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63 funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to recreate at home
Easy and creative ideas for the Scout Elf that will see you through December.
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that involves toy elves being placed around the home during December to keep an eye on whether kids are being naughty or nice. Looking for some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can replicate in your own home for Christmas 2024? We've been compiling some funny, fuss-free (and sometimes naughty but always family-friendly) Elf on the Shelf ideas in the lead up to Christmas Day.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Beginning as a US children's book in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has gained popularity in the UK and across the world. In the run up to Christmas, the magical Scout Elves help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists by taking note of a family's Christmas adventures and reports back to Santa at the North Pole each night. Each morning, the Scout Elf returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting for someone to spot them.
This activity sees parents, grandparents, family members and guardians wake up extra early every morning (or at night after the kids have gone to bed) to place the Elf in a different area or room of the house, usually up to some sort of mischief. It's a firm favourite in many households as the nearly month-long event sees kids race around the house looking for their Scout Elf each morning.
It is, however, quite the commitment and can sometimes take a lot of preparation and creativity.
Want to join in on the Elf on the Shelf tradition?
The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is available at all good retailers across the UK, both in store and online (RRP: £24.95), including Amazon, John Lewis and The Range. It includes an adoptable Scout Elf with an official adoption certificate, a keepsake box and a beautiful, illustrated storybook.
You can buy Santa's official Scout Elf now in time for the festive season, then all that will be left is to name your Scout Elf. Plus, there's a range of elf clothing, accessories and props (some of which you'll see below) that can help to create fun new scenes and moments around the home. You can also buy a cuddly, plush toy version of Elf on the Shelf for extra elf magic.
Lights4Fun has also launched an exclusive lighting collection with Elf on the Shelf for 2024. Perfect for fans of the modern festive tradition, the collection includes hanging fairy lights, a light-up bauble, and a wipe-clean whiteboard sign — all featuring the mischievous elves.
'It's time to spread the Christmas cheer with a sparkling range of decorative lighting, all starring Santa's favourite helper. Fairy lights make spirits bright and winter nights sparkle, and maybe morning will even bring a special handwritten message from nighttime North Pole adventures,' say the team at Lights4Fun.
There are a few rules for little ones to remember, too:
- Don't touch your Scout Elf or they will lose their magic!
- Scout Elves can't talk but are great listeners: children can share secrets and wishes with their Elf as often as they'd like.
- The busy Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for next Christmas.
Elf on the Shelf ideas
Another big part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and especially in the age of social media, is to share photos of the hilarious antics Scout Elves have been getting up to in the home. Plus, it gives families more genius Elf ideas because you have to get really creative.
While the first week of December will be a breeze, it can be a challenge keeping it up for the entire month. So take a look at these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you and your kids will love this Christmas.
Elf on the Shelf Stand-n-Scoot
What a great way to make an entrance into the home on arrival day for the countdown to Christmas. This kit includes a plastic scooter with moving wheels, Elf-sized safety helmet, and a festive striped scarf.
Elf on the Shelf Insta-Moment Pop-Ups Series 2
Create Insta-worthy moments with these pop-up scenes. Create three backdrops for the Scout Elves (accessories included) with a Drum Set, Spa Day and Doughnut Shop.
A worthwhile purchase, this kit contains 15 Elf props including a candy cane cable, glacier grips, Christmas climbing boots, holiday harness and more. It also comes with a 60-page book of ideas, which will set you up for the countdown to Christmas, and then some!
Scout Elves at Play Insta-Moment Pop-Ups
Another pop-up pack from the Elf on the Shelf creators. You get five scenes and themed accessories: Scout Elf Gamer, Christmas Car Ride, Scout Elf Salon, Scout Elf Beach Time & Christmas Campout. Simply pop it open and set it up!
Elf on the Shelf Clothes - Claus Couture
Your little one's Scout Elf is getting a makeover this year. Made with standing technology, this special Magifreez design gives Scout Elves super-standing power to create elf scenes that rise above the rest!
If you're stuck for Elf on the Shelf ideas, why not pop your Scout Elf on the back of this adorable reindeer? Your little ones can adopt the reindeer for themselves with the included official adoption certificate.
Give the kids something to do in the lead up to Christmas with the Elf on the Shelf activity pack. Complete with crosswords, tracing, colouring, stickers and more, they'll be entertained (and quiet!) for hours.
World's Smallest Elf on the Shelf Miniature Accessories
If your children are too good at finding the pesky Scout Elf around the house, try hiding the world's smallest Elf on the Shelf. A tiny piece of magic that fits right in your hands, this Scout Elf would make a great stocking filler.
Note that this mini Elf is not suitable for children under three.
Elf on the Shelf in the washing machine
A great hiding spot, collate dolls/toy figures for a pretend rollercoaster ride. Just ensure they're safely strapped in.
Elf on the Shelf stealing chocolate
It could be a disaster if it all topples down, but there's no denying that this is a fun Elf on the Shelf idea.
Elf on the Shelf having a bath
For an early morning bathroom surprise, fill the sink with cotton wool balls.
Elf on the Shelf eating Nutella
This is a rather messy Elf on the Shelf idea, but kids will love it.
Elf on the Shelf getting lost in the sofa
A sofa classic, scatter some loose coins for the kids to collect as a bonus.
Elf on the Shelf shopping
Pretend that Elf is doing a spot of last-minute online Christmas shopping!
Elf on the Shelf causing pure mischief
So, who's going to clean up this mess?
Elf on the Shelf baking homemade potato chips
Make your Elf a dab hand in the kitchen – nothing beats handmade crisps.
Elf on the Shelf in the shower with balloons
Look at what those pesky Elves have done now! Little ones will have so much fun opening the doors.
Elf on the Shelf getting toasty
A simple and easy way to make breakfast more fun.
Elf on the Shelf doing yoga
And, relax! Embrace Elf and co in some fun yoga activities.
Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and sharing the best decorating tips, small-space living solutions, and houseplant care advice. She also enjoys curating stylish and affordable homeware on the high street, as well as spotlighting the hottest properties on the market.
Olivia covers some of the biggest events in the calendar, including all the action from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Colour of the Year forecasts from Pantone to Dulux, and exclusive previews of all the new Christmas collections before they hit the shops.
Olivia has been writing about homes and interiors for the past seven years, and her work has also been published on House Beautiful US, Elle Decor US, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Red, Prima, Town & Country, Elle Japan, Modern Living and Micasa Revista.
Prior to joining House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night!
Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies.
Previous bylines include The Guardian, Independent on Sunday, The Huffington Post, Frontline Club and Pride Magazine
Laura Hill is the Homes Ecommerce Editor for House Beautiful UK, covering the latest shopping trends, budget interior buys and new homeware collections. Since 2016, Laura has written extensively across the home, DIY, garden, retail and property sectors, covering the latest product launches from big brands like John Lewis, Habitat and Dunelm. Her work can be found across publications such as House Beautiful, Country Living and Prima, as well as being translated for ELLE Japan. Before joining House Beautiful, Laura was a writer and editor at major DIY retailer B&Q for six years, specialising in editorial content across kitchens and bathrooms. Laura studied at Bournemouth University, where she completed a BA in Media Communications. When Laura isn’t testing that viral homeware product you’ve been eyeing up on TikTok or finding the best Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day deals, you’ll find her researching the best budget DIY hacks or tackling her latest room renovation. Follow Laura on Instagram at @laurahillyy.
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