The holiday season is exciting when your magical scout elf arrives! Finding new ways to display your festive visitor can be a challenge.
But we have gathered the best ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf. These suggestions cover every room from the kitchen to the office.
Get ready to bring some holiday cheer and wonder to your children. Start using these ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf today!
Ideas for Decorating with an Elf on the Shelf Using a Christmas Tree
Using your holiday tree is one of the most popular ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
1. The Tinsel Swings
Create a tiny swing using a piece of cardboard and some festive tinsel. Hang it from a sturdy branch in the middle of your tree. Place your elf on the seat so it looks like they are swinging through the needles. It is a very playful and cute setup.
2. Candy Cane Zipline
Tie a long piece of kitchen twine from the top of the tree to a nearby chair. Hook your elf’s arms over a candy cane and slide them down the string. This high-speed adventure is one of the most exciting ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
3. The Marshmallow Snowball Fight
Place your elf behind a cluster of white ornaments that look like snowballs. Use small marshmallows to create a fort on a branch. Have the elf holding a marshmallow ready to throw at another toy. This adds a funny, competitive spirit to your holiday tree decorations.
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4. The Star Topper Takeover
Instead of a traditional star, place your elf at the very top of the tree. Have them hold the star or wear it like a hat. This silly position makes it look like the elf is in charge of the entire holiday celebration this year.
5. Ornament Hide and Seek
Tuck your elf deep inside the branches so only their hat and eyes are visible. This encourages children to spend time looking closely at the tree. Finding the elf becomes a fun morning game for the kids. This is one of the simplest ideas for decorating with an elf on the shelf.
6. Wrapped in Lights
Gently wrap a short string of battery-operated LED lights around your elf. Place them on a branch so they glow brightly in the dark. This creates a magical effect that makes the elf look like they are powered by Christmas magic. It is a very bright idea.
7. The Ribbon Ladder
Hang several lengths of wide festive ribbon from the top of the tree to the bottom. Position your elf as if they are climbing up the ribbon to reach the snacks. This vertical movement looks great and uses the tree’s height to create a fun story.
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8. Bird’s Nest Nap
Find a small decorative bird’s nest or make one from brown pipe cleaners. Place it on a branch and tuck your elf inside with a tiny scrap of fabric for a blanket. This makes the elf look cozy and tired after their long flight to the North Pole.
9. Fishing for Ornaments
Give your elf a small stick with a piece of string attached. Tie a tiny hook to the end and dangle it over a shiny ball ornament. It looks like the elf is trying to catch a big prize from the branches of your holiday tree.
10. The Gift Bow Throne
Stack a few small boxes near the trunk and cover them with giant gift bows. Sit your elf on top of the bows like a king or queen. This is one of the most regal ideas for decorating with an elf on the shelf.
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Ideas for Decorating with an Elf on the Shelf in Your Office
Bringing the magic to your workspace provides many great ideas for decorating with an elf on the shelf.
11. Keyboard Trampoline
Place your elf on top of your computer keyboard. Surround them with small sticky notes that say Boing! Or jump! This makes it look like the elf spent the whole night hopping on the keys. It is a very funny and easy office setup for the morning.
12. Photocopy Selfies
Place your elf on the glass of a printer or scanner. Print out a few pages that show the elf’s face or hands. Scatter the selfies around the office desk. This is one of the most creative ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
13. Sticky Note Mural
Cover your computer monitor or office door with dozens of colorful sticky notes. Arrange them to form a heart or a smiley face. Place the elf nearby, holding a pen as if they did all the work. It shows the elf is very artistic and busy.
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14. Paperclip Chain Swing
Connect a long string of metal paperclips and hang them from a shelf or a desk lamp. Let your elf sit in the bottom loop. This use of office supplies makes the elf look like they are having a playground adventure while you are away.
15. The electric Pencil Sharpener
Place your elf near the electric pencil sharpener with a pile of short pencils. Have them hold a long yellow pencil as if they are the boss of the desk. This is a very smart way to use common office tools for holiday fun.
