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    Home » Blog » Christmas » Elf on the Shelf

    40 Magical Elf on the Shelf Ideas

    Published: Nov 11, 2013 · Modified: Oct 12, 2021 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    40 easy elf on the shelf ideas for busy parents. Have a magical holiday season with these creative and clever displays for your family's favorite elf.

    An Elf on the Shelf is riding a toy dinosaur.

    My friend Carey has the most awesome approach to festive fun with their family Elf on the Shelf.

    Each year she shares with us a few of her favorite tips. Her ideas are some of the most creative and inspirational Elf activities I've ever seen, I'm thrilled that she agreed to share her best tips and tricks with us.

    I know there are elf naysayers out there, but I think you'll find that Carey's approach is so wonderful because:

    1. She's Purely Positive: Her elf is not a reward or punishment for behavior in any way.
    2. Super Easy: Her tips are really easy even though her photos may make them look jaw dropping.
    3. Complete Instructions: She totally shares her how-to's. If you see a photo and have questions, please leave her a comment and she'll be happy to give more specifics!

    With a little bit of planning, anyone could truly handle Carey's practices. I hope you enjoy the ideas as much as I do!

    Be sure to check out all her best ideas below and get ready to have some fun!

    40 Magical Elf on the Shelf Ideas

    Need some new Elf on the Shelf ideas? Don't miss this ultimate guide to all the amazing elf scenes, tips, and supply lists for everything you need to get started.

    3 Starter Tips for Elf on the Shelf

    Before Elf Season gets underway, be sure to read this excellent article on how to plan out your Elf ideas this year.

    When Does Elf On the Shelf Come?

    It all starts with the Elf on the Shelf arrival! Learn how to introduce your family to the elf tradition with these easy tips.

    3 Tips to Make Your Elf Awesome

    Learn how to hack your elf to make him flexible and posable for his grand adventures this Christmas.

    5 Flying Elf on the Shelf Poses

    Elf on the Shelf is way more fun when he's having adventures MID-AIR! Learn how to pose your elf in these fun flying poses.

    5 Elf "Off the Shelf" Ideas

    Elf on the Shelf doesn't have to always sit on a shelf. Let him explore off the shelf with these playful poses.

    Easy To Find Elf Hiding Spots

    If your family has really little ones, don't miss these tips on making the Elf on the Shelf easy enough to find for preschoolers.

    Elf on the Shelf Around the House

    The Elf on the Shelf tradition will quickly become a cherished part of your Christmas home. These easy everyday elf adventures are perfect.

    Extra-Amazing Elf Poses

    For the extra-creative crafters out there, don't miss these breathtaking elf pose ideas. They take a little more effort but are SO COOL.

    3 Elf on the Shelf Snack & Treat Ideas

    Is your elf feeling a little hungry? Elf on the Shelf can often be found hiding in the pantry with these adorable snack ideas.

    Funny Elf on the Shelf Toy Scenes

    Elves are naturally playful holiday visitors. These funny Elf on the Shelf scenes incorporate your child's favorite toys.

    Naughty Elf on the Shelf Pranks

    Oh that little trickster. If your naughty Elf on the Shelf is up to no good, these pranks are perfect for adding to his routine.

    5-Minute Prep Elf on the Shelf Poses

    Just 5 minutes is all it takes to set up these fun and festive Elf on the Shelf scenes.

    4 Simple Elf Memories to Capture

    Don't forget to take pictures of your elf's adventures! These precious memories are going to be part of your family story for a lifetime.

    40 easy elf on the shelf ideas

    More Elf on the Shelf

    • 5 Elf "Off the Shelf" Ideas
    • 3 Tips to Make Your Elf Awesome
    • 3 Starter Tips for Elf on the Shelf

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diney

      November 02, 2015 at 5:25 pm

      I purchased one last year to use on my son that is 23 and lives at home. He works for the Air National Guard and I think it will be fun to have Elf doing something, or send him pictures of what elf has done while he was at work.

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Trackbacks

    1. Snacks and sweets: tiny treats from your resident Elf » Peanut Blossom says:
      December 12, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    2. Tiny trickster: sweet and simple pranks for your elf » Peanut Blossom says:
      December 12, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    3. Use what you have: Easy elf ideas for around the house! » Peanut Blossom says:
      December 2, 2014 at 8:22 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    4. Elf & Friends: Using your toy stash to create a playful wonderland! » Peanut Blossom says:
      December 2, 2014 at 7:46 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    5. Operation Creativity: A manual for mind-blowing holiday fun » Peanut Blossom says:
      November 20, 2014 at 10:22 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    6. Up and Away!: airborne fun for your Elf on the Shelf » Peanut Blossom says:
      November 20, 2014 at 9:30 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    7. Embrace the fleeting magic of childhood, do you believe? » Peanut Blossom says:
      November 11, 2014 at 10:45 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. […]

      Reply
    8. 3 tips to make your Elf awesome! » Peanut Blossom says:
      November 3, 2014 at 9:33 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. ______________________________________________________ […]

      Reply
    9. Elf Possible – 3 tips for a Successful Elf Season » Peanut Blossom says:
      November 3, 2014 at 9:32 am

      […] Elf on the Shelf Central: All of the ideas and instructions you’d ever need for some festive fun rounded up in one spot for your convenience here. ______________________________________________________ […]

      Reply

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