This post shows you 25 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas you will totally love!
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The holiday season is all about making memories, and one of the most beloved traditions for families is the arrival of the Elf on the Shelf!
Whether your elf is getting into mischief or spreading holiday cheer, these little moments of surprise and delight bring joy to kids and adults alike.
If you’re looking to spice up your Elf on the Shelf antics this year, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve gathered 25 of the best and most creative Elf on the Shelf ideas that your family will absolutely love.
From silly pranks to sweet gestures, these ideas will make this holiday season unforgettable.
Related: 22 Cozy Christmas Coffee Table Styling Ideas You’ll Love This Holiday Season and 25 Christmas Door Decoration Ideas You Need To Try
1. Elf on the Shelf grating crayons into Christmas M&Ms
Need a kid-friendly Elf on the Shelf idea?
Picture this: your sneaky little elf caught grating crayons into a bowl of Christmas M&Ms!
It’s such an easy setup that’ll have the kids laughing first thing in the morning.
All you need are some crayons, a mini grater, and festive M&Ms to pull off this cheeky holiday scene.
2. Elf on the Shelf making breakfast
Looking for a sweet and silly Elf on the Shelf idea? How about your elf whipping up “breakfast” with M&Ms, gummy worms, and mini marshmallows!
This fun setup is a breeze to create and will have the kids laughing over your elf’s unique culinary skills.
Add a tiny bowl, spoon, and maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra holiday fun!
3. “Plant” Cheerios and “grow” donuts Elf on the Shelf
How adorable is this Elf on the Shelf idea? Your elf “plants” Cheerios in breadcrumbs, sugar, or sprinkles, and magically “grows” donuts overnight!
This sweet and creative setup is super simple and will leave the kids amazed by your elf’s holiday magic. Plus everyone gets a treat at the end 🙂
All you need are Cheerios, donuts (you can do mini ones too!), and a little holiday cheer to pull it off.
4. Do you wanna build a snowman? Elf on the Shelf idea
Bring some Frozen-inspired fun to your Elf on the Shelf setup with this adorable “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” idea!
Set the scene with a bag of powdered donuts, a few stacked to form a snowman, and decorate with M&M’s in each donut hole (an orange M&M for the nose, of course!) and mini chocolate chips for the snowman’s smile and eyes.
Add a cute handwritten note asking, “Do you wanna build a snowman?” and watch your kids light up with excitement!
5. Elf’s on the Shelf building a tower of cans to get to the cookies
Your elves are hard at work building a tower of cans to reach a package of Oreos at the top.
This setup is super simple to create and will have your kids laughing at the elves’ clever antics.
Literally all you need for this is a stack of cans and a pack of Oreos! And a sprinkle of holiday imagination 😉
6. Elf on the Shelf ironing potato chips
This Elf on the Shelf idea is both hilarious and creative! Your elf can be found ironing wavy potato chips into perfectly flat chips with an iron.
Add a letterboard sign with a cute mesage and watch your kids laugh at the elf’s quirky solution to snack-time troubles.
7. Elf on the Shelf Idea: “I Shined Your Shoes!”
Looking for a quick and funny Elf on the Shelf setup? Try this clever “I Shined Your Shoes!” idea!
Your elf wraps the kids’ shoes in shiny tin foil, leaving them hilariously “polished” for the day.
It’s an easy-to-create scene that will make the whole family laugh while adding a playful twist to your elf’s antics.
8. Elf on the Shelf Idea: Caught Digging in the Couch!
This Elf on the Shelf idea will have everyone cracking up!
Your mischievous elf is caught bent over, digging through the couch cushions.
Scatter some funny “finds” like loose change, a missing sock, candy wrappers, or even a toy they “rescued.”
It’s a super simple setup that adds a playful touch to your elf’s daily antics and will definitely get the kids laughing!
9. Roll, roll, roll your Elf
Looking for a silly Elf on the Shelf setup? One elf can “helpfully” roll the other elf in a toilet paper roll, creating a cheeky scene!
