24 Elf on the Shelf Ideas (ONE A DAY)
Looking for some fun Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep your little ones entertained this Christmas?
We know how important it is to keep the magic of Christmas alive for kids.
That's why we've put together a list of 25 fun Elf on the Shelf ideas that will last you all the way through December.
You'll want to try out all of these ideas - they're sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! And don't worry, we won't tell Santa if you cheat and use some of them more than once.
What is Elf on a Shelf?
Christmas is the one time of year where we all look for ways of sprinkling a little bit of extra magic over our day-to-day and "adopting" your very own Elf on the Shelf is a great way of doing just that. 
The Elf on the Shelf tradition starts with a book, written in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda.
The legend goes that every night, when the house is asleep, your Elf on the Shelf will fly off to the North Pole to report back to Santa on whether everyone has been naughty or nice.
The elves are not allowed to be touched by anyone, especially little kids or they will lose their magic.
They often get up to mischief during the night and each morning, evidence of their antics can usually be found around the house.
In daylight hours, the elf is neither allowed to move nor speak, but that still doesn't stop them from causing all sorts of trouble!
1. Elf on the Shelf Says Hello
The arrival of your elf is big news - HUGE! It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce them to your littles whilst setting some ground rules!
It allows everyone to get super-excited about the elf's impending visits and sets the tone for the whole month.
The keyword here is: MAGIC!
If you want to really celebrate your elf's arrival in style, then host an Elf on the Shelf Welcome Party.
Decorate with Santa table settings, snowball chair garlands and a festive elf village... Everything to make your elf feel right at home!
2. Elf on the Shelf Scales a Rock Wall
Your elf will, over the course of the next few weeks, be getting into anything and everything in your home which is why you'll sometimes catch them in the strangest of places!
If you have anything resembling a rock climbing wall or even just some large rocks in the backyard, your elf could be getting up to all sorts of shenanigans!
They might even bring a friend or two along to help with their antics.
Just make sure you take some photos so you can share them with Santa (and the rest of the world)!
3. Elf on the Shelf Listens to Christmas Music
We all know that elves LOVE Christmas music (have you ever heard Jingle Bells played on the violin?).
So, it's no surprise that your elf will want to get in on the festive fun too!
They might be found jamming out in a mini Christmas concert of their own or even teaching your little ones some new dance moves.
Whatever they get up to, make sure you have your camera at the ready to capture the elf-tastic fun!
4. Elf on the Shelf Redecorates the Tree
Most families have their own tree-decorating traditions and elves love nothing more than MESSING with it!
Your elf might be found rearranging the tree to their liking, adding in their own personal touches or even (god forbid!) taking all the decorations off altogether!
Whatever they do, it's sure to be super-cute and will definitely get a giggle out of the kids.
Just make sure you tidy up afterwards so Santa doesn't think they've been naughty!
5. Elf on the Shelf Samples "Cookies"
Cookies are a Christmas staple for many and, as it turns out, elves are no different! 
Your elf will want to try out all sorts of different Christmas cookies (and we're not just talking about the ones that come from the oven).
No gingerbread house, candy cane or even doggie biscuit is safe from those pesky elves!
6. Elf on the Shelf Creates a Magic Experiment
Most kids love experiments and Christmas is the perfect time to inject a little magic into the proceedings!
Your elf will want to get in on the action too and will be sure to create their very own magical experiment for everyone to enjoy.
This could be something as simple as turning water into snow or making glittery snowflakes fall from the sky. Whatever it is, it's sure to be super-fun and... ahem... educational!
7. Elf on the Shelf Goes on a Shopping Spree
Imagine the chaos of a group of elves let loose in a toy store... Now multiply that by ten and you've got some idea of the havoc your elf will wreak when they go on their very own shopping spree!
They'll be sure to grab everything they can get their hands on, from teddy bears to dolls to action figures.
They might even try to sneak a few extra items into your shopping cart!
8. Elf on the Shelf Hitches a Ride (excellent one for when you're are short on time)
Picture this: You're getting into the car to run some errands and, as you're backing out of the driveway, you see your elf hanging onto the back of your seat!
This is a great one to do if you're short on time but still want to make it look like your elf has been up to some mischievous antics... #parentingfail
9. Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast
Who here remember the scene in Elf, where Buddy makes his famous spaghetti and syrup breakfast? Well, your elf will want to get in on the action too!
They might be found making their own version of this sugary feast or even whipping up some pancakes for the kids. Whatever they do, it's sure to be a sticky situation!
10. Elf on the Shelf Gets Held Hostage
Throughout the rest of the year, your kids' toys have the run of the house... In December, however, it's the elf's turn to take charge!
Your kids' favorite cuddly toys will not be taking that lying down and will surely team up to hold your elf hostage, demanding all sorts of outrageous things in return for their release.
