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Home » Family » Holiday Fun for Families » 500 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

November 8, 2021 · Updated December 2, 2022 · 3 Comments

500 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Holiday Fun for Families

Get inspired with this awesome collection of over 500 super funny Elf on the Shelf ideas! You’ll never run out of elf ideas with this BIG list of easy Elf on the Shelf hiding spots!

collage of elf on the shelf hiding places

Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2022

They’re baaaaccckkk!!

It’s almost time for those mischievous elves to make their return!

AKA…you better start bookmarking new Elf on the Shelf ideas ASAP!!

Because if you’ve had an elf visit your house for a few years now like us, you always need new elf ideas!! Because of course these elves have to do NEW stuff every year!

But don’t worry…

We’ve got you covered!!

Every year I update this post with brand NEW Elf on the Shelf ideas. We parents have to stick together, right??

Related: Click here to see what the elves have in store for this year! Face masks? Social distancing? The elves are here to spread cheer no matter what!

Where Should I Hide the Elf on the Shelf?

The most important thing when hiding the Elf on the Shelf is to keep it out of reach or at least out of the way. That’s because legend has it that if you bump the elf it loses its magic and might go away and not come back!

If you have older kids, they probably know not to touch the elf. However, little kids and toddlers will likely go straight for it, so it’s especially key to hide the elf out of their reach.

Second, keep it quick and easy! Don’t overcomplicate it! There are so many times I find myself hiding the elf on the shelf late at night after the kids go to bed and super easy ideas are the best!

Other than that, have fun with it! We’ve got lots of Elf on the Shelf ideas to get you started that kids will love!

What Are Some Ideas for Elf on the Shelf?

Supplies and props are super helpful! Here are some of our favorites:

  • Welcome letters (we have some free printable ideas included below)
  • Toilet paper – that’s always a funny elf idea!
  • Wrapping paper
  • A candy cane
  • The Christmas tree
  • North Pole scenery
  • A holiday party with other toys
  • A sack race

NEW Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2022

These are the latest and the greatest! Brand NEW Elf on the Shelf ideas JUST IN for 2022!!

I’ll keep adding more when I find them, so be sure to bookmark this page!

1. Quarantine Elf

Forget to move the elf?? No worries!! This trick will buy some time!

Elf on the Shelf in Quarantine (in a mason jar)

More NEW ideas just for 2022: Click here to see more clever ideas from Quarantine Elf, to face mask wearing elf, and social distancing elf!

2. Funny Faces

family photo that elf on the shelf drew on the faces

The Paez family woke up to a silly surprise on their family photo! Fortunately, it was dry erase marker!!

3. Toilet Paper Snowflakes

elf cutting paper snowflakes out of toilet paper

Kristina’s elf got creative, making paper snowflakes out of toilet paper!

4. Sip, Play Play

Elf on the Shelf with letter board "Watch Me Sip Watch Me Play Play"

Get it?? If your kids also loved this song they’ll get a kick out of this punny Elf idea by Homebound But Hopeful.

5. Kissing Booth

Elf on the Shelf in a kissing booth

Too cute!! Thank you to Simplify Create Inspire for sharing this clever elf hiding spot!

6. Star Wars Elf

Elf on the Shelf with Star Wars toys

If you have a Star Wars fan and are excited about the new movie coming out this holiday season, this idea from Nerdy Mama is a must-do!

7. Shaving Elf

Elf on the Shelf pretending to shave

This Elf on the Shelf idea from Natural Beach Living is perfect for tweens or teens!

8. Candy Cane Jail

Elf doll in pretend jail

Oops!!  This Elf was a little TOO mischievous!! Thank you to This Mama Loves for sharing one of our favorite new Elf on the Shelf ideas!

9. Slime-y Elf on the Shelf Ideas

You know we LOVE slime in our house! Here are two funny Elf on the Shelf ideas involving slime:

elf on the shelf with sparkly glitter slime

Check out Little Bins for Little Hands for the above Elf slime recipe!

elf doll in a plastic container full of slime

And thank you to Kristin at Bolling with 5 for sharing her hilarious elf trapped in slime!

10. Welcome Letter

Elf on the Shelf with a printable welcome letter

A welcome letter is a special way to kick off the season and announce your elf’s arrival! One of our favorite Elf on the Shelf return ideas! Click here to get the free printable from Crystal & Co.

11. Mini Stockings

elf doll with mini felt stockings

This little elf has been busy! See this plus more cute ideas from Artsy Fartsy Mama!

12. Toilet Bowl Fishing

Elf fishing in toilet for Goldfish crackers

All you need is a handful of Goldfish crackers and a piece of yarn and your elf can go fishing too! Click here to see this idea and 23 more at Hands On Teaching Ideas.

13. Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar

Elf on the Shelf advent set

Click here to see how Artsy Fartsy Mama made an Elf on the Shelf advent set for the month!

14. Magic 8 Ball (plus more letter board Elf on the Shelf ideas)

elf on the shelf with letter board and magic 8 ball

Kate at Homebound But Hopeful shares this and many more super cool Elf on the Shelf ideas using a letter board! Click here to see them!

15. Massage Table

Barbie giving an elf doll a massage

Click here to get the printable template for this cute doll massage table from This Mama Loves!

16. Elf in a Balloon

Elf on the Shelf doll inside a balloon

How in the world did the elf get inside a balloon? Find out how in this post from Frugal Coupon Living!

television with an elf in the shelf on the screen

This silly elf got stuck INSIDE the television! See how here!

Elf on the Shelf with a marshmallow catapult

This naughty elf made a marshmallow catapult! Get all the details here!

Elf on the Shelf doll playing Twister

This creative elf made a game of Twister! Get the printable from The Gingerbread House!

Elf on the Shelf with box of pretend donuts

This elf brought a box of donuts for his family! See how he made the donut box here!

Here’s What Our Elf on the Shelf Did in Years Past…

Our elf Pikolina is definitely a prankster! Here are some of our elf ideas from last year and the year before – and we will show you where our Elf goes this year when December 1st rolls around, so be sure to bookmark this post and check back!

1. Elf Hiding in the Tree

Her first location was really tricky, and it took the girls ALL day to find her. You could only spot our elf if you looked in the mirror! Can you find her?

Elf on the Shelf hiding in a Christmas tree

2. Hanging Out with Elf Friends

Then she was hanging out with our singing elves — too bad she was sitting on the button that makes them sing! Wink, wink 😉

Elf on the Shelf sitting between two toy elves

3. Riding on a Candy Sleigh

Our elf on the shelf also went for a ride in our Christmas candy sleigh — it’s the perfect size for her!

Elf on the Shelf ideas: riding on a candy sleigh

4. Playing Video Games

Our elf even played Nintendo! Bowser stole her shoe and Mario had to help her get it back:

Elf on the shelf ideas: playing Super Mario Brothers

5. Swinging on the Ceiling Fan

As the days go by, our elf gets more adventurous! Swinging on our fan:

Elf on the Shelf hanging from a ceiling fan

6. Elf TP-ing the Christmas Tree

Then she even TP-ed our Christmas tree!!

Elf on the Shelf toilet papering the Christmas tree

 

More Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

That’s just a peak at what our elf Pikolina was up to last year! Here are more Elf on the Shelf ideas from our favorite blogger friends…

Keep checking back because we’ll be adding new Elf on the Shelf ideas every few days!

1. Elf Ideas for a House Full of Boys

Elf in a mug of bath bombs

I love this Elf on the Shelf hiding spot captured by my friend Tove at Mama in the Now. She has a house full of boys…I think their elf was trying to drop a hint!

Related: Tove shares Elf on the Shelf shortcuts for busy moms…or if you forget to move the elf a lot!

2. Bookworm Elf on the Shelf

elf doll reading a book

Our elf Pikolina loves to read, just like our girls!

3. Secret Spy Messages

Elf writing a note with invisible ink

One time she even left a secret message using invisible ink!

4. Elf in a Rain Boot

Elf on the Shelf doll in a child's rain boot
5. Elf Stuck in a Vase

Elf on a Shelf doll in a decorative jar

Ooops!!

6. Stuffed Animal Slumber Party

Elf on the Shelf slumber party with stuffed animals

One time when our girls were spending the night at Grandma’s house, our elf had a slumber party in their room! This is definitely one of our favorite easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, and it is always a winner!

7. Wrestling Elf

Hulk Hogan doll about to body slam an elf doll

If you have a wrestling fan in the house, this is one of my own personal favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas! This is one of my childhood wrestling figures that I still have on display!

8. Basketball Elf

elf doll playing basketball

Shootin’ Hoops (by a Small Snippet) — This family’s elf stays busy! There’s 45 creative Elf on the Shelf hiding spots shown here, all from the same creative little guy named “Eli” the elf.

9. A Little Potty Humor…

Elf on the Shelf plunging the toilet

Toilet Plunging (by Passion for Savings) — Who says elves can’t be helpful? Plus a whole month (30 days) of funny elf hijinks!

10. Twister!

Elf and friends playing Twister

Playing Twister (by Inspiration Made Simple) — There’s a free printable “Elf Christmas Mix-up” game board available here too!

11. Handyman Elf (Plus 20 More Elf on the Shelf ideas)

Elf doll changing the oil on a toy car

Changing the Oil (by Your Modern Family) — Don’t worry, the hot wheels will be up and running again in no time! Plus 25 more funny ideas.

12. Toy Parade! (Plus 40 More Elf Ideas!)

Elf doll riding on a toy dinosaur

Leading a Dinosaur Parade (by Simple As That) — Another busy elf here, with over 40 silly antics pictured!

