Welcome back to the ultimate list of Elf on the Shelf ideas. If you already worked your way through the first 50 quick and easy Elf setups, you’re going to love this next round. This page includes 50+ brand new Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep the Christmas magic going all month long with no stress, no complicated crafts, and no late night panic required.
These super simple and kid approved elf ideas are perfect for busy parents who still want to create unforgettable December mornings. You will find a mix of funny elf scenes, cozy Christmas surprises, minimal prep setups, last minute ideas you can pull off in under five minutes, and creative twists that make it look like you planned everything in advance.
Whether this is your first year doing Elf on the Shelf or you have been creating holiday magic for years, this collection will help you stay inspired and keep the excitement alive from December 1st all the way until Christmas Eve.
If you missed the first 50 ideas, start there and then come back for the rest….
PART 1 OF 100+ ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
Grab your coffee, bookmark this page, and get ready to jump into the second half of the fun with more than 50 fresh Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will absolutely love.
#51 ELFUFU
Elfufu: Like a Labubu, but the Elf version. We all have Labubus now so of course the elf wanted in on the fun. Your elf puts on a tiny Labubu mask (printed on white paper, cut out and taped on) and sits right in the middle of the Labubu crew like they are one of them. Kids will lose it when they spot the elf blending in with the collectibles.
What you need: a Labubu or 2, a printer (to print the labubu face), tape to attach it to your elf
#52 Elfazon
We all get Amazon deliveries so why not an Elfazon delivery too. Your elf arrives in a small Amazon box labeled Elfazon, with a little hole cut out in front so the elf can peek through. It looks like they shipped themselves straight to your house and kids think it is absolutely hilarious. It’s a great easy option for the first day your elf arrives.
What you need: Amazon box and a sharpie (to add Elfazon to the box)
#53 Jokester Elf
Every home has a funny Elf on the Shelf and this setup is guaranteed laughter. The elf places a message board that reads “What happens when an egg hears a joke? It cracks up” and next to it sits a cracked egg on a plate with tiny X eyes drawn on.
What you need: an egg, a sharpie to draw the eyes, a plate, a message board or a note
#54 TPed the House
The elf goes wild and toilet papers the living room (or any room in your house), wrapping furniture, the tree, or whatever they can reach. Kids love walking in and seeing the silly mess and parents face of disbelief when they see the mess in their home. I love how easy this setup is with zero prep. A guaranteed laugh-out-loud Christmas elf moment.
What you need: a roll of toilet paper
#55 Post-It Fridge
The elf sticks Post-its all over the fridge and then sits on top of the fridge to reveal the silly surprise. Parents who want to get creative can arrange the Post-its into a fun shape like a heart, Christmas tree, or smiley face. Simple setup and big reaction every time. Make sure you sit your elf far enough back that it won’t fall when you open the fridge. Mine was tied to the knobs of the cabinet above (just in case).
What you need: a pack of Post-It Notes
#56 Magnetic Tile Zoo
If your kids love magnetic tiles and animal figures, this idea is a hit. My daughter had built a zoo using her magnetic tiles and toy animals, so that night our elf expanded the zoo a bit and became the zoo keeper watching over the animals. It turned into a really adorable Elf on the Shelf idea for kids who love pretend play. Once our elf moved on to the next adventure, the zoo stayed set up and my daughter played with it for quite a while. You can recreate this setup using magnetic tiles, Legos, or any type of building blocks you already have at home. Magna-Tiles are definitely an investment but for us they were worth it because they were my daughter’s favorite toy for years.
What you need: MagnaTiles (or Legos or any other building blocks) and MagnaTile zoo animals (or small zoo animal figurines)
#57 Zip-Lining into the Christmas Tree
This easy Elf on the Shelf idea has a huge wow factor with very little effort. The elf hangs onto a candy cane and “zip-lines” into the Christmas tree using a ribbon stretched from the chandelier to the Christmas tree. I tied the ribbon around the candy cane so it wouldn’t move, making it look like our elf was caught mid zipline.
What you need: any ribbon, a candy cane and some small clear elastics (to tie the elf to the candy cane)
#58 Hiding from Dad’s Fart
The elf hides inside a mason jar or upside down glass cup with a little note that says “Your dad farted. I’m hiding from the smell. It’s safe in here.” It is an easy setup, takes almost no time, and kids think the joke is absolutely hilarious. A great choice for parents who like silly humor and quick elf ideas.
