The Elf on the Shelf is a relatively new but still timeless tradition in our household. My kids love and look forward to seeing what kind of mayhem this little elf will come up with next, and so am I! After years of doing the Elf on the Shelf, it doesn’t take long before we start to run out of ideas. If you are beginning to run low on ideas too, don’t worry! I’ve got a ton of great Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can use to change things up and make a fun experience for your kids!
20 Elf on the Shelf ideas
- Elf on the Shelf Letter
- Elf on the Shelf Toilet Paper Snowman
- Candy Cane Jail
- Feeding the Dog
- Elf on the Shelf Shortcuts
- Elf on the Shelf Slime
- Why The Elf Forgot to Move Excuses
- Snack Break Elf on the Shelf
- Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots
- Pancake Elf on the Shelf
- Star Wars Elf on the Shelf
- A Shelf to Hold Your Elf
- Elf on the Shelf Cooking Ideas
- Elf on the Shelf at the Beach
- Dollar Store Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Workout Elf
- Mad Scientist Elf on the Shelf
- Elf on the Shelf Coloring
- Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Elf Photo Booth
Do you have an elf that visits your home? This has been a tradition we have started with our kids when they were young. Our elf, twinkle, usually visits us on the Saturday after Thanksgiving but because of traveling this year she will be coming on December 2, I am not too worried as its one less day of creative ideas.
Elf on the Shelf Props and Activities
Elf Postcard
A cute “welcome” keepsake postcard from your elf! Get it here.
The North Pole Times Newspaper
This North Pole Times newspaper doubles as wrapping paper! Get it here.
24 Days of Elf Activities
This is the auto-pilot of Elf-ing…24 days of Elf activities prepped! Get it here.
40 Scene Elf Kit Bundle
A printable kit that still allows for some DIY, but has new ideas. Get it here.
Giant Elf Coloring Roll
This giant coloring roll would be fun for any part of the Elf adventure. Get it here.
Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets from your elf? Yes, please! Get it here.
When you don’t move the elf
As much as I try to prepare ahead of time there are some times when I forget to move my elf on the shelf. Here are ways I have recovered in my moment of panic.
- He got scared and didn’t want to get caught. If Elf hears any movement, like getting out of bed early, she won’t move.
- She was touched
- Your elf is tired
- It’s too warm, she isn’t used to it.
- Its too cold and she is frozen
- Saving her energy for a BIG surprise tomorrow
- She fell asleep waiting for you to fall asleep, go to bed earlier tonight!
- Special blackout dates
- Dog or cat kept moving so she had to stay still
- He left and came back to the exact same spot
- Bad Weather, not safe for your elf to fly
- She’s waiting to go until he has something good to report, do something good today!
- Fell Asleep after working so hard
- Ate too many Christmas cookies
- Worked from home and sent an email into Santa instead
- This is her favorite spot!
- She was so busy at the North Pole she didn’t have time to find a new spot.
- Let’s look to see if she will move during the day instead.
- She can see the TV really well from here, she likes tv just like you.
- Once it gets closer to Christmas the Elves only go back every other night
- There’s not enough Christmas Spirit around, try singing loud for all to hear!
- Stayed up late making toys and is really tired.
- He just likes our house SO much he hates leaving
I hope this list with help you get out of trouble if you forget to move your elf one night.
Some special items for your elf on the shelf
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4893654″]Elf Alternatives
I have been asked over the years for elf alternatives. I get it, Elf on the Shelf isn’t for everyone! There are a lot of other ways to have a similar holiday tradition. Some of my favorites are Reindeer in Here and North Pole Ninjas! Check them out and see if it might fit into your family’s celebration this year!
The Reindeer
The Reindeer in Here is a great way to have some of the same magic from the Elf, but not have to worry about moving the plush each day. The kids simply keep him throughout the season and he heads home with Santa on Christmas Eve night! Get it here.
The North Pole Ninjas
The North Pole Ninjas is another fun alternative to Elf on the Shelf. Throughout the Christmas season, the kids help their ninjas complete missions to help keep the Christmas spirit alive! Get it here.
Do you have a great elf on the shelf idea your kids love? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
