24 Elf on the Shelf ideas for December

The 24 ideas

1. Arrives with a note introducing himself. Write his name, where he's come from and why he's here. Tiny handwriting helps.
2. Zip-lines across the room on a piece of string. Tie string between two chair backs, and hook him on with a paperclip.
3. Builds a snowman out of toilet rolls. Stack two or three rolls and draw on a face with a pen.
4. Has a marshmallow bath in a bowl. A cereal bowl, a handful of marshmallows and a flannel for a towel.
5. Goes fishing in the sink for sweets. Use a pencil, string and a paperclip, with wrapped sweets in a dry sink.
6. Wraps a favourite teddy in tissue paper. Leave a little of the teddy showing, and some sticky tape on the elf.
7. Reads a Christmas story to the toys. Sit the toys in a semicircle with a book propped open.
8. Makes a snow angel in flour on a tray. Sprinkle the flour on a baking tray, then press him in and lift him out.
9. Hides in the cereal box with a note. Pop him in the box they'll reach for first.
10. Leaves a hot chocolate kit for breakfast. A sachet, a mug and a few marshmallows on the side.
11. Has a sleepover with the teddies. A tea towel for a blanket and everyone tucked up in a row.
12. Writes 'Ho ho ho' in toothpaste on the bathroom mirror. It wipes straight off with a damp cloth.
13. Gets stuck in the Christmas tree. Upside down in the branches, legs in the air. No props at all.
14. Has a snowball fight with mini marshmallows. Scatter them around him and a couple of toys.
15. Builds a Lego house for himself. A few minutes with whatever bricks are already out.
16. Takes a bubble bath in the sink. A little washing-up liquid and a splash of water. Sit him on the edge so he stays dry.
17. Leaves a colouring sheet to finish. Print one, or draw a quick snowman, and leave out the pens.
18. Brings new Christmas pyjamas. If you were buying them anyway, this gives you an easy night.
19. Has a picnic with the toy animals. A napkin, some raisins or crackers, and the animals round the edge.
20. Hangs from the light on a ribbon. Only from a cold, switched-off fitting, or use a door handle instead.
21. Leaves reindeer footprints in icing sugar. Dust icing sugar on the floor or a tray, and press the shapes in with a fingertip.
22. Sets up a game of noughts and crosses for you to finish. Draw the grid, and make the elf's first move.
23. Writes a list of everyone's good deeds. One kind thing for each person in the house.
24. Says goodbye with a note and a small treat on Christmas Eve. A thank you, a see you next year, and a chocolate coin or two.

Easiest ideas when it's already late

Night 13 (stuck in the tree) needs no props at all. Night 9 (in the cereal box) and night 7 (reading to the toys) take about a minute.

Last updated: 2 November 2026.