Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Paper
46 Elf on the Shelf ideas that use paper. From simple scenes like "Artistic Self-Portrait" to more elaborate ones like "Scanner Picture Frame Self", here's every idea from our catalog that calls for paper.
Artistic Self-Portrait
Position the elf at a small desk or table with paper and crayons, mid-doodle. Leave behind a scribbled self-portrait for the kids to discover in the morning.
Elf Drawing for Santa
Set up a small drawing station with markers and paper showing a half-finished drawing of Santa. Pose the elf mid-stroke.
Paper Boat Sailing
Fold a small paper boat and float it in a half-full sink or bathtub. Place the elf inside as captain, holding a tiny paper flag.
Hangman Game
Draw a hangman grid on paper with a half-finished word guessed. Pose the elf and a second toy on opposite sides of the paper holding pencils.
Fireplace Self-Portrait
Roll out a small paper banner and prop it on a paper-towel-roll easel in front of the fireplace. Pose the elf with markers mid-drawing of himself.
Elf Moon Phases
Draw a row of moon phases on a paper strip and pose the elf pointing to tonight's moon. Add a small telescope prop.
Elf Menu
Set up a folded paper menu on a plate with silly 'elf cuisine' entrees. Pose the elf as the maitre d' holding a pen.
Invisible Ink Secret Messages
Elf leaves behind messages written with invisible ink for family to discover.
Airplane Arrival
Fold a paper airplane and position elf as if arriving via North Pole Express.
Doctor's Note Rest
Humorous doctor's note explaining elf needs rest for a few days.
Grocery List
Humorous grocery list from elf requesting items for family.
Paper Snowflake Maker
Paper bits scattered; elf with scissors and finished snowflakes.
Prayer List Starter
Elf with small paper titled "Prayer List" for family.
Nice List Holder
Print mini "Nice List"; tape to elf's hand with "Be good" note.
Crayon Drawing Setup
Crayons and paper as if elf has been drawing, with creations.
Snowflake Cutter
Surround elf with cut paper snowflakes and scissors.
Santa Letter Writer
Elf at desk with paper and pen writing letter to Santa.
Photocopier Face Copies
Position the elf at a photocopier with funny copies nearby.
Printer Enlarged Face
The elf sits on a printer creating enlarged copies of its face.
Photocopier Paper Scan
Scan elf's image, leave printout in tray for discovery.
Tree Paper Airplane Crash
Create paper airplane with message, position elf crash-landed in tree branches.
Printable Twister Mat
Elf is positioned in contorted pose on Twister mat.
Sweets-Only Grocery List
Elf has written shopping list on paper containing only sweets.
Craft Time Glitter
Lay out a sheet of paper with glue, glitter, and a few cut shapes as if the elf just finished a craft. Pose him with glitter stuck to his hands and face.
Elf Butt Photocopies
Run the elf's backside through a photocopier or scan and print a few pages. Pose him on top of the stack, proud of his handiwork.
Elf Printer Picture Prank
Scan or photocopy the elf's face several times and pile the papers in the printer output tray. Pose the elf standing on top of the stack.
Elf Playing School
Line up stuffed animals facing a mini whiteboard with a lesson written on it. Pose the elf at the front as the teacher with a pointer.
Kindness Letter Arrival
Elf arrives with a Random Acts of Kindness letter.
Donut Breakfast Arrival
Festive donuts arranged around elf on arrival morning.
Bundle of Balloons
Colorful balloons attached to elf with welcome message.
Elf Phone
Miniature phone prop with printable showing direct lines to Santa.
Secret Message From Santa
Leave encoded message from Santa that children must decode.
Gummy Bear Tree
Stack gummy bears to form Christmas tree shape near elf.
Mrs. Claus Cookies
Cookies with note indicating they came from Mrs. Claus.
Sweet Message in M&Ms
Spell out "Be Nice" or similar using M&Ms around elf.
Elf Teacher
Elf positioned as classroom teacher with stuffed animals as students.
Trapped in Tape Train Tracks
Use tape to create train track patterns; elf tied along tracks.
Marshmallow Tic Tac Toe
Draw board; use marshmallows as game pieces with elf as player.
Skiing Elf
Popsicle stick skis; elf skiing down powdered sugar "mountain."
Snowflake Cutting
Paper, scissors, folding guide for children to cut snowflakes.
Lifting Weights
Tiny dumbbells from markers or paper; elf working out.
Donation Request
Elf with note requesting children donate toys for generosity.
Drawing Request
Note asking children to draw picture for elf to take back.
Moon Phase Paper Light
Create moon phase images featuring the elf's backside.
Snowflake Ceiling Fall Craft
Create snowflakes, suspend from ceiling, position elf with craft supplies.
Scanner Picture Frame Self
Scan or photograph the elf, cut out the image, place it in a frame.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do I really need paper for these elf scenes?
- These 46 ideas use paper as a key prop. Most allow substitutions — cotton balls for snow, ribbon for string, printed paper for a themed prop. Read each idea's "You'll need" list for specifics.
- Where's the best place to get paper?
- Most households already have paper on hand. If not, the affiliate link next to each prop in an idea's "You'll need" list goes to a Amazon search for that specific item.
- Are any of these paper ideas pet safe?
- Several are — check the "Pet safe" badge on individual idea cards, or use the Pet Safe filter from the main generator to narrow the list.