500 Elf on the Shelf Ideas (NEW for 2023) (2024)

Get inspired with this awesome collection of over 500 super funny Elf on the Shelf ideas!You’ll never run out of elf ideas with this BIG list of easy Elf on the Shelf hiding spots!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2023

They’re baaaaccckkk!!

It’s almost time for those mischievous elves to make their return!

AKA…you better start bookmarking new Elf on the Shelf ideas ASAP!!

Because if you’ve had an elf visit your house for a few years now like us, you always need new elf ideas!! Because of course these elves have to do NEW stuff every year!

But don’t worry…

We’ve got you covered!!

Every year I update this post with brand NEW Elf on the Shelf ideas. We parents have to stick together, right??

I created this handy table of contents below so you can jump to specific ideas, or you can scroll to see them all!

What Is Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf craze is a Christmas tradition that began in 2005 with the publication of the children’s book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The book tells the story of a magical Scout Elf who leaves the North Pole on December 1st to watch over all the kids and report back to Santa whether they have been naughty or nice. The elves all return to their wintery home on Christmas morning.

The Scout Elf and Elf on the Shelf story are a trademark of the LumiStella Company. They were so kind as to send our family some fun accessories for our elves. I’ll take some photos to share when our elves make their return soon!

Where Should I Hide the Elf on the Shelf?

The most important thing when hiding the Elf on the Shelf is to keep it out of reach or at least out of the way. That’s because legend has it that if you bump the elf it loses its magic and might go away and not come back!

If you have older kids, they probably know not to touch the elf. However, little kids and toddlers will likely go straight for it, so it’s especially key to hide the elf out of their reach.

Second, keep it quick and easy! Don’t overcomplicate it! There are so many times I find myself hiding the elf on the shelf late at night after the kids go to bed and super easy ideas are the best! Plus, who wants to make a big mess that you have to clean up the next day day?!

Other than that, have fun with it! We’ve got lots of Elf on the Shelf ideas to get you started that kids will love!

What Are Some Ideas for Elf on the Shelf?

Supplies and props are super helpful! Here are some of our favorites:

• Welcome letters (we have some free printable ideas included below)
• Toilet paper – that’s always a funny elf idea!
• Wrapping paper
• A candy cane
• The Christmas tree
• North Pole scenery
• A holiday party with other toys
• A sack race
• Making Christmas cookies
• Building a snowman with cotton balls
• Holding a bowl of popcorn for movie night

These are all super easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can make with props you have at home. But I also have some especially creative ideas and photos from our own elves’ adventures and from our blogger friends!

NEW Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2023

These are the latest and the greatest! Brand NEW Elf on the Shelf ideas JUST IN for 2023!!

I’ll keep adding more when I find them, so be sure to bookmark this page!

1. Elf on the Shelf Donut Shop

Cheerios are just perfect for making elf-size donuts! Frosting and sprinkles make them so pretty and festive! We used a box from our local donut shop for the backdrop. It was too fun to toss and was absolutely the most amazing finishing touch to this setup!

You can also get donut shop printables from Happiness is Homemade.

2. Shoe Shine Elf

If your Elf is a jokester, they might love this idea for “shoe shining” with aluminum foil! Get the scoop here at Frugal Coupon Living!

3. Hot Cocoa Time

Everyone loves hot chocolate in the wintertime, especially the elves! Fill a mug with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, candy canes, or whatever you have on hand.Learn more about this idea from Happiness is Homemade here.

4. Living Room Zip-Line

The kids are going to go wild when they see what their elf has been up to this time…ziplining over the living room! See how it’s done with this post from Kids Activities Blog.

5. Rock Climbing Elf

My kids love rock climbing, so I know they will get a kick out of this rock climbing wall made with poster board and gummy bear footholds! What a creative idea from Frugal Coupon Living!

6. Superhero Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf to the rescue!! A mask and a cape and this superhero elf is off on an adventure! Get the costume ideas from Kids Activities Blog!

7. Bubble Wrap Elf

This elf is ready for anything now that it is all wrapped up in bubble wrap! And there’s always plenty of bubble wrap around Christmastime! See how it’s done at Frugal Coupon Living.

8. Making Snow Angels

You can use glitter, fake snow, of even cotton to create this winter wonderland!

9. Marshmallow Weightlifting

Elves like to exercise too! This cute little barbell is made with two jumbo marshmallows and a paper straw. Easy-peasy!

10. Melted Snowman

The elves tried to bring home a snowman, but all that’s left is a cup of water, eyes, and a carrot! Oops!

11. Making Smores

The elves tried to make s’mores! They had all the fixins: marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Thank goodness they didn’t leave the candle going!

12. Google Eyes

My oldest daughter said the elves “vandalized” her photo LOL. This is a great last-minute prank!

13. Photo Flip

Those silly elves did some redecorating while we were asleep! They turned all our family photos upside-down!!

14. Band-Aid Prank

The elves made a bit of a mess! But my girls thought this elf prank was SO funny!!

