Christmas is quickly approaching, and even though Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet, it’s never too early to start preparing for the festive season.
In our household, we have two elves, one for each side of our blended family. Every year, we love coming up with clever and funny shenanigans for them to get into. Over the years, we’ve discovered that the best elf ideas aren’t necessarily the most elaborate ones. The biggest hits are usually the easiest to set up!
Whether you’ve forgotten to move your elf, need a last minute idea, or simply want to add a little extra magic to the season, here are 24 of our family’s favorites.
1. “We’re Back!”
Our elves arrive with a new set of holiday pajamas, ready to jump right into the Christmas spirit.
2. Elves Redecorate the Christmas Tree
Wrap toilet paper around the tree or use colorful streamers to create a festive “elf approved” makeover.
3. Elves Blockade the Hallway
Use streamers to block your children’s bedroom doors and hide the elves above the doorway, supervising their masterpiece.
4. Elves Make Breakfast
A bowl of Lucky Charms loaded with extra marshmallows and chocolate candies makes for a simple but memorable surprise.
5. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Living in the South means snow is rare, but that doesn’t stop our elves. Stack rolls of toilet paper and create tiny snowmen throughout the house.
6. Elves Get Held Hostage
Our boys love cops and robbers, so sometimes the elves find themselves “arrested” by action figures for causing too much trouble.
7. Elves Get Ambushed by LEGO Minifigures
With a little imagination, LEGO minifigures can stage a full-scale operation to stop the elves’ latest scheme.
8. Elves Read to Other Toys
Set up a favorite children’s book and gather stuffed animals around as the elves host story time.
9. Elf Donut Dash
Coordinate this one with a grocery run and surprise everyone with donuts for breakfast.
10. Elves Bake Cookies
Bake cookies the night before and leave behind a slightly messy kitchen scene. Fresh cookies and evidence of elf activity make a winning combination.
11. Elves Wrap Presents
With two elves, one can wrap the other in Christmas paper and ribbon before placing them in the tree.
12. Elves Go Ziplining
Create a zipline using twine and suspend the elves across the room. Bonus points if the family cat decides to get involved.
13. Elves Invite Us to Build Snowmen
Use powdered donuts, M&M’s, and candy canes to create edible snowmen together.
14. Elves Take a Bath
Fill a bowl with mini marshmallows and let the elves enjoy a well earned spa day.
15. Elves Go Online Shopping
Open a shopping website and fill the cart with silly elf-sized purchases and a few wish list items from your children’s letters to Santa.
16. Elves Drop the Kids Off at School
This became one of our all time favorites. Hide the elves so well that your children can’t find them. Then, when it’s time to leave for school, reveal that the elves have already buckled themselves into the car and are ready for the ride.
17. Elves Play Cards
Set up a game of UNO with toys and stuffed animals. My boys always try to figure out who’s winning.
18. Elves Host a Camp-In Movie Night
Use fuzzy socks as sleeping bags and set up a cozy indoor campsite complete with popcorn and favorite movie snacks.
19. Elves Take Selfies
This one requires sleeping children and stealthy parents. Snap photos of the elves posing next to your kids while they sleep, then display the pictures on the TV the next morning.
20. Elves Drink Coffee
Use empty K-Cups and small straws to create a miniature coffee shop scene. Even elves need caffeine during December.
21. Elves Ask for Information
This became a meaningful tradition for our family. Around the holidays, our children often spend time with their other parent. Using a letter board, the elves help remind everyone that families may be apart for a few days, but they’ll always come back together again.
22. Elves Go Bow Climbing
Stick gift bows onto kitchen cabinets in a staggered pattern to create an elf sized climbing wall.
23. Elf Trading Center
The elves join forces with favorite toys to trade candy and treats. This one was born during our kitchen renovation years ago and has remained a family favorite.
24. Elves Roast Marshmallows
Set up the elves around a candle or indoor tabletop fire pit roasting marshmallows before their big trip back to the North Pole with Santa.
As Christmas Eve approaches, this final setup gives us a chance to reflect on all the laughter, surprises, and memories our elves helped create throughout the season. More than anything, they’ve become a reminder to slow down, enjoy the magic of childhood, and spend quality time together as a family.
And honestly? That’s the best Christmas tradition of all.
