Elf on Shelf Game Ideas for Holiday Magic

Elf on the Shelf game ideas are a fun and festive way to keep the holiday spirit alive for kids and families throughout December. One popular idea is a daily hide-and-seek game, where the Elf appears in a new, creative spot each morning—hanging from the chandelier, hiding in the fridge, or nestled in the Christmas tree.

You can also turn it into a scavenger hunt by leaving clues with the Elf that lead to small surprises or holiday treats. Some families enjoy having their Elf play funny tricks, like drawing silly faces on family photos or “making snow angels” in spilled flour. Others get interactive by involving kids in challenges or good deed missions left by the Elf, encouraging kindness and holiday cheer. These playful activities keep kids excited each morning and help build lasting holiday memories.

Elf on Shelf Game Ideas

Here’s a list of 100+ Elf on the Shelf game and activity ideas—ranging from funny setups and mischievous scenes to interactive challenges and acts of kindness. These ideas can bring joy, surprise, and magic to each day of December.

🎄 Classic Hide and Seek Ideas

1. Hiding in the Christmas tree

2. Peeking out of a cereal box

3. Sitting on a bookshelf

4. Hanging from a ceiling fan

5. Tucked inside a stocking

6. Lying in a bowl of ornaments

7. Hiding in a tissue box

8. Sitting in the fridge

9. Hanging from a curtain rod

10. Sitting on top of a lampshade

11. Poking out of a sock drawer

12. Sleeping in the silverware drawer

13. Hanging upside-down from a doorknob

14. Riding in a toy car

15. Stuck in a boot

16. Inside a roll of toilet paper

17. Resting on a pillow in a dollhouse

18. On top of the TV remote

19. Watching from a houseplant

20. Sitting in the dog or cat’s bed

😆 Silly Elf Antics

21. Making snow angels in flour or sugar

22. Drawing faces on bananas with a marker

23. Wrapping the toilet in wrapping paper

24. Tangled in a string of Christmas lights

25. Coloring in a coloring book

26. Putting googly eyes on food items in the fridge

27. Toilet-papering the Christmas tree

28. Sipping maple syrup through a straw

29. Building a marshmallow snowman

30. Pretending to shave with whipped cream

31. Sitting in a bowl of popcorn

32. Hanging out with Barbie or action figures

33. Making a mess with sprinkles or cocoa powder

34. Getting caught in a candy jar

35. Wearing doll clothes

36. Taking a bubble bath in a sink of marshmallows

37. Making paper snowflakes

38. Hosting a tea party with other toys

39. Swinging from a candy cane trapeze

40. Using crayons to “draw” on a mirror (with dry erase marker)

🎮 Interactive Elf Games

41. Scavenger hunt with holiday clues

42. Christmas countdown calendar

43. Puzzle pieces left for kids to finish

44. Hidden candy canes challenge

45. “Find the Elf” with a map or riddle

46. Holiday trivia questions

47. DIY ornament kit left by Elf

48. Maze printed out with Elf stuck in the middle

49. “Where’s my hat?” mini search game

50. Leaving tiny letters with missions

51. Christmas charades from the Elf

52. Mini crossword puzzle

53. Find the candy corn or jingle bells

54. Holiday bingo card

55. DIY snow globe activity

56. Sticker hunt

57. “Color this page” left by the Elf

58. Memory card matching game

59. Holiday jokes of the day

60. Mini “Elf Olympics” for the kids to join

🧹 Kindness Challenge Ideas

61. “Leave a kind note for someone today”

62. “Help clean up your toys!”

63. “Donate a toy to someone in need”

64. “Draw a picture for your teacher”

65. “Give a compliment today”

66. “Help your sibling with something”

67. “Write a holiday card to a neighbor”

68. “Make a thank-you note for Santa”

69. “Do something nice without being asked”

70. “Say something kind to yourself in the mirror”