Keep a few back-up idea in your arsenal - saves you from being stuck trying to think of something on the hop!
11. Elf on the Shelf Gets a Minecraft Makeover
Hands up who is yet to encounter the obsession that is Minecraft? If you have kids in your life, chances are you'll have heard of it!
Your elf will want to get in on the action too and will be found giving themselves a little Minecraft makeover.
This could be anything from turning their clothes into blocky armor to painting their face green like an Enderman.
12. Elf on the Shelf Hugs a Tree
This is another one for those who are feeling a little pressed... Elves love to give hugs and especially to trees!
So, if you're ever stuck for time (and/or inspiration), simply find a tree and your elf will be sure to give it a good ol' hug.
13. Elf on the Shelf Hosts a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are always a good way to while away the hours in the lead-up to the big day and your elf will be more than happy to help!
They're bound to hide all sorts of goodies around the house for the kids to find. This could be anything from candy canes to small presents.
The only problem is that they might not be able to resist eating a few of the treats themselves!
14. Elf on the Shelf Does Yoga
Christmas-prep can be a stressful time, even for the best of us, so your elf will want to make sure they find time to relax.
They might be found doing some yoga in front of the tree or even taking a nap in a cozy spot. Wherever they end up, they're sure to be in need of some serious R&R!
15. Elf on the (Book) Shelf
Not only do elves love telling stories but they also love to read them! So, it's only natural that they would want to share their favorite books with the kids.
Your elf will be able to choose a few special stories to leave out for the kids to enjoy.
16. Elf on the Shelf Gets Into A Tight Spot
In the dead of night, elves have a habit of getting themselves into bother... and this is no different!
Your elf might be found in all sorts of predicaments, from getting their head stuck in a stocking to being tied up in lights.
I have even heard they can get trapped in ordinary household items and
No matter what they get themselves into, they're bound to need some help getting out and little kiddie hands are just the ones to do that - as long as they remember that there is absolutely NO TOUCHING of the elf or they lose their magic powers..!
17. Elf on the Shelf Leaves a Secret Message
Having a Christmas elf around the house throughout December can even be a learning experience for them!
One way to do this is to leave a secret message written in code for the kids to decipher.
This could be anything from simple letter substitution to creating your own Elvish language.
18. Elf on the Shelf Plays Dress Up
Toilet rolls are an elf's best friend when it comes to fashion and your little helper will love nothing more than raiding the cupboards for some new duds.
This could be anything from a toilet roll cape to a paper plate mask. The only limit is their imagination!
19. Elf on the Shelf Has Eyes on You
Now, this is a great one to keep in you back pocket to ensure that the littles in your house know that the elf is always hard at work - monitoring their behavior!
Your elf might be found with a pair of binoculars or a telescope, keeping a watchful eye out for any naughty shenanigans.
Googly eyes placed in not-so-well-hidden spots also make for good little peace keepers, if you know what I mean ;0)
20. Elf on the Shelf Makes Magical Dust
Have you ever wondered how Santa's reindeer are able to fly or how he is able to make it to every nice child's house on Christmas Eve?
I bet your kids have and I'll let you (and them) in on a little secret: It's Magic Dust and sometimes, when kids have been extra-nice, the elves will ask for a helping hand making the Reindeer Feed that lets them fly all over the world...
All you need are oats (reindeer food) and edible glitter (Magic Dust).
21. Elf on the Shelf Gets Trapped in an Ornament
Oh, we've all been there: Getting ourselves (or, at least, parts of) stuck in places they don't belong.
Remember, elves are much smaller and your little helper is bound to get themselves into a pickle at some point.
This could be anything from getting their head stuck in a bauble or their whole body being tangled up in tinsel.
22. Elf on the Shelf Takes a Sick Day
No one - not even elves - are immune to the dreaded Christmas cold! So, your little friend might be found taking a well-deserved sick day.
This could be anything from Elfie having a cup of tea and a blanket in front of the fire to snuggling up with a teddy bear in bed. Either way, the kids are sure to get a giggle out of it.
23. Elf on the Shelf For Charity
Christmas is a time for giving and what better way to teach your kids the true meaning of the season than involving them in a little charity work?
Your elf could be found collecting donations for a food bank or wrapping presents for underprivileged children.
Whatever you choose to do, I'm sure your little helper will be more than happy to give a helping hand!
24. Elf on the Shelf Heads Back to the North Pole
On 24th Dec. it's time to wave your elf off as they head back to the North Pole until next year!
This could be anything from your elf leaving a note and some presents for the kids to finding them snuggled up in their bed with a suitcase packed and ready to go.
Either way, it's sure to be a bittersweet moment for both you and the kids...
I hope you enjoyed these ideas!
As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to Elf on the Shelf and I would love to hear your own personal favourites in the comments below!
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas! :0)