The Ultimate List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas for a Magical December

an elf on the shelf making cereal braceletes and an elf next to a tray with donuts, pretzels, and m&ms

Looking for some fresh Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep the Christmas excitement going all month long? Whether the elf is mischievous, sweet, or just plain silly, these setups are sure to bring big smiles and giggles each morning. From easy last-minute Elf mischief ideas to fun activities the kids can join in on, this collection of 16 Elf on the Shelf ideas has everything needed to keep the holiday season magical without hours of planning.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

a sign that reads "peeling out for chirstmas cheer"

To make the magic even easier, each elf idea comes with a printable to bring the scenes to life in an instant. These Elf on the Shelf printables add an extra touch of charm, making every setup look both thought out and whimsical. A quick printing can transform ordinary mornings into fun surprises that feel effortless and full of holiday magic. Keep reading for all 16 fun and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas to make December mornings sparkle.

Let’s Make S’mores!

an elf on the shelf roasting a marshmallow over a flameless candle next to ingredients for s'mores with a sign that reads "let's make s'mores!"

The elf sets up a mini s’mores station with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Kids will love imagining their elf roasting marshmallows and then making their own sweet treat. It’s a cozy, fun scene that brings camping vibes indoors.

Check out this elf on the shelf idea here.

Cereal Box Peekaboo

a hole cut in a box of cinnamon toast crunch with an elf on the shelf peeking out

The elf hides inside a cereal box, peeking out to surprise the kids at breakfast. Add a small spoon or scattered cereal for extra cuteness. It’s a playful, simple Elf on the Shelf inspiration that’s perfect for the busiest mornings.

Check out this elf on the shelf cereal idea here.

Building a Donut Snowman

an elf on the shelf next to a tray of donuts, pretzels, m&ms, and a sign that reads "do you want to build a snowman?"

A lot of the most memorable Elf on the Shelf ideas are when he brings snacks along. Kids will love building a donut snowman, and getting a sweet treat afterwards.

Get the instructions and free donut snowman printable here.

A Sweet “Snow Angel” Sprinkle Scene

an elf on the shelf making a snow angel in sprinkles with a sign that reads "the weather forecast: 100% chance of sprinkles"

The elf lays in a pile of sprinkles, leaving a tiny “snow angel.” It’s a messy way to bring winter magic to the counter or table. Weather permitting, kids might just be inspired to go outside and make their own.

Get the instructions and free printable here.

Magical Lollipop Garden

an elf on the shelf next to a flowerpot filled with lollipops and a sign that reads "I used some north pole magic to grow these lollipops for you!"

The elf plants colorful lollipops in a small container to create a candy garden. It looks enchanting and brightens any countertop or table. Kids enjoy the imaginative twist of an edible garden and getting a little candy as a bonus.

Get the free printable here.

Gummy Worm Apple Snack Scene

an elf on the shelf next tow apples with gummy worms on them and a sign that reads "an apple a day didn't keep the worms away"

Elf mischief ideas always go over better when they come with a snack. Apples get a silly twist when gummy worms peek out for a snacky surprise. Sweet and just a little “eww,” it’s a playful Elf on the Shelf prank to add fun to breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Check out this elf on the shelf idea here.

Fruit Loop Friendship Bracelets Craft

an elf on the shelf holding a fruit loop bracelet next to a bowl of fruit loops and a sign that reads "let's make friendship bracelets"

This is an easy setup to prepare, a fun craft, and a snack rolled all into one. The elf sits with a Fruit Loops friendship bracelet already done, right next to a bowl of the cereal with some twine and a printable inviting kids to make their own.

Get the free printable here.

Melted Snowman

and elf on the shelf next to a jar of water with a carrot, googly eyes, and sticks in it with a sign that reads "I tried to bring a snowman back from the north pole but he didn't make it.

Oops! The Elf just wanted to introduce his friend to the kids, but it didn’t go so well. A glass of water plus a few snowman accessories make this a super easy setup. A little Elf on the Shelf inspiration for parents who are short on time.

Get the instructions and free printable here.

Pin the Nose on the Reindeer Game

an elf on the shelf next to red dot stickers and a sign that reads "pin the nose on the reindeer"

This one’s perfect for a bit of fun before the madness of the day sets in. Kids can play a variant of the classic Pin the tail on the Donkey game, with a printable reindeer and some red circle stickers.

Get the free pin the nose on the reindeer printable here.

Elf Ball Pit

elf on the shelf in a bowl of pom poms with a sign that reads "elf ball pit - time to have a ball"

Fill a small container with colorful pom-poms and place the elf inside. It looks like he is having a blast in a mini ball pit. It’s a whimsical scene full of energy and joy that kids will giggle over.

Get the free elf ball pit printable here.

Peelin’ Out to Spread Christmas Cheer

an elf on the shelf on a banana made to look like a car with oranges for wheels and a sign that reads "peeling out for christmas cheer"

The elf appears to be driving a small fruit car, “peeling out” to spread holiday cheer. Add tiny presents or candy along the path for extra flair. It’s a fast-moving, fun scene full of energy and excitement.

Get the free printable here.

Snowball Toss Game

an elf on the shelf with a plastic cup and cotton balls next to a sign that reads "let's have a snowball fight"

The elf brings cups and cotton balls for a mini snowball toss game. Kids can test their aim while imagining their elf joining in the fun. It’s a simple, interactive activity that gets the elf involved in play.

Check out this snowball toss idea here.

Magical Reindeer Food Craft

elf on the shelf next to a bag of oats and glitter and a sign that reads "make your own magic reindeer food"

The elf provides oats, glitter, and small bags for kids to make reindeer food. They can sprinkle it outside on Christmas Eve to welcome Santa’s reindeer. It’s a magical, hands-on way to involve the whole family.

Get the instructions and free printable here.

Do Not Feed the Dinosaurs

elf on the shelf sitting on a sled with dinosaurs and candy around him

That little elf has never been good at following the rules. Even though it’s clearly posted on the printable sign, he couldn’t resist giving some toy dinosaurs a snack.

Get the free printable sign here.

Duck the Halls

an elf on the shelf next to a duck with a sign that reads "I ducked the halls! Can you find all 10 ducks?"

Tiny toy ducks have been stashed in unexpected spots, bringing a quacky twist to the holidays. The elf has created a duck scavenger hunt. Kids will enjoy the silly scene and finding all the hidden ducks.

Get the free printable to “duck the halls” here.

Christmas Sundae Bar Surprise

elf on the shelf next to a sundae bar with a sign that reads "sundays are for sundaes"

The elf arranges a mini sundae bar with toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. Kids can customize their own sundae using toppings the elf has brought just for them. It’s a festive and colorful setup that adds holiday cheer to the kitchen.

Get the free sundae printable here.

elf on the shelf elf moving glove

and elf on the shelf next to a red glove that says "elf moving glove"

Make your Christmas magic even easier with this Elf on the Shelf Elf Moving Glove SVG file! This adorable and practical design is perfect for parents and teachers who want to “move the elf” without losing the magic (or touching the elf!).

Get the free svg file here.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Every Morning

The best part about the Elf on the Shelf tradition is seeing the joy it brings to the kids each morning. You don’t need elaborate props or hours of setup, just a few creative touches and a sprinkle of Christmas spirit. Save this list to come back throughout December, whenever you need a quick bit of inspiration. The elf’s adventures will soon become one of the family’s favorite Christmas memories.

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