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Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that has made its way into many of our hearts, especially for kids (and big kids). This year, you need to be pre-planning your elf on the shelf mischief, so you don’t have any awkward explaining to do when your elf hasn’t moved.
Updated for 2020
Personally, I loved doing this last year, as I am always looking for ways to be able to make Christmas more magical than the year before. However, last year I got stuck for ideas a few times.
Need your own Elf on the Shelf? Use my link to the best deals on the official Elf on the Shelf that comes with the official story to read your little ones before bed.
Already have your Elf? Why not accessorise him/her this year?
Stuck for Elf on the Shelf ideas?
I have scoured the internet to find you, what I believe is the top 30 elf on the shelf ideas, that are fun to do and even more fun for your kiddo’s in the morning! Use the page in your ultimate Christmas planner to keep a note of your favourite ideas, ready for when that mischievous little guy (or gal) makes the first appearance.
Read the post about how the ultimate Christmas planner can help you here. Or Download your free ultimate Christmas planner below for over 20 pages of Christmas planning.
30 Best Elf on the Shelf ideas for your Christmas countdown.
The Lunch Box Memoirs
‘The Lunch Box Memoirs‘ has some great ideas for your elf. These 3 were my favourite!
Are you kids into Minecraft? If so this could be a fun morning for your kids.
An awesome idea for if your little ones misbehave one day.
I know last year my little elf was bang on time, I am also fully prepared that with two children this year there is a possibility that life may get in the way. So it’s always good to have a backup plan!
Get Away Today
Adele from ‘Get Away Today‘ has a whole post dedicated to Disney themed elf ideas. Being a Disney and Christmas fanatic, I could not resist picking these two! She also has a great tutorial on how to make the Mickey Mouse ears!
A fun Tangled idea for your Elf on the Shelf.
To the North Pole and Beyond!
You and Kids
Seema Adnani wrote a great elf on the shelf ideas round-up post on ‘You and Kids‘ some of the ideas, I would never have thought of!
A great idea if you were planning on doing some baking with the kids the next day, and then realised you couldn’t. you know because of the elf rules!
My little boy is obsessed with pretending to give my other half a shave, so this could be a good idea this year.
Your Modern Family
Becky has written a fab post on all things Elf on the Shelf. A good go-to post.
This Elf had obviously done something that Elsa just could not let go!
Mommy Ponders
Mommy Ponders has a slightly different elf, but some great ideas.
A nice way for the elf to say goodbye. Especially to wake up to this on Christmas morning would make it even more magical!
The Pragmatic Parent
Corinne from ‘The Pragmatic Parent‘ struggled to think of Elf on the Shelf ideas the first year that she did it, just like many of us do! She has since made a great post of easy ideas for busy parents.
I thought that these three ideas were funny. I never realised how many props for your elf that you could already own. In the form of your children’s toys (or shoes!).
Growing a Jeweled Rose
Crystal has given us OVER 50! ideas for your Elf on the Shelf.
These four ideas are fairly easy to achieve. There’s even a spidey one included if your little one is mad on superheroes.
27 of the best Elf ideas this Christmas, with the busy mum in mind! #elfontheshelf #mumblogger #elfontheshelfideas #christmas #christmasplanning Click To Tweet
Over the Big Moon
Lisa wrote a post for Pam on ‘Over the Big Moon’ about last-minute Elf ideas. I think we can all relate to this!!
No props needed unless of course, you don’t own a cutlery tray
Another idea for when your children misbehave.
I like this idea, although I would be worried about breaking the rule of elf magic.
Raining Hot Coupons
‘Raining Hot Coupons‘ writer Sarah has 300 Elf on the Shelf ideas. All of them very different.
My little one is banana and minion mad. Looks like I have at least 1 idea!
The Soccer Mom Blog
500 Elf ideas! How did Stacey find all these?!
Another good idea for the superhero fan
A good way to explain who ate all the chocolate (it definitely wasn’t me)
A Small Snippet
Leana has kindly given us 45 Elf on the Shelf ideas to use this Christmas.
Make some teeny snowflakes for your elf
This could be paired with an unrolled roll of toilet paper to add drama!
Smart School House
Kelly has provided some cute and humorous ideas for your elf in her post.
A chilly elf, handy for when you need a last-minute idea
I have seen these tiny doors for fairies and such. This is a really cute idea and a great way to explain how your elf gets to and from the north pole!
Do you need even more elf on the shelf ideas? Well, I have another 27 for you RIGHT HERE!
Grab your own Elf on the Shelf here!
Don’t forget to note down your favourite Elf on the Shelf ideas on the handy page I have included in the ultimate Christmas planner. Download your free Planner below.
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