For many parents, it’s the bane of their lives in the lead-up to Christmas: Elf on the Shelf.
That’s right — it’s time for these mischievous little elves to return to homes across the UK, much to the delight of giggling children everywhere.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition features a small elf doll that “magically” moves around the house each night during the holiday season. The elf watches over children and reports to Santa Claus on their behaviour, with the doll appearing in a new spot each morning.
The elf’s antics help build excitement and encourage good behaviour as Christmas approaches.
Popularised by the 2005 children's book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, this fun and festive tradition has become a staple in many homes.
This year, a giant Elf on the Shelf will appear in Croydon for a “London first”.
But if you often find yourself running out of ideas by the second week, don’t worry — we’ve compiled a list of fun and creative suggestions to help you.
Take a look below:
Festive breakfast
A simple and fun way to kick off the Elf on the Shelf season: start with your child’s favourite breakfast, add some festive paper plates, and voilà — you’ve got a North Pole-inspired breakfast!
The Elf Breakfast is a delightful tradition that marks the arrival of your family’s elf for the holiday season. It’s a joyful and festive way to welcome (or reintroduce) your Elf to the family, setting the tone for the fun-filled days ahead.
@elmay51 Happy December 1st! The elves are back with a North Pole breakfast! #december #christmas #elf #elfontheshelf #northpolebreakfast #santa #fyp
♬ Christmas Is Coming - DM Production
Elf assault course
Do you have any masking tape handy? Because that is all you need for this incredibly easy, but very effective, game.
Just ensure the dog doesn’t walk through the tape during the night...
@leahandallan I feel like this is top tier and so easy #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #christmas #naughtyelf
♬ original sound - TheRoberts
Ice skating Elf
This one is also easy but might be slightly more messy...
Your elf has gone ice skating but accidentally fallen in. Oops!
@kristinnicolemiller_ 1 WEEK UNTIL THE ELVES RETURN! Here is an easy elf on the shelf idea❄️⛸️The ice was too thin for Cupcake! Are you ready?! Save & share this idea with a friend🎄 #elfontheshelf #elvesontheshelves #elfontheshelfidea #christmasideas #kidschristmas #christmastraditions
♬ Pennies From Heaven - Remastered - Louis Prima
Broken TV prank
Those mischievous elves are at it again!
For this clever prank, all you need is a Post-it note and access to YouTube. Search for “broken TV screen” and the video will create the illusion of a smashed TV screen, leaving your little ones convinced the TV is broken — all thanks to the elves' handiwork!
@derrickagrimes Phee🤦🏾♀️ #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfday10 #christmasfun #familyof5 #christmasspirit #elfontheshelf2023 #blackelf #phee #momof3 #elfontheshelfideas
♬ Christmas and Being with You - Edward Josephs & Scott Rockwell
Trapped Elf
All you need for this one is an empty bottle and clear tape.
Cut open the bottle, place your elf in, and re-stick the label. Cue giggles in the morning from the children finding their stuck buddy!
@budgetingmumofficial Elf on the shelf idea for day 20! I love this and super quick and easy, the kids will love it 😍 only a few more days to go with our little friends🎄 #elfontheshelf #easyelfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #lastminuteelfideas #funnyelfontheshelfideas #fyp #foryoupage #viral elf on the shelf easy elf on the shelf last minute elf on the shelf elf on the shelf ideas funny elf on the shelf ideas
♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Elf tobogganing
Your elf will look like they have had great fun overnight with this one.
They have stolen a toilet roll and raced to the bottom of the stairs!
@wisconsinmama98 Easy Elf on the Shelf idea: day 1 🎄🎅🏻#easyelfonashelfideas #simpleelfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelfchallenge #elfonthedaily #christmas #craftymoms #christmastraditions #elfontheshelfadventures #elf #momlife #momlifehack #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #elfontheshelf2023
♬ Sleigh Ride (Sped Up) - The Ronettes
Scientific elves
Get little brains whirring with this one. An electro-shrinking machine turning their favourite biscuits to elf-size!
@elf_on_the_top_shelf #elf #elfontheshelf #elfonashelf #elfideas #elfmagic #honey #shrunk #christmas #minielf #ideas #hescomingtotown #ideasplease #christmas2022 #xmastime #elftiktok
♬ Theme For A Starlet - Chico Hamilton
An egg-cellent idea
These pesky elves had a cracking time with this kitchen staple to help eggs-hausted parents everywhere.
@kimberleylucas_ No eggscuses with this one 😅🥹 a quick easy idea for last minute elfers 🥰 if you don't have eggs you could use oranges and a note saying "Orange you glad im here?!!" 🍊🥰 #lastminuteelfidea #eots2023 #easyelfontheshelf #elfontheshelf2023 #fyp #easyelfideas #quickelfontheshelfideas
♬ Pennies From Heaven - Remastered - Louis Prima
Turning water into.... sprinkles!
Your children will be delighted to get their teeth brushed with this one.
And parents need not worry about the time and effort involved because it is a one-minute job.
@_maryannn0711 Simple Elf on the Shelf idea #elfontheshelf #easyelfonashelfideas #elftok #elfontheshelfadventures #elfontheshelfchallenge #elfontheshelf2023 #elfmagicact #elfitup #elf #foryoupage❤️❤️ #fyp #december #merrychristmas #christmas #elfontheshelfideas
♬ Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande
A citrus twist
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
And what better way to show it off than your very own choir of satsumas?
@malloryleerichardson 🎄 Elf on the Shelf Maestro 🍊✨ Bringing a citrusy twist to the holiday cheer with a choir of singing oranges! 🎶🧡 Our elf is conducting the sweetest symphony of the season. #ElfOnTheShelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfonashelf #kidschristmas #christmastraditions #holidaytraditions #elfideas
♬ Pennies From Heaven - Remastered - Louis Prima