December is almost here which mean our Elf is coming back to visit. My kids have been busy getting the house ready for him and can hardly wait to see what he does. Here are well over 200 QUICK AND EASY ideas for your Elf On The Shelf. Many of these photos are from our own Elf, the others are ones our readers shared with us last year. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!
Do you have an Elf on the Shelf at your house? We started the tradition and my kids love it!
Still time to grab your own Elf On The Shelf if you would like to start this tradition as well.
The Elf on the Shelf (BOY) free shipping
The Elf on the Shelf – (Girl) Elf
The Elf on the Shelf Plushee Pal
- A timeless Christmas classic the whole family fan enjoy
- The Elf on the Shelf comes in light skin and dark skin boy and girl scout elves
- #1 national bestseller with over 2.5 million copies sold
- Touted as “the best thing since The Night before Christmas”
- A Scout Elf skirt is available, sold separately
You might also find this post helpful… 14 Reasons Why The Elf On The Shelf Did Not Move. Just in case your Elf does not move one night it is always good to be prepared and know why ;).
Rolling down the stairs in a roll of toilet paper
Cleaning up the family room and pushing the vacuum around!
Under the Christmas Tree taking a bath in a bowl of marshmallows.
Having a snack with the girls play kitchen food.
Racing in the Truck the other elves, he stole the trophy
sitting with the left over bowl of candy from the gingerbread house
Sitting with the Three Wise Men
at the top of the fire truck ladder, hanging an ornament on the Christmas Tree.
standing on the fruit bowl, smelling the roses.
Hanging upside down from the bathroom mirror with a long line of flower clips stuck to his hat.
Found him inside a water bottle, and we found his magic trick of how he got inside.
Climbed inside a box of Rice Krispies to hang out with Snap, Crackle and Pop
Our Elf was caught in the candy jar
Just hanging out on the lights waiting for the kids to find him.
Elf was sitting on the toilet while Barbie took a bath
Chubs the Elf was hanging out with his buddy Mr. Lion and clipping his nails
Hanging in a stocking eating chocolate kisses with Mr. Lion
Hanging out of a box of oatmeal and doing snow angles with Mr. Lion
Wearing Mom’s Ninja Hair and looking very much like a Reindeer in training
Driving a Tonka truck and loading Christmas bulbs he took off the tree
In our house plant, hiding with Sprout from Green Giant.
In our Christmas Tree covered in clean underwear
In the dryer, folded the clean blankets into a little bed for him and a few friends.
Putting a puzzle together with his friend Elmo
Sitting on the kitchen counter eating a Ritz cracker
On a toilet paper tower in front of the Christmas Tree
Eating chips and hiding in a Pringles Can Under the Tree!
Playing SHOE TRAIN with his friends
Snuck to Granny’s house for Christmas and was ridding her chicken
They found him rocking in the baby swing with a few friends, holding an ornament for baby Madilyn since this is her first Christmas.
Sewing himself a stocking on the sewing machine
Trying to cut down the pineapple with a plastic knife
We found our Elf hiding in the advent calendar my 9 year old daughter made out of paper.
Our Elf was a volunteer fireman last night and was getting training from Fireman Sam and Batman. My 4 year old was sure excited to see him in his fire station today.
Hanging out in our big “B” watching over baby Jesus… the kids put a candy cane in the manger with baby Jesus they thought he might like a treat :).
It took the kids while to find our Elf today… he was hiding on the shelf in a giant conch shell, it gave the kids a good giggle when they finally found him.
The kids found our Elf hanging out on the bathroom vanity doors, they said he was in “Jail” for the day 🙂
He was putting up lights in the kitchen and looks like he got a little tangled up.
Painting a picture on top the hutch 
Smuckers sent us a wonderful package of goodies for the Holidays, I guess our Elf could not wait to jump in and enjoy them. He was snacking on a spoonful of Jif peanut butter this morning.
Look who dressed up like Elsa
Doing acts o service and filling the manger with straw.