🎅 North Pole-Themed Scenes

71. Elf building a gingerbread house

72. Elf ice skating on a mirror with mini skates

73. Elf climbing a candy cane ladder

74. Elf fishing for goldfish crackers

75. Elf making hot cocoa

76. Elf snuggled with mini stuffed reindeer

77. Elf building a LEGO North Pole

78. Elf delivering a tiny gift from Santa

79. Elf making toys out of craft sticks

80. Elf with a “Naughty or Nice” list

🍭 Food Fun Elf Ideas

81. Elf with spilled cereal and spoon

82. Elf baking cookies (leave out cookie mix)

83. Elf trapped in a cookie jar

84. Elf sipping from a juice box

85. Elf nibbling a candy cane

86. Elf next to a mini pancake stack

87. Elf “eating” chocolate chips

88. Elf with empty candy wrappers

89. Elf using marshmallows as snowballs

90. Elf with a plate of holiday fruit

📸 Photo & Tech-Inspired

91. Elf taking a selfie with toy friends

92. Elf watching a Christmas movie on a tablet

93. Elf “zooming” with Santa on a printed screen

94. Elf making a video message for the kids

95. Elf posing in front of a mini selfie backdrop

96. Elf holding a Polaroid of yesterday’s prank

97. Elf pretending to game with a controller

98. Elf “Googling” how to be good

99. Elf printing a note from the printer

100. Elf scanning himself on a copier

🧸 Creative Crafts & Messages

101. Elf with craft supplies (glue, scissors, paper)

102. Elf with a coloring sheet and crayons

103. Elf building a popsicle stick sled

104. Elf making a paper chain garland

105. Elf writing in a tiny journal

106. Elf leaving a DIY ornament kit

107. Elf leaving a recipe for Christmas cookies

108. Elf giving instructions to write a letter to Santa

109. Elf folding mini origami trees

110. Elf decorating a mini felt stocking

How to play

1. Hiding in the Christmas Tree

Materials Needed: Christmas tree, small hook or branch support
Steps:

1. Choose a branch midway or high up in the tree where the Elf can sit or rest securely.

2. Nestle the Elf between sturdy branches, ensuring it’s visible but not too obvious.

3. Add some tinsel or ornaments around the Elf for camouflage.

4. Optional: Place a mini note saying, “Just hanging out in the tree today!”

2. Peeking out of a Cereal Box

Materials Needed: Empty or partially full cereal box
Steps:

1. Open the top flap of a cereal box.

2. Gently insert the Elf so its head and arms are sticking out.

3. Position it to look like it’s peeking or spying.

4. Close the top flaps loosely to make it look like the Elf climbed in secretly.

5. Place the box back on the kitchen counter or breakfast table for the morning surprise.

3. Sitting on a Bookshelf

Materials Needed: Shelf space and a few books
Steps:

1. Clear a small section of a bookshelf where the Elf can sit comfortably.

2. Sit the Elf with its legs dangling or crossed.

3. Surround it with holiday-themed books or mini props like a toy mug or scroll.

4. Optional: Leave a note like “Catching up on some good reads!”

4. Hanging from a Ceiling Fan

Materials Needed: Ribbon, string, or a twist tie
Steps:

1. Use ribbon or a twist tie to gently attach the Elf’s hands to one of the ceiling fan blades.

2. Ensure it’s secure and won’t fall.

3. Position it as if it’s swinging or dangling.

4. Leave a note nearby saying, “Wheee! What a ride!”
   ⚠️ Safety Tip: Make sure the fan is turned off and stays off while the Elf is there.

5. Tucked Inside a Stocking

Materials Needed: Christmas stocking
Steps:

1. Choose one of the hung stockings.

2. Gently place the Elf inside, with just its head and arms peeking out.

3. Adjust the stocking so the Elf doesn’t sink inside.

4. Leave a little treat or message in the stocking for extra fun.

6. Lying in a Bowl of Ornaments

Materials Needed: Decorative bowl and soft ornaments
Steps:

1. Fill a medium-sized bowl with soft or shatterproof ornaments.

2. Gently lay the Elf on top like it’s relaxing in a shiny bed.

3. Pose its arms behind its head or hands holding a candy cane.

4. Place the bowl in a visible location like the kitchen island or table.

7. Hiding in a Tissue Box

Materials Needed: Tissue box (half full works best)
Steps:

1. Remove a few tissues to create space.

2. Carefully insert the Elf into the box, letting its head or hand poke out.

3. Drape a tissue over its head like a blanket.

4. Optional: Stick a note saying, “Caught a little cold!”

8. Sitting in the Fridge

Materials Needed: Open shelf space in the fridge
Steps:

1. Clear a little space in the fridge on a lower shelf.

2. Sit the Elf upright next to milk or a snack.

3. Optionally wrap it in a tiny scarf or napkin to “stay warm.”

4. Place a note that says, “Just chillin’!”

9. Hanging from a Curtain Rod

Materials Needed: Curtain rod and Elf with bendable limbs (or string)
Steps:

1. Bend the Elf’s arms around the curtain rod so it appears to be swinging or climbing.

2. Position it securely to prevent falling.

3. Adjust the curtain slightly to add effect.

4. Add a sign that says, “Look how high I climbed!”

10. Sitting on Top of a Lampshade

Materials Needed: Lamp with a flat or cone-shaped shade
Steps:

1. Carefully place the Elf sitting on the top edge of the lampshade.

2. Make sure it’s balanced to avoid tipping.

3. Pose it as if it’s watching the room from above.

4. Turn on the lamp (if it doesn’t get too hot) for a magical glow.
   ⚠️ Safety Tip: Avoid leaving the light on for long if the bulb heats up.