16. Tape Dispenser Trap
Wrap your elf in several layers of clear or festive washi tape. Make it look like they got stuck while trying to wrap a tiny gift. This is one of the funniest ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf for adults.
17. Stapler Dinosaur
Open a stapler so it looks like a mouth and place small googly eyes on it. Have your elf riding the stapler like a prehistoric beast. This imaginative setup turns boring office equipment into a magical creature. It is a very popular desk setup for everyone.
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18. Rubber Band Ball Race
Place your elf behind a large ball made of rubber bands. Line up other office supplies like staplers and tape rolls to look like a finish line. This makes it look like the elf is participating in a high-speed office race across your desk.
19. Coffee Cup Hot Tub
Sit your elf inside a clean, empty coffee mug. Fill the mug with small white cotton balls to look like bubbles. Place a tiny cocktail umbrella in their hand. This spa day setup is a relaxing example of ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
20. The Paper Shredder Confetti
Place your elf near the paper shredder with a pile of colorful shredded paper around it. It looks like the elf had a party and made their own confetti. This is a messy but very festive way to decorate your office for the holidays.
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Sweet Ideas for Decorating with Elf on the Shelf in the Kitchen
The kitchen is a perfect place for these ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
21. Flour Snow Angels
Sprinkle a thin layer of flour on the kitchen counter. Lay your elf in the middle and move their arms to create a snow angel shape. This is a classic choice for ideas for decorating with an elf on the shelf that kids love.
22. The Gingerbread House Builder
Place your elf next to an unfinished gingerbread house. Have them hold a tube of icing or a gumdrop. It looks like they are helping to build the holiday home. This is a sweet and interactive way to display your magical scout elf tonight.
23. Sugar Cookie Artist
Lay out a few plain sugar cookies and a small paintbrush. Use food coloring to paint a tiny heart on one cookie. Place the brush in the elf’s hand. This makes the elf look like a professional baker and artist in your kitchen area.
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24. Chocolate Chip Mining
Place a pile of chocolate chips on the counter. Give your elf a small spoon or a toy shovel. Have them dig through the chocolate chips to find a hidden treasure. This is a very delicious and funny setup for the kitchen counter.
25. The Sprinkles Bath
Fill a small bowl with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Tuck your elf inside so only their head and arms stick out. This colorful “bath” is a very bright and happy setup. It is one of the most visual ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
26. Icing Tube Rocket
Tape a small tube of icing to your elf’s back like a jetpack. Position them as if they are blasting off from the kitchen table. This high-energy setup uses baking supplies in a very imaginative way. It is a favorite for children who love space.
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27. The Rolling Pin Race
Lay a rolling pin on the counter and balance your elf on top of it. Place small cookie cutters around them like obstacles. It looks like the elf is balancing on a log in a river. This is a very clever use of baking tools.
28. Milk and Cookies Break
Set out a tiny glass of milk and a small cookie. Place your elf sitting on a napkin with a tiny bite taken out of the cookie. This shows that the elf enjoys snacks just as much as Santa does on Christmas Eve.
29. The Measuring Spoon Seesaw
Balance a long measuring spoon over a small spice jar. Place your elf on one end and a heavy cookie on the other. This seesaw is a fun way to show the elf playing with your kitchen tools while the family is sleeping.
30. Candy Button Tailor
Give your elf a needle and thread with adult help and have them sew candy buttons onto a gingerbread man. This creative setup shows the elf’s skills as a North Pole tailor. It is one of the most detailed ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
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Elf on the Shelf Door Decorating Ideas
Your entryways offer great space for ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
31. The Wreath Swing
Sit your elf inside the center of your front door wreath. Secure them with a small piece of wire so they don’t fall. This makes the elf the first thing guests see when they arrive. It is a very welcoming and festive door decoration.
32. Peeking Through the Mail Slot
If your door has a mail slot, place the elf so their head is poking through to the outside. This makes it look like the elf is checking for the mailman or Santa. It is a very funny surprise for anyone outside.
