Elf on the Shelf has been a Christmas tradition in many households since the concept was first invented in 2005.
Every day in December, parents place their Elf in different spots around the house – er, sorry, we mean the elves move themselves around the house. Obviously.
Many parents add some extra fun to the tradition by posing Elf to make him look like he was up to all kinds of mischief before the kids spotted him.
You’ll probably be bursting with ideas in early December, but as the days roll on and Christmas gets closer it becomes increasingly challenging to think of funny and creative poses.
Here, we have compiled a list of 25 easy ideas that you can try at home.
Elf on the Shelf with Minion bananas
Is your little one bananas for Despicable Me?
So is Elf on the Shelf!
Pinterest user Macaroni Kid Middletown CT shared this easy minion idea, which has taken social media by storm.
Toasty Elf on the Shelf
If you search Elf on the Shelf on Instagram, you’ll see plenty of elves embedded in toast.
It can even double as a creative way to serve breakfast.
Elf making snowflakes
That’s one naughty little Elf, caught red handed making some snowflakes – innocent enough, if it wasn’t for the fact he was using toilet paper as his medium.
Give Elf on the Shelf a bath
We all need some downtime, especially at this time of year as the nights draw in and we’re feeling burnt out, and the elf is no exception.
Fill your sink with either white balloons, cotton wool, or even marshmallows so your Elf on the Shelf can treat himself to a relaxing bubble bath.
Get Elf doing Bushtucker trials
I’m A Celebrity: Elf Edition. Stock up on some jelly worms and send Elf in for a Bushtucker trial.
Bonus, you’re not relying on his stars to get you any dinner.
Make an Elf in the Drum
This hiding place won’t be among the first places your kids will look, so hunting around the house for a while should keep them busy and make the whole thing extra fun.
As @danamanrose says: ‘Who doesn’t love a good rollercoaster?’
Help Elf pull off a prank
If your family loves a good prank, then Elf should fit right in.
Jess Martin, a party-planning expert at Ginger Ray, says: ‘We absolutely love some of the cheeky, mischievous setups people have created on Instagram.
‘Inject some fun into those mundane tasks, like flossing teeth by tangling up the elf. Or, blow up a balloon around him and challenge the kids to get him out – with a bang!’
Elf does a workout
Your Elf needs to train to help Father Christmas deliver all his presents.
You can make some weights for your little guy by using marshmallows and toothpicks.
Elf on the Shelf in a Zoom meeting
Elf has been no stranger to working from home, so why not get him to set up a Zoom meeting with his friends and family?
The Elf on the Shelf website have provided a free downloadable image to use on your computer or smartphone to make it look like your Elf is on a call.
Elf takes to the hot tub
OK, so it’s not a real hot tub… you don’t want any elves to get drenched.
Instead, have your Elf sit back in a Heroes, Celebrations, or Roses tub with their arms stretched over the sides, and their bodies hidden beneath the sweets.
Elf on the photocopier
Combining two Christmas traditions: Elf on the Shelf and office parties.
Make it look like your elf had a bit too much fun last night by photocopying him (don’t forget to include the iconic bum scan!)
Elf snowman
No snow? No problem.
Make your very own snowman for your Elf to hide in with three loo rolls.
Elf eats advent calendar chocolate
This naughty little Elf has only gone and eaten your little one’s advent calendar chocolate!
Bonus points for committing to smearing chocolate on his little face.
Elf on a … dinosaur
Or any other animal toy you have lying around the house.
A bit of string, and a tiny cowboy hat if you have one spare, and you have yourself a rootin’ tootin’ Elf.
Elf joins The Avengers
Is Elf worthy of lifting the hammer of Thor? There’s only one way to find out!
If you’ve got lots of superhero toys around the house, then its time to let Elf join the ranks of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Elf takes a nap in pyjamas
Lay out your little one’s PJs on their bed, but make sure Elf’s head is sticking out.
This one’s recommend by the Elf on the Shelf website.
Elf goes flying
One US dad has a fan in his house – so sent Elf on the Shelf for a ride.
If you’ve got a light you can safely hang elf off, without the risk of it being pulled down, it might be worth a go.
Elf in a burrito
One inventive Instagram mum came up with a hilarious pose for her elf last year. She wrapped Elf in a burrito.
All you need to complete this pose is your Elf and a flour tortilla. Be sure to cut out a little hole for his face.
Elf on the Shelf making snow angels
Even if it isn’t going to be a white Christmas, your Elf can still have fun making snow angels.
To recreate the snow, use some mini marshmallows or flour (if you can’t find any).
Elves making eggs
Sunny side up, please. Use Haribo gummy eggs for an easy (and yummy) heat-free pose.
Elf swipes some doughnuts
This mum’s trick will work with all kinds of boxed treats – simply plop Elf next to the box and stick his arm in.
Elf in the fridge
Brrr, a bit cold in there! Make your Elf like he’s back home in the North Pole by popping him in the fridge.
Give him a small blanket (a flannel will do) to keep him warm.
Elf on the Shelf plays Twister
We’ve seen a few Twister-themed Elf on the Shelf ideas on Instagram. Simply pop Elf next to a real Twister mat – or make your own using paper and coloured pens.
Pop Elf in a bendy position to show him playing the game. Even better if you’ve got two or more elves in the house.
Elf on a popcorn binge
If it’s time to settle down with a Christmas movie, there’s no reason why Elf can’t join in the fun.
Elf on a health drive
Bend your little Elf friends to do some fun yoga poses.
Bonus points for a headstand!
P.S. If you really get stuck, or are short on time, the Elf on the Shelf website has free printable signs that you can place next to your Elf.
The Elf on the Shelf Instagram page is also chock full of more ideas.
MORE : Where can you donate Christmas toys and presents in the UK?
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