He was in the tree and wrote the kids a note to tell them to clean their rooms, and help Mom with the house.
Day 18 ~ my 4 older kids are in LOVE with their new baby sister, Each morning they RUN down the stairs to find the Elf and then go grab their baby sister to show her were he is. I find it absolutely adorable…. I love moments like this. Pretty sure she has no clue what that little red thing is, but she sure loves to look at him with her family and giggle with delight as they share making memories together. Today he was peeking out a a roll of paper towels in the kitchen.
Found him in the marshmallows
He brought the kids a gingerbread kit
Our Elf took a nap up in the curtains.~Thanks Joyce for this idea
Out elf brought candy from Korea since he is able to travel the world ~ Thanks Kristy for this idea 
Buzz making sure everyone is safe ~ Thanks Amber for this idea
I guess he wants to get clean ~ Thanks Michele for this idea
Be Kind ~ Thanks Sarina for this idea
Just hanging around ~ Thanks Sherri for this idea
All tangled up ~ Thanks Amy for this idea
I think she heard me getting onto my daughter for her messy room! ~ Thanks Kelly for this idea
He wants to share how nice… FREE Reindeer Poop ~ Thanks Vicki for this idea
He made breakfast!~ Thanks Erin for this idea
We planted tick taks yesterday and they grew overnight! ~ Thanks Sherri for this idea
Tree lighting ceremony tonight, snowflake brought a new Santa hat & glow Sticks ~ Thanks Marty for this idea
Wrote a little note WAY UP HIGH ~ Thanks Phyllie for this idea
He made pancakes for Barbie…and our kids. ~ Thanks Jeanette for this idea
Bath crayons morning message on shower wall!! ~ Thanks Jennifer for this idea
Junior is so silly!! ~ Thanks Melissa for this idea
Look who got a marker ~ Thanks Ashley for this idea
Elves found the wrapping paper and are a little taller today ~ Thanks Sherri for this idea
Kids were shocked that he ate half the bowl lol ~ Thanks Cindi for this idea
Hyder flew in from the North Pole~ Thanks Amy for this idea
They built a mountain of cups ~ Thanks Brandi for this idea
Decorated the kitchen with bows and notes ~ Thanks Cindi for this idea
Silly Elf just the Joy sign into YO Ho HO and is wearing a pirate hat ~ Thanks Megan for this idea 
Tinsel roasting marshmallows over a Lincoln Log fire with cousin elf, Jingle and Emmett from the Lego Movie. ~ Thanks Miranda for this idea
Found a boat and are going fishing ~ Thanks Amanda for this idea
Spider Man is not so sure Elfie is a good addition to the house ~Thanks Hollie for this idea
When looking at your tree something missing came to mind. Hidden in your house 12 candy canes for you to find. Love Snowflake ~ Thanks Kelly for this idea
Elf On Strike Start Helping and Behaving ~ Thanks Jennifer for this idea
Anyone want to play a little basket ball ~ Thanks Amy for this idea
Piney climbed mount Christmas tree and put a flag on the star! ~ Thanks Amanda for this idea
Elf diet is NOT sugar free ~ Thanks Tami for this idea
We had to POOP…. Thanks Nikkie for this idea
Gone Fishing ~ Thanks Kerri for this idea
Brought Christmas Books for the kids ~ Thanks Adrianne for this idea
Folded the laundry and made themselves beds with the towels what sweet little elves. ~ Thanks Jessica for this idea
Our cute little elves are super excited to make some cookies with the girls today ~ Thanks Colleen for this idea
