20 Elf on the Shelf Ideas from MyKidsTime
20 Elf on the Shelf ideas originally shared by MyKidsTime. Crawled in v1, 21 raw ideas extracted Every idea below links back to the original post, visit their site for more parenting ideas, recipes, and crafts year-round.
Build a Marshmallow Snowman
Stack three marshmallows into a snowman and draw a face with marker. Pose the elf placing a toothpick arm.
Christmas Pox Elves
Dot the elf's face, arms, and legs with red marker or small round stickers as festive chickenpox. Add a thermometer and a tiny 'I caught it' note.
Elf in the Car
Buckle the elf into the driver's seat of the family car or a toy ride-on. Add a tiny road map on the dashboard.
LEGO Ambush
Bury the elf under a pile of LEGO bricks with only his head or hand poking out. Pose a few minifigures as the attackers.
Minecraft Elf
Prop the elf in front of a game console controller aimed at the TV running Minecraft. Add a pile of Minecraft toys for company.
Playing Twister Scene
Print a custom elf-sized Twister mat and contort the elf across the dots. Add a second toy as the spinner operator.
Snowball Fight
Position the elf and another toy hurling mini marshmallows at each other like snowballs. Scatter the marshmallows mid-air or on the floor between them.
Taped Up Elf
Wrap the elf in tape so he looks trapped and pose a few toys as the pranksters holding more tape. Add a 'help!' sign.
Weightlifting Elf
Stick marshmallows on each end of a drinking straw to make a barbell. Pose the elf lifting it overhead in workout gear.
Barbie Car Mechanic
Prop a Barbie car up on Legos and slide the elf underneath with plastic tools. Add a greasy rag and paper 'oil' spill.
Candy Cane Car Wash
Line up toy cars driving through a wash made of craft sticks and sponges. Pose the elf as the attendant with a fabric 'drying cloth'.
Drummer Boy Elf
Flip over tin cans to form a drum kit and place pencils in the elf's hands as drumsticks. Add sheet music on a stand.
Elf Decorating with Firetruck
Back a toy firetruck up to the Christmas tree and extend its ladder with ornaments on it. Pose the elf climbing up to hang one.
Elf on a Swing Toilet Roll
Thread string through an empty toilet paper tube and tie it between two doorframe hooks to make a swing. Strap the elf on with tape.
Elf Playing School
Line up stuffed animals facing a mini whiteboard with a lesson written on it. Pose the elf at the front as the teacher with a pointer.
Parachuting Elf
Tie a square of fabric to the elf's arms as a parachute and dangle him from a ceiling fixture as if floating down. Add a 'I'm back!' note.
See You Next Year Goodbye
Spray a fine layer of fake snow on the window and use a template to write 'see you next year'. Pose the elf with a tiny suitcase.
Skittles Rainbow Magic Trick
Arrange Skittles in a circle on a white plate and pour water in the center to let colors bleed into a rainbow. Pose the elf as the magician revealing the trick.
Stuck Outside Patio Door
Spray fake snow or draw paint footprints up to the patio door with the elf pressed against the glass from outside. Add a note begging to come in.
Ride a Zipline
String fishing line across the room between two high anchors and thread a paperclip hook for the elf to slide down. Position him mid-ride.
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- Who runs MyKidsTime?
- MyKidsTime is a parenting blog. Crawled in v1, 21 raw ideas extracted
- Are these ideas from a MyKidsTime blog post?
- Yes, each idea on this page is credited back to a specific post on https://www.mykidstime.com/for-parents/21-mischievous-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-delight-kids/. Click any idea's detail page and look for the "original post" link in the image caption or the Credit section at the bottom.
- Can I use these ideas with my own family?
- Absolutely, ideas are free to use. If you'd like to share or republish any of these specific scene write-ups, please follow the original source's usage terms; visit the linked post for details.