20 Elf on the Shelf Ideas from Mrs. Ashley French

20 Elf on the Shelf ideas originally shared by Mrs. Ashley French. v2 crawl, 24 ideas Every idea below links back to the original post, visit their site for more parenting ideas, recipes, and crafts year-round.

20 ideas Use the generator instead →
Bedroom ●●○○○

Aluminum Foil Shoe Shine

Wrap child school shoes in foil with a note saying the elf shined them.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●○○○

Can Stack Counter Climb

Stack cans to counter height with elf's face inside snack package appearing to steal food.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●○○○

Fridge Egg Face Draw

Draw faces on fridge eggs and position elf sitting on them holding the marker.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●○○○

Fruit Face Marker Art

Draw faces on fruit and leave marker on elf's lap to appear the elf created the artwork.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●○○○

Gingerbread Kit Gift Delivery

Place gift on counter with elf leaned against it with accompanying note.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●○○○

Googly Eyes Everything

Affix googly eyes to fridge items, eggs, fruit, and family photos around house.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Living Room ●●○○○

Lego Cooperative Build

Build small structure with elf and Lego figures positioned to appear constructing together.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Living Room ●●○○○

Magnatile Small Structure

Construct small structure with elf positioned inside or beside it.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Bathroom ●●○○○

Mirror Drawing Counter

Draw silly portrait, face, snowflakes, or message on mirror with elf on counter holding marker.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Bedroom ●●○○○

Ribbon Doorway Trap

Tape ribbon across doorframe entrance with elf in hallway next to ribbon roll.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Other ●●○○○

Sequential Clue Trail Hunt

Create sequential clue trail throughout house leading from one clue to next to final elf location.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Bathroom ●●○○○

Toilet Paper Roll Chocolate

Position elf bent over inside toilet paper roll with candy behind for humorous scene.

Ages 3–10 Not pet-safe 0
Living Room ●●○○○

Toilet Paper Tree Strips

Hang toilet paper strips on tree with elf nestled in branches appearing stuck mid-prank.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Laundry Room ●●○○○

Toy Donation Basket

Position elf in empty basket with note explaining it took old toys to North Pole for inspection.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Living Room ●●●○○

Shoebox Treats Trap

Wrap shoebox with hole cut in top, label with elf treats, place elf inside.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Bathroom ●●●○○

Spider Man Mirror Tape

Tape elf to mirror with Spider Man figure holding yarn to appear capturing elf.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0
Bedroom ●●●●○

Cereal Shoe Breakfast

Fill child's shoes with cereal, add spoon, position elf with note claiming breakfast creation.

Ages 3–12 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●●●○

Muffin Tray Candy Display

Fill muffin tray with various candies labeled humorously with elf nearby.

Ages 3–12 Pet-safe 0
Kitchen ●●●●○

Rubber Duck Marshmallow Tub

Fill bowl with marshmallows as bath with elf inside, dishcloth draped over edge.

Ages 3–12 Pet-safe 0
Living Room ●●●●○

Vehicle Toy Parade Line

Line up vehicles with elf on first one alongside other character toys mimicking parade formation.

Ages 3–12 Pet-safe 0

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Frequently asked questions

Who runs Mrs. Ashley French?
Mrs. Ashley French is a parenting blog. v2 crawl, 24 ideas
Are these ideas from a Mrs. Ashley French blog post?
Yes, each idea on this page is credited back to a specific post on https://mrsashleyfrench.com/blog-archives/easy-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas. 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.

Source: Mrs. Ashley French. Each idea below links to the specific post on their site.