Looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas? Here’s some quick last minute Elf ideas to help you this Christmas!

Elf of the Shelf Ideas – quick last-minute ideas for your naughty elf this Christmas

Elf on the Shelf Idea #1:
Toilet Roll Mayhem

All you need for this is a bit of toilet roll and just drape it wherever you can so it looks like the Elf have had a bit of over night fun – the more toilet roll you have – the better!

 

Elf on the Shelf Idea #2:
Snow Angels in the Kitchen

For this Elf on the Shelf idea all you need is some flour, sugar or whatever other power you have lying around – and then just make those snow angels!

Elf on the Shelf Idea #3:
Creative Elf’s!

 

A good last minute Elf on the Shelf idea is to get them to draw on some thing lying around and fruit can be a useful thing for these cheeky elves to draw on – I guess it depends how good you are are drawing though!

Elf on the Shelf Idea #4:
Arty Elf’s!

Here’s an idea of what else the Elf on the Shelf can draw on! Minion faces on the bananas or faces on the eggs!

Elf on the Shelf Idea #5:
Sledging Elf’s

 

If you have some card board lying around then a good Elf on the Shelf idea  is to make a slide for the little rascals

 

ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the mischievous charm of the Elf on the Shelf, and coming up with fresh elf on the shelf ideas each year is part of the fun. From simple setups to elaborate scenes, these little elves can inspire laughter, creativity, and even a bit of holiday magic in your home. Whether you’re new to the tradition or a seasoned elf parent, there are endless ways to keep your family guessing each morning. Classic ideas like having your elf zipline across the living room, hide in the Christmas tree, or enjoy a tiny cup of cocoa never fail, but getting creative with new twists can make the experience even more memorable.

For families looking for a mix of fun and mischief, there are countless elf on the shelf ideas that range from playful to downright silly. Consider setting up your elf in the kitchen, caught mid-cookie theft, or giving them a mini spa day with cotton ball towels and a tiny face mask. You could have your elf “read” a tiny book, play board games with miniature toys, or even hang from a chandelier for a daring adventure. Incorporating other household items—like paper airplanes, LEGO pieces, or even a favorite stuffed animal—can turn ordinary spaces into imaginative scenes that delight kids each morning.

If you want to take it a step further, themed elf on the shelf ideas can add a seasonal or personal touch. Your elf could be a Santa’s helper workshop supervisor, complete with tiny tools and presents, or a movie star caught mid-selfie on the coffee table. Educational or kindness-focused ideas are also a hit, such as leaving little notes encouraging good deeds or creative challenges for children. The key is variety: mix humor, surprise, and imagination to keep your elf antics exciting throughout December. With the right planning, your elf can become a daily source of joy, laughter, and festive spirit for the whole family.

Here’s a list of 30 fresh Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep the magic alive all December:

1. Elf ziplining across the living room on string.

2. Hiding inside a Christmas stocking.

3. Sitting in the fridge with a tiny drink.

4. Wrapped up in toilet paper like a mummy.

5. Riding a toy car or LEGO vehicle.

6. Reading a tiny book to stuffed animals.

7. Hanging from a chandelier or light fixture.

8. Making snow angels in sugar or flour.

9. Playing board games with mini figurines.

10. Caught mid-cookie theft with crumbs around.

11. Peeking out of a tissue box.

12. Holding a miniature selfie stick.

13. Stuck inside a jar or cup.

14. Hiding in the Christmas tree among the ornaments.

15. Sitting in a dollhouse having tea.

16. Wrapped in a scarf with sunglasses like a spy.

17. Building a mini snowman with marshmallows.

18. Fishing in the sink with a toothpick rod.

19. Hanging from a curtain rod like a gymnast.

20. Drawing silly faces on family photos.

21. Writing notes with jokes or riddles.

22. Sitting in a mini shopping cart.

23. Caught inside a box of cereal.

24. Tying up other toys with string like a “prisoner.”

25. Holding tiny holiday lights as decorations.

26. Sitting in the mailbox delivering letters.

27. Playing with a mini remote control car.

28. Stuck in a sock or shoe.

29. Wearing doll clothes for a fashion look.

30. Leaving a “kindness challenge” note for the kids.