What you need: a mason jar or an upside down glass cup and a message board or a note
#59 Toothpaste Note
This sweet and easy idea takes less than a minute but feels extra magical. The elf writes “I ♥ U” in the sink using toothpaste and sits nearby proudly showing off the surprise. Kids love discovering the message during the morning routine and it is a great way to add a cozy, heart-melting moment into a month full of silly elf antics. I especially love this toward the end of the season as a little reminder that the kids have a bond with their elf. The message can also say anything you want, which makes it a great idea to personalize.
What you need: toothpaste
#60 Ball Run
This creative Elf on the Shelf idea uses things you already have at home and kids absolutely love it. The elf collects empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls and tapes them to the side of a kitchen cabinet to create a little ball run. The rubber balls roll through the tubes and land in a Tupperware container at the bottom. It looks impressive, it is fun to play with, and it turns into an activity kids will keep coming back to all morning.
What you need: several empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls, painters tape, an empty tupperware and small balls
#61 Hershey Poop
This one always gets the biggest giggles. The elf sits on top of a wine glass and at the bottom of the glass sits one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss, making it look like the elf left a little “present.” It is an easy setup that takes seconds and kids think it is absolutely hilarious. Perfect for parents who like a little potty humor mixed into the holiday magic. What kid doesn’t laugh at poop?
What you need: a wine glass (but any clear cup should work) and 1 Hershey’s Kiss
#62 Playing Cards 6-7
This fun Elf on the Shelf playing cards setup is guaranteed to make your kids laugh. Your elf sits at a table playing cards with another toy, but here’s the twist — the only two cards visible are a 6 and a 7, because these kids can’t stop saying six seven. It’s simple, silly, and takes less than a minute to set up.
What you need: another toy or doll (a second elf is great too if you have 2) and a deck of cards
#63 Advent Calendar Delivery
The perfect December 1st setup that uses something you already give your child anyway. The elf arrives on the morning of December 1 sitting in front of the advent calendar as if they delivered it from the North Pole. A zero-prep idea that still feels magical and gives the calendar a fun “elf moment.”
What you need: an advent calendar (I bought an empty one this year and filled all the drawers myself)
#64 Toilet Papered Christmas Tree
Since we hadn’t decorated the tree yet, the elves (my niece was over so we had 2 elves) decided to do it themselves. The whole tree was wrapped in one roll of toilet paper, like elf-style streamers. It was funny, unexpected, and the kids woke up giggling at their “holiday tree makeover.”
What you need: 1 roll of toilet paper
#65 Shoe-Shoe Train
The elf created a little “shoe shoe train” using our shoes lined up in a row, with toys sitting inside each shoe like passengers. The elf was at the front acting as the conductor and held a tiny “All Aboard the Shoe-Shoe Train” sign. It’s cute, creative, and gets big laughs when the kids recognize their own shoes as the train cars.
What you need: lots of shoes, extra dolls or toys and a little sign
#66 Sock Slumber Party
The two elves had a cozy slumber party and each one was tucked into a “sleeping bag” made from a long sock. They were side-by-side like they stayed up talking all night before finally crashing. Simple, sweet, and guaranteed to make the kids smile when they see the elves bundled up for bedtime.
What you need: adult long socks
#67 Reading to Toys
The elf set up a little storytime moment and read a book to a group of toys. We used a dinosaur book and all of our mini dinosaur figurines gathered around to listen, but you can use whatever toys and books you already have at home. It’s an easy setup that looks adorable and feels like the elf is hosting their own bedtime story.
What you need: a book and some mini toys
#67 Dryer Ride
The elf turned our dryer into a pretend carnival ride. The elf sat inside the drum with two Barbies buckled in using tape as “seatbelts,” like they were riding a ferris wheel. You can use any toys you have. It looks hilarious and is such an easy setup.
What you need: some Barbie or toys as friends and a piece of packing tape
#68 Googly Eye Photos
The elf got into the craft drawer and put googly eyes on our family photo. Every person in the picture had silly eyes on top of their eyes and it instantly turned the whole photo into a funny scene.
What you need: a framed family photo and googly eyes
#69 TikTok
The elf was tied onto a small tabletop clock, and the message board next to it said “Is this how you do a TikTok?” It looked like the elf totally misunderstood the assignment, which made it even funnier. Such an easy setup and guaranteed kid laughter.
