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73 brilliant Elf on the Shelf ideas that will see you through December
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73 brilliant Elf on the Shelf ideas that will see you through December
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition which involves toy elves being placed around the home during December to keep an eye on whether kids are being naughty or nice. Looking for some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can replicate in your own home for Christmas 2021? We've been compiling some funny, fuss-free, sometimes naughty but always family-friendly Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you and your child count down to Christmas Day during the festive season.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Beginning as a US children's book in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has gained popularity in the UK and across the world. In the run up to Christmas, the magical Scout Elves help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists by taking note of a family’s Christmas adventures and reports back to Santa at the North Pole each night. Each morning, the Scout Elf returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting for someone to spot them.
This activity sees parents, grandparents and guardians wake up extra early every morning (or at night after the kids have gone to bed) to place the Elf in a different area or room of the house, usually up to some sort of mischief. It's a firm favourite in many family households as the nearly month-long event sees kids race around the house looking for their Scout Elf each morning.
As one parent wrote on Instagram: 'And just like that the dreaded Elf on the shelf is back...25 days of torture and sudden runs out of bed in the cold mornings because "s**t I forgot to move the e**ing Elf.. Quick before the kids get up!!!" #joysofparenting #christmas #elfontheshelf.'
Want to join in on the Elf on the Shelf tradition?
The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is available at all good retailers across the UK, both in store and online (RRP: £21.99), including Amazon, Argos and The Range. It includes an adoptable Scout Elf with an official adoption certificate, a keepsake box and a beautiful, illustrated storybook.
You can buy Santa's official Scout Elf now in time for the festive season, then all that will be left is to name your Scout Elf.
There are a few rules for little ones to remember, too:
- Don’t touch your Scout Elf or they will lose their magic!
- Scout Elves can’t talk but are great listeners: children can share secrets and wishes with their Elf as often as they’d like.
- The busy Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for the next Christmas.
Elf on the Shelf ideas
Another big part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and especially in the age of social media, is to share photos of the hilarious antics Scout Elves have been getting up to in the home. Plus, it gives families more genius Elf ideas because you have to get really creative.
While the first week of December will be a breeze, it can be a challenge keeping it up for the entire month. So take a look at these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas from Instagram and Pinterest that your kids will love this Christmas.
Elf On The Shelf - 2/55
1) Elf on the Shelf as a special delivery
Think about creative ways to welcome the Elf into your home and family on day one. A special delivery package which can fit through the letterbox would be ideal.
carolemakes@Instagram - 3/55
2) Elf on the Shelf wrapped in toilet roll
An oldie but a goodie.
elfontheshelf@Instagram - 4/55
3) Elf on the Shelf doing the laundry
This is a great little set-up. Has Elf got enough pegs?
dreamingbabiesskdesigns@Instagram - 5/55
4) Elf on the Shelf meets Toy Story
Incorporate the Elf with your kids' favourite toys – it looks like the perfect adventure.
peace_the_elf@Instagram - 6/55
5) Elves on the Shelf playing a game of pool
If you have more than one Elf in the home, think about using games or sports to include them both.
she_loves_bubbles_xmas_nlife@Instagram - 7/55
6) Elf on the Shelf in quarantine
Self isolating until further notice.
mram610@Instagram - 8/55
7) Elf on the Shelf having a bath
Use flameless candles to create an authentic flicker.
happylittleelfshop@Instagram - 9/55
8) Elf on the Shelf as a pilot
Make it blend in as part of your Christmas tree decorations.
miami_skye@Instagram - 10/55
9) Elf on the Shelf taking a selfie
Utilise technology with your Elf. Remember, timer mode is a must.
eloise_19@Instagram - 11/55
10) Elf on the Shelf in space
Children who take an interest in all things space and planets will love this Elf on the Shelf idea.
theoriginalelf@Instagram - 12/55
11) Elf on the Shelf as a clock
This is a really fun and creative way to help children learn to tell the time, all with Elf at the helm!
ukelfontheshelf@Instagram - 13/55
12) Elf on the Shelf on a twig Elf Christmas tree
Get the look with some paper candy canes.
emmaj.wilson@Instagram - 14/55
13) Elf on the Shelf as a snowman
Now you know where all that toilet paper went...
aussieelfontheshelf@Instagram - 15/55
14) Elf on the Shelf in a ball pit
It really doesn't get more fun than this!
shorts1989@Instagram - 16/55
15) Elf on the Shelf as a scientist
An educational idea, turn the family Elf into a scientist with this experimental set-up.
shebesorted@Instagram - 17/55
16) Elf on the Shelf selling Christmas trees
Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce? Mark the beginning of December with a Christmas tradition – buying the Christmas tree!
laurend0824@Instagram - 18/55
17) Elf on the Shelf on a caterpillar
If you're using the kitchen for some Elf on the Shelf ideas, nothing is off limits. On this occasion, all you need is some apples and stick-on wiggly eyes.
aussieelfontheshelf@Instagram - 19/55
18) Elf on the Shelf serving drinks
Set up a mini home bar and make your Elves star of the show.
a_drillers_wife@Instagram - 20/55
19) Elf on the Shelf as a Christmas tree decoration
Play a game of 'Where's Elf?' and simply perch your Elf on the Shelf on the Christmas tree.
monima.simpson.smith@Instagram - 21/55
20) Elf on the Shelf as Harry Potter
Use TV characters and films as inspiration for your next Elf on the Shelf idea.
