90 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Christmas 2023

Gardening Elf on the Shelf Idea

Plant a few candy dum-dums in small terracotta pots and watch your Elf brag about his green thumb. (Wait, does he even have thumbs?)

Fishing Elf on the Shelf Idea

A thermos lid, a little wire, and a few Swedish Fish will allow you to re-create this scene straight out of a country song.

Elizabethan Elf on the Shelf Idea

To elf or not to elf? Is there really any question? All you need is a cupcake liner or two for a ye-olde statement collar and an old book and you’ll unleash a tiny Shakespearean sprite.

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Egg Dozen Elf on the Shelf Idea

Feign shock as you set out to make omelets and discover that your pesky elf has swapped out your dozen eggs for decorative ornaments.

Tire Swing Elf on the Shelf Idea

Start with a chocolate donut (we used Entenmann's) and hang it from a tree with twine. (Tip: Chill your donut beforehand to minimize a melty mess.)

Ladder Elf on the Shelf Idea

Cut several paper straws into equal-sized sections and thread with bakers twine. Hang from a cabinet below a stash of candy worth the climb!

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Button Elf on the Shelf Idea

Use vintage buttons to spell out a festive message or greeting from Mr. Claus himself. Fuzzy Santa beard optional.

Crafty Elf on the Shelf Idea

Look, he got into the yarn and knitted up all the ornaments! To make the ornaments, wrap yarn around a clear plastic Christmas ornament, holding the beginning of the yarn in place with a dab of hot glue, until the ornament is completely covered. Thread bamboo cocktail picks through the yarn to mimic knitting needles. Hang as desired.

Slingshot Elf on the Shelf Idea

Find a Y-shaped branch, and cut it to fit your elf. Then attach a mini-marshmallow to a rubber band, and loop it over the branch.

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Camper Elf on the Shelf Idea

A construction paper sash and a marshmallow on a stick (or pretzel stick) will convey the general idea, but a bottle brush tree forest, tealight candle campfire, and scrap-fabric sleeping bag will really reinforce the theme.

Bingo Elf on the Shelf Idea

Swap standard chips with peppermints and it’s officially game on.

Tic-Tac-Toe Elf on the Shelf Idea

A set of mason jar rings and lids along with a few feet of ribbon is all you need to set up this classic crowd-pleasing game.

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Kiss the Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Idea

Maria of @mommyglitter sent off her elves with this fun idea featuring Hershey's Kisses and a note that reads, "We will miss you all. Kisses to you. Merry Christmas."

See more at MommyGlitter.

The Elf on the Shelf Santa Cam Idea

This super-cute idea came together with items from Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby! You can keep this camera on display all season to let the kids know that Santa is watching.

See more at creationsby_ashleyc.

Related: Christmas Instagram Captions

The Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Garden Idea

Three days worth of ideas in one: a candy cane garden! Use crushed chocolate cookies as "soil" and watch the peppermint grow from round candies to full candy canes.

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

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The Elf on the Shelf Tea Idea

These Elves have jokes! Simply cut a letter T from a piece of paper and place it in a tea cup for this funny and simple idea from Maria at @mommyglitter.

See more at MommyGlitter.

The Elf on the Shelf Magazine Idea

When Elf's fine-print edition of Country Living arrives in the mail, the little guy peruses the pages from a good ol' porch rocker. (He LOVES the craft ideas!)

The Elf on the Shelf Melted Snowman

This idea is sure to make the kids laugh! All you need is a jar, rocks, a baby carrot, and buttons.

Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.

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The Elf on the Shelf Plant Idea

For nights when you don't have time for an elaborate plan, simply perch your elf in your biggest plant. Hide him among the leaves to make spotting him a challenge.

The Elf on the Shelf Ball Pit Idea

Of course, the elves would find themselves in a ball pit of red-and-green M&Ms! The helpful sign makes it clear that this candy is not for snacking, just in case any kids try to sneak some! This clever idea by Ashley Byrom of Stage.Organize.Sell only takes a few minutes to pull off.

Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue 

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