What you need: a clock and a message board or a note
#70 Balloon Chandelier Ride
The elves tied balloons to the chandelier and turned it into a carnival ride. They sat underneath like they were on a spinning carousel, holding onto the strings (I tied the strings to their hands and feet so they would be secured) as their “seats.” It’s colorful, silly, and one of those setups kids stare at for a while trying to figure out how the elves pulled it off.
What you need: a chandelier (or ceiling fan will work), ribbon and a pack of colorful balloons
#71 Q-Tip Note
When our elf arrived, she left a note on the floor that said “I am back” spelled out using Q-tips shaped into letters. It looks so creative but only takes a minute to do. If it’s not your first elf day, you can spell out anything you want — like “I love you” or “Good morning” — and it still feels fun and magical. I also made some snowflakes around it and for the shorter pieces I cut cotton swabs in half.
What you need: some cotton swabs
#72 Hanging from the 2nd Floor
If you have a two-story home, the elf can “slip” from the upstairs railing and get saved by a toy friend. The elf hangs over the edge while the toy is positioned above held by the railings holding the elf’s hands, and a clear elastic keeps them connected so the elf doesn’t actually fall. It looks dramatic and funny, like a rescue scene right in your house, and kids immediately start guessing what happened.
What you need: a friend (toy or another elf) and some small clear elastics to attach them
#73 Feeling Toasty
This is perfect for an extra cold morning! The elf put its hands through a slice of really toasted bread and sat next to the message board that said “It’s cold today but I’m nice & toasty.” It’s super simple, takes seconds, and the joke lands instantly with the kids.
What you need: a slice of toasted bread and a message board or a note
#74 Banana Faces
This one is quick, hilarious, and guaranteed to get a big reaction at breakfast. The elf grabs a Sharpie and doodles funny faces on every banana: goofy expressions, winky eyes, mustaches, whatever makes the kids laugh. Set the elf nearby holding the marker so it looks like they’re the artist behind the masterpiece. It takes less than a minute to set up but delivers maximum giggles when the fruit bowl suddenly has personalities. Perfect for a silly mid-week surprise.
What you need: bananas and a sharpie
#75 Shoe Closet Mess
This idea is pure chaos in the funniest way. The elf sneaks into mom’s closet overnight and leaves a big dramatic “fashion disaster” behind. Shoes scattered everywhere, or clothes pulled off hangers, or a drawer left open with folded outfits spilling onto the floor… whatever makes it look like the elf went on a wardrobe rampage. Place the elf proudly sitting on a closet shelf or perched inside the drawer like they’re showing off their “work.” Kids get such a kick out of seeing the elf make a huge mess where mom definitely would not. It’s silly, unexpected, and guaranteed to spark laughter first thing in the morning.
What you need: shoes (or any part of your closet, even a drawer)
#76 Cereal Bowl Shoes
This idea is silly, unexpected, and guaranteed to get big laughs. The elf pours cereal into a pair of shoes and sits nearby holding the cereal box like they were trying to help at breakfast time. You can use any shoes, but I used the sparkly pair that was left out after a nice party the night before. Add a little note that says “I made you breakfast but I couldn’t find a bowl, so I used your shoes.” It is an easy setup that feels dramatic and hilarious in the best way.
What you need: cereal, your kids shoes and a message board or a note
#77 Toilet Paper Hammock
A cozy vacation moment right in the bathroom. Take a towel bar and tie toilet paper from one side to the other to create a little hammock, then lay the elf inside like they’re snoozing after a long night of fun. You can add a tiny blanket or pillow if you want, but it works perfectly without any props. Kids love finding the elf in unexpected places and this one is simple to set up, quick to clean up, and always gets a big smile in the morning.
What you need: some toilet paper and something to hang it on (I used the towel bar)
#77 Sprinkle Angel
A sugary twist on a classic snow angel. Scatter sprinkles on a flat surface and lay the elf in the middle with arms and legs spread like they’re making an angel shape. I did this on a big cutting board to make cleanup super easy, but you can use a tray, baking sheet, or any surface you don’t mind getting a little messy. The bright colors look adorable and kids instantly understand what the elf was up to. It is festive, playful, and only takes a minute to set up.
