Christmas countdown: 24 Elf on the Shelf ideas

Christmas countdown: 24 Elf on the Shelf ideas
Elf on the Shelf has become a tradition that many families have adopted in recent years… much to many parents’ delight… or not!
What is Elf on the Shelf?
The idea is simple: families get sent an elf from the North Pole who has the job of reporting on the children’s behaviour to Santa each night. When the elf returns he moves to a different place around the house proving much fun for kids to hunt him out. Some elves simply switch places but others get up to mischief overnight.

However, our survey revealed that almost a quarter of Brits don’t do Elf on the Shelf (23%).¹ Whilst at first, it might seem like a simple task for those organising, coming up with 24 unique ideas soon becomes tricky. Not to mention how the Elf, in its garish red outfit, might havoc with a carefully thought-out Christmas decoration scheme.

If you are one of the nearly quarter that don't do elf on the shelf then this is the perfect inspiration to get you into the festive mood.....We’ve come up with 24 exciting but aesthetically pleasing Elf-on-the-Shelf ideas for anyone struggling for inspiration.
1. First-day letter
The first day your Elf is in the house calls for an introduction. Leave out the elf along with a letter for the kids to find and give them a taste of what is in store.

2. Cotton wool snowball fight
Set the scene of a snowball fight by pretending the naughty Elf has got into your toiletries

 

 


 

3. Snowflake cut out
All you’ll need is some scrap paper and some scissors. Fold your paper in half, then in half again, in thirds, and then in quarters. Round the longest end into a half moon then cut out shapes along the folded edge. Unfold and you have a snowflake. Set up a snowflake-making station and make it look like the Elf has already made a start. Your kids can continue the crafting.

4. Igloo
No Elf is complete without an igloo to hide out in. Using whatever you have to hand like Lego, Jenga or even building blocks, construct an igloo and hide your Elf inside. Add the snowflakes from yesterday to really set the scene.

5. Freeze him in an ice block
Even elves can feel the cold. Submerge your Elf in some water in a Tupperware and freeze overnight. Tip out and wait for the kids to delight in the chilly surprise. Wait for him to melt or encourage them to figure out how to free him sooner.

6. Tree hugger
Position your Elf on the trunk of your tree ready to be spotted. Hide him in a more or less visible spot depending on how hard you want to make the challenge.

7. Garland swing
Garlands and fairy lights can double up as a swing for a naughty Elf. Sit your Elf on the decorations and make him look mid-swing for an activity you don’t need to mess up your decorations for.

8. Elf name generator
Position your Elf at the computer and have a go at our Elf name generator to figure out what your elf name would be.

9. Candy jar
Elves have a sweet tooth so fill a jar with your favourite candy plus your Elf and some empty wrappers to make it look like he’s had a cheeky snack.

10. Gingerbread cookie decoration
Set up a cookie decoration station that the Elf has already started. A fun, festive and delicious activity for all the family.

11. Window decoration

Transform your windows into a winter wonderland with some window stickers or a window pen to make it look like the Elf has brought some North Pole magic with him. Have some leftover so the kids can have a go too.


 


 

 


 

12. Christmas origami
Origami decorations can look great when hung on the tree or threaded onto a garland. Set up a crafting station complete with paper and some templates and turn to Pinterest for some instruction. Have your Elf make an example ready to go.

13. Elf report cards
So, the story goes that as one of Santa’s helpers, the elf reports to the North Pole each night whether the children have been naughty or nice. Take it one step further and make it official by creating a mini reporting station - get the kids to fill in their report cards to send to the elf and pass on to Santa himself!

 


 

 


 

14. Snowy Footprints
Wake up to a winter wonderland. Use a template and some flour to make it look like your mischievous Elf has left a trail of snowy footprints across the floor, bringing a touch of the North Pole magic to your home.

15. Festive memory jar
Make it look like your Elf has been busy collecting joyful moments! Create a memory jar filled with notes recounting special Christmas memories, adding a sprinkle of festive cheer to their day.

