Funny Elf on the Shelf Idea: Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs Printable

When a mischievous little elf and a pack of dinosaurs meet, things are bound to get silly. This Elf on the Shelf idea brings prehistoric fun straight into the holiday season with a playful twist: the elf sneaks into the toy bin and decides it’s snack time for the dinosaurs. Surrounded by toy dinos, candy, and a cheeky printable sign that warns, “Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs”, this setup is equal parts imaginative and hilarious.

Kids will wake up to see that the elf is ignoring all the rules and serving mini marshmallows and M&Ms to a herd of hungry dinosaurs. It’s a simple idea, but the scene brings big laughs, turning an ordinary morning into one filled with excitement and wonder.
Setting the Scene for a Funny Elf on the Shelf Idea
For this Elf on the Shelf setup, gather a few favorite toy dinosaurs, like T-rex, triceratops, velociraptor, or even a stegosaurus. Place them around the elf as if they’re gathered for a feast. Mini marshmallows and colorful M&Ms make the perfect “dino snacks,” adding bright pops of color that instantly catch kids’ attention.

To complete the look, download and print the playful printable sign that reads “Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs.” Once set up near the scene, the sign makes the elf’s disobedience even funnier. The dinosaurs clearly weren’t supposed to be fed, but rules never seem to stop that cheeky little elf.
Why This Elf on the Shelf Idea Stands Out
There are countless Elf on the Shelf setups, but this one has a unique mix of humor, creativity, and imagination. Dinosaurs never go out of style, and combining them with candy gives this idea extra appeal for kids of all ages.
The tiny details make the biggest difference:

- Mini marshmallows resemble soft dinosaur treats.
- M&Ms add playful color, making the feast look extra tempting.
- The Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs printable sign adds a storytelling element, almost like catching the elf red-handed breaking the rules.
Parents can set up the funny Elf on the Shelf idea in just a few minutes, but the laughter and excitement it creates will last all day.
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Choose the dinosaurs. Pick 3–5 toy dinosaurs in different species for variety.
- Position the elf. Place the elf in the middle of the dinosaurs, holding candy in its tiny hands.
- Scatter the snacks. Spread mini marshmallows and M&Ms around the dinosaurs to make it look like they’re munching away.
- Print the sign. Download the Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs printable and display it nearby.
- Add fun touches. A small bowl or toy bucket can make it look like the elf brought a food dish for the dinosaurs.
Elf on the Shelf Printable Sign

The Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs printable is what pulls everything together and adds a layer of story to the scene. The warning is clear, but the elf just couldn’t resist sneaking in a midnight snack for prehistoric pals. Print, cut, and place it beside the dinosaurs for a finishing touch that makes this setup feel complete.
For extra durability, consider laminating the Elf on the Shelf printable so it lasts the entire holiday season. A laminated version can be reused night after night, especially if the dinosaurs become a recurring part of the elf’s antics. Another option is gluing the do not feed the dinosaurs printable onto a piece of cardboard to make it more sturdy. This way, the sign stands upright easily and won’t bend or wrinkle when handled.
Whether it’s propped up against a toy block, clipped to a small stand, or taped to the table, the Elf on the Shelf printable sign adds an official touch that makes the scene feel like a real rule-breaking adventure.
More Elf on the Shelf Dinosaur Ideas
This idea doesn’t have to stop with one night. Dinosaurs can become part of an ongoing Elf on the Shelf adventure. Imagine the possibilities:

- Dinosaur Parade: The elf rides on the back of a T-Rex, leading a dinosaur parade across the living room.
- Excavation Site: Create a mini dig using kinetic sand, where the elf “uncovers” dinosaur bones.
- Jurassic Picnic: The elf sets up a full picnic scene with dinosaurs sharing snacks.
Adding new twists keeps the fun fresh and builds anticipation each morning.
Tips for Extra Magic
- Use different candy with multiple Elf on the Shelf setups for variety. Gummy bears, cereal, or pretzel sticks can become part of the dino feast.
- Add small props like toy fences or blocks to create a “dinosaur enclosure.”
- Set up the enclosure a few days early. Kids will get used to the dinos and the sign being there, so when the Elf breaks the rules, it will resonate even more.
- Keep the sign consistent for a running joke. Every time the dinosaurs appear, the elf continues to break the “Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs” rule.
Why Kids Love this Funny Elf on the Shelf idea