What you need: sprinkles
#78 Hop Scotch
This one takes a little effort but the payoff is huge. The elf creates a full hopscotch game on the floor using painter’s tape so it does not damage the floors. I used a box as a guide to make all the squares the same size and taped around it until the hopscotch was complete. Since it was the weekend and we had more time, my daughter got to play with it over and over and she absolutely loved it. I placed the elf a little further away holding the tape roll so she could enjoy the hopscotch without worrying about stepping on the elf or knocking anything over. It turns the whole room into a playground and brings so much joy and movement into the morning.
What you need: painters tape
#79 Barbie Brunch
This setup is pure cuteness. The elf sits at a little Barbie table with tiny plates, food, and accessories to create a full brunch scene with their Barbie friend. You can use any doll table and toy food you already have, or mix and match from different sets to make it extra fun. The tiny details make kids stare and giggle forever, and it looks like the elf and Barbie were having a fancy morning get-together before the family woke up. It is an adorable, low-effort setup that feels like a tiny world of its own.
What you need: a little table, some small food/drink items (I used the ones from her barbie house) and a Barbie (or a friend)
#80 Cars with Christmas Tree
This idea is extra special if you are heading out to buy your Christmas tree. The elf sets up a few Hot Wheels cars and places mini bottle brush trees on top to look just like the real car will later with your tree tied to the roof. I added a couple of larger trees in the back to complete the scene and make it feel like a tiny Christmas tree lot. It is simple to set up, totally themed to the day, and kids love the moment of realizing the elf “knew” what the family would be doing. It builds excitement for the outing and adds a little magic before you even leave the house.
What you need: some hot wheels cars and some bottle brush trees
#81 Climbing into the Pantry for Snacks
A mischievous moment that kids immediately understand. The elf stacks paper towel packs, boxes, or pantry items to build a little ladder high enough to reach the snacks. Place the elf at the top grabbing chips or treats from a basket like they finally reached what they were after. It looks like the elf got caught in the middle of a late-night snack run and the dramatic stack makes the whole scene extra funny. It is an easy setup that turns an ordinary pantry into an adventure.
What you need: pantry items
#82 Marshmallow Bubble Bath
A tiny spa day moment that kids absolutely love. Fill the Barbie house bathtub with mini marshmallows to look like bubbly suds, then sit the elf inside like they are relaxing in a warm bubble bath. You can even add a little towel nearby or a rubber duck if you have one, but it works perfectly with just the marshmallows. The miniature setup makes it extra adorable and the whole scene feels like the elf treated themselves to a cozy self-care moment after a long night of adventures.
What you need: mini marshmallows and anything that resembles a bathtub (we have a tub in the Barbie house, but a bowl or pot will work too)
#83 Baking Surprise
This setup turns into an activity your child can actually do, which makes it feel extra special. The elf arrives wearing the tiny apron from the baking set and leaves out all the supplies needed to decorate cookies, like a cookie kit, frosting, sprinkles, and any tools you already have at home. I normally don’t spend money on extra props for the elf, but this baking set was too cute to pass up and it made the perfect weekend surprise. Instead of pretending the elf already baked, the scene looks like the elf gathered everything so your child can jump in and do the decorating. It creates the happiest holiday memories and brings so much joy into the kitchen.
What you need: Elf sized baking set, kid sized baking set, and cookie decorating kit
#84 Paw Patrol Sled
This setup looks straight out of a Christmas movie. Use a small sled decoration and sit the elf inside like they’re Santa delivering gifts. Then take little Paw Patrol figurines and tie ribbon around them so they look like they are pulling the sled. You can use any small animal toys if you don’t have Paw Patrol or anything works as long as they look like a team leading the sleigh. It is adorable, creative, and uses toys you already have at home, which makes it even better. Kids love the idea of their favorite characters helping the elf on a holiday mission and the scene instantly becomes a morning favorite
What you need: small dog toys (I had Paw Patrol), a small sled decoration and ribbon to connect it all
#85 Star Bucks
A hilarious setup for kids who love Starbucks. The elf cuts out little paper stars and using a paper clip attached a $1 bill to each one, then leaves a sign that says “I heard you like star bucks.” It is a clever pun that kids understand right away and the surprise dollars make it feel extra special. You can scatter the stars across the counter or display them in a little stack next to the elf. It is simple to prep, uses basic supplies, and creates such a fun moment in the morning, but get ready to take them on a Starbucks run with their extra money.
