Surprise! The Elf on the Shelf Is Back With These Funny Ideas
Every family has its fair share of Christmas traditions. It's always nice to add something fun or silly to the mix, and there's one holiday practice that's gained pretty widespread popularity over the years: the magical, mischievous Elf on the Shelf.
Nowadays, these cute troublemakers are practically synonymous with Christmas. In the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, they silently watch over your kids during the day and report their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa himself. It's only at night (how convenient!) that they come alive and wreak playful havoc on your home in the name of spreading Christmas spirit—eating your Christmas cookies, sitting beside you during your family's Hallmark movie marathon, and beyond.
Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to give you a head start on the year's silliest game for grown-ups and kids. Every Scout Elf deserves their own moniker, so choose from our Elf on the Shelf names like Buddy and Peppermint. Start with one of our Elf on the Shelf return ideas for your Scout Elf to make their big debut, then have fun with activities! Outfit them in Elf on the Shelf clothes like festive costumes, winter coats, and even ugly Christmas sweaters. There are lots of Elf on the Shelf accessories, too—try Elf coloring pages to keep both him and your children occupied, printable joke cards to help you spell out the hilarity of it all, and (of course!) an Elf on the Shelf face mask that's perfectly relevant for 2022—plus so, so much more.
These Elves are getting up to what they do best—mischief! They’re tangled up in the Christmas lights, stealing candy canes, and tying each other up.
Get the tutorial at Vintage Revivals.
Caught in the act! The tiny glass of chocolate milk and itty bitty straw are cute. Even more adorable? The mouth covered in chocolate!
Get the tutorial at Snazzy Little Things.
It's so handy that most Elves are a similar size to decorative nutcrackers, making them blend in easily. Place a few on the mantel or windowsill, and have an Elf poke its head out from the crowd.
Get the tutorial at So Easy Being Green.
We know one way to get kids excited about bedtime! Tuck your elf into the sheets and lean its head against the pillow for a sweet nighttime surprise.
Set up a miniature tree, and give the elf a tiny broom to sweep up bits of trash. It's a great reminder that we're all supposed to be on our best behavior in December!
Open up a donut shop for your tiniest customers! Add some tasty treats to the boxes for a sweet Christmas morning surprise.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
A sink is the perfect location for an elf pool party! Add a few floats and friends to really get the party started.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Tiny stockings aren't just adorable—they're also the perfect size for your Elf! Add a few of these to your mantel, along with a cute elf workshop.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Time to play a round of Christmas bingo! The pieces? Beads! The boxes? Gifts, snowflakes, ornaments, and more.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Have a swinging holiday with this cute paper clip display. See how long it takes your kids to notice this climber on their window!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
It shouldn't be that surprising to find your Elf chilling (pun intended!) on the beach. After all, what North Pole native isn't a fan of tropical vacations?
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
An elf can’t have any old bagels during December. He’ll need a festive Christmas bagel! Decorate the dyed cream cheese with sprinkles and more!
Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts N Crafts.
etsy.com
$7.95
Let your kids know they've got a special delivery at your mailbox…then tell your Elf to get in place and prepare for all the giggles.
Shhh! Your elf can turn your kids into secret agents whose top mission is spreading kindness around the world.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Since your Elf is only a few inches tall, he has to get creative about holiday travel. Let him hitch a ride on your next family drive, and see who notices first!
Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
Who knew someone so small could do so much damage? Your kids will crack up when they discover the elf with a clothespin on his nose.
Get the tutorial at Keeper of the Cheerios.
It's all about finding ways to help your Elf reach great heights—literally! This hanger will remind everyone to look up.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Who spilled the cereal on the counter? It must be the little guy with his head poking through the box!
Get the tutorial at Kimspired DIY.
What a surprise to find someone else has already flipped on the Christmas movies. He’ll probably opt for a classic, like Elf! ??
Get the tutorial at The Resourceful Mama.
Any jokester knows that a photocopier is a veritable gold mine when it comes to the pranking game. Let your Elf in on the fun with this cute idea.
Get the tutorial at Keeper of the Cheerios.
It's been a stressful few years, and not just for humans. Elves can help lighten the mood about serious subjects!
Get the tutorial at The Soccer Mom Blog.
There’s nothing like a little paper bag race with a few friends. Of course, there’s only one guy leading the way!
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
No one will be surprised to find the culprit of this Christmas prank. It will be pretty darn hard not to notice!
Get the tutorial at The Soccer Mom Blog.
Your clothing dryer serves as the “ride” in this humorous idea. Give your kids instructions to put their laundry in the dryer, but ask them to check nothing is lingering from the last load!
