Playtime
35+ Fun and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is a beloved children’s book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. Since its debut in 2005, families worldwide have embraced it as a cherished holiday tradition, coming up with countless Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers to bring the festive spirit alive.
This enchanting story follows a magical elf who acts as Santa’s scout, observing children’s behavior and reporting back to the North Pole. Families can name their elf, which grants it the magic to travel between their home and Santa’s workshop each night.
Get creative with these fun Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers, turning your little one’s December mornings into moments of surprise and joy. In this guide, we’ll share 50+ imaginative setups that will keep your child entertained while encouraging good habits.
Key Pointers
- The Elf on the Shelf concept originates from a popular children’s book.
- The elf watches over kids and reports their behavior to Santa, who rewards the well-behaved on Christmas Eve.
- Parents can place a toy elf in different spots daily, setting up fun and educational scenes for toddlers to enjoy.
35+ Easy and Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers
1. The Elf on the Shelf Makes a Grand Entrance
If your child loves toy cars, let the elf make an entrance in their favorite vehicle! Add a doll as a guest and a welcome note for extra excitement.
2. Breakfast with the Elf on the Shelf
Set up a miniature breakfast scene with tiny plates, elf-sized pancakes, and a “good morning” note.
3. Party with the Elf on the Shelf
Arrange a mini party complete with decorations, fairy lights, and tiny treats to give a festive touch.
4. Scavenger Hunt with the Elf on the Shelf
Hide a small prize and leave clues as if the elf has created a treasure hunt.
5. Brush Your Teeth with the Elf on the Shelf
Make the elf hold a toothbrush with a little toothpaste on it to encourage good hygiene.
6. The Elf on the Shelf Climbs the Christmas Tree
Place the elf amid the holiday decorations as if it climbed up overnight.
7. The Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing
Set up a pretend fishing scene using a bowl of fish-shaped crackers and a DIY fishing rod.
8. The Elf on the Shelf Loves to Read
Position the elf on a bookshelf with a tiny book, surrounded by dolls and plushies listening to a story.
9. The Elf on the Shelf Goes on a Jungle Safari
Line up animal toys and place the elf riding one as if on a grand safari adventure.
10. The Elf on the Shelf Inside a Stocking
Let the elf peek out from a stocking to make it seem like he got stuck on his way back from the North Pole.
11. The Elf on the Shelf Hides in the Freezer
For a chilly twist, wrap the elf in a tiny blanket and place it inside the freezer.
12. The Elf on the Shelf Makes a “Be Nice” List
Write a list of good behaviors for the elf to hold, reinforcing positive habits.
13. The Elf on the Shelf Makes Snow Angels
Use flour or powdered sugar to create “snow” where the elf has made tiny angel shapes.
14. The Elf on the Shelf on a Fairy Light Zipline
Suspend the elf from a string of fairy lights for a playful zip-lining adventure.
15. The Elf on the Shelf in a Ball Pit
Fill a small box with colorful balls to create a tiny elf-friendly ball pit.
16. The Elf on the Shelf Uses the Potty
Help with potty training by placing the elf on a tiny toilet with chocolate chips as a fun gag.
17. The Elf on the Shelf on a Massage Table
Use a small box as a spa table, with a doll “massaging” the elf after its long journey.
18. The Elf on the Shelf in the Kitchen
Place the elf among cookie jars as if it’s sneaking a snack.
19. The Elf on the Shelf Rides a Toy Train
Position the elf on a toy train, taking it on a magical ride.
20. The Elf on the Shelf on a Lego Tower
Build a Lego tower for the elf to “watch over” the household from above.
21. The Elf on the Shelf Shaves with Daddy
Place the elf near shaving cream, mimicking a grown-up morning routine.
22. The Elf on the Shelf Lets Out the Animals
Stage a scene where the elf is “walking” toy animals outdoors.
23. The Elf on the Shelf on an Airplane
Suspend a toy airplane and let the elf “fly” around the house.
24. The Elf on the Shelf Brings Hot Chocolate
Arrange cups of hot cocoa around the elf for a cozy treat.
25. The Elf on the Shelf Watches a Movie
Set up a mini movie night scene with popcorn for the elf.
26. The Elf on the Shelf Coloring with Crayons
Place the elf near a coloring book to encourage creative fun.
27. The Elf on the Shelf with Baby Jesus
Integrate the elf into a nativity scene for a meaningful touch.
28. The Elf on the Shelf Helps with Christmas Decorations
Position the elf with holiday decor as if it’s been busy overnight.
29. The Elf on the Shelf Toasts Marshmallows
Use an electric candle to “roast” a tiny marshmallow in the elf’s hands.
30. The Elf on the Shelf Writes a Wish List
Let the elf hold a list of Christmas wishes for Santa.
31. The Elf on the Shelf Plays a Guitar
Pair the elf with a tiny guitar to set up a musical scene.
32. The Elf on the Shelf in an Ice Cream Cone
Tuck the elf into an empty cone for a sweet surprise.
33. The Elf on the Shelf Loves Candy Canes
Hang the elf from a candy cane for a fun twist.
34. The Elf on the Shelf Wraps Presents
Place wrapping paper and ribbons around the elf for a gift-wrapping session.
35. The Elf on the Shelf Hides in a Cereal Box
Let your child find the elf hidden in their breakfast cereal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can toddlers touch Elf on the Shelf?
No, according to the tradition, touching the elf makes its magic disappear. If touched, children can write an apology letter to Santa. - What age is appropriate for Elf on the Shelf?
Toddlers aged two and older can start enjoying Elf on the Shelf activities. - What are the official Elf on the Shelf rules?
- Elves arrive on December 1 and leave on Christmas Eve.
- Children must not touch them.
- Parents can move them each night but shouldn’t get caught in the act.
Using Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers is a fantastic way to create lasting holiday memories while teaching good habits like brushing teeth, reading, and behaving nicely. Plus, having the elf “watching” can help keep toddlers on their best behavior during the festive season!
