The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. This mischievous little elf brings magic and excitement to the holiday season, as children wake up each morning to find their elf in a new and unexpected place.
Elf on the Shelf is a delightful tradition that allows parents to create magical moments for their children during the holiday season. The concept is simple: a scout elf is sent from the North Pole to watch over the children and report back to Santa each night. The elf returns to a different spot in the house every morning, creating a sense of wonder and anticipation for the children as they search for their elf’s new hiding place.
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If you’re looking for easy and creative Elf on the Shelf ideas to make this year’s experience even more memorable, Check out these 16 Elf on the Shelf ideas that will bring joy and excitement to your child’s day. From Santa’s little helper to a candy cane treasure hunt, these ideas will create lasting memories for your family. Get inspired and have fun with your Elf on the Shelf adventures this holiday season. Happy holidays!
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What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on a Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition that has gained immense popularity in recent years. The concept revolves around a small elf doll that is believed to be Santa’s scout. The elf is placed in different locations around the house, and children are told that the elf is watching their behavior and reporting back to Santa each night.
The Elf on a Shelf tradition began as a children’s book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. The book tells the story of how Santa sends his scout elves to homes around the world to watch over the children and ensure they are on their best behavior leading up to Christmas.
Many families have embraced this tradition and incorporated it into their holiday celebrations. The elf is typically placed in a new location each night, creating a sense of excitement and wonder for children as they wake up to find the elf in a different spot.
What should the Elf on the Shelf do on Christmas Eve?
On Christmas Eve, the Elf on the Shelf has a special role to play in creating magic and excitement for the children. Here are a few ideas for what the elf can do on this special night:
- Leave a farewell note: The elf can leave a heartfelt note saying goodbye to the children and thanking them for their good behavior throughout the month.
- Bring a small gift: The elf can leave a small gift or a Christmas ornament as a token of appreciation for the children’s cooperation.
- Set up a surprise: The elf can create a magical scene or surprise for the children to discover on Christmas morning, such as a trail of candy canes leading to the Christmas tree or a special message from Santa.
- Return to the North Pole: On Christmas Eve night, the elf can return to the North Pole to join Santa and the other elves, bidding farewell until the next holiday season.
Let’s check 16 Best Elf on the Shelf ideas.
1. Bring the Magic of Christmas Home with a Scout Elf!

Welcome your very own Scout Elf to your home this holiday season with The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition – Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes! This delightful set includes everything you need to create a magical Christmas tradition that your family will cherish for years to come.
Here’s what’s included:
- A charming Scout Elf with beautiful blue eyes: This adorable elf will become a beloved member of your family as you watch him fly back and forth to the North Pole each night to report to Santa on your holiday adventures.
- An artfully illustrated storybook: The beautifully told story brings the magic of the Scout Elf to life, explaining their special role in helping Santa deliver presents.
- A keepsake box: This precious box provides a safe and cozy home for your Scout Elf when he’s not on his nightly journey.
- An official adoption certificate: This personalized certificate makes the adoption of your Scout Elf official and adds to the excitement of the tradition.
Don’t miss out on the magic of this Christmas season! Order your Scout Elf today and create a tradition that your family will cherish for years to come.
2. World’s Smallest Elf on a Shelf

Your favorite holiday tradition, now in mini form!
This adorable miniature elf is less than 4 inches tall, making him the perfect size for tucking away in unexpected places. He’s fully articulated, so you can pose him in endless ways for endless holiday fun.
This tiny elf comes with everything you need to create a magical Christmas tradition, including:
The Elf on the Shelf storybook: Learn all about the elves’ special role in helping Santa deliver presents.
A keepsake box: Keep your elf safe and sound when he’s not on his nightly journey.
An official adoption certificate: Make the adoption of your mini elf official and personalize it with your child’s name.
Give the gift of wonder and imagination this Christmas!
Order your World’s Smallest Elf on a Shelf today!
3. The Elf On The Shelf Boy with Customizable Christmas Sweater Set

Win the Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with this Blue-Eyed Boy Elf featuring a customizable Christmas sweater set. The set includes a book, sweater, and five switchable holiday outfit decorations, ensuring your elf is dressed to impress.
Ready to welcome Christmas magic into your home?
Order your Customizable Sweater Elf today and let the holiday fun begin!
4. HENGBANG Christmas Elf Plush Doll

