40 Magical Elf on the Shelf Ideas
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.

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:
- She's Purely Positive: Her elf is not a reward or punishment for behavior in any way.
- Super Easy: Her tips are really easy even though her photos may make them look jaw dropping.
- 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!
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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.
Before Elf Season gets underway, be sure to read this excellent article on how to plan out your Elf ideas this year.
It all starts with the Elf on the Shelf arrival! Learn how to introduce your family to the elf tradition with these easy tips.
Learn how to hack your elf to make him flexible and posable for his grand adventures this Christmas.
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.
Elf on the Shelf doesn't have to always sit on a shelf. Let him explore off the shelf with these playful poses.
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.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition will quickly become a cherished part of your Christmas home. These easy everyday elf adventures are perfect.
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.
Is your elf feeling a little hungry? Elf on the Shelf can often be found hiding in the pantry with these adorable snack ideas.
Elves are naturally playful holiday visitors. These funny Elf on the Shelf scenes incorporate your child's favorite toys.
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.
Just 5 minutes is all it takes to set up these fun and festive Elf on the Shelf scenes.
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.
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.
Actually, very cool! I have never heard of this before until this year! My LO attends a Provincial run Daycare for JK (she has slight developmental delays) & THEY Have .the elf on the shelf"! They move it constantly throughout the daycare and the children absolutely adore this PRACTISE! I look forward to reading this blog you've shared with us, so I can find out some more ideas surrounding this Elf guy ๐ Happy Holidays, Jeanine, Canada
Thanks
I wanted to see how you started your elf on shelf. I don't want to use one for punishment or for reward either. Just want to have fun with it.
Love the Elf on the Shelf ideas! This is our first year, so I appreciate all the help/tips/tricks!
This is so cute! Elf on the Shelf at it's best!
Any other ideas?-Thanks,Lindsey