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Making Holiday Magic Easy for Your Family
The holiday season brings so many opportunities to sprinkle a little extra magic into our homes—and Elf on the Shelf is one of the simplest (and silliest!) ways to do just that.
By the way, did you know there is a faith-based version of elf fun? Check out The Shepard on The Search if you are interested.
Kids love waking up each morning to see where their elf has landed, what they’re up to, and what festive fun they’ve brought with them. For parents, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with what we see on social media! If you are someone who thrives on going to the next level, that is amazing!
But simple setups can spark just as much wonder! If you fit more into that camp, this list is for you!
To help keep the magic going all month long, here are 25 easy-to-medium Elf on the Shelf ideas—perfect for busy families who want the fun without the stress. Use them in order for a full 25-day experience, or mix and match as needed!
25 Days of Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Day 1: Arrival with a Welcome Note
Your elf returns with a simple handwritten note or a small card saying how excited they are to be back.
Day 2: Elf Reading a Holiday Book
Prop your elf up with a favorite holiday story. Bonus magic: leave the book out to read together that night.
Day 3: Marshmallow Snow Bath
Set your elf in a bowl of mini marshmallows like they’re taking a cozy “snow bath.”
Day 4: Coloring Page Surprise
Print a coloring page and set out crayons. Position your elf like they started coloring.
Day 5: Hanging Out in the Christmas Tree
Nestle the elf in the branches—easy and always a hit.
Day 6: Elf’s Cocoa Station
Place your elf near hot cocoa packets or mini marshmallows as though they were making a treat.
Day 7: Zipline Adventure
String a piece of yarn between two points and hang the elf from it. Fast and fun!
Day 8: Wrapped in Toilet Paper
Have your elf “accidentally” wrap themselves while trying to decorate.
Day 9: Sneaking a Christmas Cookie
Put your elf next to the cookie jar with a crumb or two nearby.
Day 10: Hide-and-Seek in the Fridge
Let your elf chill—literally—in the fridge among the snacks.
Day 11: Candy Cane Hunt
Have your elf hold a note telling the kids to find 5–10 candy canes hidden around the house.
Day 12: Snow Angel in Flour or Powdered Sugar
Sprinkle a small amount and lay the elf on top. Easy cleanup, big delight.
Day 13: Lego Build Buddy
Sit your elf with a small Lego project or minifigure scene.
Day 14: Movie Night Setup
Your elf holds the remote and is surrounded by popcorn or snacks—kid-approved!
Day 15: Wrapped Up in a Blanket
Let your elf stay “cozy” in a doll blanket or tissue.
Day 16: Elf with a Toothbrush Reminder
A silly reminder to brush teeth—pose the elf by the bathroom sink.
Day 17: Hanging Upside Down
Use a clothespin to clip your elf by their feet somewhere unexpected.
Day 18: Sneaky Stocking Peek
Place your elf halfway inside a stocking like they’re digging for goodies.
Day 19: Game Time
Set up a small board game and position your elf as if they’ve been playing.
Day 20: Sledding Fun
Use a small toy sled or craft one out of cardboard. Lean the elf on it near the stairs.
Day 21: Dressed Up with Doll Clothes
Borrow an outfit from a doll or action figure for a silly costume change.
Day 22: Elf Snowball Fight
Mini marshmallows make great “snowballs”—set a few around your elf.
Day 23: Baking Mischief
Place your elf near a bowl and spoon with a note that says, “I tried baking!”
Day 24: Elf Under the Tree with a Bow
Let your elf curl up under the Christmas tree wearing a gift bow.
Day 25: Farewell with a Goodbye Letter
Leave a sweet note from your elf telling the kids how proud they are of them and that they’ll be back next year.
