting ideas, recipes, and crafts year-round.
Door Snowman Paper Face
Create a snowman face on a door using paper circles and a carrot nose.
Dry Erase Antlers Mirror
Draw funny pictures or reindeer antlers on a bathroom mirror.
Holiday Portrait Camera Pose
Pose with holiday decorations and encourage family photo.
Sock Drawer Sleeping Bag
Settle into a sock drawer using a sock as a sleeping bag blanket.
Spring Toy Stair Race
Position the elf inside a spring toy leaning on a stair.
Book Stack Candle Tree
Stack books largest to smallest on a candle holder base, then climb.
Clown Nose Family Photo
Tape red pom-poms to a family photo while wearing a clown nose.
Felt Green Mini Golf
Cut a felt green, use candy cane as putter and marshmallow as golf ball.
Floor-Ceiling Streamer Tree
Construct a floor-to-ceiling paper Christmas tree from crepe paper strands.
Gumdrop Foam Mountain Climb
Attach gumdrops to a foam tree using toothpicks, then climb it.
Mini Bed Pajama Party
Set up a mini bed, create a fabric pillow, and settle for pajama party.
Mini Presents Good Morning
Arrange treats and gifts with companion Elf Pets for morning greeting.
Paper Jukebox Dance Floor
Assemble a paper jukebox, decorate with records, then dance on smooth surfaces.
Reindeer Candy Cane Chocolate
Dip paired candy canes in melted chocolate, add red nose and icing eyes.
Scanner Picture Frame Self
Scan or photograph the elf, cut out the image, place it in a frame.
Strawberry Santa Hat Brownies
Attach strawberries to brownie tops with icing for Santa hat treats.
Stuffed Animal Pile Hide
Hide the elf among a pile of stuffed animals and toys.
Tiny Milk Cookies Glass
Cut a slit in small cookies, balance on glass rims, pour milk, add straws.
Balloon Door Crepe Blockade
Zigzag crepe paper across a closed door and tape balloons to it.
Canvas Self Portrait Art
Take a self-portrait photo, cut out elf outline, glue to canvas.
Foam Planet Mobile Scene
Paint spheres as planets, hang at varying heights for mobile.
Magic Seeds Lollipop Reveal
Package candies in a seed bag, then reveal lollipops grown overnight.
Marshmallow Fort Coconut Snow
Build a marshmallow fortress, scatter coconut snow, fill bowl for snowball fight.
Numbered Advent Box Calendar
Create numbered advent boxes and bags for each December day.
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Frequently asked questions
- Who runs Elf on the Shelf (official)?
- Elf on the Shelf (official) is a parenting blog run by The Lumistella Company. Backfilled — official brand site
- Are these ideas from a Elf on the Shelf (official) blog post?
- Yes — each idea on this page is credited back to a specific post on https://elfontheshelf.com/blog/elf-ideas-planner/. Click any idea's detail page and look for the "original post" link in the image caption or the Credit section at the bottom.
- Can I use these ideas with my own family?
- Absolutely — ideas are free to use. If you'd like to share or republish any of these specific scene write-ups, please follow the original source's usage terms; visit the linked post for details.