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!
Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2021
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 2021
These are the latest and the greatest! Brand NEW Elf on the Shelf ideas JUST IN for 2021!!
I’ll keep adding more when I find them, so be sure to bookmark this page!
1. Quarantine Elf
2020 has been a wild year for everyone, even the elves! They’re here to set a positive example and bring cheer despite a global pandemic!
More NEW ideas just for 2021: Click here to see more clever ideas from Quarantine Elf, to face mask wearing elf, and social distancing elf!
2. Sip, 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.
3. Kissing Booth
Too cute!! Thank you to Simplify Create Inspire for sharing this clever elf hiding spot!
4. Star Wars Elf
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!
5. Shaving Elf
This Elf on the Shelf idea from Natural Beach Living is perfect for tweens or teens!
6. Candy Cane 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!
7. 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:
Check out Little Bins for Little Hands for the above Elf slime recipe!
And thank you to Kristin at Bolling with 5 for sharing her hilarious elf trapped in slime!
8. 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.
9. Mini Stockings
This little elf has been busy! See this plus more cute ideas from Artsy Fartsy Mama!
10. Toilet Bowl Fishing
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.
11. Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar
Click here to see how Artsy Fartsy Mama made an Elf on the Shelf advent set for the month!
12. Magic 8 Ball (plus more letter board Elf on the Shelf ideas)
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!
13. Massage Table
Click here to get the printable template for this cute doll massage table from This Mama Loves!
14. Elf in a Balloon
How in the world did the elf get inside a balloon? Find out how in this post from Frugal Coupon Living!
This silly elf got stuck INSIDE the television! See how here!
This naughty elf made a marshmallow catapult! Get all the details here!
This creative elf made a game of Twister! Get the printable from The Gingerbread House!
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?
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 😉
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!
4. Playing Video Games
Our elf even played Nintendo! Bowser stole her shoe and Mario had to help her get it back:
5. Swinging on the Ceiling Fan
As the days go by, our elf gets more adventurous! Swinging on our fan:
6. Elf TP-ing the Christmas Tree
Then she even TP-ed our 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
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
Our elf Pikolina loves to read, just like our girls!
3. Secret Spy Messages
One time she even left a secret message using invisible ink!
4. Elf in a Rain Boot
5. Elf Stuck in a Vase
Ooops!!
6. Stuffed Animal Slumber Party
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
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
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…
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!
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)
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!)
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)
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!)
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
Chewing Bubble Gum (by a Sparkle of Genius) — A cute collection of 10 unique ideas.
17. Christmas Light Zip-Line
Zip lining (by Rachel Swarthy) — Watch those Christmas lights! A whole week of fun here.
18. Magic Door
Arriving Through His Magic Door (by Make Life Lovely) — This little guy sure knows how to make an entrance!
19. Pineapple Pen Elf
PPAE Pen Pineapple Apple Elf (by Life Should Cost Less) — This talented elf brought a viral video to life!
20. Gift Exchange
Having a Doll House Gift Exchange (by Artsy Fartsy Mama) — Be sure to grab the printable elf planning calendar here too!
21. Superhero Elf
Batman Elf (by Glue Stick & Gumdrops) — This comic book loving elf dressed up as his favorite superhero!
22. Building an Igloo
Building an Igloo (by Craft Create Cook) — This little guy is ready for the cold weather!
23. Riding the 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)
Napping in the Tissue Box (by Still Playing School) — A full month of elf activities here too!
25. Math Whiz Elf
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
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:
Christmas Stocking Pop-Up Card
Mini Gingerbread House Cakes (gluten free)
- 🕷 Creepy Crawler Cocktail - August 12, 2022
- Butterbeer Latte - August 11, 2022
- Halloween Marshmallow Pops - August 10, 2022
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