What you need: Construction paper, scissors to cut the stars, several $1 bills and a message board or a note
#86 Flying In
This is a dramatic and memorable arrival idea that looks amazing with very little work. The elf sits in or hangs from a small toy airplane, and the plane is suspended from a chandelier using ribbon so it looks like it is flying overhead. I used a ribbon to hang the elf slightly below the plane so it looked like the elf was dropping in for the holiday season. I originally used an airplane that was sent to me, but there is an inflatable version available now and truly any small toy plane would work. The flying effect makes kids stop in their tracks and the grand entrance sets the tone for an exciting elf season right from day one.
What you need: Elf airplane (mine isn’t available anymore but I linked an inflatable version) and ribbon to attach the elf
#87 Taco Tuesday
Your elf wraps itself in a tortilla with a small cutout showing just the elf’s face, like they turned into the taco. Add a little sign that says “What day is it? It’s Taco Tuesday! haha” for the punchline. It is quick to set up, uses simple items you already have, and gets huge laughs because the elf looks so ridiculous and proud of their costume. Kids love the themed setups that match the day of the week and this one is always a crowd favorite.
What you need: a tortilla shell and a message board or a note
#88 Elf Doodles
A harmless little prank that feels very personal and funny. The elf finds your child’s sketch pad and doodles all over a page, then signs their name proudly like it is their masterpiece. My daughter was a little annoyed but also laughing because it looked like the elf could not resist joining in on her art time. You can make the doodles as simple or silly as you want and leave the elf holding a pencil or marker so it is clear they were the artist. It is easy, fast, and gets a big reaction because it involves something the kids really care about.
What you need: sketch pad or coloring book and crayons or markers
#89 Stuck in Undies
This setup is pure silliness. Using magnetic chip clips, hang a pair of your child’s underwear on the fridge and place the elf inside with their legs through the leg holes so it looks like they are trapped. Then use magnetic letters on the fridge to spell “Help me!” so it’s clear the elf is calling for backup. It is goofy, harmless, and guaranteed to get big laughs because the elf looks like they got themselves into a ridiculous situation. It takes less than a minute to set up and instantly becomes one of those unforgettable elf moments kids talk about all day.
What you need: your child’s undies, magnetic clips and magnetic letters or a message board or a note
#90 Hanging from Chandelier
This idea turns the elf into a mini circus performer. Use a small piece of ribbon to secure one of the elf’s legs to the chandelier so the elf hangs upside down in a dramatic acrobat pose. The elf looks like they’re putting on a daring performance high above the room and kids love spotting them in unexpected places. It is a super quick setup that makes a big impact and adds a fun surprise to the morning routine.
What you need: a chandelier or ceiling fan and a small piece of ribbon to attach the leg
#91 Wrapping Papered Toilet
This one takes a tad longer to set up but is totally worth it. Wrap only the two parts of the toilet seat, the lid and the seat, in holiday wrapping paper so it looks like a surprise gift. Make sure to use a bathroom you will not need that day. We used the guest bathroom and the reaction was hilarious. Our elf was sitting proudly on the wrapped seat like she just finished a masterpiece. It is goofy, festive, and one of those elf ideas that kids talk about for days.
What you need: a roll of wrapping paper
#92 Tea Party
A classic and adorable scene that always gets a big smile. Set up a small tea set and place a doll at each setting like they invited their friends over for a fancy tea party. You can use any dolls you already have at home and add tiny treats or pretend snacks if you want, but it works beautifully with just the basic setup. It looks like the elf spent the night socializing and having fun, and kids love seeing familiar toys included in the elf’s world.
What you need: tea set and some dolls or toys for the friends
#93 Hide and Seek
his one is quick to set up and gets a huge reaction. Stack several rolls of toilet paper into a tall tower and lift the top roll just enough so the elf’s face can peek out from inside the stack. On one of the rolls, write “I love hide and seek” in Sharpie so the message matches the setup. It looks like the elf found the perfect hiding spot and got caught in the middle of a game. Kids love the surprise of finding the elf tucked away in everyday items and this one delivers maximum giggles with minimal effort.
What you need: toilet paper rolls and a sharpie for the note
#94 Candy Cane Sleigh
This idea is such a showstopper if you have a two-story home. Tie several candy canes together to form a little sleigh, then place the elf on top like they are going for a ride. Attach the sleigh to the stair railing so it looks like the elf is sliding down from the second floor.
