The Elf on the Shelf is back⌠which means your tiny, chaotic houseguest is ready to cause mischief, spark giggles, and keep the holiday countdown exciting for your kids â and mildly stressful for you.
But donât worry! Whether you're running purely on holiday spirit or on fumes from the 137 things December requires of parents, these 25 easy and adorable Elf ideas will make your life much easier. No crafting degree required. No 2 a.m. panic relocations (well⌠fewer, anyway).
Let the elfish fun begin! đ â¨
Fill a bowl with mini marshmallows. Plop the elf in. Boom â spa day.
String floss or ribbon from one side to the other and hang the elf like heâs on a high-stakes mission.
Set up your elf âsharing cocoaâ with one of your stuffed bees or holiday plushies.
Prop your elf next to a favorite Christmas story with pages open â bonus points for a kidâs favorite!
Sprinkle a little flour, place the elf down, make a snow angel. Messy? A little. Worth it? Yes.
Elf arrival day: donuts, candy canes, stickers, and a tiny note.
Stick your elf in the fridge with a tiny âshopping list.â
Lay out crayons and a holiday coloring page. Elf âstartedâ the masterpiece.
Elf squeezes toothpaste into a silly swirl on the counter. (Kids love it. Moms⌠breathe.)
Elf rolled up like a burrito. Kids laugh every. single. time.
Hide candy canes around the room with a note saying âFind 5!â
Give him a tiny Lego fort â bonus if kids finish it for him.
Scatter marshmallows and pose a few stuffed toys like theyâre retaliating.
Because he âmisses the North Pole.â Kids adore this one.
Use a toy tea set or small cups â instant cuteness.
A chalkboard, printable, or paper chain â whatever you have on hand.
Elf tangled in tape, ribbons, and wrapping paper scraps.
Set him up with popcorn crumbs and the remote pointed at a holiday movie.
Leave a silly message â âBrush with magic today!â â using a dry-erase marker.
Oats + sprinkles in a small bag. Done.
Set out Uno, Connect 4, or Candy Land with pieces mid-game.
Fold paper, add doodles â your elf is artistic now.
A crowd favorite. Add crumbs for drama.
Use couch cushions and blankets for a cozy elf hideaway.
A sweet farewell with a reminder:
âBe kind, be helpful, and keep the magic alive.â
Elf on the Shelf doesnât have to be stressful â it can be sweet, simple, funny, and full of holiday magic. With these 25 ideas, youâll have enough elf inspiration to last the whole season (and even impress your kids with your âcreativity,â wink wink).
So go on, Hive friends â embrace the elf mischief, enjoy the giggles, and let the holiday magic buzz through your home all month long. đâ¨âď¸