15 Elf on the Shelf Ideas to help you this holiday season

How many times have you had forgotten to move your Elf? Run out of clever ideas? Here are 15 fun Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you out this season!

Ding Dong the Elf on the Shelf is dead! I know I should be sad but, I’m kinda doing a happy dance right now. Do you have a love/hate relationship with that little doll like me?

It started a few weeks ago,when our youngest came to us asking if Santa was real and, sadly, we knew that our time of Christmas magic had come to an end. No more setting out carrots and cookies on Christmas Eve, no more sitting on Santa’s lap, or writing letters with hopes of getting everything on their list. But, hurrah for no more moving that blasted elf!

For the past 6 years, every morning after our Christmas Tree (or Christmas ladder) went up, our Elf on the Shelf, Bud E., came to visit us and y’all – I was at war with that stuffed doll for the next month. Usually it was a last minute, slight of hand type of staging just to keep the kids’ belief alive, but it was always met with a sigh and eye roll from me.

Since I have collected 15 of our favorite elf shenanigans for you, `I hope it inspires you with more fun ideas to help you through this holiday season.

The Fridge/Freezer

Our elf always made his first appearance in the freezer with a note explaining his acclimation to the climate since we lived in the desert for a spell. I think it’s still a fun hiding place regardless of where you live!

Dry Erase Fun

Our elf was rather mischievous, and there was at least once a season when the dry erase marker made funny faces on a family photos.

Bringing Some Treats

Our elf either brought some treats for our boys, or got into some that we had around. Seeing the elf covered in icing always brought the giggles.

Snow Angels

In flour, powdered sugar or regular sugar – a snow angel is always a hit!

It was always fun to have him caught in the act, and this is a quick trick you can do with sprinkles as well.

Capturing the Elf

This relieved a bit of the angst seeing our Elf in some sort of prison – at least it brought me a bit of relief. This is a great idea to have the kids wake up to.

Romantic Interludes

Admittedly, this is one of my favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas! Living in a house of stinky boys, dolls are definitely taboo, but I loved setting up our Elf with an old doll of mine and he reunited with her each Christmas. Long distance romance can be tough!

Elf in the Pantry

Just like the movie, our Bud E. loved his syrup – and this was a fun way to quickly bring the belly laughs!

The Interceding Elf

I loved using our Elf as the go between with Santa and the boys behavior. Little reminders were always helpful!

Marshmallow Fun

This was super quick if you have toothpicks, marshmallows and a sharpie. Our elf loved building snowmen.

Elf in the Tub

Cotton balls make for the perfect Elf bubble bath – or you can use mini marshmallows!

Elf Shenanigans

Of course, an elf riding a chicken is always a win!

Hanging from a Chandelier

Seeing your elf as a trapeze artist at dinner time always was a sure win!

Christmas Eve Morning

Just as our elf arrived the same way each year, he also left the same. On Christmas Eve morning, he made up a batch of Reindeer food for the boys to sprinkle in the yard so the reindeer know where to land.

I hope this helped you out with some Elf on the Shelf ideas. While our magic disappeared, we still hide our elf, and now the kids are in on it!