Look who had a Milk and Cookie party while we were sleeping ~ Thanks Emma for this idea
Time to find those SILLY Elves…. Thanks Elizabeth for this idea
Tis the season of giving, Please collect 5 toys you no longer play with to donate to someone in need ~Thanks to Erin for this idea ( this is AWESOME)
Lets Play marshmallow tic tac toe ~ Thanks Danielle for this idea
Someone has LONG beautiful lashes ~ Thanks Megan for this idea
Fun gift idea for the kids to take to school ~ Thanks Michele for this idea 
TP snowman (how adorable) ~ Thanks Erin for this idea
Oh No our EYES are always watching you ~ Thanks Erin for this idea
Left a little note written q-tips ~Thanks Meredith for this idea
American Gothic elf….Trigg decided to have his portrait painted so he grabbed his “pitchfork”, glasses and old farmhouse!! ~ Thanks Alison for this idea 
Peter made us into elves! Thanks Sarah for this idea 
Childs lips were chapped, elf brought him some milk chocolate chapstick! ~ Thanks Stephanie for this idea
Left a little note must of got stuck ~ Thanks Carrie for this idea
Playing SORRY with som friends ~ Thanks Jeannette for this idea 
Made it SNOW in the house ~ Thanks Jessica for this idea
Tinsel brought the kids a piece of chocolate of HIM of course! ~ Thanks Brittaney for this idea
Snowflake made a mini gingerbread house and brought both girls their own ~ Thanks Kelly for this idea
Olaf instigated a snowball fight with our resident villains ~ Thanks Amanda for this idea
A little birdie told me to BE GOOD ~ Thanks Mary for this idea
Sitting on the ipad & reading, he also brought the kids new books ~ Thanks Kim for this idea
Ruby, the elf threw an ugly Christmas sweater party last night! Thanks Tabitha for this idea
Wonder why the Elf did not move…. maybe the kiddos were on the Naughty list that day 🙁 ~ Thanks Julie for this idea
Rudolf the red nosed …. family ~ Thanks Marty for this idea
Look who made a rocket and is going to the stars… Thanks Hollie for this idea
We were in the community parade this morning so the elves had a parade of their own! ~ Thanks Sherri for this idea
My four year old wasn’t feeling well last night. I found these Elf on the Shelf band aids at target in the $ section:) ~ Thanks Megan for this idea
Do you want to build a snowman, powdered donuts for breakfast ~ Thanks Tabitha for this idea
She’s on her way some where with my shoes. ~ Thanks Corie for this idea
Sally did laundry for her friends! ~ Thanks Jamie for this idea
Who took the cookie for the cookie jar…. Thanks Emilie for this idea
Donuts for the whole family ~ Thanks Brandi for this idea
Albie the Elf bought a project for the kids to make ~ Thanks Starr for this idea 
Little morning pick me up Elfie style ~ Thanks Magdalena for this idea 
Elfie just hanging out in the bathroom! ~Thanks Caroline for this idea
We decorated our tree last night so the elves decided to decorate one to ~ Thanks Sherri for this idea
Coloring a picture with a friend ~Thanks Kiley for this idea
This is our elf laundry string. It snowed so he needed an extra pair of pants. In the note he thanked the kids for letting him join the family for the count down to Christmas then he reminds them he talks to Santa every night and to be good and try their best. ~ Thanks Cindi for the idea.