Get ready to add a unique and trendy twist to your Christmas decor with this adorable HENGBANG Christmas Elf Plush Doll! This charming handmade doll boasts a modern hip-hop style, making it the perfect way to add a touch of urban flair to your holiday celebrations.
each HENGBANG elf is made using high-quality plush materials, ensuring its durability and softness. Dressed in a stylish green outfit with a cool hat, this hip-hop elf is sure to stand out from the crowd and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Not only is this HENGBANG Christmas Elf Plush Doll a delightful addition to your holiday decor, but it also makes a wonderful gift for Christmas lovers, hip-hop fans, or anyone who appreciates unique and handmade crafts.
So, this holiday season, don’t settle for the ordinary. Bring home a HENGBANG Christmas Elf Plush Doll and add a touch of hip-hop fun to your holiday celebrations!
5. Deck the Elf with Ugly Sweater Flair!
This Christmas, unleash your inner festive fashionista with The Elf on the Shelf Boy with a Customizable Christmas Sweater Set! This charming boy elf, complete with captivating blue eyes, comes ready to rock the holidays in style.
But this isn’t your average elf! He comes with a customizable Christmas sweater and five switchable holiday outfit decorations.
More than just an elf, he’s a gateway to Festive cheer, Unique family traditions, and Holiday spirit. Order The Elf on the Shelf Boy with a Customizable Christmas Sweater Set today and unleash your holiday creativity!
6. Double the Christmas Fun with Two Party-Ready Elf Girls!
This year, bring home double the magic with The Elf on the Shelf Girl Elf Gift Set with Party Dress Set. Perfect for adding an extra layer of glamour to your Christmas party, this set ensures your elf is the belle of the ball.
The set also comes with a themed storybook, which will help your children discover the magical world of the Scout Elves and learn about their special role in helping Santa deliver presents.
More than just a toy, this set provides a variety of benefits like Sparkling imagination and wonder, Endless creativity and fun, Lasting family memories, Encouragement for good behavior, and many more.
Make this Christmas extra special with The Elf on the Shelf Girl Elf Gift Set with Party Dress Set!
Order yours today and let the holiday magic begin!
7. Jakks Holiday Elf Buddy The Elf Talking Plush
Bring the beloved character Buddy The Elf to life with this talking plush. Standing at approximately 12 inches, this Elf on the Shelf product delights with 15 phrases, spreading holiday cheer in a truly magical way.
8. The Cuddle with The Elf on the Shelf Plushee Pal® Snuggler!
Looking for a way to add heartwarming snuggles to your holiday season? Look no further than The Elf on the Shelf 12″ Plushee Pal® Snuggler Elf Light Girl & Boy! This adorable duo offers a cuddly twist on the beloved Christmas tradition, bringing double the joy and twice the huggable fun.
It is Haggable & soft, Light & bright, Available in boy and girl versions, and Officially licensed. It is more than just a toy.
9. Elf on The Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (Blue-Eyed Girl Scout Elf)
Introduce a Blue-Eyed Girl Scout Elf to your holiday traditions. This classic Elf on the Shelf figure brings joy and excitement, making it a perfect addition to your festive celebrations. This enchanting set includes everything you need to bring the magic of the holidays into your home like An adorable blue-eyed girl Scout Elf, An artfully illustrated storybook, A keepsake box, and An official adoption certificate.
Click here to order your Scout Elf now!
10. Double the Christmas Cheer with JOYIN’s Naughty Elf Duo
Spread double the holiday cheer with this set of 2 JOYIN Christmas Elf Plush Dolls. Measuring 12 inches, these naughty Christmas toys are ideal for party favors, holiday decor, and more.
These JOYIN Christmas Elf Plush red Dolls offer Sparkling imagination and creativity, Lasting holiday memories, Festive spirit, and a touch of naughtiness.
Order yours today and prepare for a Christmas filled with laughter, joy, and a touch of naughtiness
11. Elf on The Shelf – Holidays with the Ice Cream Party Outfit
Dress your Scout Elf up for a fun and festive Ice Cream Party with this adorable outfit from the Claus Couture Collection!
This set includes an Ice Cream Cone-Inspired Dress and a Brown-Eyed Girl Scout Elf.
Ready to add a scoop of fun to your Elf on the Shelf experience?
12. EOHX 2PCS Grinch Elf on The Shelf Doll Toys
Combine the magic of The Grinch with Elf on the Shelf with these 12.6-inch plush toys. Perfect for kids’ gifts and Christmas tree decorations, these Grinch-inspired elves bring a mischievous charm to your holiday season.
13. Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy
Add a playful twist to your holiday decor with the Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy. This novelty long bendy elf doll, standing at 12 inches, is sure to bring laughter and joy to your Christmas celebrations.
14. Snoop Dogg Snoop on a Stoop 2023 Christmas Elf Doll
Forget the traditional Scout Elf this year. This holiday season, Snoop Dogg himself joins your Christmas décor with the Snoop on a Stoop Christmas Elf Doll! This 12-inch plush brings the Doggfather’s signature swag and laid-back attitude to your festive setup. This small plush toy comes complete with an extra T-shirt, sunglasses, and a necklace – a perfect gift for music enthusiasts.
Give the gift of Doggfather-approved Christmas cheer this year with the Snoop on a Stoop Christmas Elf Doll!
15. GLOW Wholesale Elfie (Boy) and Elvie (Girl) Set
Behave badly in style with Elfie and Elvie. This set of 2 playful elves features a soft body and vinyl face, adding a touch of mischievous charm to your holiday decorations. This adorable duo features two mischievously charming elf figures, ready to bring laughter and lighthearted trouble to your holiday season.
16. The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves at Play Accessory Kit
Extend the fun with the Scout Elves at Play Accessory Kit. With over 100 days of ideas, this kit ensures your Elf on the Shelf remains the star of the show, delighting your family throughout the holiday season.
Conclusion
These easy Elf on the Shelf ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creating magical moments for your family during the holiday season. The key is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Whether your elf is mischievous, helpful, or simply enjoys spreading holiday cheer, the memories you create with this tradition will last a lifetime.
FAQs
1. How long does the Elf on the Shelf tradition last?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition typically lasts from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. During this time, the elf moves around the house each night, creating excitement and anticipation for the children.
2. Can I touch the Elf on the Shelf?
It is generally recommended that children do not touch the elf, as it may “lose its magic.” However, every family can establish their own rules and traditions regarding the elf’s interaction with children.
3. What if I forget to move the Elf on the Shelf?
If you forget to move the elf one night, don’t worry! You can come up with a creative explanation for why the elf stayed in the same spot. For example, you can say that the elf was so impressed with the previous day’s behavior that it wanted to stay and report extra good news to Santa.