Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Homeschool of 1 has been visited by the Elf on the Shelf for over 8 years now. I am going to share with you all of our favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas that you and the kids will love.

At Christmas, we have 4 Elf on the Shelf, and Uncle Si comes to visit! We also have a Halloween Elf on the Shelf that comes for a few days around Halloween!

We really are a little crazy, but we love it.

Even after our son stopped believing that they went back to Santa every night, he still absolutely believes in the magic of Christmas.

When he finally stopped believing completely (he was nearly 11 years old) I asked if he still wanted them to come, and without hesitation, he said yes.

Here you will find all the Elf on the Shelf-related posts on my site! We are constantly updating our posts, so scroll down and see what we currently have.

Make sure you save (and pin) this post for later, and definitely keep checking back as I am always adding new content.

the best elf on the shelf fun from the construction site in November right through to when they go back to Santa on Christmas Eve

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Table of Contents

What is the Elf on the Shelf?

Alright, let me give you the lowdown on what is Elf on the Shelf.

So, picture this: a tiny, mischievous little elf who magically appears in your house during the Christmas season. Yep, that’s the Elf on the Shelf!

This little rascal is here to keep an eye on the kiddos and report back to Santa about their behavior.

But here’s the twist: every night, while everyone’s asleep, this sneaky elf moves around, getting into all sorts of playful antics.

It’s like having a secret elf friend who’s up to all sorts of shenanigans! And let me tell you, it’s a whole lot of fun for the whole family!

Halloween Elf on the Shelf

Well, in our house, we take it up a notch with a Halloween twist! We’ve got a Halloween Elf on the Shelf who pays us a visit before the big day.

This little elf doesn’t move around like the Christmas elf; instead, it’s all about decorating the house with spooky vibes. And let me tell you, the kids go nuts for it!

We even mummify our Halloween elf, using ripped-up white towels and some red food coloring for that creepy effect.

If you’re curious, I’ve got a list of awesome Halloween Elf on the Shelf ideas, from witch costumes to skeleton disguises. Oh, and don’t forget about the Switch Witch, who swaps out some of the kids’ Halloween candy for toys (perfect for my little one who’s not big on sweets).

Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas

Looking to make your Elf on the Shelf’s arrival extra special? Check out these creative ideas!

Set up an exciting Elf construction site complete with tools and materials to welcome your mischievous friend.

Don’t forget to leave a heartfelt arrival letter to kickstart the holiday magic, and why not start the day with a delightful North Pole Breakfast to make the whole experience unforgettable!

Save a huge amount of time and download all of our Elf on the Shelf printables now.

Elf on the Shelf antics

Get ready for some epic Elf on the Shelf antics! We’ve got you covered with a collection of mischievous ideas that will bring tons of laughter and excitement to your household.

Preparing for the Elf on the Shelf visit can be quite the task, especially when it comes to remembering to move the mischievous little elf every single night. But worry not! We’ve got your back with a range of helpful resources.

From adorable Elf on the Shelf notes to engaging printable games, we’ve got everything you need to make your elf’s visit unforgettable.

And here’s a little secret: having these resources prepared before December means you’ll have the best elf visit ever, without the last-minute stress.

Get ready to create magical memories with your mischievous elf!

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Elf on the Shelf games

Looking to add some extra excitement to your Elf on the Shelf adventure? Look no further than our Elf on the Shelf games!

Engage the whole family with fun and interactive activities like Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunts, where you can follow clues to find hidden surprises. And don’t forget to test your memory skills with our entertaining Elf memory game, featuring your favorite elf-themed characters.

Get ready for endless laughter and holiday cheer as you embark on these delightful games with your mischievous elf companion!

Elf on the Shelf gift ideas

‘Tis the season for Elf on the Shelf gift ideas! Whether you’re looking for presents to surprise your little ones or searching for inspiration to treat your mischievous elf, we’ve got you covered.

Explore a range of creative Elf on the Shelf gifts that will bring joy and wonder to your home.

Don’t forget to spread some sweet holiday magic with our adorable Elf kisses free printable. And for cozy family moments, check out our recommended Christmas books about elves that are perfect for storytime.

Plus, discover a wide array of Elf on the Shelf accessories to enhance the enchanting experience.

Elf on the Shelf classroom activities

Spice up your classroom during the holiday season with engaging Elf on the Shelf classroom activities.

Challenge your students with a fun and festive Elf word search, where they can hunt for popular elf names. Foster their creativity with the “If I were an elf” writing activity, encouraging imaginative storytelling.

Keep their minds sharp with an entertaining Elf on the Shelf word scramble, testing their word-solving skills.

And for a relaxing and artistic break, provide Elf coloring pages that will bring out their inner artists. These activities are sure to create a joyful and interactive learning environment.

Let the holiday spirit shine in your classroom with these Elf on the Shelf inspired activities!

Saying Goodbye to the Elf on the Shelf

As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to our mischievous friend, the Elf on the Shelf. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with creative Elf on the Shelf leaving ideas.

Whether it’s a magical send-off or a heartfelt goodbye, we have suggestions to make the departure memorable. And to add that extra touch of sweetness, we have a variety of Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter templates that will help express your appreciation for the joy and laughter the elf brought to your home.

Last Updated on 10 April 2025 by Clare Brown