26 Fun and Cheeky Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kids Love

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!

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More ways to get into the Christmas spirit:

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.

Image: Snippets of Suburbia - Flicker
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