15 hilarious Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love this year

If you’re a parent, then you’re well aware of what “The Elf on the Shelf” is—and hopefully you’re having fun with it!

After all, it’s one of the hottest and most popular Christmas traditions right now and has been for a while.

But as some parent continue to find their Elf of the Shelf stride, we came up with a few creative ideas so you don’t have to.

It all started in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda Bell, published a book titled, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.”

The book came in a special box with a small Scout Elf inside.

“The elf will watch us during the day, report to Santa at night, and in the morning before kids wake up, the elf flies back from the North Pole and lands on a different spot in the house,” Bell said in a 2020 interview with CNBC.

While the Scout Elf was never meant to be mischievous, many parents today make it appear as if the Elf was doing something sketchy, funny or naughty after returning from the North Pole.

For example, you can place the elf next to a puddle of water by the sink and leave a note that says, “Sorry, I got thirsty and made a mess. Can you help me clean it up?”

Of course, some parents like to get super creative with the tradition. If you’re one of those parents, here are some hilarious and adorable Elf on the Shelf ideas your kids will love this year!

15. Q-tip snowflakes

For this setup, all you’ll need are some unused Q-tips and a pair of scissors.

Start by cutting two different piles of Q-tips: ones that are cut in half and ones with the tips cut off. We’ll be using all the pieces, so don’t throw any out.

You can make several different types of snowflakes with your Q-tips.

The ones that are cut in half can be formed into a snowflake, but you can also modify it by adding the tips of the Q-tips to the end of the snowflake.

The sticks (without the tips) can also be made into a snowflake. Modify it by cutting some of the sticks down into tiny pieces and add them to the ends of the snowflake.

Last but not least, you can bring the tips together to form a small snowflake.

Once you have your snowflakes, setup the Scout Elf so he’s holding the box of Q-tips and add a note for your child:

“A flake a day keeps the boredom away. So, we made you some snowflakes to start your day off right!”

14. Plastic bag parachute

If you have tape, some thumbtacks, and spare plastic bags, then you can make this happen.

Start by taping the Scout Elf’s hands to the handles on the bag, but position the bag so it looks like a parachute above the elf’s head.

You can also poke a hole into the handle and feed the elf’s hand through it, but do whatever you feel is most secure—because he/she’s going for an adventure.

Find where you want to put the elves, whether it be in the corner by the Christmas tree or in the hallway—as long as you have a ceiling above you.

Use the thumbtack to hang the bag from the ceiling and let your Scout Elf dangle down.

“I was on my way home from the North Pole when I realized the view is much nicer from up here!”

13. Campfire and s’mores

Rocks, twigs or small branches, and stuff to make S’mores—that’s all you need for this campfire!

Start by arranging the small rocks into a circle like a campfire. Then break the twigs into tiny pieces (remember, we’re making a tiny campfire) and put them in the middle of the rocks.

Now that you have the campfire built, let’s set up your Scout Elf.

Give them a small twig with a mini marshmallow attached and make your elf hold it. You can color the marshmallow brown/black for detail, but it’s not necessary.

Arrange the elf in front of the campfire and position them so it looks like they’re cooking S’mores.

“I wish I had S’more, but this is my last one! Sorry!”

12. Hershey’s kisses

Aluminum foil? Check. Paper? Check. Hershey’s Kisses? Check and mate.

Start by wrapping your Elf Scout in the tin foil so only his head is showing. As you crumple up the foil, do your best to shape it like a Hershey’s Kisses.

For the little ribbon, cut a piece of paper the long way about an inch wide and write, “Hershey’s Kisses” across it. Stick it into the tin foil and let it hang by the elf’s head.

Finish the scene by pouring some red and green Hershey’s Kisses across the table and leave your little note:

“I brought you some Hershey’s Kisses, but ended up getting stuck. Don’t worry, I’ll use my magic to free myself!”

11. Condiment target practice

Uh-oh, Scout Elf got caught playing with the condiments, again!

For this setup, you’ll need a piece of paper, sharpies and a condiment of your choice—go with whichever one your child likes the most.

Write, “Target Practice” on the top of the paper and draw a bullseye-like target, preferably with red sharpie.

Next, squirt the condiment onto the piece of paper as if it was shot from a distance. I’ll let you decide how good your Scout Elf is at aiming.

To finish the scene, place the condiment into your Scout Elf’s lap and point it towards the target as if he’s squeezing it. Voila!

“They say practice makes perfect, and I’m aiming to be a champion! Don’t worry, I’ll clean up... eventually.”

10. Croc-infested water

This one will only work if you have Crocs in the household—but toy crocodiles work too.

You’ll also need some food coloring (for effect), a piece of paper and a sharpie.

Fill your bathtub (or sink, if you don’t have one) with water and add brownish food coloring to make it look like a swamp, but you can make it blue if you want.

Next, let the Crocs or toy crocodiles float in the water and put a sign on the wall that reads “Warning! Croc-Infested Water Down Below.”

To finish the scene, hang your Scout Elf from the shower head and leave your note:

“It’s a jungle out there—or at least in the bathtub! Just be careful because these crocs bite!”

9. Toilet cereal bowl

Only do this if you’re okay with wasting some cereal, but don’t worry, you won’t need to waste a lot.

Start by cleaning your toilet (of course) and then wrap saran wrap across the top of the toilet bowl. Close the first lid, but leave the second lip open.