Elf on the Shelf Printable with 25 Ideas:

I also created this FREE Elf on the Shelf Printable with super easy ideas for the whole month!

Here’s What Our Elf on the Shelf Did in Years Past…

Our elf Pikolina is definitely a prankster! Here are some of our elf ideas from last year and the year before – and we will show you where our Elf goes this year when December 1st rolls around, so be sure to bookmark this post and check back!

1. Elf Hiding in the Tree

Her first location was really tricky, and it took the girls ALL day to find her. You could only spot our elf if you looked in the mirror! Can you find her?

2. Hanging Out with Elf Friends

Then she was hanging out with our singing elves— too bad she was sitting on the button that makes them sing! Wink, wink 😉

3. Riding on a Candy Sleigh

Our elf on the shelf also went for a ride in our Christmas candy sleigh— it’s the perfect size for her!

4. Playing Video Games

Our elf even played Nintendo! Bowser stole her shoe and Mario had to help her get it back:

5. Swinging on the Ceiling Fan

As the days go by, our elf gets more adventurous! Swinging on our fan:

6. Elf TP-ing the Christmas Tree

Then she even TP-ed our Christmas tree and used almost a whole roll of toilet paper!! Be sure to hide those toilet paper rolls! 😉

More Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

That’s just a peak at what our elf Pikolina was up to last year! Here are more Elf on the Shelf ideas from our favorite blogger friends…

Keep checking back because we’ll be adding new Elf on the Shelf ideas every few days!

1. Quarantine Elf

Forget to move the elf?? No worries!! This trick will buy some time! All you need is a mason jar and a Sharpie to write a note.

More NEW ideas just for 2023: Click here to see more clever ideas from Quarantine Elf, to face mask wearing elf, and social distancing elf! I also shared the video in this blog post so you can see some of these ideas!

2. Funny Faces

The Paez family woke up to a silly surprise on their family photo! Fortunately, it was dry erase marker!!

3. Toilet Paper Snowflakes

Reader Kristina’s elf got creative, making paper snowflakes out of toilet paper!

4. Sip, Play Play

Get it?? If your kids also loved this song they’ll get a kick out of this punny Elf idea by Homebound But Hopeful.

5. Kissing Booth

Too cute!! Thank you to Simplify Create Inspire for sharing this clever elf hiding spot!

6. Star Wars Elf

If you have a Star Wars fan and are excited about the new movie coming out this holiday season, this idea from Nerdy Mama is a must-do!

7. Shaving Elf

This Elf on the Shelf idea from Natural Beach Living is perfect for tweens or teens!

8. Candy Cane Jail

Oops!! This Elf was a little TOO mischievous!! Thank you to This Mama Loves for sharing one of our favorite new Elf on the Shelf ideas!

9. Slime-y Elf on the Shelf Ideas

You know we LOVE slime in our house! Here are two funny Elf on the Shelf ideas involving slime:

Check outLittle Bins for Little Hands for the above Elf slime recipe!

And thank you to Kristin at Bolling with 5 for sharing her hilarious elf trapped in slime!

10. Welcome Letter

A welcome letter is a special way to kick off the season and announce your elf’s arrival! One of our favorite Elf on the Shelf return ideas! Click here to get the free printable from Crystal & Co.

11. Mini Stockings

This little elf has been busy! See this plus more cute ideas from Artsy Fartsy Mama!

12. Toilet Bowl Fishing

All you need is a handful of Goldfish crackers and a piece of yarn and your elf can go fishing too! Click here to see this idea and 23 more at Hands On Teaching Ideas.

13. Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar

Click here to see how Artsy Fartsy Mama made an Elf on the Shelf advent set for the month!

14. Magic 8 Ball (plus more letter board Elf on the Shelf ideas)

Kate at Homebound But Hopeful shares this and many more super cool Elf on the Shelf ideas using a letter board! Click here to see them!

15. Massage Table

Click here to get the printable template for this cute doll massage table from This Mama Loves! It’s also a fun idea if your kids love Barbies and have them at home.

16. Elf in a Balloon

How in the world did the elf get inside a balloon? Find out how in this post from Frugal Coupon Living!

17. Elf in the TV

This silly elf got stuck INSIDE the television! See how here!

18. Marshmallow Catapult

This naughty elf made a marshmallow catapult! Get all the details here!

19. Elf on the Shelf Twister Game

This creative elf made a game of Twister! Get the printable from The Gingerbread House!

20. Elf on the Shelf Makes A Box of Donuts

This elf brought a box of donuts for his family! See how he made the donut box here!

21. Elf Ideas for a House Full of Boys

I love this Elf on the Shelf hiding spot captured by my friend Tove at Mama in the Now. She has a house full of boys…I think their elf was trying to drop a hint!

Related: Tove shares Elf on the Shelf shortcuts for busy moms…or if you forget to move the elf a lot!

