Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2020

Meet “Pandemic Elf” — ready for whatever 2020 might bring! Equipped with tiny masks and a quarantine jar, nothing will stop this cheery elf from bringing Christmas cheer! A collection of the best Elf on the Shelf ideas for 2020!

collage of Elf on the Shelf ideas for 202 and COVID

2020 has been quite the year, and that is probably an understatement!

With all the changes to our routine, one thing my kids are counting on is a visit from their cherished Elf on the Shelf pals, Pikolina and Dot.

Every year, the girls count down the days until the elves’ arrival. And this year is no different…pandemic be darned!

But of course, this pandemic has touched everyone across the globe, the elves included!

Can Elves Catch Covid?

If your little ones are worried about the safety of their friends from the North Pole, you can assure them that the elves are actually immune!

In fact, Santa released this statement:

“All Scout Elves are 100% healthy, and since they are magical beings from the North Pole, they do not get human sicknesses and do not need to quarantine or wear masks; But they do like to set a good example for humans and may choose to model safety protocols for their families.  In a year when many are longing for a comforting return to the celebrations of the season, Santa’s Scout Elves are ready to bring joy and good cheer to all!”

So there you have it folks!

Elf on the Shelf cannot catch covid, but they do wear masks and practice distancing because they want to set a positive example.

Our Favorite Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2020

This isn’t to make light of what’s going on at all — but rather to bring some holiday cheer to kids, even in a difficult year.

Our elves are a source of joy and excitement every year, and 2020 is no different!

For your convenience I’ve included shop-able ad links to products we love; disclosure policy available here.

Covid Testing Elf

If you’ve had a covid test, then you know all about the “swabs” — aka extra long q-tips that my oldest daughter swears actually touch your brain.

This cheerful elf makes the whole process seem much more pleasant for sure! And these swabs are totally less invasive! No brain swirling here!

Elf on the Shelf with q-tips and sign saying "free COVID testing"

Social Distancing Elf

The term “social distancing” dominated the year 2020, so of course the elves are distancing too! That way they can stay safe and continue to bring Christmas cheer to kids all over the world!

And of course, you’re not supposed to go near the elves anyway because if you touch them they lose their magic! So a reminder is always helpful!

Elf on the Shelf with clipboard and ruler "gimme 6 feet"

This particular elf is obviously a fan of 2000’s rap (the letter board is a nod to the song “Back, Back Gimme 50 Feet” from Houston rapper Lil’ O). Perhaps your elf likes that song too? Or maybe they have another clever saying in mind!

You might also notice that this elf has a ruler in hand, as an extra reminder to keep your distance!

Quarantine Elf

One time a couple years ago, our elf caught a little cold and had to stay put for a couple days. This year it might just so happen that some elves need a short quarantine, just in case!

Elf on the Shelf in Quarantine

Quarantine elf hangs out in a cozy glass jar until it’s safe to go outside again.

But don’t worry, after a few days in the quarantine “bubble,” they’ll be all set to rejoin the fun and festivities again!

Elf on the Shelf wearing face mask

And yes, while elves cannot catch the virus, quarantine elf sets a positive example for kids that it’s ok to stay home when we need to do so.

TP Elf

This elf comes bearing gifts…the hottest commodity of 2020…

TOILET PAPER!!

elf on the shelf with toilet paper

With stores running low because there has been a rush to stock up on toilet paper, this is a welcome gift! At least it would be to me!

Masked Up Elf

Our kids actually love wearing their colorful face masks, so I think they’d get a kick out of seeing their elf wearing a face mask too! And who knew they made elf-sized face masks?? How cute is that??

I found these Elf on a Shelf Face Masks on Amazon — perhaps I’ll grab them as a gift for our elves Pikolina and Dot?

Elf on the Shelf wearing a face mask

I know that the face mask thing has become a hot button issue, but I choose to look at it as a positive. And if the elves are cool with wearing a mask, then it might make it seem less “weird” or scary for kids!

Clean Freak Elf

This little elf wants to remind everyone to make sure to stay sanitized at all times! She came prepared with both disinfectant wipes AND hand sanitizer!

elf on the shelf holding hand sanitizer

Hand washing has never been more important, and the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true!

Related: Use our Glitter Germy Hands Experiment to show kids how germs spread and teach good hand washing habits!

elf on the shelf making snow angels

Want to See More Elf on the Shelf antics?

Over the years I’ve compiled a list of the funniest Elf on the Shelf hiding spots. These include things that our own elves have done, as well as photos that other families have shared with me.

Like theme that our scout elf Pikolina TP-ed our Christmas tree…

Elf on the Shelf toilet paper tree

Our girls still laugh about that one!!

Click here to see all of these Elf on the Shelf ideas — there are over 500!!

You might also like these Christmas crafts and activities for kids:

FREE Christmas Printables

Grab our free ugly sweater wall art printables here!

Add a fun & funky touch to your holiday party decor with FREE Printable Ugly Christmas Sweater Wall Art! Simply print and frame for quick, easy decorations.

Share YOUR Elf on the Shelf Ideas!

Has your elf done something funny or fantastic for 2020? Tell us in the comments or send a photo to stacey @ thesoccermomblog.com

Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Latest posts by Stacey aka the Soccer Mom (see all)

Share this post:

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *