55 Elf on the Shelf ideas guaranteed to win Christmas (2024)

Looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas 2023? An Elf on the Shelf is a festive tradition that sees an elf misbehaving around the home in the lead-up to Christmas — and it's great fun for kids.

The idea is that the little elf, adorned in a suitably red outfit and hat, comes to your home at the start of December to keep an eye on children. If you need simple ideas to keep your elf and children entertained each morning, we've found some fun, family-friendly ideas that children will love, and won't take up too much time.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

The concept is based on a book written in 2005 by US author Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bel. The story goes that Santa has sent out helpful little Scout Elves to people's homes to watch whether children have been naughty or nice during December. The idea is that every night they go back to the North Pole to report back to Santa, which helps him know who is on the naughty or nice list.

Then, when they are back in children's homes, they move to a new spot. Some elves are very active and get themselves into funny and often tricky situations, such as getting stuck somewhere or caught eating something. Children will love looking around the house to find out what they've been up to.

The elves go home after Christmas Day when Santa arrives to deliver presents. He takes them back with him to the North Pole, so they're not to be seen again until the next year.

The story from the book has since grown into a real-life activity, as the Scout Elves are available to buy and it soon became a month-long tradition across homes in the UK and beyond.

BUY ELF ON THE SHELF

The gift set includes an adoptable Scout Elf with an official adoption certificate, a keepsake box and a lovely illustrated storybook.

How to start the Elf on the Shelf tradition

Once you've bought the book and the toy, you should read the book together so the children know the story. Then the elf needs to be given a name too.

Children can't touch the elves either, as if they do, the elves will lose their magic. Although they can't talk, the elves are very good at listening, so children can talk to them and whisper secrets and wishes too, which they can take back to Santa.

What to buy for your Elf on the Shelf

There are plenty of accessories you can buy for the elves too, which can help personalise them and help create fun situations. These include a book of tools and tips, expressive T-shirts, snowflake-themed outfits, or even pets for the elves. You can also buy them a traditional red sleigh, or a sleeping bag and swing set among other products.

3

Elf on the Shelf does retail therapy

4

Elf on the Shelf tops the Christmas tree

5

Elf on the Shelf on stilts

6

Elf on the shelf makes breakfast

7

Elf on the Shelf hides in the fridge

8

Elf on the Shelf has a snowball fight

9

Elf on the Shelf's reminder that it's Taco Tuesday

10

Elf on the shelf's sack race

11

Elf on the shelf goes skiing

12

Elf on the Shelf eats mince pies

13

Elf on the Shelf lifts weights

14

Elf on the Shelf gets magnetic

15

Elf on the shelf plays the drums

16

Elf on the shelf sits for a portrait

17

Elf on the Shelf in the tumble dryer

18

Elf of the Shelf goes shopping in the cupboards

19

Elf on the shelf makes a sponge cake

20

Elf on the Shelf finds the cereals