Get the tutorial at Keeper of the Cheerios.
Well this elf certainly makes bath time a bit more fun! Add a tiny towel hair wrap, and it’s official relaxation time.
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
If you're still looking for a way to announce your Elf's arrival, here's an adorable idea: Have the kids hunt for a book on the shelf—they’ll discover he’s already beat them to it!
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
etsy.com
$12.54
Santa's cookie platter looks a little…funny this year. Prepare a Christmas cookie platter for your family, then set your costumed elf amongst the treats. Even if no one notices, at least he'll be warm and cozy.
Whether you're welcoming him back from the North Pole or just hosting breakfast for fun, this sweet idea is bound to make your kids smile. Snowflake napkins are a must.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
You worked hard to craft that gorgeous wreath, so you might as well make it the star of all your Elf ideas! Nestle him into the branches, then watch your kids faces as they approach the front door.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
This advent-style décor idea involves hiding not one, but several elves among numbered packages filled with gifts. It's the one-and-done idea you've been looking for.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
It doesn't get much cooler than a hidden message from Santa himself. Yep, the gift-giver himself is in on this one!
Get the tutorial at Over the Big Moon.
Doughnuts with...antlers? Yep, that's the idea behind this reindeer-approved breakfast, served up by none other than your Elf!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
This silly idea will give your kids one more reason to get excited about bath time: The bathroom's been taken over by Scout Elves!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
What's more Christmassy than a jar full of peppermints? Sneak your Elf into your pantry in this candy-filled container.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
Some Scout Elves arrive by air, as you surely already know—so it's important to provide them with cushiony landings all over your home. This Elf-sized net involves little more than popsicle sticks and tape!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
He'll need a way to get to and from the North Pole, after all! This car is a must-have for any Elf host or hostess—even the license plate is adorable!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Your mantel's about to get way cuter. This simple idea involves having your Elf blend in with your existing Christmas décor! (Grown-up- and kid-approved.)
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
"I have arrived safely and I'm so excited to see my family again," reads the funny "text to Santa" on this Elf's phone screen. "I missed them so much!"
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Wrap your Elf up in dental floss, then watch your kids faces light up when they find him in their bathroom in the morning. It's an easy way to repurpose an item you've already got in your house.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
Come to think of it, candy canes do look like sleds! Let your Elf travel quickly down your banisters with this fun idea.
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
It's the perfect opportunity to watch all of your favorite Christmas movies: Host a movie night! Don't forget the miniature snacks for your Elf and his friends.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
Draw on the peels of your bananas to recreate this cute, food-safe idea. (Just make sure to give your Elf the marker before you toddle off!)
Get the tutorial at Mama Cheaps.
Here's an idea that busy parents will love—it can be stretched out over several days! Create a base of crushed chocolate cookie "soil," then "plant" candy canes within it and watch as they grow bigger each day.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
It's one of the only times a Scout Elf allows other people to watch what he's up to: during a virtual meeting! A downloadable image makes this scenario easy to mimic.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
If you've got little kids, this is such an easy way to get them more excited about bath time. Just fill the sink with white balloon "bubbles" and let your Scout Elves take a dip.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Green milk, a tiny table, and even some Scout Elf cereal are just the things to surprise your kids with on Christmas morning. Let's just hope your Elf is in the mood to share!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Why not let your Elves have some meditative time to themselves? A few peppermint candy "rocks" and some sand, and they'll be in business.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Your Elves deserve to kick back and relax after such a tough year. An iPad serves as the screen for this miniature drive-in movie set.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Just because you can't go on your annual ski trip, doesn't mean your Elf can't hit the slopes! A small pile of hand towels makes for the perfect sledding hill.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Quick! Tell your kids they've got to save the Elf—he's about to be run over by a train!
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
If you've got to stay at home this winter, why not bring the fun of the outdoors...inside? These marshmallows make it easy for your Scout Elf to construct his very own "snow angel."
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
"Why did the elf cross the sink?" reads the cute sign over this adventure. "'Jaws' because he wanted to!"
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Green felt makes for the loveliest putting green, don't you think? And candy canes are excellent clubs.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Clowns, Rudolph...whatever these noses remind you of, one thing's for sure: They'll have your entire family laughing soon enough.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Hey, even Scout Elves have to stay in shape—especially with so many Christmas cookies to be eaten. This fun idea comes with an easy-to-use printable.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Punny ideas for the win! This crafty joke is so silly, even your Elf is bound to get a good laugh out of it.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
You've heard of "Tic Tac Toe," but what about "Tic Tac Bow"? It's the Christmas-ified version of the classic game, and Scout Elves love it.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Santa's not the only one who makes a list and checks it twice! Make sure your Scout Elf keeps his responsibilities in order with a miniature checklist like this one.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Your Scout Elf is here to remind kids why it's important to stay healthy and safe this winter. Don't worry; he'll be done with his quarantine soon enough and back to making mischief!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Turn on the Yule log channel, give your Elf a few marshmallows, and get ready for a delicious, cozy evening with the kids. (Be warned: They're going to ask for some s'mores of their own.)
