If you are one of the lucky ones whose home or classroom gets a visit from Elf on the Shelf around Christmas each year, then you are going to want to save this list of super fun activities and ideas to help you keep the magic alive! Our collection of 25 ideas will definitely get everyone involved, entertained, and ready for the holiday season.
1. Make It A Movie Night
When the elf visits, have him bring along a gift! Nothing depicts a fun family night like a holiday movie that your family hasn’t watched yet. Be sure to include popcorn and snacks to partake in the festive fun.
Learn More: The Resourceful Mama
2. Elf on the Shelf Breakfast
Whenever your elf decides to bring breakfast- and he will- make sure it’s something appropriate for the season! From donuts to cinnamon rolls, or a fancy little breakfast complete with decorations, all these ideas are sure to get the kids excited.
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3. Advent Elf Calendar
Each day, have the elf bring an Advent activity card for kids and families to complete. These printables present good deeds, awesome ideas, and activities that are a fun way to get kids in the holiday spirit.
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4. Elf on the Shelf Activity Box
This box is stocked full of holiday fun and can be completed with your child’s elf! From adorable holiday cfrafts to preparing tasty treats, all of the amazing ideas will keep your kids entertained and engaged in something creative!
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5. Elf on the Shelf Brain Break
This adorable, themed brain break is perfect for classrooms and homeschooling when kids just need a break to get energized and refocused! Pop this adorable video on and make it a new holiday tradition.
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6. Surprise Cards
These daily activity cards display fun ideas that the elf can present each day. Drink hot cocoa, do a random act of kindness, or build a snowman with these sweet and simple ideas for the holiday season.
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7. Elf Secret Code
Help crack the code with this entertaining picture code. Have kids fill in the letters using the pictures to help reveal the secret message! This is a great activity for kids to complete when they have a few extra minutes.
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8. Elf on the Shelf Measuring
How does your elf measure up? What about the myriad of other holiday and household items that you have on hand? Have kids practice their measuring and data-collection skills using this fun printable complete with measuring tape.
Learn More: Spot of Tea Designs
9. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Send your kids on an elf-like adventure with this simple and fun indoor scavenger hunt that sets them off on an adventure to find the elf who has just flown in from the North Pole. They will mark off each spot as they find what they need. Amp up the fun by making it a race to see who can find him or her first!
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10. Elf Reports
The elf’s purpose is to keep an eye on the kids for Santa, right? Well, why not make it official by having your elf leave a regular “Elf Report” to report on your child’s behavior a few times a week?
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11. Elf Jokes
Elves are supposed to be funny, aren’t they? Bring their humor to life with some funny jokes. Print and cut these adorable elf jokes and present them on a daily basis to encourage a spirit of fun within the classroom or at home.
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12. Design an Elf
Have your kids color an elf using their imagination and some coloring tools. Whether they’re designing what they want their elf to look like, or they are making a replica, these coloring sheets provide plenty of space for creativity.
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13. Elf Puzzle Page
Why not keep the kids entertained at Christmas dinner or maybe use this fun puzzle page as an extra activity to kill some time? This fun DIY is perfect for any holiday gathering or event involving the elf.
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14. Grow Candy Canes
When the elf leaves a recipe, you have to try it! This cute idea has your little ones partake in the magic by growing their very own candy canes. All they have to do is follow their elf’s tried and true recipe- straight from the North Pole!
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15. Get Crafty With It
The elf happened to leave some crafts behind. I’m sure he would be very disappointed if you didn’t help him finish these fun mosaic art projects. This craft idea is perfect for a snow day.
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16. Unfinished Gingerbread Houses
That silly elf is up to his antics again. This time he left unfinished gingerbread houses behind! There is no other option but to make sure the kids finish them now. This is a fun idea for a dessert and after-dinner activity, or maybe when some friends come over to visit.
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17. Elf on the Shelf Yoga
This could easily be a family activity to get everyone moving and participating in an activity together. Elf yoga will get you limber, stretching, and practicing yoga in a fun and festive way.
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18. Make an Elf Activity
If your child thinks your elf might be lonely, this craft will have them thinking twice after they figure out they can create a whole army of elves to keep the original company.
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19. Go Elf-ing!
Partner with your children to leave fun surprises at the neighbor’s houses and see if you can start a domino effect. You will “elf” the neighbor, a friend, or a co-teacher, and then in turn they will “elf” the next person, and so on. It’s a fun little surprise and it doesn’t need to be expensive!
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20. Elf Fidget Spinner
The elf set up this exciting game of risk where players spin the spinner in hopes of winning a prize or treat! Watch out though, there could be a gross chore or demand in store!
Learn More: We Have Kids
21. Adulty Elf Fun
Have some new relatives in the family? Want to just spread some cheer when guests come over during the holiday season? Have the elf present them with some holiday lottery scratch-offs as a fun surprise!
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22. Find Your Elf Name
This is a cute little activity for parties and gatherings where kids (and kids at heart) can conjure up their very own elf names so that they can be part of the fun!
Learn More: Making Life Blissful
23. Elf Drinking Challenge
Take a sip, if you dare! This is a fun blind taste test that can be altered depending on your crowd. You could even make it a guessing game to see if sippers can guess the flavor or drink!
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24. Elf Presents: Legend of the Candy Cane
This sweet story about where Candy Canes came from makes the elf a perfect reading buddy when he brings the beloved candy canes with him as proof of the legend for your child to learn.
Learn More: Premeditated Leftovers
25. Elf on the Shelf Yearbook
It’s always a sad day when the Elf on the Shelf has to go. But, no worries, because putting together this adorable yearbook to help your child remember the antics of the season will serve as a reminder of the fun and whimsy the elf always seems to bring.
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