Despite being a crazy Christmas fanatic, I resisted the phenomenon Elf on the Shelf for years. Friends would post all their Elf on the Shelf ideas on Facebook or their blogs and I’d think, “that’s so cute” and move along.
The thing is: it really is so cute and I can’t resist any longer. I want in on the elf fun.
The original The Elf on the Shelf is a 2004 picture book by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. In the book, Santa sends elves out to find out whether kids belong on the naughty or the nice list. The elves in the book visit the homes between American Thanksgiving (this year that is Thursday, 24 November) and Christmas Day. For the purposes of making things easy for us Aussies, I’m electing to have our elf visit during the advent calendar – 1 – 25 December with a farewell note on 26 December.
Your elf can simply sit on a shelf during his visit, but it’s much more fun to help him get up to mischief. The Elf on the Shelf ideas photographed around the interwebs range from silly to fun to cheeky to very risque (be warned, it’s a little disturbing!). Elves get up to all kinds of things!
I’ve rounded up my 26 favourite Elf on the Shelf ideas – one for every day of advent plus Christmas Day and a farewell on Boxing day. I hope you get into elf spirit too because I’m already having fun and I haven’t even started yet!
Pin for later:
More ways to get into the Christmas spirit:
- 2016 ‘You Got This’ Christmas Countdown Calendar [Free Printable]
- Advent Kindness Calendar [Free Printable]
- Perfect Gift Guides for Everyone You Need to Buy For
Images: Credited in slideshow
26 Fun and Clever Elf on the Shelf Ideas - AU
-
1 December
This helpful elf has made breakfast for everyone. There’s a great recipe for apple pancakes here.
Image: Home Stories A to Z
-
2 December
This little elf sends out positive vibes in the morning. You could use your elf to write a different message each morning - the bathroom mirror with a white board marker is a good place.
Image: Momma Melly
-
3 December
These Littlest Pony reindeer are almost as adorable as the elf himself.
Image: A Small Snippet
-
4 December
What have we got going on here, Mr Elf?
Image: Lil Blue Boo
-
5 December
Self portrait by Elf. If you haven't got a mini-canvas and easel, just use a small piece of cardboard.
Image: Picklehead Soup
-
6 December
Oh no, the elves are trapped inside these balloons. How on earth did they get in there?*
* I’m not certain, but tI would cut the ends off a drink bottle, stretched the balloon mouth piece around one end and put the elf in through the drink bottle. Does that make sense?
Image: Elf on the Shelf Ideas
-
7 December
An elf captured by villains and put in a very worrying position indeed. Can Batman save the day?
Image: Instagram
-
8 December
This elf has turned teacher for the night. You could write a personal message to the kids.
Image: A Small Snippet
-
9 December
A little colouring in while I wait for my people to wake up.
Image: Little Bit Funky
-
10 December
Raiding the lolly jar and the kids will be delighted when their elf shares a few with them.
Image: Home Stories A to Z
-
11 December
A Minecraft mad elf will be appreciated by Minecraft mad kids! I know my son would love this one!
Image: Instagram
-
12 December
It’s a cheeky elf indeed who tp’s the Christmas tree.
Image: Katie in Kansas
-
13 December
Caught present snooping… naughty little elf!
Image: Elf on the Shelf Ideas
-
14 December
The Lego people attacked the elf and now he’s in a spot of bother. Can the kids rescue him?
Image: Picklehead Soup
-
15 December
This little elf has made everything more festive. You could put bows on things, or just add googly eyes to all the tins in the pantry.
Image: Picklehead Soup
-
16 December
This elf has clearly had a good night. Might be a bit of a risque one for the kids, but you could always substitute an empty milk container.
Image: Andiamo
-
17 December
Up, up and away in my beautiful ballloooooon… Suspend a cheap paper lantern (available at most discount shops) from the ceiling, add ribbons and a basket and hello little flying elf. You could subsitute a large plastic cup for the basket.
Image: Busy Kids Happy Mom
-
18 December
A roll down the stairs – accident or not?
Image: Rachel Swartley
-
19 December
Making snow angels in the rice.
Image: Lil Blue Boo
-
20 December
You can make an easy swing for your elf using a toilet paper roll with string threaded through and then taped to the door frame.
Image: Andiamo
-
21 December
This little elf is making his getaway on a dinosaur friend.
-
22 December
Surprise the kids when they go for a drink in the morning with an elf in their glass.
Image: Katie in Kansas
-
23 December
Connect 4 with Lalaloopsy sounds like a good way to pass the time.
Image: Lil Blue Boo
-
24 December
Some gift wrapping help on Christmas Eve. Definitely the kind of help we don't need on Christmas Eve!!
Image: Little Bit Funky
-
25 December
Adding your elf to the Christmas tree is a must-do on Christmas Day.
Image: Andiamo
-
26 December
Goodbye from the Elf on the Shelf – download this free printable to leave for the kids on Boxing Day. Click here to download and print.
Image: Balancing Home
