START 7 DAY FREE TRIAL

Activities

Best Elf On The Shelf Ideas

Written By: happycamper

The Elf on the Shelf tradition brings holiday magic into homes everywhere. If you’re looking for tried-and-true ideas that are easy to pull off, we’ve got you covered!

Here are 10 of the most classic Elf on the Shelf setups to inspire your festive fun.

marshmallows#1 Marshmallow Snowball Fight

Set up your elf with a few mini marshmallows scattered around like snowballs. You can pair your elf with another toy or stuffed animal to create a battle scene.

#2 Elf in a Bowl of Cereal

Sit your elf in a cereal bowl filled with your family’s favorite breakfast cereal. Add a tiny spoon, and it’s breakfast time for your elf!

#3 Elf TPing the Christmas Tree

Wrap a roll of toilet paper around the tree, making it look like your elf got into some holiday mischief. It’s simple and always gets a laugh.

#4 Elf Taking a Marshmallow Bath

Fill a sink or small container with marshmallows and set your elf inside, as if they’re relaxing in a luxurious bath. Add a mini towel for extra cuteness.

#5 Elf Reading a Tiny Book

Prop your elf up with a miniature book or even a piece of paper folded like a book. You can write a short story or poem inside for a personalized touch.

flour angels#6 Elf Making Snow Angels in Flour

Sprinkle flour on the countertop and position your elf to look like they’ve been making snow angels. Add a little hand-drawn outline to complete the effect.

#7 Elf in the Fridge

Place your elf in the fridge surrounded by milk, eggs, or even some holiday treats. Give them a scarf or earmuffs to show they’re braving the “cold.”

#8 Elf Riding a Toy Sleigh

Use a small sleigh or even a makeshift one made from a tissue box. Position your elf as if they’re mid-ride, complete with a few reindeer toys leading the way.

#9 Elf Coloring a Picture

Set your elf at the kids’ craft table with some crayons and a coloring book. Position them mid-coloring for a creative scene that’s easy to assemble.

#10 Elf Hanging from the Ceiling Fan

Attach your elf to a ceiling fan blade with a ribbon or tape, making it look like they’re swinging. Just remember not to turn it on!

These timeless ideas are easy to recreate and sure to bring joy to kids and adults alike.

Tagged:- activities, elf on the shelf, holidays

RELATED ARTICLES

Activities

Outdoor adventure

Birdwatching at Camp: Migratory Birds to Spot in Fall

When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change color, something magical happens in the sky — it’s migration season! Fall is one of the best times to go birdwatching at camp. Thousands of migratory birds are making their way south for the winter, offering campers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, […]

Activities

Family activities

STEM Experiments With Fall Foods

Fall isn’t just for pumpkins, apples, and cinnamon—it’s also the perfect time to mix science, technology, engineering, and math with your favorite seasonal treats! STEM experiments can turn your kitchen or backyard into a lab of wonder. Get ready to explore the science behind some of your favorite fall foods while having a blast with […]

Read More...

Activities

How to Bring Summer Camp Magic into Your Home This Fall

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean the camp fun has to end! Fall is the perfect time to bring the magic of summer camp into your home—cozy nights, creative projects, and all. Whether you’re missing campfires, cabin crafts, or silly songs, you can recreate that special camp spirit right where you are. Here are a […]

Read More...

Outdoor adventure

Nature Walk Treasure Hunts with Fall Leaves & Acorns

Fall is the perfect time to lace up your sneakers, grab a cozy sweater, and head outside for a little adventure. The air is crisp, the colors are bright, and nature is full of treasures waiting to be discovered! One of the best ways to explore the great outdoors this season is with a Nature […]

Read More...

Outdoor adventure

How to Build the Perfect Campfire in Cooler Weather

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a crackling campfire when the air turns crisp. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories, or just warming your hands after a day of adventure, a campfire is the heart of camp life—especially in cooler weather. But building a fire when the temperatures drop requires a little extra preparation. […]

Read More...

HAPPY CAMPERS

New Year’s Eve Indoor Party Games for Kids

Read More...

Take the Family to Happy Camper Live!

Read More...

Sweet Science: Fun and Educational Candy Experiments for Kids

Read More...

Indoor Summer Camp Activities You Can Do At Home

Read More...

categories

Activities (268)

Arts and crafts (83)

Camp stories (12)

Camp traditions (24)

Campers (105)

Cooking (50)

Education (6)

Family activities (89)

Featured camps (12)

Gift Guides (12)

Music (9)

Outdoor adventure (39)

Parents (64)

Podcast (25)

School (17)

Science (16)

Sports (32)

STEM (13)

Water sports (1)