70+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas & AI Tips

The elf on the shelf has become a beloved Christmas tradition in homes across the United States. Each holiday season, a small elf magically appears to watch over children and report back to Santa. Parents and caregivers use clever setups to bring the elf to life, creating mystery and excitement for children.

Whether you’re a first-time elf parent or a seasoned pro, this guide is packed with creative elf on the shelf ideas to keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout the holiday season. From quick, easy setups to elaborate scenes, find inspiration for every kind of household, plus tips for using AI (like QuillBot’s AI Chat) to prevent elf burnout.

Elf on the shelf rules

The elf on the shelf watches children and reports back to Santa each night during the Christmas season. There are a few key elf on the shelf rules to keep in mind when coming up with ideas:

• Your elf needs a name: Naming your elf activates their magic. Many elves have Christmas-themed names, but you can name your elf whatever you want.
• Children cannot touch the elf: Touching your elf can make them lose their magic, so it’s best to admire them from a distance. If this happens, you can use Christmas carols and cinnamon to restore their magic.
• Elves only move at night: Elves can move freely at night but cannot move during daytime hours. Since they’re stuck in the same place during the day, elves always move to a new spot at night. If your elf doesn’t move, it could mean they’re not feeling well or they’re playing a trick.
• Elves cannot speak to humans: Elves are here to observe, not to get chatty with us. While they can write letters, they cannot speak to humans, which is why they’re so quiet around children.

Elf on the shelf ideas

Once you know the rules, it’s time for the fun part—bringing your elf to life! Here’s a variety of elf on the shelf ideas to keep mornings exciting for kids and stress-free for parents.

Easy elf on the shelf ideas

These easy elf on the shelf ideas can be set up in minutes and don’t require any supplies beyond typical household objects.

1. Elf exploring the fridge: Stick your elf in the fridge among groceries. Add a kitchen towel as a blanket to keep your elf warm.
2. Elf with a pen and paper: Make it look like the elf is writing a note or drawing. Include a personalized note for your child.
3. Hiding in a shoe: Pop the elf inside a boot, sneaker, or slipper and put a small note that says “hide and seek.”
4. Lost in the forest: Snuggle your elf among the branches of your Christmas tree.
5. Decorator elf: Put your elf among your Christmas tree branches and add some “decorations” that your elf picked out (e.g., scarves, underwear, or toilet paper).
6. Bookworm elf: Set up your elf to be reading a family-favorite book.
7. Hanging out: Hang your elf upside down by twisting their legs around a light fixture or door handle.
8. Nap in the cutlery: Swaddle your elf in a dish towel and place it in one section of the cutlery drawer.
9. Couch potato: Place your elf on the sofa with the TV remote in their hand.
10. Dental hygienist: Set up your elf in the bathroom, holding your child’s toothbrush. Add a post-it note with brushing advice (e.g., “Don’t forget to floss” or “brush up”).

Last-minute elf on the shelf ideas

If you need last-minute elf on the shelf ideas that will still make an impact, try one of these.

11. Mischievous rolling elf: Arrange your elf inside a toilet paper roll that looks like it’s been rolled down the stairs. Drape the toilet paper down the stairs so your kids can see exactly how far your elf has rolled.
12. Melted snowman: Put a pair of googly eyes, rocks, or walnuts and a carrot in a bowl of water, and place your elf next to it. Raise one hand to have them waving goodbye.
13. Elf campsite: Use a Christmas card or piece of folded cardboard to set up a tent for your elf. Include a small blanket, towel, or mat for your elf to use inside their tent, and set a small candle next to the tent as their fire.
14. Artist elf: Take an index card or a small piece of paper and draw a portrait of your elf. Put this and a pen or paintbrush in your elf’s hand. Bonus points if you have a mini easel to place the masterpiece on.
15. Catering elf: Prepare your child’s lunch, and place your elf next to it. Include a handwritten note from the elf inside the lunchbox.
16. Game time: Set up Domino’s that your elf is about to tip over, or sit your elf in front of a checker or chess board or game of solitaire.
17. Snack thief: Place your elf next to an open bag of chips or pretzels or climbing on top of the cookie jar.
18. Climbing elf: Use a string of Christmas lights, some twine, or even a belt or scarf and hang it from a chair, staircase, shelf, or lamp. Attach your elf to it to make it look like they’re climbing.
19. Christmas pox: Use stickers to cover your elf in “pox” and put a note warning children (e.g., “We have the Christmas pox! Don’t touch—we’re contagious!”
20. Sofa diver: Stick your elf’s head and arms in between your sofa cushions, and put some “found objects” (e.g., coins, popcorn kernels, pens, small toys) next to the elf as though they found them.