14. Sneaking Candy (And 50 More Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas)

Elf sticking its head in a bag of M&Ms

Eating Chocolate (by i Heart Naptime) — Hide the candy!! Plus 50 more wacky Elf on the Shelf hiding spots.

15. More Potty Humor (and 20 more Elf on the Shelf ideas!)

toilet covered in wrapping paper

Gift Wrapping the Toilet (by Hip2Save) — A prank fit for April Fool’s Day too! Plus 20 more funny Elf on the Shelf ideas here!

16. Bubble Trouble

Elf blowing bubble with gum

Chewing Bubble Gum (by a Sparkle of Genius) — A cute collection of 10 unique ideas.

17. Christmas Light Zip-Line

Elf zip-lining on Christmas lights

Zip lining (by Rachel Swarthy) — Watch those Christmas lights! A whole week of fun here.

18. Magic Door

Elf on the Shelf doll with tiny pretend Christmas cookies

Arriving Through His Magic Door (by Make Life Lovely) — This little guy sure knows how to make an entrance!

19. Pineapple Pen Elf

pineapple pen and elf

PPAE Pen Pineapple Apple Elf (by Life Should Cost Less) — This talented elf brought a viral video to life!

20. Gift Exchange

Elf doll with barbies

Having a Doll House Gift Exchange (by Artsy Fartsy Mama) — Be sure to grab the printable elf planning calendar here too! 

21. Superhero Elf

Elf wearing a batman cape

Batman Elf (by Glue Stick & Gumdrops) — This comic book loving elf dressed up as his favorite superhero!

22. Building an Igloo

Elf building an igloo out of cotton balls

Building an Igloo (by Craft Create Cook) — This little guy is ready for the cold weather!

23. Riding the Vacuum

Elf riding on a vacuum

Vacuuming (by Messy Little Monster) — I wish our elf could see this and get the same idea!

24. Naptime Elf (Plus a Whole Month of Elf on the Shelf Ideas)

Elf taking a nap in a tissue box

Napping in the Tissue Box (by Still Playing School) — A full month of elf activities here too!

25. Math Whiz Elf

elf climbing on an abacus

Climbing an Abacus (by Craftulate) — Cecil the elf is a math fan! See what else he’s been up to here too!

26. Scuba Diving Elf

elf in a fishbowl with snorkel

Going for a Swim (by Saving by Design) — 30 super silly Elf on the Shelf hiding spots shown here.

Even MORE Elf on the Shelf Ideas

  • Delivering a ‘Gingerbread’ House Kit (by Ribbons and Glue) — Any elf would love hiding in this sweet abode!
  • Tobogganing (by Mommy Style) — Your kids might want to try this too when they see it! (Plus 9 more elf antics)
  • Wearing Masks (by Nerdy Mama) — 12 free printable masks that your elves can go to town with!

This post may contain affiliate links; disclosure policy here.

Other Collections of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

These lists of over 200 more Elf on the Shelf hiding spots are sure to bring the giggles!

  • 25 + Ideas for Elf on the Shelf (by the Idea Room)
  • 20 Things to do With Your Elf on the Shelf  (by Spaceships and Laserbeams)
  • 75 Family Friendly Elf on the Shelf Ideas (by Skinny Mom)
  • 100 Elf on the Shelf Ideas (by Popculture)
  • 20 More Days of Elfing Around (by Saving by Design)
  • 25 Ways to Add Disability to Elf on the Shelf – an awesome inclusivity collection from A Day in Our Shoes

We hope you enjoyed our list of quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas! This truly is one of our favorite family Christmas traditions!

Be sure to bookmark this page because we will add more creative ideas as we find them!

Share YOUR Elf on the Shelf Ideas!

Has your elf done something that deserves to be on the list? Tell us in the comments or send a photo to stacey @ thesoccermomblog.com

More Christmas fun for kids:

Guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer!! This Christmas Stocking Pop-Up Card is such a cute kid-made keepsake gift to make in the classroom or at home.

Christmas Stocking Pop-Up Card

These Mini Gingerbread House Cakes taste just as delicious as they look! Moist, spicy gingerbread cake (gluten free!) beautifully decorated to make a show-stopping Christmas dessert centerpiece!

Mini Gingerbread House Cakes (gluten free)

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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Stacey is the creator of The Soccer Mom Blog, a Houston Texas mom blog that focuses on positive living for women and families. She loves to share real food recipes, money-saving tips, parenting encouragement, kids activities, DIY tutorials, home hacks, fitness, and so much more! To get to know Stacey even better, click here.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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  1. Best Superhero Gifts for the "Super Men" in Your Life says:
    November 28, 2017 at 11:28 am

    […] Huge Collection of over 500 Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots […]

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  2. Christmas Stocking Pop-Up Card - The Soccer Mom Blog says:
    December 1, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    […] Related: 500 of the Wackiest Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots […]

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  3. 25 Ways to Rock New Year's Eve with Kids - The Soccer Mom Blog says:
    December 10, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    […] 500+ Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots […]

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