ladyandminifurie@Instagram - 22/55
21) Elf on the Shelf playing Candy Crush
Bring the popular mobile game to life with a makeshift sweet board.
lis_19@Instagram - 23/55
22) Elf on the Shelf wearing a raincoat
Typical British weather.
scoutelf_piper@Instagram - 24/55
23) Elf on the Shelf making breakfast
Give Elf credit for an epic breakfast feast.
miami_skye@Instagram - 25/55
24) Elf on the Shelf as a pirate
Elf is on quite the expedition here. A jar, container, gold chocolate coins and a map is all you need.
ladyandminifurie@Instagram - 26/55
25) Elf on the Shelf hiding in a lunch box
This is one way to tempt children to eat their lunch...
ukelfontheshelf@Instagram - 27/55
26) Elf on the Shelf wrapped in toast
There are lots of playful Elf on the Shelf ideas involving food. This simple toasted sandwich definitely ticks the fun factor box.
scoutelf_piper@Instagram - 28/55
27) Elf on the Shelf performing at a concert
Gather dolls and plush toys to create a concert setting.
thewilliamsteamla@Instagram - 29/55
28) Elf on the Shelf frying eggs
Keep it in proportion with a mini toy frying pan.
a_tiny_toot_of_everything@Instagram - 30/55
29) Elf on the Shelf in LEGO heaven
Use LEGO to construct scenes for your Elf.
miami_skye@Instagram - 31/55
30) Elf on the Shelf doing gymnastics
There are no limits when it comes to finding a hiding spot for Elf on the Shelf.
the_bo_family@Instagram - 32/55
31) Elf on the Shelf climbing up the string of hearts
Even your plants (artificial on this occasion) can become the perfect accessory.
monstera_sundays@Instagram - 33/55
32) Elf on the Shelf sewing
Get your Elf involved in all things craft.
urbanfantasyfanatic2018@Instagram - 34/55
33) Elf on the Shelf in the Australian jungle
Get inspired by I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! and prepare Elf for the next Bushtucker Trial...
elfieantics2019@Instagram - 35/55
34) Elf on the Shelf hosting movie night
Any good Christmas film recommendations? Set up a movie night that the whole family can get involved in.
miami_skye@Instagram - 36/55
35) Elf on the Shelf as a photographer
Use the Elf to capture some family moments that will be remembered year after year. In the words of Outkast, 'Shake it like a Polaroid picture'.
ukelfontheshelf@Instagram - 37/55
36) Elf on the Shelf doing a Bushtucker Trial...
Use sweets and chocolate as props, as seen here with these 'snakes'!
cjh_123@Instagram - 38/55
37) Elf on the Shelf wrapped in a present
Peekaboo! A playful idea, wrap a present and have an Elf peeking out of it.
tracymomento@Instagram - 39/55
38) Elf on the Shelf going fishing
Ensure there's a fishing rod in tow, of course.
miami_skye@Instagram - 40/55
39) Elf on the Shelf doing yoga
And, relax! Embrace Elf and co in some fun yoga activities.
buddy_and_hollys_adventures@Instagram - 41/55
40) Elf on the Shelf sitting amongst presents
Set up a scene of your Elf sneakily trying to peek at all the Christmas presents.
ukelfontheshelf@Instagram - 42/55
41) Elf on the Shelf hiding in the fridge
The fridge is a brilliant hiding spot for your Elf. We hope it's not too chilly in there!
smallprint_bromley@Instagram - 43/55
42) Elf on the Shelf knitting
Invite Elf to join the knitting club.
yarn2tog@Instagram - 44/55
43) Elf on the Shelf playing hide and seek
Drawers and cupboards all make really good hiding spots. A cutlery drawer like this is an ideal spot.
rustic_wild@Instagram - 45/55
44) Elf on the Shelf eating Nutella
This is a messy Elf on the Shelf idea, but kids will love it.
katiereynolds_au@Instagram - 46/55
45) Elf on the Shelf getting lost in the sofa
A sofa classic, scatter some loose coins for the kids to collect as a bonus.
ajmarte2@Instagram - 47/55
46) Elf on the Shelf walking a tightrope
It's a balancing act but we love it.
buddy_and_hollys_adventures@Instagram - 48/55
47) Elf on the Shelf perching on the window frame
You don't always need to create an elaborate scene or use additional props, simply utilise the furniture you do have for fuss-free Elf ideas.
the_mess_at_number3@Instagram - 49/55
48) Elf on the Shelf in Stranger Things
In honour of Netflix's cult TV series. We suppose Stranger Things have happened...
elvisthescoutelf@Instagram - 50/55
49) Elf on the Shelf in the washing machine
Probably one of the best hiding spots, collate a few more dolls/toy figures for a rollercoaster ride.
danamanrose@Instagram - 51/55
50) Elf on the Shelf shopping
Pretend that Elf is doing a spot of last-minute online Christmas shopping!
adventuresofmegandmartin@Instagram - 52/55
51) Elf on the Shelf doing a charitable deed
Encourage children to give back this year, with the Elf leading as example.
samikat89@Instagram - 53/55
52) Elf on the Shelf on the shower curtain
Utilise shower curtains and poles in the bathroom.
ashleyyybriana@Instagram - 54/55
53) Elf on the Shelf using the potty
The Elf always leads by example, as this potty training scene shows.
klb_twinsplustwo@Instagram - 55/55
54) Elf on the Shelf in the car changing gears
We suppose the Elf is allowed out of the house once in a while!
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