Funny elf on the shelf ideas

Include some funny elf on the shelf ideas in your elftime season to give your kids some Christmas chuckles.

21. Potty training: Set your elf next to your child’s potty or the toilet, and place a few chocolate chips or candies inside or next to it.
22. Hiding from farts: Stick the elf in a clear glass jar with the lid on, and leave a note next to it that explains that they’re hiding from the family’s (or a specific family member’s) farts.
23. Brushing up: Put a bent-over elf next to your child’s toothbrush. Include a note to your child, thanking them for allowing the elf to use their “butt brush.” For a lighter version, have your elf correctly understand the purpose of toothbrushes and smear their face with toothpaste.
24. All flossed up: Wrap your elf in dental floss, and include a note: “Is this how you use floss?”
25. Feeling toasty: Make a piece of toast, and then punch your elf’s arms and legs through it as though they were using it as a blanket. Put a note that mentions how cold it was and how your elf wanted to get “toasty.”
26. Mouse hunter: Put a glass bowl or cup over your computer mouse. Put your elf in a triumphant pose and include a note that says, “Ccaught a mouse!”
27. Family makeover: Put your elf next to a photo of the family. Use stickers, paper, or markers to give your family “makeovers” (e.g., Ssanta hats or mustaches). Put another decoration in your elf’s hand, as though they were caught in the act.
28. Elf makeover: Dress your elf up in another doll’s clothes, do their makeup, and give them a wig made from sponge or yarn. If you don’t have other doll clothes, try making the elf a dress, cape, or hat from Christmas paper or paper towel.
29. Elf comedian: Print or write some “elf joke cards” and place them in your elf’s arms. For example: “What type of photos does an elf like to take? —Elfies!” AI can help you come up with more in seconds.
30. Shopping addict: Wrap small boxes or create mini parcels and place them around your elf with a note that says, “Thanks for the credit card!” For extra points, label the packages as being from “Elfazon” or “ElfBay.”

Elf on the shelf ideas with food

These elf on the shelf ideas use food commonly found in the average household without creating too much waste.

31. Elf in a cereal box: Have your elf peek out of an open cereal box with a spoon in their hand. Bonus: put a small glass of milk next to the cereal box and label it “reindeer milk.”
32. Egg makeover: Put your elf next to a carton of eggs. Draw faces or write messages on the eggs (e.g., “Eat me!”) and place the marker in your elf’s hand.
33. Flour angel: Spread some flour on a counter, table, or tray, and create a shape that makes it look like your elf made a snow angel. Stretch out your elf’s arms and legs, put them in place, and dust them lightly with flour to make it look like they were rolling around in it.
34. Elf with a friend: Draw a face on a carrot or a banana and sit it next to your elf. If you’re feeling crafty, use pipe cleaners to give your elf’s new friend some arms and legs.
35. Midnight baking: Set your elf up as though they were baking a midnight snack. Put a few cookies on a tray (or cookie dough if you’re feeling ambitious). Bonus points if you create a little apron and/or baker’s hat out of paper towel.
36. Bad milk: Put your elf in the fridge with their hands to their face and a note that says, “The milk has gone bad!” Then, draw an angry, evil face on your milk jug or carton.
37. Getting their vitamin C: Draw a distressed face on an orange or mandarin. Stick one end of a straw into the fruit, and put the other end to your elf’s mouth as though they’re getting their dose of vitamin C.
38. Elf spa: Put your elf in a relaxing position in a bowl filled with marshmallows. If you have a rubber duck, give your elf a spa-time friend.
39. Elf beach: Spread graham cracker crumbs or bread crumbs on a cookie tray. Put your elf in a sunbathing position on top of a washcloth or small towel. Make them little sunglasses (e.g., with paper, cardboard, or aluminum foil) and add a bottle of sunscreen next to them and any other beach supplies you come up with (e.g., a book, lip balm, etc.).
40. Hard choices elf: Sit your elf in the kitchen with a sign that says “Would you rather eat,” and put two options of foods that would make your kids squirm (e.g., chocolate-covered Brussels sprouts, marshmallows with mayonnaise, or cereal in hot sauce).