Add a chalkboard sign with “Roll, roll, roll your elf” (you could add something like “gently down the shelf…”) for extra laughs.
This lighthearted idea is super easy to pull off and will have your kids giggling all morning.
10. Elf on the Shelf Idea: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Farm
How cute is this Elf on the Shelf idea? Set up a “tree farm” using Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes!
Your elf can display the cakes as tiny “trees” and add a handmade or printed sign that says “Tree for Sale” for extra charm.
It’s an easy, festive setup that kids will love, and gives everyone a sweet treat!
11. Elf on the Shelf bathroom ideas
Your Elf on the Shelf is up to some crafty mischief! Perched on the towel rack, scissors in hand, they’ve been cutting toilet paper into a string of delicate snowflakes.
Elf on the Shelf Toilet Paper Christmas Tree Garland
If you’re feeling adventurous, take the fun a step further and wrap those TP snowflakes around your Christmas tree like a funny garland!
This idea is both hilarious and surprisingly festive—perfect for adding some holiday cheer with a funny twist!
12. Elf on the Shelf Idea: Lifesaver Jewelry Fun!
Your Elf on the Shelf is all about some stylish accessories this season!
Decorate your elf with colorful Lifesavers, turning them into fun “jewelry” like necklaces and bracelets. Have larger Lifesavers? Wrap one around their waist for a clever candy belt.
This playful and easy setup is sure to make the kids laugh—and they might even snag a sweet treat afterward.
13. Elf on the Shelf digging in a Cheerio box
Your Elf on the Shelf has been caught red-handed digging through the Cheerios box!
But they weren’t just snacking—they’ve spelled out your child’s name (or names!) with Cheerios on the table.
This fun and personal setup is super simple to pull off and will have the kids giggling at their elf’s creativity.
It’s a playful way to start the day with a little holiday magic!
14. Elf on the Shelf: kitchen wrapping paper sledding idea
Your elves are bringing the winter fun indoors with this kitchen sledding idea!
Create a sledding hill by running a roll of wrapping paper from the cupboards down to the counter.
Place your elves on handmade cardboard or construction paper sleds and have them slide into a fluffy cotton ball “snow” pile.
Add a fun sign nearby, like “Dashin’ Through the Snow,” “Sleigh All Day,” or “Let It Snow,” for a festive touch.
It’s a magical, easy-to-set-up scene that will have your kids laughing all morning!
15. Elf on the shelf “pee” lemonade
Your Elf on the Shelf is serving up laughs with this silly lemonade stand setup!
Position your elf leaning against the wall with mini cups filled with lemonade.
Add a handmade sign reading “Lemonade – 25¢” for extra humor.
This hilarious and easy-to-create idea is guaranteed to get the kids giggling and adds a cheeky twist to your elf’s holiday antics!
16. Elf on the Shelf with good message for kids
Your Elf on the Shelf is spreading some holiday cheer and positivity!
Found near the laundry basket, the elves are ready to work with the kids for a mission, leaving behind a letter that says, “You gotta give to receive.”
The elves are encouraging the kids to gather their old toys to send to the North Pole to donate and recycle.
This heartfelt message gets the kids excited to give back and will inspire them to help others this holiday season.
17. Elf on the Shelf: turning water into magic sprinkles
Your Elf on the Shelf has worked some magic in the bathroom!
Found by the sink, the elf has turned water into sparkling magic sprinkles by using tape with sprinkles stuck to the sticky side.
The sink is “plugged” with sprinkles, creating a pool of whimsical sprinkle water your kids will love.
This idea is easy to do, and super fun!
18. Elf on the Shelf caught by the Tooth Fairy
Your Elf on the Shelf has found himself in a bit of a sticky situation!
Wrapped up in dental floss by the Tooth Fairy, the elf is caught in a funny moment with a note that says, “Found this guy sneaking around the house. He says he knows you, but you can never be too sure with elves. Signed, The Tooth Fairy.”
You can easily handwrite this note for a personal touch or print one out with graphics.
This playful setup will have your kids giggling and wondering what the Tooth Fairy is up to!