22. Bookworm Elf on the Shelf

Our elf Pikolina loves to read, just like our girls!

23. Secret Spy Messages

One time she even left a secret message using invisible ink!

24. Elf in a Rain Boot

25. Elf Stuck in a Vase

Ooops!!

26. Stuffed Animal Slumber Party

One time when our girls were spending the night at Grandma’s house, our elf had a slumber party in their room! This is definitely one of our favorite easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, and it is always a winner!

27. Wrestling Elf

If you have a wrestling fan in the house, this is one of my own personal favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas! This is one of my childhood wrestling figures that I still have on display!

28. Basketball Elf

Shootin’ Hoops(by a Small Snippet) —This family’s elf stays busy! There’s 45 creative Elf on the Shelf hiding spots shown here, all from the same creative little guy named “Eli” the elf.

29. A Little Potty Humor…

Toilet Plunging(by Passion for Savings) —Who says elves can’t be helpful? Plus a whole month (30 days) of funny elf hijinks!

30. Twister!

Playing Twister(by Inspiration Made Simple)— There’s a free printable “Elf Christmas Mix-up” game board available here too!

31. Handyman Elf (Plus 20 More Elf on the Shelf ideas)

Changing the Oil(by Your Modern Family)— Don’t worry, the hot wheels will be up and running again in no time! Plus 25 more funny ideas.

32. Toy Parade! (Plus 40 More Elf Ideas!)

Leading a Dinosaur Parade(by Simple As That)— Another busy elf here, with over 40 silly antics pictured!

33. Sneaking Candy (And 50 More Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas)

Eating Chocolate(by i Heart Naptime) — Hide the candy!! Plus 50 more wacky Elf on the Shelf hiding spots.

34. More Potty Humor (and 20 more Elf on the Shelf ideas!)

Gift Wrapping the Toilet(by Hip2Save) — Uh, oh…the elf got into the bathroom! This is a prank fit for April Fool’s Day too! Plus 20 more funny Elf on the Shelf ideas here!

35. Bubble Trouble

Chewing Bubble Gum(by a Sparkle of Genius) —A cute collection of 10 unique ideas.

36. Christmas Light Zip-Line

Zip lining(by Rachel Swarthy) — This silly elf took a swing on the Christmas lights! Better watch all those Christmas decorations!

37. Magic Door

Arriving Through His Magic Door(by Make Life Lovely)— This little guy sure knows how to make an entrance!

38. Pineapple Pen Elf

PPAE Pen Pineapple Apple Elf(by Life Should Cost Less)— This talented elf brought a viral video to life!

39. Gift Exchange

Having a Doll House Gift Exchange(by Artsy Fartsy Mama) — Be sure to grab the printable elf planning calendar here too!

40. Superhero Elf

Batman Elf(by Glue Stick & Gumdrops)— This comic book loving elf dressed up as his favorite superhero!

41. Building an Igloo

Building an Igloo(by Craft Create Cook)— This little guy is ready for the cold weather!

42. Riding the Vacuum

Vacuuming(by Messy Little Monster) — I wish our elf could see this and get the same idea!

43. Naptime Elf (Plus a Whole Month of Elf on the Shelf Ideas)

Napping in the Tissue Box(by Still Playing School) —A full month of elf activities here too!

44. Math Whiz Elf

Climbing an Abacus(by Craftulate) —Cecil the elf is a math fan! See what else he’s been up to here too!

45. Scuba Diving Elf

Going for a Swim(by Saving by Design)— 30 super silly Elf on the Shelf hiding spots shown here.

Even MORE Elf on the Shelf Ideas

• Delivering a ‘Gingerbread’ House Kit(by Ribbons and Glue)— Any elf would love hiding in this sweet abode!
• Tobogganing(by Mommy Style) —Your kids might want to try this too when they see it! (Plus 9 more elf antics)
• Wearing Masks(by Nerdy Mama)— 12 free printable masks that your elves can go to town with!

This post may contain affiliate links; disclosure policy here.

Other Collections of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

These lists of over 200 more Elf on the Shelf hiding spots are sure to bring the giggles!

• 25 + Ideas for Elf on the Shelf(by the Idea Room)
• 20 Things to do With Your Elf on the Shelf (by Spaceships and Laserbeams)
• 75 Family Friendly Elf on the Shelf Ideas(by Skinny Mom)
• 100 Elf on the Shelf Ideas(by Popculture)
• 20 More Days of Elfing Around(by Saving by Design)
• 25 Ways to Add Disability to Elf on the Shelf – an awesome inclusivity collection from A Day in Our Shoes

We hope you enjoyed our list of quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas! This truly is one of our favorite family Christmas traditions!

Be sure to bookmark this page because we will add more creative ideas as we find them!

Has your elf done something that deserves to be on the list? Tell us in the comments or send a photo to stacey @ thesoccermomblog.com

More Christmas fun for kids:

Christmas Stocking Pop-Up Card

Mini Gingerbread House Cakes (gluten free)