Elf on the shelf ideas with other toys

These elf on the shelf ideas use other toys to make sure your elf doesn’t get lonely.

41. Meeting with stuffed animals: Gather the plushies in a circle around the elf as if it’s holding a morning briefing. Bonus points if you write up a creative meeting briefing.
42. Dance party: Scatter your elf and dolls or action figures in dancing poses. Play some dance music or put on a disco light.
43. Christmas-themed makeovers: Have the elf doing a “makeover” on a doll or toy, using Christmas stickers, ribbon, and bows.
44. Elf Twister: Draw a mini Twister mat on paper (or print one) and place toys mid-game.
45. Elf car wash: Line up toy cars and make the elf “wash” them with cotton balls and a small cloth.
46. Movie night: Sit the elf and toys in front of a tablet or small screen with popcorn.
47. Construction crew: Pose the elf and other figures “constructing” something from building blocks.
48. Cleanup crew: Make it look like the elf and toys are working together to pick up crayons, blocks, and other small toys. Use a small bag or bin as the garbage can.
49. Slumber party: Put your elf and other toys in a bed or comfy area. Use socks as sleeping bags.
50. Toy hospital: Have the elf “treating” injured toys with tissues and bandaids as bandages. You can also add a bit of glitter to represent the elf’s magical powers.

Elaborate elf on the shelf ideas

These elaborate elf on the shelf ideas require a bit more planning, setup, or crafting, but they’re sure to delight your kids.

51. Gingerbread architect: Build a small gingerbread house and position your elf as the builder, surrounded by candy “supplies” and icing “tools.” Bonus: draw a small blueprint to put next to your elf.
52. Candy cane zipline: String a piece of yarn or ribbon across the room or between two chairs. Attach your elf to a candy cane and hang them from their new zipline.
53. Candy cane hunt: Hide candy canes around the room and have your elf leave a note with clues for kids to find them.
54. Elf scavenger hunt: Leave a series of small notes or riddles leading kids around the house to find the elf’s “treasure” (e.g., a sweet treat, fake money, or
55. Answering kids’ letters: Have your kids write a letter to your elf with questions they want to ask them. At night, have the elf answer the letter and sit them next to it with a favorite pen.
56. Elf bingo: Create a bingo card with simple holiday images and place your elf in front of it. Use beads or candies as bingo chips.
57. Stick ’em up: Have the elf in a playful standoff with toy soldiers or action figures, hands raised and a candy cane “weapon” pointed at them.
58. Bedroom barrier: Use tape or wrapping paper to create a barricade on your child’s bedroom door. Tape the elf to the wall next to it, as though they were caught red-handed.
59. Save the elf: Set up a train track and lay them over the track with the train approaching. Tape their arms together behind their back, and put a piece of tape over their mouth. If you don’t have a train track, do the same but surround your elf with army men or other potentially aggressive toys.
60. Elf in outer space: Make a paper spaceship or rocket and tape it near the ceiling as if the elf is blasting off. Bonus: attach stars and planet decals to the walls and/or ceiling.

Elf on the shelf ideas for arrivals and departures

You might want to use an extra special idea for the day your elf arrives from the North Pole and on Christmas Eve, when they leave to go home and to report back to Santa.

61. Special delivery from the North Pole: Place your elf in a small box with “air holes,” tissue paper, and a shipping label from Santa.
62. Elf arrival breakfast: Set up a small breakfast table with pancakes or cereal and a note saying, “I’m back!”
63. Elf parachute landing: Tape a coffee filter, paper towel, or small plastic bag to the elf as a “parachute,” hanging from a light fixture.
64. Elf in a balloon: Trap your elf inside a clear balloon or construct a hot air balloon using a small basket and string attached to a balloon. Add a tag that reads, “Ready for Christmas fun!”
65. Private plane: Use a toy plane or helicopter (or a drone) to serve as your elf’s personal ride to or from the North Pole. Hang it somewhere your kids will be able to comfortably say “welcome” or “goodbye” to your elf.
66. Elf passport and suitcase: Use a small box or lunch container as luggage, and DIY an elf “passport” stamped by the North Pole on arrival or by your city before departure.
67. Elf in the freezer: Pose the elf in the freezer with a note: “I’m getting used to North Pole temperatures before I head home!”
68. Elf stuck in wrapping paper: Have your elf tangled in wrapping paper and tape as if they tried to wrap themselves. Add a label that includes Santa’s name and address.
69. Elf at the window: Pose the elf looking outside as if waiting for Santa’s sleigh to arrive. You could even write “see you next year” on the window.
70. Elf sleigh ride: Seat the elf in a toy car or makeshift sleigh with reindeer figurines or other animal toys.