19. Elf on the Shelf: cereal chaos in the toilet
Your Elf on the Shelf is getting crazy in the bathroom!
Found holding a spoon, your elf has turned the toilet into the biggest bowl of cereal ever, overflowing with Fruit Loops!
The elf has left a funny note written with dry erase markers saying, “I made you a bowl of cereal out of the BIGGEST bowl I could find” signed from the elf.
This Elf on the Shelf idea looks complicated, but it’s surprisingly easy! Just put plastic wrap under the toilet seat and pour the cereal on top! When you need to clean up, just pick up the plastic wrap, and you’re good to go!
It’s a hilarious (and surprisingly easy) setup that will have everyone laughing!
20. Elf on the Shelf: bubblegum fart mischief
Your Elf on the Shelf has been caught in a bubblegum mishap!
With sticks of Hubba Bubba scattered around and a funny warning note that says, “Note to self: Don’t swallow bubblegum!” this setup is sure to bring laughs.
This one is so easy to do. All you need is a pink balloon and some Hubba Bubba!
21. Elf on the Shelf: toilet paper hershey kisses prank
Your Elf on the Shelf is up to some hilarious mischief!
Found in a roll of toilet paper, the elf is “pooping” Hershey Kisses in a cheeky holiday prank.
Kids love everything potty-related, so they will get a kick outta this one.
22. It’s raining tacos Elf on the Shelf
Your elves are taking Taco Tuesday to a whole new level! It looks impressive and it’s easier to recreate than you might guess.
Start by placing two elves inside taco shells—this makes for an adorable, taco-loving scene. Then, grab a chalkboard sign and write “It’s raining tacos from out of the sky!” to add a fun touch.
To really bring the magic to life, hang taco shells from the ceiling using clear fishing line at different lengths, so it looks like tacos are falling from the sky.
This playful setup is guaranteed to make your kids smile!
23. Elf on the Shelf Idea: “Oh no, worms in the apples!” Fun and easy setup
Your Elf on the Shelf has spotted trouble in the fruit bowl—worms in the apples!
To recreate this fun idea, lay out gummy worms crawling across the counter toward a few apples.
Use a small knife to cut tiny holes in the apples and gently tuck gummy worms into them so they’re peeking out.
Add a sign next to your elf that says, “Oh no! There are worms in the apples!” It’s a silly setup that’s super simple to create and will have the kids laughing in no time.
24. Elf on the Shelf: hilarious museum of poop idea for kids
Get ready for giggles with your Elf on the Shelf’s latest masterpiece—a Museum of Poop!
Set up a sign that says “Museum of Poop” and arrange a variety of candies in muffin liners, each labeled for its “poop origin.”
Think cut-up red jujubes for Cupid poop, chocolate chips for elf poop, mini marshmallows for snowman poop, green M&Ms for Grinch poop, blue gummies for Smurf poop, and sprinkles for unicorn poop.
This silly setup is sure to be a hit with kids and is so easy to create!
25. Elf on the Shelf sliding into breakfast: magical Fruit Loops fun
If you want to go all-out with an idea, this is a good one!
Make your Elf on the Shelf slide out of a cereal box and into a bowl of colorful Fruit Loops cereal.
This playful setup can be recreated with a few common items.
Use half a pool noodle as the slide, and glue Fruit Loops (or your kids’ favorite cereal) on the pool noodle. Then, secure the pool noodle to the cereal box with some glue, and let it curve into a bowl filled with Fruit Loops.
To keep everything steady, use double-sided tape or sticky paste like Mod Podge under the bowl to hold everything steady.
It’s a fun, eye-catching scene that will have your kids excited to see what the elf is up to next!
There you have it—25 of the most fun and festive Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep your family laughing and the holiday magic alive!
Whether your elf is making a mess or spreading kindness, these ideas will inspire creativity and joy in your home.
Ready to kick off your Elf on the Shelf adventure? We’d love to hear which idea you’ll try first—leave a comment below and let the holiday fun begin!
This post showed you 25 best Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love.
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