elf on the shelf ideas: printable checklist

As if parents needed another reason to be stressed around the holidays, someone came up with the brilliant idea to create an elf that we have to remember to move every.single.night. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with 30 Elf on the Shelf ideas for your elf’s daily antics and hijinks! And they’re super easy with minimal planning involved!

I don’t know about yours, but our elf has already been “lazy” a couple times this year. We told S2 that we think Jack is just tired and doesn’t feel like flying to the North Pole every night. ha. So really, I’m putting together this post for us, so we can get on the ball and make this “tradition” fun for our girls!

So here they are – 30 Elf on the Shelf ideas!

elf on the shelf ideas for your elf's daily antics and hijinks

(Right click the above image and save as to download – it’s formatted to print on regular letter paper!)

In case you don’t want to download the printable, here’s a listing of all 30 ideas for you to pin and refer back to. Hover over the image below and click the Pinterest icon to pin for later.

30 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Daily Antics

Elf goes fishing. Tie a length of floss around a goldfish cracker, and the other end onto a skewer. Set up the elf holding the skewer above a pile of goldfish!
Elf TPs the tree. Hang the elf from a tree branch, holding an empty toilet paper roll, with toilet paper thrown onto the tree.
Elf makes snow angel. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on the kitchen counter and make an elf-sized “snow” angel.
Elf has a tea party. Arrange the elf and a few dolls in a circle with plastic teacups.
Elf builds a tower. Build a tall tower with building blocks and set the elf on top.
Elf drinks cocoa. Set the elf in a mug and cover with mini marshmallows.
Elf does laundry. Strew clothes all over the laundry room or bedroom; place elf in the laundry basket as if he’s worn out.
Elf claims tree topper. Remove tree topper from tree and cast aside. Place elf in place of tree topper with his arms crossed.
Elf gets a cold. Set elf on top of tissue box, with tissue as if he’s blowing his nose.
Elf hides in the advent calendar. If your advent calendar has candy for each day, place the elf in head first, trying to sneak the candy. If no candy, just place him in the appropriate day.
Elf is held hostage. Tape the elf to the wall (close to the ground) and set small action figures or toys around him as if they’re holding him hostage.
Elf in the cookies. Elf gets into the cookie stash, either on a plate or in the cookie jar.
Elf reads to friends. Set elf up holding an open book, with toys around him as if they’re listening to the story.
Elf takes a bath. Wrap wash cloth/fabric around elf like a towel. Bonus points for another one on his head. Place him in the bathtub.
Elf hangs from the garland. Hang elf upside down by his knees from the garland.
Elf plays an instrument. Set elf in front of an instrument like he’s playing it. Bonus points if you fashion tiny headphones.
Elf is trapped in the fridge. Put elf in the fridge door and wrap him in a wash cloth to keep warm.
Elf brings a note from Santa. Write a note to your child, from Santa, reminding them to be good because there are only X days left until Christmas!
Elf gets locked out. Set elf outside a window or door that your child can see out of.
Elf takes a nap. Cover elf up with a blanket and lay him somewhere cozy: doll bed, tree skirt, etc.
Elf makes breakfast. Place non-perishable breakfast foods (oatmeal, pancake mix, etc.) on a counter with a bowl and a spoon, with elf holding a mixing spoon.
Elf wraps presents. Set elf next to a wrapped gift, with bits of tape and wrapping paper stuck to him.
Elf’s feet get cold. Place your child’s socks on elf’s feet and sit him next to a heating vent or fireplace to keep warm.
Elf is up high. Place elf up on a high shelf, on top of a high cabinet or hanging from a light fixture.
Elf cooks. Place elf in play kitchen, whipping up a delicious meal.
Elf in the car. Place elf above rear view mirror, watching your child wherever you go that day!
Elf watches a movie. Set elf in front of TV with your child’s favorite Christmas movie playing (or the DVD box nearby).
Elf quarantines. Place elf in a mason jar, with a note saying that he’s under quarantine for X amount of days due to an outbreak at the North Pole! (And then pat yourself on the back because you just got out of elf duty for a while!)
Elf takes a selfie. Set your phone up beside the elf as if he stole it to take a selfie! Carefully steal your phone back once your kids stop laughing. 🙂
Elf says good-bye. Write a note from the elf to your child, thanking them for being a good boy or girl this year, and saying good-bye until next year!