Children love dinosaurs, and they love the playful mischief of the elf. Combining the two creates a scene that feels larger than life. The candy makes it extra silly, and the sign adds humor that even adults will appreciate. Each detail helps transform a simple idea into a magical morning mini-adventure.
Elf on the Shelf Dinosaur Feeding
This Elf on the Shelf Dinosaur Feeding idea is quick to set up, packed with humor, and sure to create good times. With toy dinosaurs, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, and a clever printable sign, the elf turns a regular night into a prehistoric snack party. It’s imaginative, colorful, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to little faces.
Print the sign, grab some candy, and let the elf break the rules. A funny Elf on the Shelf idea like this one is what makes the season full of laughter and fun.
Get the FREE Elf on the Shelf printable below.
Liked This? You May Also Like…
- Egg Carton Tree Sensory Bin: A Hands-On Winter Wonderland for Learning and PlayCreate a fun and educational winter activity with an Egg Carton Tree Sensory Bin! Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to explore textures, colors, and imaginative play.
- Spread Smiles All Year Long with These Adorable Seasonal Lunch Box NotesBrighten your child’s day with these seasonal holiday lunchbox notes—a fun and easy way to add joy, encouragement, and festive cheer to every meal! This collection of printable holiday lunchbox notes includes designs for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter, and more, making it perfect for school lunches, snacks, or surprise notes at home.
- Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft: A Christmas Craft That Lasts for YearsCreate a wooden gingerbread keepsake craft that lasts for years. Paint a board measured to your child’s height and decorate for a Christmas craft to treasure.
- Gingerbread Dip Recipe: An Easy and delicious Christmas Dessert IdeaGingerbread dip offers a no bake Christmas dessert idea. It’s a simple gingerbread treat idea kids enjoy helping with and sharing during holiday celebrations.
- Reindeer Bait Sensory Bin: A Nature-Inspired Christmas Activity for KidsReindeer bait sensory bin creates a nature-inspired Christmas activity for kids. This setup encourages storytelling, scooping, and imaginative holiday play.
- Fizzy Candy Cane Experiment: A Fun and Easy STEM Christmas Activity for KidsFizzy candy cane experiment creates peppermint-scented bubbles that spark curiosity. A Christmas science experiment that adds excitement to holiday learning.
- Candy Christmas Trees: An Edible Holiday Activity for KidsStack Rolos, Reese’s, and Hershey’s Kisses to make adorable candy Christmas trees! It’s an easy and fun Christmas fine motor activity for kids.
- Snow Globe Sensory Bottle: A Sparkly Winter Calm-Down Craft for KidsCreate winter magic with this calming Snow Globe Sensory Bottle! Perfect for toddlers, preschool, and kindergarten, this easy DIY sensory bottle encourages sensory exploration, mindfulness, and calm-down time. Great for winter activities, Christmas sensory play, calm-down corners, and early childhood learning centers. A simple, sparkly craft kids will love!
- Gingerbread Literacy Activities for the Holiday SeasonBring holiday magic to your literacy block with these Gingerbread Literacy Task Cards! Kids will love the gingerbread theme while strengthening letter sounds, sight words, and early literacy skills. Great for December centers, guided reading groups, winter classroom activities, and hands-on Christmas phonics practice. Perfect for teachers and homeschoolers!
- Nativity Popsicle Stick Craft: A Hands-On Way to Celebrate the True Meaning of ChristmasCreate a meaningful Christmas activity with this easy Nativity Popsicle Stick Craft for Kids! This simple Christmas craft helps children learn about the Nativity story, practice fine motor skills, and make a sweet keepsake for the holiday season. Perfect for Sunday school, homeschool, classroom Christmas crafts, Bible lessons, and family holiday activities. Fun, simple, and budget-friendly!
- Santa Paper Plate Craft: A Classic Christmas Activity for KidsMake an easy Paper Plate Santa Craft for kids with this fun DIY Christmas activity. Using simple, budget-friendly supplies, this Santa craft is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, classroom projects, and holiday parties. Click for step-by-step instructions to create a cute paper plate Santa kids will love.
- Fireplace Popsicle Stick craft: A Cozy Christmas Craft for KidsMake this adorable Fireplace Popsicle Stick Craft for Kids—an easy, festive Christmas craft perfect for holiday classrooms, winter activities, and cozy DIY décor! Using simple supplies like craft sticks, paint, and paper flames, this kid-friendly Christmas craft is fun, budget-friendly, and great for preschool, kindergarten, and family craft nights.