What you need: candy canes and ribbon to attach everything
#95 Lite Brite Note
A simple setup that feels extra heartfelt. Place the elf next to a Lite-Brite and use the pegs to spell out a sweet message. Our elf wrote “I love you,” but you can write anything you like. The glowing letters make the whole display feel magical in the dark and kids love seeing a message that looks like it came straight from the elf. It is fast to set up, uses a toy you already have, and creates a warm, memorable moment in the middle of all the silly elf antics.
What you need: Lite Brite
#96 Climbing into the Candy Jar
A classic mischievous moment that looks like the elf was caught in the act. Stack several cans from the pantry to build a tall tower leading up to the kitchen counter. Then place the elf at the top reaching into the candy jar like they finally made it to the prize. The leaning tower of cans makes the scene extra funny and kids immediately understand the mission. It is quick to set up, uses items you already have at home, and delivers the perfect blend of naughty and adorable.
What you need: cans to stack and a candy jar filled with candies
#97 Elfie (like a selfie but you’re an elf)
This idea is hilarious and interactive. Cut red and white construction paper to make the hat and collar of an elf, then tape the pieces to the bathroom mirror so the design lines up with where your child’s face will be. When they look in the mirror, they instantly see themselves as an elf and it becomes an “elfie” moment. Leave the elf sitting on the counter watching proudly like they set up the whole transformation. It is simple, creative, and guaranteed to spark laughter the moment your child sees their reflection.
What you need: construction paper, scissors to cut the shapes and tape to attach to the mirror
#98 Drinking Syrup
This one is silly and instantly brings a huge laugh. Sit the elf in a wine glass or anything that gives enough height to reach the bottle of syrup. Place a straw in the syrup and angle it so it looks like the elf is drinking straight from the bottle. It is such a funny visual because kids can immediately imagine the elf sneaking into the kitchen for a sugary treat.
What you need: a cup to sit in or anything for height, a bottle of syrup and a straw
#99 Barbie Car Ride
A simple and adorable setup using toys you already have at home. Sit the elf in the Barbie car next to a Barbie friend like they are out for a fun little drive together. You can place the car anywhere, on the floor, under the tree, or on a table, and it still works perfectly.
What you need: Barbie car and a Barbie friend
#100 All Aboard the Polar Express
magical send-off for the final morning. Sit the elf on a Christmas train decoration so it looks like they are heading out on a journey back to the North Pole. On a message board or note, write “All aboard the Polar Express! Last stop North Pole” to make the goodbye feel exciting instead of sad. It creates a sweet transition from the holiday fun to the elf’s departure and gives kids a meaningful moment to remember. The train visual adds extra magic and makes the last day feel like a special send-off rather than an ending.
What you need: a train (mine is a Christmas decoration) and a message board or a note
#101 Toy Mess
The elf gets into a bin of toys and dumps everything all over the floor, then sits inside the empty bin looking proud of the chaos. You can use any toy bin, but we used the play kitchen food and the reaction was priceless. Kids love seeing the elf get into their things and make a silly mess.
What you need: any toys you can mess up
#102 Trapped a Stufy
his idea looks like a dramatic standoff between the elf and the toys. Place a stuffed animal or small toy inside a clear jar with a lid, then put the elf on top holding the lid down like they are keeping the toy from escaping. It instantly tells a funny story and kids love imagining what happened during the night. It is quick to set up, uses things you already have at home, and the “battle” between the elf and the toys always gets a big reaction.
What you need: a clear jar with a lid and stuffy
#103 Ducky Float in the Tub
A fun twist that feels like a little vacation moment. Fill the bathtub with water and place the elf on a drink float shaped like a duck so it looks like they are relaxing on a pool float. Add some rubber duckies or bath toys around them to complete the scene.
What you need: duck drink float (you can use the others for another setup) and some rubber ducks
#104 Dinosaur Ride
This setup looks like the elf and the toy are having the time of their lives. Tie the elf onto the back of a dinosaur Christmas decoration that sings and dances so it looks like they are partying together. You can use any toy that stands if you do not have the dinosaur — the fun is in the two “friends” teaming up for a wild night. Kids love seeing the elf interact with their toys and the whole scene feels full of energy and silliness.
What you need: a Christmas toy or any standing plushy and a ribbon to tie it all together
#105 Candy Cane Chain
This one looks dramatic and funny with almost no effort. Link several candy canes together to make a long chain, then attach the top candy cane to the chandelier. Tie the elf to the bottom candy cane so it looks like they are hanging on for dear life or taking a wild ride. The dangling effect makes the whole scene feel big and kids love spotting the elf swinging from above.
