20 More Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Christmas 2023

Michael Hein

12/17/2023 10:54 am EST

In some ways, Christmas sneaks up too fast, but in others it seems to come on too slowly – like when you're trying to come up with eight more ways to pose your Elf on the Shelf. If you need a few new ideas to keep your little ones entertained by this toy, read on.

The Elf on the Shelf was first introduced to pop culture in 2005, but it has already become a staple in many households. The idea is to tell your kids that this elf figurine is watching their behavior and reporting back to Santa Claus, then move the elf every day to show that he is not standing still. It can turn into an intricate game of hide and seek, but it puts pressure on the parents to find a new and interesting hiding place each day. After a few weeks – or a few Decembers in a row – it may be hard to come up with a new place to hide the elf, so it's no wonder that parents share tips and ideas on social media.

By the end of the month, many parents are scratching their heads wondering where else they can possibly hide Santa's little spy. If you're looking for some inspiration, here are some Elf on the Shelf success stories that you can use in your house.

Outside

As much fun as your house is, your elf might position himself to be looking outside — especially if there's something interesting going on out there, like snowfall.

Freezer

The elf is a cold weather creature by nature, so it should be no surprise to find him in the refrigerator or the freezer cooling off.

Hammock

Assuming your elf doll is relatively light, you can fashion a hammock for him surprisingly easily out of garland, toilet paper or even a face mask. This opens up a lot of options to display your elf lounging around the house.

Quarantine

Some families are putting their elf into quarantine for a while — either to help normalize the process for their kids or simply to give themselves a break from the daily movements.

Socially conscious

Sadly, this holiday season comes with more dire COVID-19 statistics in the U.S., and public health protocols remain on the forefront of many conversations. You can keep one of the elves by the sinks in your home to remind your kids — and loved ones — that they need to wash up any chance they get.

Coffee Maker

One great place to set the Elf up is in the first place parents will be in the morning: right by the coffee maker. If the Elf makes a mess, what better way for the kids to show off their good behavior than by helping to clean it up?

Gone Fishin'

This family's elf is doing some early morning fishing, though he might not like what he catches. This is probably a favorite among children.

Bowling

The Elf on the Shelf isn't just for kids. It can help grown-ups realize their life-long dream of having a bowling alley in the house. This one looks like it took some crafting skills, but it's worth it.

Egg Graffiti

Now this is a busy Elf. It's a risky move to have your Elf prank your kids, but maybe it'll help teach them what not to do. As for the card game, there are no poker chips in sight, so this Elf is still setting a good example.

Sealed Jar

Obviously, the quickest way to any child's heart is with a good old-fashioned fart joke. Some depict the elf as hiding inside the jar from a fart, while others say that the elf farted inside the jar, challenging kids to open it up and take a whiff.

Skyrockets in flight

Incoming! Have the cute elves can make an entrance by placing them in balloons to land on your Christmas tree or even hanging around the staircase railing. Simply attach balloons to a little bucket and place the elf inside, or create paper airplanes that read, "We've landed!"

Zoo

Having the Elf interact with other stuffed toys is an old standby, but this is a whole new level. Maybe this will convince the kids to put their own toys away, so that they can't be herded into a strange Elf petting zoo.

Jenga

Something about the game Jenga just seems to fit with the scale of the Elf on the Shelf, and match his M.O. Some parents have set up their elf with a real Jenga set while others have him building with other materials, including chocolate bars or candy canes.

Wine sh(elf)

It's a long, tiresome month for the Elf on the Shelf. Let him unwind a little, put him where your kids (hopefully) never look.

Twister

Take advantage of the Elf's flexibility! This one is great because it's so easy to make yet so funny once you do. Bonus points for getting some more toys in there with the elf.

Star

Sometimes it's best to hide right in plain sight! Put the Elf up top where only the abominable snowman can reach.

Sleepover

At the end of the day, The Elf is there to make the children happy, so make sure they get some quality time.

Elfie Selfies!

How about styling your Elf by having them take a selfie? Wrapping their arms around an old phone, keep this one near the kitchen table or living room to remind family that screen time is being monitored.

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