Do I really need toothpicks for these elf scenes?

These 14 ideas use toothpicks 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 toothpicks?

Most households already have toothpicks 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 toothpicks 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.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Toothpicks

14 Elf on the Shelf ideas that use toothpicks. From simple scenes like "Elf Roasting Marshmallows Candle" to more elaborate ones like "Paper Pond Goldfish", here's every idea from our catalog that calls for toothpicks.

14 ideas Use the generator instead →

Living Room ●●○○○

Elf Roasting Marshmallows Candle

Pose the elf beside an unlit tea light with a toothpick and marshmallow skewered for roasting. Keep the candle unlit and purely decorative.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Kitchen ●●○○○

Build a Marshmallow Snowman

Stack three marshmallows into a snowman and draw a face with marker. Pose the elf placing a toothpick arm.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Other ●●○○○

Toothpick HELP Message

Arrange toothpicks to spell "HELP ME!"; elf holding one.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●○○○

Toothpick Marshmallow Weights

Tiny weights from toothpick and marshmallows; elf exercising.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●○○○

Tin Can Toothpick Drums

Arrange cans as a drum kit with toothpick drumsticks.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●●○○

Sleeping Bag Camping Scene

Tuck the elf into a mini sleeping bag beside a 'campfire' of crumpled red and orange tissue paper. Add a marshmallow on a toothpick for the finishing touch.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Kitchen ●●●○○

Elf Gold Fishing

Arrange Goldfish crackers in a cluster and hang gummy worms from toothpicks above them as bait. Pose the elf as the fisherman.

Ages 3–10 Not pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●●○○

Marshmallow Mini-Snowmen

Tiny snowmen from marshmallows near elf as if built them.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Kitchen ●●●○○

Snowmen Donuts

Powdered mini donuts and toothpicks create snowmen with edible marker.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●●○○

Battery-Candle Marshmallow Roast

Tape marshmallow to toothpick in elf's hand over battery candle.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●●○○

Toothpick LED Campfire

Arrange toothpick campfire with marshmallows and elf sitting nearby.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Kitchen ●●●○○

Pretzel Stick Arm Snowman

Build marshmallow snowman with pretzel arms and marker face.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●●○○

Gumdrop Foam Mountain Climb

Attach gumdrops to a foam tree using toothpicks, then climb it.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Living Room ●●●●○

Paper Pond Goldfish

Create paper pond, scatter crackers, fashion fishing pole for elf.

Ages 3–12 Pet-safe 0

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Frequently asked questions

Do I really need toothpicks for these elf scenes?: These 14 ideas use toothpicks 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 toothpicks?: Most households already have toothpicks 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 toothpicks 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.