33. Door Handle Acrobat
Hang your elf by their knees or arms from the door handle. Use a small piece of tape to keep them in place. This athletic pose makes the elf look like a circus performer. It is one of the most active ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
34. The Gift-Wrapped Door
Wrap your entire bedroom door in festive holiday paper. Tape your elf to the middle of the paper with a sign that says “Do Not Open Until Christmas!” This turns the door into a giant present and creates a very big holiday impact.
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35. Creeping Up the Frame
Use small pieces of removable adhesive to stick your elf to the side of the door frame. Place them as if they are climbing toward the ceiling. This vertical setup is a great way to use the height of your home for decoration.
36. The Mistletoe Prank
Hang a small piece of mistletoe above a door and place your elf nearby with a mischievous grin. This is a funny way to encourage holiday kisses and laughter. It is one of the more traditional ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
37. Snowflake Door Curtain
Hang several paper snowflakes from the top of the door frame using fishing line. Place your elf “hiding” among the snowflakes. This creates a beautiful winter scene that kids must walk through. It makes the doorway feel like a magical winter portal.
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38. The Warning Sign
Tape a small handmade sign to the door that says “Elf Zone!” or “Santa is Watching!” Place your elf sitting on top of the sign. This reminds everyone to stay on their best behavior. It is a very effective and simple door decorating idea.
39. Door Hanger Basket
Use a small decorative basket that hangs on a doorknob. Fill it with festive greenery and sit your elf inside. This is a very classic and elegant way to display your elf. It works well on any interior door in your house.
40. The Keyhole Spy
Place your elf with their eye pressed against the door’s keyhole. This makes it look like they are spying on the secrets of the next room. It is a very mysterious and funny setup that sparks the imagination of small children.
Best Ideas for Decorating with Elf on the Shelf
Here are more ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf for your home.
41. The Fruit Bowl Gathering
Place your elf in the center of a bowl of apples and oranges. Draw tiny “faces” on the fruit using a marker. This makes the fruit look like the elf’s new friends. It is a very healthy and funny setup for the table.
42. Bathroom Mirror Message
Use a dry-erase marker to write a message from the elf on the bathroom mirror. Draw a funny hat or glasses on the reflection of whoever looks in. Place the elf on the sink holding the marker. This is a very interactive setup.
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43. The Toilet Paper Roll Down
Drop a roll of toilet paper from the top of the stairs, letting it unroll all the way down. Sit your elf at the top holding the empty tube. This “messy” prank is a favorite among these ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
44. Shoe Train
Line up all the family’s shoes in a long row across the floor. Place your elf in the front shoe as the conductor. This “shoe train” is a funny way to involve everyone’s belongings in the holiday magic. It is very easy to set up.
45. The Cereal Box Peek
Cut a small hole in a cereal box and poke the elf’s head through. Leave the box on the breakfast table. This surprise discovery during breakfast is one of the most memorable ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
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46. Toothbrush Party
Place your elf in the toothbrush holder with a tiny “mask” made of tissue. Give them a toothbrush as a prop. This encourages kids to brush their teeth while looking at their funny friend. It is a very practical and silly holiday idea.
47. The Bookworm Elf
Sit your elf on a bookshelf with a small book open in their lap. Surround them with other toy figures like they are having a storytime session. This is a very sweet setup that promotes reading during the winter holiday break.
48. Socks on the Tree
Instead of ornaments, hang several pairs of the kids’ socks on the Christmas tree. Place the elf in one of the socks. This silly prank is a great way to use laundry for holiday laughs. It is very simple to do.
49. The Clock Countdown
Tape your elf to the hands of a large wall clock. As time moves, the elf moves too! This is a very dynamic way to show that the elf is active. It helps kids learn about time and the countdown.
50. The Framed Photo Swap
Take a family photo out of its frame and replace it with a picture of the elf. Place the elf next to the frame. This “photo prank” is one of the cleverest ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf.
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Conclusion: ideas for decorating with an elf on the shelf
Creating a magical atmosphere with your scout elf is a wonderful tradition that builds lasting memories.
These unique ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf are easy and fun for parents.
We know that using these creative displays will bring immense joy to your children every morning.
We hope you enjoy implementing these ideas for decorating with an Elf on the Shelf. Happy decorating and Merry Christmas!
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