Gone Fishing ~ Thanks Michelle for this idea
Morning cup of Joe ~Thanks Sam for this idea
Thanks Krista for this idea
Our dog Bear does not like the attention Twinkle was getting.~ Thanks Mercedes for this idea
Dressed like Rudolf ~ Thanks to Amy for this idea
Minecraft Elf ~ Thanks Amanda for this idea
“Peanut” was brushing and flossing ~ Thanks Colleen for this idea
Ready for his morning cup of coffee ~ Thanks Jessica for this idea
Zip Line Candy Cane style ~ Thanks to Loretta for this idea
Magically Delicious hiding in the pantry ~ Thanks Michelle for this idea
A yummy reminder to be good ~ Thanks to Cortney for this idea
Put your hands up ~ Thanks Mary for this idea
Twinkles and her reindeer made popcorn and a mess to boot ~ Thanks to Melanie for this idea
Being silly and hiding ~ Thanks Misty for this idea
Hanging out in a cool place. Playing in ice instead of snow. ~ Thanks Mandy for this idea
Supplies to make gingerbread houses ~ Thanks Tabitha for this idea
Helping Santa finish the “Big List” ~ Thanks to Hollie for this idea 
Sneaky made breakfast! ~ Thanks Danielle for this idea
Toys are not so sure Elfie is a good idea ~ Thanks Natalia for this idea
Look who was in his Hot Chocolate cup ~Thanks Alexandria for this idea
Time to make the donuts! Cheerios and Elf Donuts look a lot a like 🙂 ~ Thanks Shahera for this idea
Elfie Selfie Photos with the kids ~ Thanks to Megan for this idea
Bob our Elf is getting his tan on after being away so long. Welcome back to South Florida Bob. ~ Thanks Sharon for this idea
Watch out this house is protected by toys ~ Thanks Chris for this idea
Elfie on top of the book tower ~ Thanks Julie for this idea
Used chocolate chips…wish I could post the video of my kids finding her this morning…. The reaction was priceless. ~ Thanks Amanda for this idea
Having a meeting with the new elf over cookies, clementines and water ~ Thanks Sarah for this idea
Reminder to BE GOOD written in the spider man soap ~ Thanks to Shala for this idea
Elf is playing with Play Doh on the counter ~ Thanks to Stacy for this idea
Elf is taking a bubble/ balloon bath in the tub ~ Thanks to Kristy for this idea 
Snowflake the Elf wrote a note and brought a treat in his sack ~ Thanks to Marty for this idea
He built a tower out of books by the Christmas Tree ~ Thanks Vicky for this idea 
He made himself a SNOW ANGEL right in the middle of the kitchen ~ Thanks Michelle for this idea
Yoga class for Elves… Thanks to Lesley for this idea
You can see snow flake sitting in a swing of lights on the metal thing hanging on the wall. She wrapped our living room and kitchen with lights to tell us to hurry and decorate! ~ Thanks Kelly for this idea
Our elf, George, came on Thanksgiving night dressed like a turkey ~ Thanks Danielle for this idea
Riding the bike in the picture in the wall ~ Thanks Jen for this idea
Our elf sparkles came today and brought his movie! ~ Thanks Lynsie for this idea 
Do you want to build a snowman, breakfast treat ~ Thanks Marty for this idea
Elfie ate all the ice cream! ~ Thanks Lina for this idea
He’s going to help decorate the tree ~ Thanks Ryan for this idea
Going Fishing inside ~ Thanks to Joyce for this idea
Roasting Marshmallows over a candle making S’mores ~ Thanks Misty for this idea
These cookies are terrible, don’t leave these for Santa. ~ Thanks to Alison for this idea
She made a new friend and they are going for a ride with their new FRUIT cars lol ~ Thanks Alison for this idea
Made some hot chocolate and is enjoying it with a VERY LONG STRAW ~ Thanks Alison for this idea
Silly Lunch thanks to Elf, he is watching you ~ Thanks Marty for this idea
Did he really just draw on the back of babies head…oh no. ~ Thanks Danielle for this idea
Parachuting with a cup cake wrapper ~ Thanks to Mandy for this idea
Our elf showed up with a breakfast invitation at the neighbor’s house, so they all came over and ate cinnamon rolls with us! ~ Thanks Melissa for this idea
Silly elves toilet papered the tree and made it into Frosty The Snowman ~ Thanks Sherri for this idea
Putting a little Christmas magic into the milk and turning it green ~ Thanks Jennifer for this idea
Elf is a judge on “THE VOICE” ~ Thanks Alison for this idea
Breakfast “Elf Style” ~ Thanks Lisa for this idea
