Making Elf on the Shelf fun doesn’t have to be hard or take much time. With some planning, it’s easy and something kids will love every morning. Here are fun ideas for arrival tips, names, a goodbye letter, toddler-friendly setups, last-night surprises, and a special welcome back! Each idea keeps the magic alive all season long. Perfect for busy parents, these Elf on the Shelf ideas are simple and sure to get laughs!
This site includes affiliate links; you can check the disclosure for more details.
Creative Arrival Ideas to Start the Season
When it comes to the elf’s arrival, it’s all about making it memorable. Starting the season with a little sparkle sets the stage for a month of Elf on the Shelf fun.
- Balloon Surprise: Arrange a bunch of small balloons around the elf with a note saying, “I’m back!”
- Santa’s Official Letter: A quick printed note from Santa. This note lets the kids know the elf is here to keep an eye out for good behavior.
- Elf Passport: Create a small “passport” for your elf, showing their journey from the North Pole to your home.
- Cocoa Station: Set up a hot cocoa area. Include marshmallows, mugs, and a note from the elf suggesting a family cocoa night.
- Elf Door: Place a tiny door on the wall, showing where the elf “entered” your home.
- Elf in a Jar: Place the elf inside a large jar. Add a note saying, “Break the seal to release me for fun!”
The Elf on the Shelf
Scout Elves watch from their spot each day, then report to Santa every night. Adopting an elf includes a keepsake box, a storybook, and an adoption certificate. Name your elf to activate their magic and find them in a new spot each morning!
Funny Names for Your Elf
Giving your elf a name adds personality and makes it even more exciting. Here are some lighthearted names to consider.
- Sparkles
- Snowy
- Tinsel
- Jingles
- Frosty
- Buddy
- Ginger
- Cookie
- Jolly
- Peppermint
- Twinkle
- Holly
- Pinecone
- Candycane
- Merry
Having a name makes every setup feel more personal and can help the kids bond with their elf.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Everyday Fun
Making Elf on the Shelf fun doesn’t mean spending hours each night. Here are some simple setups that keep the laughs coming.
- TP Roll Snowman: Wrap a few toilet paper rolls in white. Then stack them up as a snowman with the elf hiding behind.
- Elf Picnic: Set up a tiny “picnic” with small plates and cups for the elf and a stuffed animal friend.
- Sock Slide: Place the elf in a small cup or sock and pretend they’re sledding down the stairs.
- Cereal Angel: Pour a handful of cereal on the counter and position the elf making “cereal angels.”
- Toothpaste Art: Squeeze a bit of toothpaste on the bathroom mirror. Draw a little smiley face for the kids to find.
- Sneaky Gift Wrapper: Position the elf with some wrapping paper and scissors, as if he’s been wrapping an early present.
- Reading Buddy: Prop up a few books with the elf looking like they’re reading, maybe even holding a magnifying glass.
Elf Ideas for Toddlers
Keeping it simple and safe is key for toddlers. The setups should be easy to understand and not too intricate.
- Coloring Elf: Lay out a coloring book and crayons with the elf in a position as if they were coloring.
- Stuffed Animal Parade: Arrange stuffed animals in a line with the elf leading the “parade.”
- Toy Car Ride: Place the elf in a small toy car with a few other toys “watching” from the side.
- Cookie Sneak: Set up the elf next to a cookie jar with a few crumbs on the floor.
- Toy Block Tower: Stack some blocks with the elf on top as if they were building it themselves.
- Snack Time: Put the elf next to a small bowl of cereal, ready for “snack time.”
- Bath Time Elf: Fill a cup with cotton balls and set the elf in as if they’re in a bubble bath.
Elf on the Shelf Props
The Elf on the Shelf Tools and Tips idea book offers 100+ scenes for magical holiday moments. The kit includes 15 props to inspire creative setups that are quick and easy. Each day, your Scout Elf can use these ideas to spark laughter and excitement.
Hilarious Last-Night Ideas for Elf on the Shelf
The last night can be a grand finale, showing the kids that the elf is getting ready to return to the North Pole.
