Elf on the Shelf has quickly become a popular tradition in many households, but coming up with Elf on the Shelf ideas can be tricky.
Although it’s fun for the kids, and watching their excitement is fun for mom and dad, it can also be stressful for us as we remember during our 3 AM trip to the bathroom that we forgot to move Figgy.
Remembering to move your Elf on the Shelf is easier when you have a plan! You guys know I am big on having a plan. So, I’m going to give you some ideas that were a big hit in our house last year.
12 Elf on the Shelf Ideas the Whole Family will Love
Our elf’s name is Figgy, and he’s a pretty funny guy. He enjoys playing tricks, and he definitely likes to have a good time! Figgy also has a softer side and brings lots of secret cuddles. Let me show you some of Figgy’s shenanigans…
He brought snow.

Then, he stole some cuddles while we slept.

He brought elves we can touch!

With his friends, he built a zip line in our living room.

He threw a HUGE party!
Snowball fight, anyone?

Figgy brought jokes and is just as coordinated as mom.

He exercised our brains with a simple science experiment.

He asked us to think of others.

Everyone loves a bubble bath, even elves.

He helped us count down to Christmas!


He challenged us to a game with hidden treats.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas Everyone will Love
Although some of the ideas took a bit of clean up, they were easy to construct. For the most part, we had everything around the house.
I did buy some snow spray for Figgy’s grand entrance and the personalized elves.
When planning what Figgy is going to do next, it’s easier for me to remember to move him at night when I have a game plan. So, hopefully these ideas will set you up for a few days. Buy yourself even more time by throwing in some basic moves to spread out the big ones!
Most important: have a good time doing it! Use your own creativity. AND enjoy seeing the little one’s faces and reactions the next morning. They are only little once…
Have any great Elf on the Shelf ideas? Leave them in the comments below!
Find other holiday posts here.

Nice! We had a mischievous elf called Eric last year. I’m sure he will come back this Christmas:))
Some good ideas here, I can’t wait for our elf to visit this year!
Oh I love these, so fun! The kids sure love to see what the Elf on a Shelf has been up to and it’s a fun way to bring some creativity into our lives. Thanks for sharing! – Leah at Buttercream Parties
These are great! I especially like the one about cleaning out toys for kids who don’t get as many. Thank you for sharing. I am pinning it so I can remember them later.