Just hanging around… found something sweet to drink ~ Thanks Misty for this idea
Someone has a sweet tooth ~ Thanks Amy for this idea
Replaces their stocking with their underwear! ~ Thanks Shala for this idea
Making a bracelet on the Rainbow Loom ~ Thanks to Stefanie for this idea
Buttons had a picnic and brought my daughters new Lalaloopsy dolls. ~ Thanks Rachelle for this idea
Subbing for one of the 3 Kings ~ Thanks Kristy for the idea
Pumpernickle, our elf, snow flaked our window! ~ Thanks Becky for this idea
Twinkle Star! The kids had picked up all their toys before bed and he got them all out. ~ Thanks Cindi for this idea
Made himself a swing out of a candy cane ~ Thanks to Elizabeth for this idea
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Elf were having a snowball fight ~Thanks to Sam for this idea
Minty Fresh in the bathroom ~ Thanks to Tabitha for this idea
Gingerbread invited some friends over for a game of Twister ~ Thanks Jennifer for this idea
Jack wants to be top elf. He recruited the help of his Lego buddies and tied up poor Snowflake. G.I. Joe to the rescue! ~ Thanks Shannon for this idea
He found himself a toy that he really likes ~ Thanks to Amy for this idea
Used the Christmas dog to bring the kids Santa magnets. ~ Thanks Ashley for this idea
Snacks & video games!~ Thanks to Michelle for this idea
My oldest was very stressed by this…he wanted his brother to eat his yellow puffs! ~ Thanks Erin for this idea
Wrapped the photos on the wall to look like presents ~ Thanks Michelle for this idea
Oh no, remember to play nice ~ Thanks Ashley for this idea
Look Up ~ Thanks Trista for this idea
WOW he had a busy night ~ Thanks to Lori for this idea
Elf is on Pooper Scooper Duty ! Thanks to Haley for this idea
Helping with the morning coffee ~ Thanks Megan for this idea
Playing with mmagnets~ Thanks Carrie for this idea
Our elf “belle” riding our 3 year old daughter kinsley’s stick horse. She said “I’m really not very happy with belle, because now I can’t play with my horse!!!” Ha ha ha ~ Thanks Nicole for this idea 
Baby Unicorn is about to get goosed by Mr. Elf ~Thankd Makenzie for this idea
Book party with friends ~ Thanks Carrie for this idea
Michele Lemanski Clark these are some cute ideas!
Tricia Hollifield haha ! Put him In a water bottle. We may need al for that one
Were done with the elf! Don’t let him haunt us any more haha
Oh lord lol
Tricia Hollifield lol
Yeah I farted so what?
OH GOOD 🙂 I do it remind myself too, lol
This nightly post has saved me 3 time this year already! Thanks for the reminder!
Darn the elf! He consumes my life!…#alarmsetincaseiforget
That’s creepy… And cute
Don’t forget 😉
Awe thanks for the shout out!!!
I like how Vader has back up, alone he could never take that Elf.
My sweet friend does the best Elf on the SHELF always stalking her page to see what her kids and their elf got into. If you wanna see more head on over to her page Dancing Frog Photography
I did already harvey thought the elf was dead. … bad move@@
Sarah Spencer You’ve got to do this one!!!!
Our elves, Jingles and Bella, got married
Mel E Robertts right up your alley lol
takes some dedication to get all of those footprints everywhere..
thats a pretty cool idea… might need an alibi.. for the freeze or the dry off..lol
This one was of my own thinking… And tonight’s idea was to get the elf to make “foot prints” through the house in green paint…starting at my son’s bedroom door to the kitchen…. 🙂
I saw this one….classy!
Just incase you dont already know….she is adorable
Thank you! Just reminded me to move the stupid thing
Nursing at 4am and realized I forgot to move mine too! THANK YOU!!
He had to move today. My 2 year old had to go to the er today and was so good and brave. Of all the days….thanks for the reminder!
Here is a few ideas for that 🙂 https://athriftymom.com/14-reasons-why-the-elf-on-the-shelf-did-not-move-are-you-are-prepared-for-this-crisis-elf/
So glad I saw this post, day 2 and I’m already forgetting to move him.
Our elf is in a small toy sleigh being pulled by a team of Tow Maters.
Perfect – thanks!!
Love it and I saw a few of my pictures as well! Thanks for sharing I had forgotten about sending in those pictures and surprised when I was scrolling through and saw them