What you need: a pack of candy canes
#106 Hot Dog Cart
This scene looks like the elf opened a little restaurant overnight. Use a doll hot dog cart (or any pretend food stand you already have) and place the elf behind it like they are running the cart. Line up a few toys in front as customers waiting for their hot dogs. It tells a whole story in one glance and kids love seeing their toys “brought to life” in the elf world. It is simple to set up and they can play with it the rest of the day.
What you need: Hot Dog Cart from dolls and dolls or plushies as friends
#107 Grinch Visited
A funny bathroom surprise is always a hit. Simply tint the toilet water green with a few drops of green food coloring and place your Elf on top with a sign blaming the Grinch for not flushing. It’s easy, inexpensive, and perfect for busy nights when you need something quick.
What you need: green food coloring and a message board or a note
#108 Water turned into Sprinkles
This one looks like water magically turned into sprinkles, but it’s surprisingly easy. Close the drain in a sink, place a strip of tape from the faucet down to the drain, and cover the sticky side with sprinkles so it looks like they flowed straight from the faucet. Add a handful of sprinkles to the bottom of the sink to complete the illusion.
What you need: scotch tape and sprinkles
#109 December 6 and December 7 (6-7)
If your kids love the classic “6–7” joke, turn it into a witty Elf setup they’ll instantly recognize. Set up a small message board that reads, “Today is December ___?” and “Tomorrow is December ___?” and use it on December 6 so the answers become 6–7. It’s quick, silly, and gives kids a fresh twist on a familiar joke.
What you need: a message board or a note
#110 Melted Snowman
This idea looks adorable and takes almost no effort. Set a small bowl of water in the kitchen and add two googly eyes and a tiny piece of carrot so it looks like a melted snowman. Pair it with a message board that says, “I brought you a snowman, but it melted,” and you’re done—simple, cute, and guaranteed to make the kids smile.
What you need: a small bowl, water, 2 googly eyes, a small carrot and a message board or a note
#111 Whoopee Cushion
This one is silly, festive, and perfect for counting down to Christmas or any special day. Simply set a whoopee cushion on a chair or countertop with your Elf beside it and add a message board that reads, “Whoopie, it’s one week until Christmas!” It takes almost no time and can be customized for any date, milestone, or celebration.
What you need: a whoopee cushion and a message board or a note
#112 Measuring Tape Ride
If you have a measuring tape lying around, this one is effortless and fun. Suspend the tape from a cabinet or shelf, extend it to give it length, and sit your Elf right on top as if it turned into a little ride. You can recreate this anywhere in the house as long as you can secure the tape, making it a great last-minute idea.
What you need: measuring tape
#113 Switched Toilet Paper for Tape
This is a quick and funny bathroom surprise that kids immediately understand. Swap the toilet paper roll for a roll of tape — painter’s tape works great — and write “This could get sticky” right on the tape using a Sharpie. It’s simple, playful, and guaranteed to get laughs during the morning routine.
What you need: a roll of tape and a sharpie
#114 Gas Money
All you need is a wallet and a good sense of humor. Position your Elf next to the wallet and write on a message board, “I farted in your dad’s wallet. Now he has gas money.” It’s a hilarious play on words and a great option for a low-effort night that still delivers a big laugh.
What you need: dad’s wallet and a message board or a note
#115 Toilet Paper Snowman
This idea turns your Elf into a snowman using just toilet paper rolls and a marker. Stack three rolls, draw a snowman face and buttons on the front, and then tuck your Elf inside the top roll so they peek out. It’s quick, adorable, and looks impressive without any complicated supplies.
What you need: 3 rolls of toilet paper and markers
#116 Moon Phases
Kids love anything silly, and this mooning setup always gets giggles. Print a chart of the phases of the moon, cut out the circle for the “full moon,” and place the Elf behind it so their little bottom peeks through. It’s a funny play on words and such an easy way to add humor to your Elf routine. I bought mine on Etsy for under $2, but you can make your own by drawing it or finding a printable option.
What you need: a printed out moon phases page
Thank you for checking out this list of easy and fun Elf on the Shelf ideas. I’ll be adding more to this post throughout the season, so feel free to save it and check back anytime you need quick inspiration.
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