Now spread the dry cereal on top of the siran wrap so it looks like the toilet bowl is filled with cereal. Give your Scout Elf a spoon and let him dig in!

“The bowls in the kitchen weren’t big enough, so I decided to use this one!”

8. Elf on the Shelf zip-lining to the tree

Okay, parachuting was one thing, but now Scout Elf is getting a little too adventurous.

You can use toilet paper for this, but some might prefer to use paper towels for extra strength, especially if there will be multiple elves hanging from it.

Then again, you can always use a piece of yarn or shoestring—whatever you have laying around!

Either way, you’ll need an empty toilet paper tube or a paper towel tube cut into thirds. This is what your elf will use to zip-line.

First, tape one end of the toilet paper, paper towel, or shoestring to the wall next to your Christmas tree.

Then tape your elf to the tube and slide the paper/string through the tube so it looks like the elf is zip-lining. Tie the other end to the top of the tree and let him dangle.

“I thought this way would be easier, but I was wrong! Now, I’m breaking a sweat!”

7. Toilet paper roll snowman

Three toilet paper rolls and a black and orange sharpie—that’s all we’re using for this one!

First, set two of the rolls on top of each other to form the snowman’s body. Use the sharpie to color three black buttons onto the snowman’s torso.

If you don’t want to ruin the toilet paper, cut a piece of paper the same width as the toilet paper and tape it around the roll.

The third roll will be the snowman’s head, so draw two black eyes, a black smile, and an orange nose shaped like a carrot.

To finish the scene, put your elf inside the snowman’s body and position the elf as if he’s holding the snowman’s head on top of his own head.

“I told Santa that you love Elsa from ‘Frozen,’ so I decided to build you a snowman that looks like Olaf!”

6. ‘Toy Story’ security guards

Scout Elf got caught eating a midnight snack, but luckily your kid’s toys were there to stop it!

“Toy Story” is the perfect movie to play off of because the toys are known to come alive, but you can use any of your child’s favorite toys or dolls.

Start by putting your Scout Elf in timeout. For the sake of this article, they’re going inside a mason jar.

Next, set up the scene so it looks like your kid’s toys are containing Scout Elf so he/she doesn’t get in any more trouble.

You can include a small plate of cookies with a bite taken out of them and crumbs near the jar for greater effect.

“[Name] was trying to sneak in a midnight snack, but we stopped him/her. Sincerely, Your Favorite Toys”

5. Swinging from the door frame

Hopefully you didn’t throw that toilet paper tube out because we can reuse it for this swing!

All you’ll need is the tube, a long piece of ribbon or some type of string, Scotch tape, and your Scout Elf.

First, feed the ribbon or string through the tube and cut the ribbon so there’s about 18 inches of ribbon coming out each end.

Next, tape the ends of the ribbon to the ceiling, about one foot apart from one another. You should be left with what looks like a swing (the tube is the seat).

Just tape your elf on the seat, make sure he’s hanging on for dear life, and write your little note:

“I’m just hanging out! The view from up here is elf-tastic, and I think this swing is my new favorite spot.”

4. Stealing cookies and treats

We’re all guilty of trying to steal a midnight snack. Scout Elf is just the one who got caught.

This one is fun because you’ll finally get a use out of those canned foods that have been in the pantry for months, if not longer.

First, you’ll need to stack seven or so canned goods on top of one another and place them in front of a nearby counter.

Next, position your Elf Scout as if he climbed up the cans and is reaching for a box of cookies or treats.

And while you’re at it, take a cookie for yourself. Someone has to be the actual thief, right?

“Sometimes an elf’s gotta get creative to snag a snack! These canned goods make the perfect ladder to the cookie stash. Don’t worry, I left a few for you…”

3. Bye-bye water, hello sprinkles!

I guess giving Scout Elf sprinkles wasn’t such a good idea after all.

For this, you’ll need an empty sink that can plug, a long piece of tape, and some sprinkles you’re okay with throwing away.

First, dip the sticky side of the tape into the sprinkles until the tape is covered. Double-sided tape works best, but any tape will do.

Next, pour some of the sprinkles into the clogged sink so they don’t fall down the drain.

You should be left with what looks like a waterfall of sprinkles coming out of the faucet—genius!

“Who needs boring water when you can have a sprinkled surprise?”

2. Melted snowman

Sometimes it’s the thought that counts, especially with your Scout Elf.

For this idea, you’ll need to yourself a bowl, a carrot that would make a good nose for a snowman and some googly eyes.

Fill the bowl with water, throw the googly eyes and carrot in and just like that you have a snowman that didn’t quite make it.

“I built you a snowman and was going to surprise you, but it melted before you woke up. Sorry!”

1. Wrong type of butter!

If this one doesn’t end with your children laughing their butts off, then I don’t know what will.

To start, throw two pieces of toast in the toaster, but fight the temptation to eat them.

Instead, take some nutella (or any type of melted chocolate) and spread one streak across each piece of toast.

Then position your Scout Elf at the end of one of the streaks as if he/she just wiped their buttocks across it.

“I ran out of toilet paper and panicked. I didn’t know what else to do, but at least breakfast is served!

As you can see, there’s no limit to what you can do with your Scout Elf and that’s why so many parents bring it back every year. Hopefully you can join in on the fun!