- Packing Suitcase: Use a small container as a “suitcase” for the elf with tiny “items” they’ll take back.
- Goodbye Photo: Take a small photo of your family with the elf “posing” in front, showing they’ll keep the memory forever.
- North Pole Express: Place the elf in a toy car or vehicle with a note saying, “Heading back to the North Pole!”
- Snowy Send-Off: Sprinkle a bit of flour or powdered sugar with the elf “writing” a goodbye message in the “snow.”
- Hot Cocoa Toast: Set up a mini hot cocoa celebration with the elf raising a small cup for a goodbye “toast.”
- Elf Slumber Party: Create a cozy “bed” with tissues or cotton balls, showing the elf resting before the journey back.
- Letter of Thanks: The elf can “write” a short letter thanking the kids for being kind and looking forward to next year.
Welcome Back Ideas to Start Next Year with a Bang
While planning for next year might feel far off, having a few ideas up your sleeve means you’re ready to start the tradition without stress.
- Elf Welcome Banner: A small banner saying, “I’m back!” brings excitement right away.
- Mini Christmas Tree: Set up a tiny tree just for the elf to show they’ve brought a bit of Christmas with them.
- Reindeer Buddy: Introduce a small reindeer figure as the elf’s “helper” for extra holiday cheer.
- Countdown Calendar: Have the elf bring a simple countdown calendar the kids can use for tracking the days until Christmas.
- Elf PJ Day: Dress up the elf in little “pajamas” with a note saying it’s a PJ day for everyone!
- Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt: Have the elf start the season with a mini scavenger hunt, hiding candy canes for the kids to find.
Goodbye Letter to End the Season
A goodbye letter from the elf can be a sweet way to wrap up the season and thank the kids for all the fun.
Sample Goodbye Letter:
“Dear [Kids’ Names],
I’ve had so much fun visiting you this season! Watching you spread kindness and share smiles has warmed my heart. Remember, even though I’m heading back to the North Pole, I’ll be cheering you on from afar. Keep being wonderful, and I’ll see you next year!”
Adding a short, heartfelt message makes the goodbye a little easier, reminding kids that the elf will return for more magic.
Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Nights
Not every setup has to be elaborate. Here are a few more ideas for nights when you need something quick but still engaging.
- Elf Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a quick tic-tac-toe board on paper with the elf playing against a toy.
- Gumdrop Skyscraper: Stack gumdrops with toothpicks into a tower as if the elf has been building.
- Sticker Explosion: Place fun stickers around the elf to look like they got into the sticker drawer.
- Santa Letter Helper: Set the elf next to a stack of paper with “letters to Santa” half-written.
- Elf Painter: Set up a tiny easel or piece of paper with some “art” from your elf.
These quick ideas make it easy to keep the elf magic alive without adding too much to your plate during a busy holiday season.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Tricks for Toddlers
Keeping things simple for little ones can still be loads of fun. Here are more Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddler-friendly elf activities.
- Elf Storytime: Set up the elf with an open picture book as if they’re reading to stuffed animals.
- Pajama Party: Dress the elf in pajamas and set them up with a pillow and tiny blanket.
- Baking Elf: Place the elf near some cupcake liners and sprinkles, hinting they’ve been “baking.”
- Toy Train Ride: Set up a small train with the elf as the conductor.
- Play-Doh Creations: Place the elf near some Play-Doh with tiny shapes, like they’ve been sculpting.
- Block Castle: Build a castle out of blocks with the elf peeking out from inside.
When Does the Elf Arrive and Leave?
Most Scout Elves return to their families during Scout Elf Return Week™, a week-long window at the end of November leading into December. This year, Scout Elf Return Week runs from November 24 through December 1. Families often welcome their elf during this time, setting the stage for a month of holiday fun and creative setups. Then, on Christmas Eve, the elf heads back to the North Pole, just in time for Santa’s big night.
From December 1 to Christmas Eve, a new idea each night keeps the countdown to Christmas magical. Here’s an idea for every night your elf is in the house, adding a playful surprise for the kids each morning.
