Check out these cute and funny elf on a shelf ideas, including arrival ideas, antics, activities, and printables for at home and the classroom!

We’re sharing the best cute and funny elf on the shelf ideas for kids, families, and classrooms!
From clever arrival ideas and activities to free printables, we’ve got everything you need to plan fun experiences this holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
Here are some of our favorite elf on the shelf arrival ideas to announce your elf’s return.
These first-day ideas are the perfect way to kick off your seasonal fun.
1. Arrival Letter
Introduce or re-introduce your elf with an arrival letter! You can create a simple handwritten note or use a free printable for an extra special touch.
2. Cookies and Cupcakes

Bring your elf back with a box of cookies or another sweet treat from your favorite bake shop.
How cute are these welcome back cookies by @sheassweetshoppe!
We love these festive cupcakes courtesy of @jessiesbakes

3. Balloon Parachutes
Have your elf drop in with balloons.
4. Paper Airplane
Deliver your elf on a private paper plane.
5. Note in the Window
Set your elf up in a window with a note.
6. Arrival Box
Create a cute arrival box or order one from Etsy.
7. Arrival Breakfast



Plan a breakfast feast featuring seasonal favorites like this one from Glitter on a Dime.
Funny and Cute Elf on the Shelf Antics and Activities
We can’t get over these cute and creative elf on the shelf ideas, including mischievous antics, sweet (yet misguided) gifts, and fun activities.
1. “Sponge” Cake

Here’s a cute idea from @marcshelkin.
This is definitely not the kind of sponge cake we’d like to try, but it’s the thought that counts!
2. Elf Yoga

@craftymumofgirls shared this elf yoga idea, complete with a mini poster.
3. Q-Tip Snowflakes

This creative Q-tip snowflake idea, and several more below, was provided by @the_crochet_mama.
4. Sundaes

Use your elves to set up a Sunday sundae dessert party.
5. Washing Machine Roller Coaster

Create a washing machine roller coaster.
6. Zipline

Use a toilet paper roll and ribbon to create a zipline.
7. Tangled up in Christmas Lights

Get tangled up with Christmas lights.
8. Christmas Bow Rock Climbing

Use cheap Dollar Tree bows to create an elf on the shelf rock climbing wall.
9. Skiing

Create a ski slope using paper towels or toilet paper.
10. Spa Day

Give your elf a spa day, complete with a foot bath.
11. Toilet Paper Roll

Get your elves dizzy with this toilet paper roll activity.
12. Melted Snowman

Fill a glass with water to create a melted snowman from your elf.
13. Candy Cane Hunt

Entertain your kids with this fun candy cane hunt activity provided by Glitter on a Dime.
14. Window Cleaning

This cute window cleaning elf on the shelf idea, and several more below, was shared by Mommy Evolution.
15. Who Let The Dogs Out?

Utilize your children’s stuffed animals for this cheeky elf setup.
16. Cereal

Sacrifice a box of cereal for these mischievous antics. Here’s a tutorial on how to get the spilled cereal look!
17. Rootbeer Reindeer Sleigh Ride

Use root beer cans to create an elf sleigh ride.
18. Gone Fishing

Snag a few goldfish from your toddler’s stash to create an elf fishing expedition.
19. Shrink, Shrank, Shrunk!

Use a larger elf and a Grinch stuffie for a fun setup.
20. Opened Gift

Let your kids enjoy an early Christmas gift when your sneaky elves break one open.
21. Poop in the Pool

Is it poop or chocolate?? Will the kids ever know 😉
22. Ice Fishing

Use some dental floss, plastic wrap, and goldfish crackers to put on this shenanigan!
23. Kissing Booth

All the kids will catch Elfie kissing Santa Claus with this trick!
24. Toilet Paper Fort

Your elf can rest comfortably under a TP fort while roasting a marshmallow over a tea light.
25. Thin Ice

The elf got too close with this trick set up with cling wrap and some flour!
26. Poor Frosty

Frosty got a little too close with this one!
27. Movie Night

You may need to borrow Barbie’s TV to pull this one off! You can get the cute Elf message boards here!
28. Arrrgh you ready for Christmas?

This setup requires a little extra work with the costumes and pirate booty, but the kids are sure to love it!
29. Cootie Bugs

This is for all the 90’s kids who grew up playing the Cootie bug game!
30. Do you think crayons taste good?

Similar to the Frosty idea, but this one uses crayons and sprinkles!
31. Tightrope and Zipline


Both of these use a similar idea: hang some string or lights across a room and send the Elf off!
32. Pudding Cup Reindeer

Similar to the root beer reindeer, this one uses pudding cups!
33. The Floor is Lava

This setup uses a red tablecloth, crumpled tissue paper, and string lights, and paper plates!
34. Free The Elves

“Capture” your elves with some rope and leave a sign explaining that the price to free them is 3 donated items to the North Pole. Each kid gives Santa 3 toys he can fix up and find new homes for. A great way to declutter before new toys come in!
35. Tic Tac Toe

You can get these mini bows at the dollar store!
36. Snow Tubing


Unroll some paper towels and use some mini tubes to pull off this setup!
37. Just Hanging Out

Carefully position the elves hand under a canned light to achieve this trick!
38. I see London, I see France

Place pairs of underwear (clean of course!) on the tree with a sign that says “I see London, I see France, I see a tree full of underpants!”
39. Target Practice

You can use any condiment in a bottle for this elf on the shelf trick!
40. Whoopee!

This one only requires a whoopee cushion and a cute sign!
41. Growing Lollipops


The notes say:
“Santa gave me these magic seeds for you to plant! Put them in these cups and see what grows! P.S. You don’t need to water these!
“Yum! Good job growing your first lollipop plant! Santa told me that he needs your Christmas lists. Write those today!”
Goodbye Ideas
And, here are some clever ways to bid your elf goodbye.
1. Crying Elves with Kleenex and Luggage

Say goodbye to your elves as they cry with their packed luggage.
2. Plane and Letter
Send your elf off with a plane and a letter.
3. Farewell Gift
Say farewell with a parting gift to open on Christmas Eve.
4. Donuts
Use a box of donuts with this clever quote “Donut worry! I’ll be back!”
Other Ideas From Pinterest
Elf on the Shelf Printables
Here are some free elf on the shelf printables to help you devise the best experiences for your kids and family.
Find scavenger hunts, props, calendars, activities, and more!
Want More
Looking for more Christmas ideas for kids? You’ll love these!




- 40 Family Christmas Traditions
- Simple Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
- 90 Non-Toy Gifts for Kids
- Creative Toys for Kids
Your Turn
What did you think of these elf on a shelf ideas? Are there any ideas you think we should add? Let us know in the comments!