80 Elf on the Shelf Ideas (Including the 6-7 Trend)

It’s that time of year again! Your Elf on the Shelf has returned from the North Pole and is looking forward to creating new memories with your kids. If you’re looking for new setup ideas to keep your kids interested, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of 80 creative and funny Elf on the Shelf ideas, including ways to include the viral 6-7 trend. Plus, if you’re new to Elf on the Shelf, we’ll explain what the tradition is and how it got started.

The Best Elf on the Shelf Setup Ideas

6-7 Trend: Your elf got in on the viral meme by creating a scavenger hunt with 6 items to find in 7 minutes.
Melted Snowman: Your elf tried to bring a snowman back from the North Pole, but it melted into a puddle of water with a carrot nose and button eyes.
TP the Tree: Your elf helped “decorate” the Christmas tree by covering it in toilet paper.
Donation Box: Your elf encourages your kids to donate their old toys by setting up a donation box.

Section 1 of 10:

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas

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If your elf is a day late, don’t panic! Let your kids know they were just stuck in traffic by creating a traffic jam of toy cars. Place the elf in a toy vehicle behind all the other cars and leave a note that says, “Sorry I’m late! I was stuck in traffic.” Your kids will likely be so excited that they’ll forgive the elf’s tardiness.
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Arrival Letter Board If you prefer to keep things simple, sweet, and photo-ready, pose your Elf in your Christmas tree or another festive location. Give them a small letter board to hold that says something like “Thank goodness I’m home!”

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Travel Scrapbook Maybe your elf took a vacation after helping Santa at the workshop! Photoshop some photos of your elf in different locations around the world, like the Eiffel Tower or the Pyramids of Giza (or find some online). Print the photos out and stick them in a photo album so your kids can see all the elf’s adventures.
If your elf is good friends with your child’s other toys, have them welcome their friend back with a fun party! Set up all the other toys with a wagon full of tiny gifts and sweets. Give each toy a “Welcome back!” sign to make the elf feel truly welcome.
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Donation Box Remind your kids that sharing is caring with this creative and thoughtful setup. Place your elf beside a DIY donation box, along with a note encouraging your kids to donate their old toys to those in need.
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Plane Runway Your elf has flown all the way from the North Pole! Arrange a set of twinkle lights to create a glowing “runway” leading to your front door. Set up a “Welcome home” sign to get your kids really excited.^{[1]
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Stocking If you’ve already hung your stockings up for the season, surprise your kids by placing the elf inside one. They’ll be excited to see him, and it’ll get everyone in the Christmas spirit without too much stress.
If you’re looking for a fun way to welcome your elf home for the season, blow up a balloon and tie the elf to the string. Your kids will likely be delighted to see the elf dangling from the ceiling.
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Christmas Tree Lopping Let your kids know the mischief is starting right away with this setup idea! If you have a small Christmas tree, have the elf knock it over and sit on it while holding a small plastic or paper chainsaw. Tape an “I’m back” banner to the wall.
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Gift Box This is another simple arrival idea. Cut a hole in a box, then gift wrap it. Poke a hole in the wrapping and place your elf in the box. Place an “I’m back!” note next to the elf, letting your kids know how happy your elf is to be back home.
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Mission Impossible Get inspired by your favorite action movie! If you have ceiling vents, tie one end of a piece of string to the vent and the other end to your elf. This will make it look like he’s sneaking down into the house.
Make sure your elf is the first thing your kids see when they wake up in the morning. Place the elf on the bathroom counter with a few rubber ducks. Make a punny sign that says “We’ve been up since the quack of dawn” to make your kids laugh.^{[2]
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Elf Door Give your elf its own magical door to announce its arrival. Create a mini door and attach it to your wall. Feel free to include other festive decorations, as well, like mini Christmas trees. This will also double as a decoration you can leave up all month long!^{[3]
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Section 2 of 10:

Creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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Does your family love Christmas music? If so, this is the perfect Elf on the Shelf setup! Set up your Elf with an elf-sized piano and have him “sing” your kids’ favorite Christmas carols to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
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Elf Bake Shop Lots of elves have a sweet tooth! Bake a batch of cookies and set up a holiday-themed decoration station with icing, sprinkles, and your elf, of course. The kids will have a blast decorating and eating their cookies.
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Holiday Bucket List Your elf only has so many days to spend with your family, so make sure it gets to do everything on its bucket list! Write or print out a bucket list template, and have your family help your elf think of all the fun things it wants to do to celebrate the season, like eating marshmallows or making a snow angel. Then, have your family do all those fun things!
Tired of the cold weather? So is your elf! Set up some sand, an elf-sized lawn chair, and some paper palm trees to help your elf relax on the beach. Give the elf a pair of sunglasses, and make a “snowman” out of sand.^{[4]
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Secret Message from Santa This is a fun idea for older kids who enjoy solving puzzles! Either print out or create your own secret message by replacing letters with Christmas-themed symbols. Include a key that explains which symbol is each letter, and let your kids decode the message.^{[5]
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Hidden on a Bookshelf Encourage your kids to read more by showing them how much the elf loves their books! Simply place the elf on a bookshelf and give him one of your kid’s books to read.^{[6]
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Holiday Movies Your elf may want to join you for a Christmas movie marathon! Place the elf on a stack of some of your kids’ favorite Christmas DVDs. Give him the TV remote and set up some popcorn next to him so your kids get the hint. Watch the movies later that night.^{[7]
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If your child isn’t on winter break yet, have your elf help pack their lunch for school! Leave their open lunch box on the counter with the elf sitting next to it. The elf can even leave them an encouraging note!
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Skittles Experiment Let your elf show off some of its magic. Arrange some Skittles in a circle on a plate. Place the elf next to the plate with a sign instructing your kids to pour hot water in the middle of the plate. They’ll be in awe when they see all the colors run.^{[8]
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Paint a Picture Give your elf a miniature canvas, easel, and paint palette, and have him paint a festive picture. Grab some bigger canvases and paint sets, and encourage your kids to get creative like the elf! Hang everyone’s paintings up as Christmas decor.^{[9]
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Melted Snowman Uh oh! Your elf tried to bring your kids a snowman from the North Pole, but it looks like it melted along the way. Fill a jar or bowl with water, and place a carrot, two buttons, and two twigs inside. It will look like the snowman melted, leaving behind its face and arms.^{[10]
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Your elf has the spirit, even if it took things too literally! Arrange several pieces of sliced bread around a container of ginger so that it resembles a house. Place your elf next to your creation so it looks like he built a “gingerbread” house overnight.
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“I’m Bored” Activity Jar This is a great way to keep your child entertained if they start to get bored over winter break. Write out several fun things to do (like reading a book or building a fort) on slips of paper, then place them in a jar. Set your elf beside the jar so it looks like he came up with the ideas. Your kid can grab a new slip of paper anytime they’re feeling bored.
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Superhero Elf Tie a superhero cape around your elf and have him “rescue” some of your child’s toys from “danger.” For example, if you have a toy train track, tie a toy to the tracks and have the elf save it.^{[11]
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Section 3 of 10:

Mischievous Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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Unroll a roll of paper towels so that it slides from your couch to the floor, like snow on a mountain. Stack pillows or move a chair as necessary to support the “mountain.” Grab some cupcake liners to serve as sleds, and have your elves slide down the snow.
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Peek-a-boo Hide your elf in plain sight with this bathroom-based idea. Stack two rolls of toilet paper on top of each other and place your elf inside. Then, have him hold a third roll over his head. Make things extra festive by decorating the rolls of toilet paper to look like a snowman using googly eyes and construction paper.^{[12]
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Crash Landing Uh oh! Looks like your elf tried to fly a paper airplane but didn’t quite stick the landing. Fold a paper airplane and stick it in the branches of your Christmas tree to make it look like the elf crashed into the tree. Either have your elf sitting in the paper airplane or stuck in the limbs of the tree himself.
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Snowball Fight Grab one of your kid’s other toys and arrange a “snowball” fight between it and the elf. Place one toy on either side of the table and stack large marshmallows in front of each one to serve as a snow fort. Give each a pile of mini marshmallows to serve as the snowballs.^{[13]
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Nothing’s more frustrating than trying to untangle Christmas lights, so why not let your elf help out? If you’re getting ready to trim your tree, wrap your elf in some string lights. Your kids will be surprised when they open the box to find your elf all tangled up!
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TP the Tree Once you’ve decorated your Christmas tree, give your elf a chance to participate, too! Wrap some toilet paper around the tree, and stick your elf at the top, holding the end of the roll. Let your kids decide if the elf was trying to help or pranking you!^{[14]
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Hide in the Silverware Drawer Place your elf in your silverware drawer, then ask your child to grab you a fork. They’ll be delighted to discover the elf’s new hiding spot! Just make sure they don’t accidentally touch it.
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Hitch a Ride If you know you have to take your kids somewhere, like to school or an appointment, surprise them by hiding the elf in the car. Have him hang onto your rearview mirror or buckle him into the backseat.^{[15]
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Trapped in an Ornament Uh oh! What has your elf gotten itself into now? Once you’ve decorated your Christmas tree, place your elf inside a clear, plastic ornament. Hang the ornament somewhere your kids are sure to notice it.
If your elf is known for getting into trouble, have him “break” your TV. Find a 24-hour cracked screen background video on YouTube and have it playing when your kids wake up. Reveal that the elf was playing a prank and didn’t actually break the TV so the kids don’t get too upset.
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I “Peed” Your Pants Grab a pair of your kid’s pants and pour some peas into them. Place your elf beside them with a note that says, “I peed your pants.” This funny joke should help your kid start their day off right.^{[16]
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Special Oreos If you have some stale Oreos you haven’t thrown out yet, open them up and replace the filling with white shaving cream or toothpaste. Place the elf next to the plate, holding the shaving cream or toothpaste, along with a sign that says, “Wanna try my special Oreos?”^{[17]
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- If you don’t want to waste good Oreos, just place them on the plate as they come. Have the elf hold the shaving cream or toothpaste, but don’t actually replace the filling.
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Lock the Kids in Their Bedrooms Grab some crepe paper, and use blue-tac to attach it to the door frame. When the kids open their doors in the morning, they’ll discover they’ve been trapped inside! Place the elf near the door so they know who’s responsible.
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Eye Pad If your kid wants an iPad for Christmas, this playful prank might make them laugh! Have your elf decorate a legal pad with a bunch of googly eyes, and stick a bow on top. It’s a simple misunderstanding!^{[18]
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If you’re introducing a second elf to your family, your first elf may need a little time to adjust. Place the new elf inside your blender and set the original elf next to it to make it look like he tried to blend the new one. Just make sure your kids will find this funny rather than upsetting.
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I Shined Your Shoes Grab one of your kid’s shoes and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place the elf beside it and place another piece of foil in its hand. Set up a sign that says, “I shined your shoes!” Your child will likely have fun unwrapping their shoe.

Section 4 of 10:

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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Your elf likely has a strict skincare routine to stay so rosy-cheeked in the cold, winter air. Place the elf on the bathroom counter, along with a mirror and some cosmetics. Wrap a small washcloth around its head so it looks like it’s drying its hair.^{[19]
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Take a Float Elves need to relax, too! Fill your sink or bathtub with a bit of water and lots of bubbles. Place your elf on top of a sponge and let him chill out while he floats around. Bonus points if you give him sunglasses and an umbrella.
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Nap Time Surprise your child by asking them to set the dinner table, only to discover their elf is taking a nap on their plate! Fold a napkin into a bed shape and place it on top of a plate. Lay the elf on top and cover it with another napkin to serve as a blanket. Give the elf a sleep mask to cover its eyes.
Looks like your elf got into a bit of trouble! Tape your elf to the wall, and place another piece of tape over its mouth. Arrange a few toy soldiers around it to show your kids the elf is being held captive.
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Minecraft Makeover If your kid loves Minecraft, give them a fun surprise by turning their elf into a Minecraft character! Fold a piece of paper into a cube and place it over your elf’s head. Then, glue on the face of a character from the game. Don’t forget to cut out a paper weapon, too!^{[20]
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Twister Your elf wants to play Twister! Grab a few other small toys to play with him, and create a mini Twister mat out of cardstock. Arrange the toys so that they look like they’re playing the game when your child discovers them.
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Make Snow Angels Your elf doesn’t need real snow to make snow angels! Pour out some rice, sugar, or sprinkles on the counter, and place your elf in the center. Move his arms and legs so it looks like he’s been making snow angels.^{[21]
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Who doesn’t want a kiss from an elf? A chocolate kiss, that is! Create a DIY kissing booth out of cardboard, and place your elf inside. Place a Hershey’s Kiss in its hand so your kid has a treat when they find the elf.^{[22]
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Decorating Family Portraits Grab some red construction paper and cut out small triangles that resemble your elf’s hat. Tape the paper hats to your family photos so it looks like people are wearing them. Place your elf next to the photos so your kids know who’s to blame for the silly prank!
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Sipping Syrup According to Buddy the Elf from the movie Elf, elves consider syrup to be one of the 4 main food groups. Suspend your elf from a pantry shelf and dangle it above an open bottle of syrup. Place a straw inside so it looks like the elf is drinking it.^{[23]
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Ironing Potato Chips Set up your ironing board and lay out a pile of regular potato chips and a pile of wavy potato chips. Place your iron and the elf in between them with a note that says “Your chips needed ironing.” The joke is that the elf ironed the wavy chips so that they turned into regular ones.^{[24]
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Place your elf on top of your toilet paper holder, then roll the toilet paper down far enough to write the following joke: “Why didn’t the toilet roll cross the road? Because it got stuck in a crack… Your buttcrack!” Kids who enjoy toilet humor will appreciate this funny prank.^{[25]
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Cracked Egg Joke Draw a face on an egg, then crack it open in a small bowl or cup. Place your elf next to the egg, along with a note that reads, “What happens when you tell a joke to an egg? It cracks up!”