Nightly Elf on the Shelf Ideas for November 24-December 24
Possible starting night November 24: The elf arrives with a mini banner that says, “I’m back!” surrounded by a few small treats like candy canes, tiny presents, or a letter from Santa explaining the elf’s return.
November 25: Place the elf next to a bowl of popcorn, “watching” a tiny screen with a holiday movie scene, as if it’s movie night.
Idea for November 26: Set up the elf making a snow angel in a sprinkle of powdered sugar or flour on the kitchen counter.
November 27: Position the elf in a small “castle” made from toy blocks or books, peeking out from behind it as if playing hide-and-seek.
Elf on the Shelf idea for November 28: Have the elf “slide” down a cereal box slope, looking like they’re having some breakfast fun.
November 29: Put the elf next to a coloring book and crayons with some scribbles on a page, as if they’ve been drawing.
November 30: Place the elf on a toy reindeer or horse, holding the reins like they’re ready for a race.
Start Your December Elf Shenanigans
December 1: Set up the elf with mini game pieces or cards, “playing” a game with a few small toys.
For December 2, hide mini candy canes around the house and have the elf hold a “map” for a fun candy cane treasure hunt!
On December 3, set the elf next to a mug filled with mini marshmallows to kick off a cozy hot cocoa night with the family!
On December 4, hang some socks around the elf, mixing them up for a fun “silly sock” surprise!
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 5: Put your elf in cute tiny pajamas and leave a note saying it is “Pajama Day” for the whole house!
December 6: Place the elf in a small container with mini marshmallows to look like a cozy “bubble bath.”
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 7: Set up a tiny Christmas tree for the elf with mini ornaments nearby, as if they’re decorating.
Elf of the Shelf Ideas
December 8: Position the elf with some paper and crayons as if they’re writing a letter to Santa.
December 9: Set up a toy phone or mini camera with the elf, surrounded by silly “selfies” they’ve “taken.”
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 10: Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on a piece of paper, with the elf playing against a toy friend.
December 11: Arrange candy canes like monkey bars or a slide for the elf to “play” on.
December 12: Place the elf next to a small gingerbread house or kit, with some “tools” nearby.
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 13: Hang a mini stocking near the elf, filled with tiny treats or notes for the kids.
December 14: Put the elf in a small sled (a shoe box works too) with a few stuffed animals around, as if they’re ready to sled.
Finishing Out the Month Strong
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 15: Position the elf with a few cookies and some sprinkles, as if they’ve been “helping” to decorate.
December 16: Set up the elf with wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon, as if they’re wrapping a present.
December 17: Place a mini sign with the elf saying “5 Days Until Christmas!” to build excitement.
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 18: Scatter small candy pieces around the elf, making it look like they’ve been on a candy “scavenger hunt.”
On December 19, set up the elf with a cute sign or letter inviting the kids to join in on a Christmas craft!
On December 20, set the elf up with some small bells or holiday trinkets, like they’ve been decorating their own little spot.
Elf on the Shelf idea for December 21: Let the elf chill on a pillow with a tiny blanket, taking a little break before Christmas!
December 22: Set up the elf reading a Christmas book, with a few stuffed animals “listening” nearby.
December 23: Position the elf with some party hats and a few small treats, celebrating Christmas Eve Eve.
Final Night December 24: Set the elf up with a tiny suitcase and a farewell note saying goodbye, reminding the kids to keep the holiday spirit alive and that they’ll be back next year.
Wrapping Up the Fun with Elf on the Shelf
From a big entrance to a sweet farewell, there are many ways to make your Elf on the Shelf ideas come alive! Each one is an opportunity to build memories, add excitement, and even start traditions that can become family favorites.
Staying light and simple helps you enjoy the holiday fun without the stress. If you are already feeling overwhelmed after reading this, there are kits on Amazon with all the props and ideas you’ll need for the whole season. Elf on the Shelf adds fun to those little moments that get kids excited for each day!
