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40+ of the Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Over 40 of the BEST Elf on the Shelf ideas – these creative ideas are so much fun and provide wonderful Christmas memories that kids will love and remember for years to come.

We have included so many fun & easy ideas Elf on the Shelf ideas that your kids will be so excited about. We also show clever reasons why your elf did not move which I personally love from those nights I fall asleep a bit early!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf is a stuffed elf doll that comes with a book and has become a Christmas tradition for many families. The magical Elf helps Santa manage his nice list by reporting back to the North Pole with what he has spotted in each home from December 1st to Christmas Eve.

When he arrives home the next morning, he moves to another spot. Sometimes the Elf will do silly things to keep everyone laughing and entertained during the Holiday season. The kids love to wake up and find the Elf to see what he or she has been up to. They get to name their own Elf.

Where to Buy Elf on the Shelf

If you don’t currently have your own Elf on the Shelf Doll & Book it’s definitely worth getting and you can find it HERE. The kids will love this fun tradition!

First – you might want to print off this Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet.

This is a super helpful guide for when you’re having trouble thinking of creative Elf ideas.

Print Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet HERE!

Easy Elf on the Shelf ideas

Minion Bananas from California Unpublished.

It’s Cold in the Fridge from New Mercies…

Elsa has Frozen the Elf.

Your little Disney fans will love this idea…

Snowball Fight from Nelly Cole Photography...

A few marshmallows and some Legos makes a fun snowball fight.

Elf Kissing Booth from Living Locurto.

Cotton Ball Igloo from Demestic Femme…

Give to Get from Courtney Potoka.

Hungry Elf

This is such a cute idea from the movie ELF that we spotted on Pinterest.

Spaghetti noodles loaded with marshmallows, candy and a side of syrup.

HELP! I’m stuck under the glass from Andiamo…

Captured by the Confederate Army from Jennifer Saintz Photography….

Fragile Gift Elf from Picklehead Soup…

Paper Sack Race from Picklehead Soup….

Elf caught in Darth Vader’s Force Grip from Lemonista…

Shaving from A Small Snippet…

Red Noses from A Mommy’s Adventure….

Tower of Canned Foods via Pinterest…

Toilet Paper Snowman Elf from Frugal Coupon Living….

Fill a Crock Pot with Marshmallows for a Bubbly fun Bath in the Tub from Pinterest…

Here comes the Train from California Unpublished…

Elf Donuts spotted on Pinterest…

Elf Golf from Greg Baresel Golf…

Naught or Nice Clip Chart via Pinterest.

The Naughty or Nice Meter

Stay high on the chart to get lots of presents from Santa.

The lower you get on the chart, the fewer gifts he will bring.

Coloring Elf from Little Bit Funky…

Christmas Tree made out of Canned Foods from I Did it Finally….

Snow Angel from Skinny Mom…

Isolation House from Moonlight Creations from JamJam…

Elf on the shelf isolation house! Those little guys need to isolate too! Count down the days on the chaulk board side panels.

Swinging Elf from A Small Snippet…

Mini Elf Pancake Breakfast from The Fondrans…

I brought you back a Snowman via Pinterest…

See you next year Elf from The Simple Life…

Now you know where Hershey Kisses are made from. HA via Hunted Interior…

You’ve been impeached – spotted on Pinterest…

Elf Dust from Twins and a Blog…

Elf showing Bible Scriptures

Have the Elf open the bible displaying the Christmas story and show them the real Reason for the Season …

Printable Elf Notes including this official warning that you’ve been naughty!

Naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas

Potty Training Elf

Elf going Potty using Hershey Kisses (fun potty training idea) from One Legged Flea…

Elves Rule from Momma Melly.

Elf left a naughty surprise in the sink instead of the potty…ha! via Pinterest…

Uh oh! Pee-wee Herman and Beetlejuice have captured the Elf!

Elf Melting Frosty from Pink Peony.

Pooping Elf

We all love making Hershey Kiss Cookies for the Holidays and they are so good! However, this naughty elf is using them as Pooping Kiss Cookie. I bet your kids will get a kick out of this one from Ashley To Awesome…

Worst Cookies Ever! Do not give to Santa from Apug05…

This one is hilarious! Elf with a Razor via Pinterest…

Burned down Cheryl’s She Shed – spotted on pinterest…

When dad is in charge of Elf on the Shelf.ha via Kents Kremlin…

Frozen Song Lyrics on the Toilet via Pinterest…

Reasons Elf on the Shelf did not move

Broken Leg Elf from  Courtney Boles.

“Poor Buddy fell and broke his leg, he has strict orders from Santa not to move for two weeks! Parenting WIN!!”

Leave an Email for Santa on your laptop from A Little Bluebird….

Top 10 Reasons that your Elf did not Move from Living Locurto.

Ever wondered why your Elf on the Shelf did not move?

Here are 10 facts for parents to read to kids to explain why the elf didn’t move.

Sick Elf…no moving for 3 Days from Living Locurto.

Printable Elf Doctors Note that says No moving for 3 days… it’s the doctor’s order. Enjoy our elf’s original printable elf doctor note and label for Reindeer Flu pills. A clever idea for your Elf on the Shelf when you need a break from it all or need to travel out of town.

Wall Climbing Elf from The Keeper of the Cheerios

We hope that you enjoyed these fun Elf on the Shelf ideas as much as we do.

Make sure to check out our other fun Christmas round ups here…

The Best Christmas Tree Ideas.…

Over 40 of the BEST Christmas Ornament Ideas…

Over 60 of the BEST Homemade Christmas Decorations…