 


 

 


 

16. Christmas movie marathon
Position your Elf ready for a cosy movie marathon. Have a selection of timeless classics to heartwarming favourites ready to go. Don’t forget the popcorn!

17. Spot the elf brainteaser
Elves love a good challenge! Get your kids to solve the tricky brainteaser and locate the hidden Elf. A great festive quest that will keep everyone entertained. *See the answer at the bottom of the page.
18. Elfie selfie station
Strike a pose with your mischievous companion! Create a selfie station complete with festive props, encouraging everyone to capture some elfie selfies and create lasting memories.

19. Relaxing bubble bath
We all need some downtime, especially at this time of year, and the Elf is no exception. Fill your sink with white balloons, cotton wool or even marshmallows so your elf on the shelf can treat himself to a relaxing bubble bath.

 


 

 


 

20. Stocking stealer
Simply hide one of the Christmas stockings left out for Santa and leave the naughty Elf in its place. Encourage the kids to try and find the missing stocking.

21. Scavenger hunt
No need to mess up your house with this one. Leave a trail of clues leading from one destination to another, eventually leading your kids to find the Elf.

 


 

 


 

22. Advent calendar thief
Naughty elves might open an advent calendar before the kids have even woken up! See how long it takes for them to notice.

23. Stargazing
Even elves love to stargaze. Create a starry sky with some twinkling fairy lights and set your elf up underneath. Go the extra mile by building a stargazing den.

 


 

 


 

24. Christmas Eve box
You’ve made it to Christmas Eve! Have one surprise left for the kids by having your Elf leave them a Christmas Eve box filled with goodies like PJs a film, hot chocolate and a note letting them know he has returned to report back to Santa.

 


 

 


 

Brainteaser Answer
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If you are a donut lover like us, then you’re going to love this trend! It seems donut walls have become the latest wedding trend and we’ve jumped at the opportunity. A whole wall dedicated to donuts…yes please! These are being used as an alternative to the traditional wedding cake or even just an additional sweet treat at the reception. But, the limitations don’t stop there, these dessert wonders are even being used as a unique touch to all occasions, including baby showers, birthdays & hen parties. – Donuts all round!

Not only are our ‘Treat Yourself Donut Walls’ the wall of dreams, they’re super easy to implement into your occasion making them even dreamier. Whether that’s a wedding or a party, or even just a Tuesday afternoon. They’re the most affordable, most instagrammable sweet treat and in our eyes all parties should have one. – Go ahead, treat yourself.

The best part?!

The theme of the donut wall if entirely up to you. If simply & classy is your theme then stick to the traditional glazed ring donuts alongside a small selection of chocolate or white coated donuts to mix it up a little. If colour is your vibe then the possibilities are endless, brightly coloured, mix & match, swirls, stripes or pastel coloured donuts, they can be completely tailored to your occasion. We’ve linked our images throughout this post to show 2 different themes and ways to decorate your donut walls. If you couldn’t tell already, we’re loving this trend so much we’ve launched 2 brand new donut walls this spring, our white & gold board suitable for any occasion & any donut style and a pack of 2 boards in Kraft, perfect for a rustic wedding or a larger event.

These are super straightforward to put together, here’s a step-by-step to guide you through

How To Make Our Donut Walls

Each pack contains, 1 donut board,2 stands & 9 pegs.

Step 1– Set up your Donut WallInsert the wooden pegs into the holes on the donut board

Step 2– How To Make Your Donut Wall StandThen slot each of the stand legs into the slots at the bottom of the donut board, after it should be able to stand on it own.

Step 3– Choose the Donuts for Your Donut Wall Pick your donuts & slot them over the pegs. Enjoy your finished donut wall!

Let’s face it, a wall of donuts will always be a good idea. For more sweet treat inspo, read up on our must-have party favor’s and just a warning it might leave you wanting to raid the sweet cupboard!

Which donut wall will you be having at your next party?