Get the tutorial at A Small Snippet.
Who hasn't snuck a peek at their gift a little early? Let him have his fun.
Get the tutorial at Snapshots of My Life.
There are few things cuter than your Elf...except maybe mini candy canes. Here, the two cuties come together for a delightfully wintry result.
Get the tutorial at Busy Kids Happy Mom.
Here, paired with some orange construction paper, toilet paper becomes a snowman friend for your Elf—and if your kids are fans of Frozen, that friend can have a name: Olaf!
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
Why, yes, that is the latest version of the iElf X Phone! Bring your Elf into the 21st century with this hilarious printable.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
"Let's make a rainbow," reads the note that accompanies this sweet activity. "Just add warm water." As soon as you or your children do exactly that, you'll see a rainbow of color appear.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
Your kids will get a kick out of this "Elf Kissing Booth," surrounded by strewn chocolate "kisses." It might be one of the most creative ideas on this list.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
Place one of these "Acts of Kindness" cards next to your Elf during any of his funny shenanigans. They'll remind your children of the importance of kindness—and give them an actionable task to take on too.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
It's called "Elf on the Shelf" for a reason, you know! Here, your Elf takes a seat behind a children's book and settles in for a good old-fashioned reading session.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Need a little help getting into the spirit this year? These printable Elf sticky notes make it so easy to come up with daily ideas of things for your little guy (or gal) to do and say.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
These printable coloring pages will provide your kids with more than just laughs. They're also a full activity in their own right—and that's something all parents are sure to appreciate.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
If there's one thing elves are really, really good at, it's telling jokes. These printable cards say things like, "Why kind of photographs do elves like taking? Elfies!"
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
When it comes to 2021 Elf on the Shelf ideas, this one simply takes the cake.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
Have your Elf start to work through this maze, but leave it mostly unfinished. Your kids can help him get all the way to the end.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Give your Elf a prescription for his Reindeer Flu or "Magic Lost"—then wrap him up in something cozy (say, a wash cloth?) and hand him a box of tissues. It's the least you can do.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
"It was cold outside," reads this silly printable. "Now we're warm and toasty!" Pair the small sign with actual toast, and watch the giggles roll in.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
Well, what else are you going to do with all those extra Little Debbie trees? This cute idea is perfect for snack time, and gives your Elf a little side job as a tree salesman.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
Free printable stationery makes it easy to set up this sweet activity for your kids. The fill-in-the-blank-style letter is perfect for the youngest set.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
You don't have to help your Elf around the house every morning. Instead, he can stay put—but hold up a clue revealing a different gift each day.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
The best part of this miniature bowling game? Your kids don't just to observe—they can play along!
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
These cheeky letter board signs show that your elf is getting ready to hunker down at home—namely, your home!—for the winter season.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
Surprise! The Elf on the Shelf Is Back With These Funny Ideas
Every family has its fair share of Christmas traditions. It's always nice to add something fun or silly to the mix, and there's one holiday practice that's gained pretty widespread popularity over the years: the magical, mischievous Elf on the Shelf.
Nowadays, these cute troublemakers are practically synonymous with Christmas. In the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, they silently watch over your kids during the day and report their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa himself. It's only at night (how convenient!) that they come alive and wreak playful havoc on your home in the name of spreading Christmas spirit—eating your Christmas cookies, sitting beside you during your family's Hallmark movie marathon, and beyond.
Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to give you a head start on the year's silliest game for grown-ups and kids. Every Scout Elf deserves their own moniker, so choose from our Elf on the Shelf names like Buddy and Peppermint. Start with one of our Elf on the Shelf return ideas for your Scout Elf to make their big debut, then have fun with activities! Outfit them in Elf on the Shelf clothes like festive costumes, winter coats, and even ugly Christmas sweaters. There are lots of Elf on the Shelf accessories, too—try Elf coloring pages to keep both him and your children occupied, printable joke cards to help you spell out the hilarity of it all, and (of course!) an Elf on the Shelf face mask that's perfectly relevant for 2022—plus so, so much more.
These funny Elf on the Shelf ideas will keep your kids laughing all the way through to December 25. What's more, they're new and incredibly original.
Solve the daily Crossword
