Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Easy and creative Elf on the shelf ideas that will see you through December.

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition for some, which involves toy elves being placed around the home during December to keep an eye on whether kids are being naughty or nice.

Looking for some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can replicate in your own home for Christmas 2022?

We’ve been compiling some funny, fuss-free, sometimes naughty but always family-friendly Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you and your child count down to Christmas Day during the festive season.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has gained popularity in the UK and across the world. In the run up to Christmas, the magical Scout Elves help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists by taking note of a family’s Christmas adventures and reports back to Santa at the North Pole each night. Each morning, the Scout Elf returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting for someone to spot them.

This activity sees parents, grandparents, family members and guardians wake up extra early every morning (or at night after the kids have gone to bed) to place the Elf in a different area or room of the house, usually up to some sort of mischief. It’s a firm favourite in many family households as the nearly month-long event sees kids race around the house looking for their Scout Elf each morning.

It is, however, quite the commitment and can sometimes take a lot of preparation and creativity. 

There are a few rules for little ones to remember, too:

Don’t touch your Scout Elf or they will lose their magic!
Scout Elves can’t talk but are great listeners: children can share secrets and wishes with their Elf as often as they’d like.
The busy Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for the next Christmas.

Elf on the shelf ideas

While the first week of December will be a breeze, it can be a challenge keeping it up for the entire month. So take a look at these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you and your kids will love this Christmas.

1. Elf arrives with a naughty and nice list with child’s name on it
2. Elf empties flour in the kitchen and makes snow angels
3. Elf is in the car seated and belted waiting to go on an adventure or run errands
4. Elf has been busy colouring
5. Elf has a morning greeting made out of tasty sweets
6. Elf is eating cheese in the fridge
7. Elf takes a piece of chocolate from the advent calendar
8. Elf had a late night and is sleeping on the sofa
9. Elf is hiding among the pile of washing
10. Elf unravels the toilet paper in the bathroom
11. Elf washes the dishes
12. Elf is listening to Christmas songs
13. Elf has gotten into a cereal box
14. Elf is riding a toy car
15. Elf is reading a book
16. Elf has hidden treats under paper cups, can the kids guess which ones?
17. Elf has been busy making snowflakes out of cotton buds
18. Elf has made the kids into elf helpers by painting their cheeks nice and rosie
19. Elf is swinging into the last week of school
20. Elf has got the kids toothbrushes ready to brush their teeth
21. Elf is reading a book to toy friends
22. Elf has made a bird feeder to hang outside
23. Elf has brought some popcorn for a movie night
24. Elf is sitting in tissue paper with a farewell note to the kids

Enjoy!