Elf on the shelf letter ideas

Elf letters can make your Christmas tradition feel more personal and magical for your kids. You can write one by hand, print a template, or even use AI tools (like QuillBot’s letter generator) to quickly generate letter drafts.

Here are a few elf on the shelf letter ideas:

• Arrival letter: Elves on the shelf usually write a short letter introducing themselves (or reintroducing if they’re a returning elf). This letter could explain how excited they are to spend the Christmas season together and remind children of the elf on the shelf rules.
• Good behavior reminder: If your child needs a gentle nudge, let the elf write a lighthearted reminder about being kind, listening, sharing, or helping out.
• Positive reinforcement letter: If your child has done something good, your elf can write them a thoughtful letter as a form of positive reinforcement.
• Christmas poem or story: Your elf may want to leave a cheerful Christmas poem or short story for kids to read the next morning.
• Departure letter: When it’s time for your elf to return to the North Pole, a farewell note helps close the tradition sweetly. Thank the children for their company, and let them know that the elf will be back next year.

Using AI to prevent elf on the shelf burnout

Keeping up with new elf on the shelf ideas every night can be exhausting. AI tools can make your elf season easier, faster, and more creative:

• Generate ideas: Ask QuillBot’s AI Chat for a list of elf on the shelf ideas. You can even tell the tool what supplies you have on hand and get customized ideas that don’t require extra shopping.
• Automate letters and notes: Create instant drafts using QuillBot’s letter generator, poem generator, or lyric generator. Remember, the more details you include in your prompt, the better.
• Plan an elf calendar: Add your elf on the shelf ideas into AI Chat and ask it to create a weekly or monthly elf plan. Tell it to balance simple, elaborate, funny, and educational ideas so your children don’t get bored.
• Repurpose old ideas: If you have favorite elf setups from the past, put them into AI and ask it to give you a twist. This way, you can reuse materials you already have and save some brainstorming time.
• Generate printables: QuillBot’s AI image generator can help you create mock photos, books, bingo cards, backdrops, yoga mats, and more for your elf.

Frequently asked questions about elf on the shelf ideas

What is elf on the shelf?

Elf on the shelf is a Christmas tradition featuring a small elf that “watches” children and reports their behavior to Santa. The tradition comes from a 2005 children’s book. 

Parents place the elf in new spots each night, sometimes coming up with elaborately creative elf on the shelf ideas to create fun, surprising setups that bring the elf to life throughout the holiday season.

To learn more about elf on the shelf, ask QuillBot’s AI Chat.

When did elf on the shelf come out?

The children’s book The Elf on The Shelf came out in 2005, kicking off the popular Christmas tradition of elves visiting children throughout the Christmas season.

Since then, families have developed endless fun elf on the shelf ideas to celebrate the season.

Ask QuillBot’s AI Chat if you have more questions about elf on the shelf.

When do you start elf on the shelf?

Many families start elf on the shelf on December 1, marking the beginning of the Christmas countdown. Others start on Black Friday, and some may start even earlier.

It’s never too early to start thinking of creative elf on the shelf ideas to surprise and delight kids throughout the season.

If you want to write an introduction letter from your elf on the shelf, use QuillBot’s letter generator to create your first draft.

When does elf on the shelf leave?

Elf on the shelf usually leaves on Christmas Eve (December 24th)  so they can report back to Santa before Christmas morning.

You can make this farewell special for kids with fun elf on the shelf ideas for a memorable goodbye until next year.

QuillBot’s letter generator can help you draft a farewell letter from your elf on the shelf to your family.

What happens if you touch the elf on the shelf?

If you touch the elf on the shelf, they’ll lose some of their magic. To restore your elf’s magic, try:

• Writing a letter to your elf or to Santa to apologize for touching the elf
• Sprinkling some cinnamon (i.e., elf vitamins) next to your elf to help restore magic
• Singing a Christmas carol to strengthen your elf’s magic with Christmas cheer

If your elf temporarily loses their magic, you could ask QuillBot’s AI Chat how to incorporate elf on the shelf ideas that involve the elf feeling unwell or getting treatment.