Skip to Content

100 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Make Your Whole Family Laugh

Get ready for some festive fun!

By
christmas activities elf on the shelf
COURTESY OF THE LUMISTELLA COMPANY

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Every family has their own special Christmas traditions, whether they're unique to you and yours or shared by people around the world. But it's always nice to add something fun or silly to the mix, and there's one holiday practice that's gained pretty widespread popularity over the years: the magical, mischievous Elf on the Shelf.

Nowadays, these cute troublemakers are practically synonymous with Christmas. In the days leading up to Christmas, they silently watch over your kids during the day and report their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa himself. It's only at night (how convenient!) that they come alive and wreak playful havoc on your home in the name of spreading Christmas spirit—eating your Christmas cookies, sitting beside you during your family's Hallmark movie marathon, making snow angels out of flour, and beyond.

Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas that will have your kiddos smiling all season long. First, choose an Elf on the Shelf name and then move on to Elf on the Shelf return ideas for your Scout Elf to make their big debut. Then have fun with activities! Try Elf coloring pages to keep both him and your children occupied, printable joke cards to help you spell out the hilarity of it all—plus so, so much more. Here's to plenty of festive fun with your little friends this year!

Make the most of Scout Elf season:

1

Shopping Spree

elf on the shelf ideas packages
Etsy

Ordering online and having lots (and lots and lots) of packages delivered is just a part of life during the holidays. Have your Elf partake in their own shopping spree with hilarious miniature versions. Add to cart!

SHOP MINI PACKAGES

2

Elf Yourself Photo Station

elf on the shelf photo station
The Elf on the Shelf

Get your kiddo to strike a pose and look just like their Elf! They'll have so much fun taking a selfie... er, elfie? Then you can keep it as a cute memento for future years.

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Spaghetti Elf

elf on the shelf spaghetti
I Heart Arts n Crafts

Double the Elf, double the trouble! Fans of the movie Elf will immediately get this hilarious snacking scene. Bonus points if you all watch the movie that day, too!

Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts N Crafts.

4

Hide and Seek Shoes

elf on the shelf ideas hide shoes
Over the Big Moon

Oh, what a prankster the Elf can be! With fun printables, you can create entertaining hide and seek games for the kids. Just make sure it's not on a day where you're rushing out of the house. 😂

Get the tutorial at Over the Big Moon.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Spill the 'T'

elf on the shelf idea spill the tea
Elf on the Shelf

This little gossiper just spilled the "T"... get it? If your kids know this fun slang, they'll love the play on words and letters. And all you need is a cute mug and a little card stock to make it happen.

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP CARD STOCK

6

Streamers Surprise

elf on the shelf ideas
Elf on the Shelf

An over-the-top display is sure to get the kiddos excited for the season—especially when it comes from their favorite little friend. When the Elf decorates their bedroom door with streamers, they'll be all smiles the moment they wake up!

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

North Pole Putt Putt

funny elf on the shelf ideas
Elf on the Shelf

Talk about an idea that's definitely a hole-in-one. Make a small putting green using felt or construction paper, then round up a few mini candy canes for golf clubs and mini marshmallows for balls. Fore!

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

8

Quack of Dawn

funny elf on the shelf ideas
Elf on the Shelf

School mornings are made so much better with the help of your Elf pals. Here, they're perched on the bathroom counter with a handful of rubber ducks and a sign that reads "We've been up since the 'quack' of dawn!"

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Runway to Christmas

funny elf on the shelf ideas
Elf on the Shelf

If your Scout Elf loves to make an entrance (which they typically do), there's no grander way to do it than with an illuminated runway! Lights and a "Welcome Home" sign complete the setup. Now, get ready for an epic landing!

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

10

Lunch Wrap-Up

funny elf on the shelf ideas
The Elf on the Shelf

This is what happens when your Elf decides to help out with lunches! They might go a little overboard on the Christmas wrapping, but that's okay. The little ones are sure to get a kick out of this lunchbox surprise.

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

SHOP WRAPPING PAPER

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

DIY Elf Door

funny elf on the shelf ideas
Studio DIY!

Give your Elf a warm welcome when you build them their own little Elf door! This one is made using wood slats and a few other craft items, then is nestled among mini trees and lights. Your Elf deserves it! After all, they're a long way from The North Pole.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

12

Clownin’ Around

funny elf on the shelf ideas
Elf on the Shelf

Scout Elves sure do love being silly—and this funny frame idea really highlights their humor. Just provide them with a few small red pom-poms to use as clown (or Rudolph!) noses.

Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing

funny elf on the shelf ideas fishing
Studio DIY!

Gone fishing! To try this fun pose, make a fishing rod out of a stick and string, then have your Elf cast it for some wooden fish. He could also be fishing for snacks or for bath toys in the bath!

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

14

'Frozen' Elf on the Shelf

funny elf on the shelf ideas frozen
Studio DIY!

If your kids are obsessed with Frozen, why not bring Elsa in on the action with your Elf? Freeze him in a plastic bag full of water and pose Elsa to make her look like she's behind the surprise.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Elf on the Shelf Treats

funny elf on the shelf ideas treats
Happiness is Homemade

The only thing your kiddo will be more excited to find than their Elf is the tasty treat he brought back from Mrs. Claus. Of course, he had to sneak one for himself first!

Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.

SHOP MUFFINS

16

Cookie-Baking Elves

funny elf on the shelf ideas elf movie
Mom Envy

Friend-chip goals! This is a cute one to try if you have two elves, but it could also work well for one. Put together a printable 3D oven and dress your elves in tiny aprons featuring festive quotes.

Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Elf on the Shelf Brushes His Teeth

funny elf on the shelf ideas brushing teeth
Studio DIY!

Elves should have great hygiene, too! Your kid will get a giggle when they go to the bathroom and see their little friend holding their toothbrush with a mouthful of toothpaste.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

18

'A Christmas Story' Elf

funny elf on the shelf ideas a christmas story
Mom Envy

Here's a funny one for fans of A Christmas Story! Pay homage to the beloved film's famous "leg" lamp with this silly printable box and lamp. Then, have your Elf join you for movie night!

Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Elf on the Shelf Phone Call

funny elf on the shelf ideas phone call
Studio DIY!

Ring, ring, it's for your Elf on the Shelf! Invite your kids to guess who's calling—maybe Santa or a workshop elf? 😉

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

20

Mrs. Claus's Bakery

elf on the shelf ideas mrs claus
Etsy

Such a sweet idea! The Elf on the Shelf and Mrs. Claus are having a bake sale and your family is invited! This treat shop is easy to set up with a few adorable printables.

SHOP BAKERY PROPS

Headshot of Tierney McAfee

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

Watch Next 
preview for Watch Our Latest Recipe Videos
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below