Section 5 of 10:

6-7 Trend Ideas

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If your kids won’t stop saying “6-7,” have your elf get in on the fun! One exciting way to incorporate this meme is to do a 6-7 scavenger hunt; have your elf hide 6 small surprises around your house, and give your kids 7 minutes to find them all.
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6-7 Early Visit Your elf may decide to arrive earlier than expected. Set him up and have him hold pipe cleaners that have been shaped into a 6 and 7. Include a note that says, “I’m here a bit early to check in and say, ‘I’ll show up again in 6-7 days!’”
Set your elf up with a note that reads, “There is a funny phrase going around. No meaning at all, or so I have found. But I have a plan that is full of cheer, with 6-7 ways to make Christmas appear.” Along with the note, they’ll list 6 or 7 festive activities for your family to do.
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6-7 Cookies Combine your kid’s favorite meme with their favorite sweet treat! Set up your elf with some cookie dough and a note that reads, “Should you eat six? Or can you have seven?” Then, bake 6 cookies and top them all with 7 marshmallows.
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6-7 Jokes Print out some cards with jokes about the 6-7 mean, along with some miniature flags with the number 67. Have your elf hold the flag, and scatter the joke cards around them so your kids can get a good laugh.
- For example, your cards may say, “I tried saying 6-7 like you do… but all the other elves just stared at me. Did I use it wrong?” Or, “You keep saying 6-7. I don’t get it, but I’m pretending I do so I seem cool.”
Make the 6-7 trend educational by writing out several math problems using the numbers 6 and 7 (like 6+7, 7-6, etc.) Write “Elf’s math homework” at the top of the page to encourage your child to want to do the problems. Make sure all the equations are appropriate for their age level.^{[26]
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Section 6 of 10:

Elf on the Shelf “Emergency” Ideas

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If your child accidentally touches the elf, the elf will need to stay at the North Pole to recover. Remove the elf, and leave behind a note that explains where the elf has gone and when it will be back.
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Elf Report Card If your children have been misbehaving, remind them that their elf is watching and reporting to Santa. Create a report card that lists the things they’re doing well and the things they could improve on.
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Santa Apology Note If someone touches the elf, have your kids write Santa a note to apologize. Make sure they explain what happened and that they won’t do it again. It may be a good idea to have Santa write a note back, accepting their apology.
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Cinnamon Vitamins One common remedy for a “sick” elf is cinnamon. It acts as a vitamin and helps them get back to the North Pole. If someone accidentally touches the elf, have them sprinkle cinnamon around it before bed. The elf will then return to the North Pole until it feels better.
Elves love singing, so a great way to make your elf feel better is to have the whole family sing Christmas carols. The Christmas cheer will create Christmas magic that will make your elf feel better in no time.

Section 7 of 10:

Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas

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Give your kids one last sweet treat before your elf leaves for the year. Arrange gummy worms (or your candy of choice) on the counter so they spell out the word “Bye.” Place your elf next to the candy so your kids can see him off before he leaves.
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Farewell Party Thank your elf and wish him a good year ahead by throwing him a farewell party. Gather all your kids’ favorite toys and plushies, along with some streamers, balloons, and other party supplies. This way, all your elf’s friends can see him off before he leaves for the year.
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Goodbye Note Your elf may be feeling a little tired after all the fun he’s had with your kids. If he’s not feeling up to a party or another prank, simply have him write your kids a goodbye note, thanking them for all the fun memories they’ve made together.
If your elf loves big adventures, send him off on something cool, like a rocket! Grab a toy rocket (or make a rocket using the official Scout Elf Carrier), and have the elf hold on tight as he takes flight back to the North Pole. Leave behind a note that says “Mission accomplished!”
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Game Night Goodbye Your elf doesn’t want anyone to be sad when it leaves, so it might set up a family game night! Grab some of your kids’ favorite board games or card games, and set your elf beside them with a note that says, “One last game before I go!”
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Frosty Farewell Leave behind a bit of Christmas magic with this wintery send-off. Use spray snow to create an outline of your elf on a window, and write a cute goodbye message in the frost.
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Special Delivery to Santa Print out a cute packing slip addressed to Santa at the North Pole. Wrap it around your elf, taping it in place. Your kids can say goodbye and know that your elf is safely on its way back to Santa.
If your elf kept things simple with its arrival, it may also want a simple departure. Simply pose your elf with a letter board displaying its goodbye message. Be sure to place it somewhere your kids will easily notice it.
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Balloon Departure Inflate several colorful balloons and tie their strings to your elf’s hand. Your kids can say goodbye before your elf floats back to the North Pole.
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Donut Worry, I’ll Be Back If you think your kids might be a bit upset when your elf leaves, have your elf leave them one last sweet treat to raise their spirits. Prop your elf up next to some donuts and a sign that says “Donut worry, I’ll be back.”^{[27]
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Goodbye Poem If your elf is the creative type, he may want to write your children a poem to say farewell. Write your own poem for a personal touch, or find one online for a quick and easy option.
If you’ve taken photos of all your elf’s adventures this season, print them out so your elf and your kids can reminisce before your elf heads back to the North Pole. Plus, you can bring the photos out if your kids ever miss your elf throughout the year.
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Farewell Gift Your elf knows your kids will miss him, and he’ll miss them, too! That’s why he decided to give them one final gift before he leaves. Wrap one special gift your kids get to open before your elf leaves, and leave a note from your elf explaining that he’ll return next year.

Section 8 of 10:

What to Do if Your Elf Doesn’t Move

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Think of some interesting reasons your elf didn’t move last night. In general, the Elf on the Shelf should move every night so your kids find it in a new place each day. Sometimes, though, your elf may need a bit of a break. If your elf decided to stay put, here are some reasons to explain to your kids:
- Your elf attempted to book a ride on Santa’s sleigh, but there was a delay due to some unexpected turbulence at the North Pole.
- Your elf is a trickster and wanted to make sure you are paying attention.
- Your elf has been replaced by an imposter! Find where the imposter has hidden your real elf.
- Your elf fell asleep while waiting for the kids to fall asleep.
- Your elf loves you so much that it hates to leave.
- Your elf wanted another day to watch you do their favorite activity.
- Your elf had such a lovely view that it didn’t want to move.
- Your elf is afraid of heights and cannot move.
- It was too cold for your elf to leave the heat last night.
- Your elf is waiting for your kid to do something super awesome today so they can report it to Santa.
- Your elf heard someone getting out of bed, and they didn’t want to risk being caught moving.
- Your elf is sick and needs some time to recover.

Section 9 of 10:

What is Elf on the Shelf?

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According to the story, the elf reports children’s behavior to Santa. The Elf on the Shelf is a modern Christmas tradition in which a toy elf watches children throughout the day, then flies back to the North Pole each night to tell Santa if the children are behaving or misbehaving. The elves then fly back and hide in a new spot for the children to find in the morning.^{[28]
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- In reality, it’s a festive way for parents to get their kids in the Christmas spirit while trying to keep them on their best behavior. The parent finds new and creative places to put the elf each day.
- The children are not allowed to touch the elf, or it will lose its magic (at least temporarily). The elf also doesn’t speak or move while the children are awake.
- The elf can arrive for the season anytime you’d like, but most appear somewhere between November 24 and December 1. They return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
- Remember to give your elf a name! If you need some inspiration, check out our Elf on the Shelf Name Generator.

Section 10 of 10:

How did Elf on the Shelf start?

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The original Elf on the Shelf book was published in 2005. In 2005, Carol Aebersold and her two daughters self-published the book Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, along with an elf kit. It was inspired by Aebersold’s childhood traditions with her family’s elf, Fisbee. In 2007, Jennifer Garner was spotted with the book tucked under her arm, and The Today Show quickly jumped on the story, causing the tradition to surge in popularity.^{[29]
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- Since then, the family has created other products inspired by ideas from kids around the globe, including Elf Pets and an elf clothing line.