I love a good Christmas tradition and in our house the return of our scout elf has become one of our newest and most fun Christmas traditions. Last year was the first year I tried to make this festive season even more awesome by trying out some more elaborate spots and scenes for our cute little elf.
I found that my creative ideas were actually very limited and that cereal should never be spread on the floor on a Tuesday morning.
I also spent a lot of time scouring the web trying to find hilarious scenes that would bring lots of giggles from my little guy.
I find that the best part of the elf on the shelf tradition is how it really involves the whole family and is such a fun way to get silly during the holiday season. This year, all of the best elaborate scenes are in one place (right here!) so I don’t have to (and now you don’t have to) spend time looking for the next great idea or new spot.
So pull out your supplies and get ready for some fun ideas that will make this time of year even more special!
Elaborate Elf On The Shelf Ideas
These Elf on the Shelf ideas are a great way to count down to Christmas Day and will make your creative elf the best elf in town! These elaborate ideas may not be easy ideas, but they are guaranteed to bring your little ones so much joy and you might even have some fun in the process. They are perfect for both older kids and little kids and shouldn’t require a ton of elf on the shelf props. So tell your kids to be on their best behavior because Santa’s scout elves are coming to have some fun!
1. Wrapped Toilet
This one might take the cake for the most elaborate idea and is absolutely hilarious. Using Christmas wrapping paper, your elf will literally wrap up your toilet. Bonus points if you wrap the toilet paper roll too! My son is VERY into potty jokes right now, even saying the word toilet can make him erupt into pure laughter. If your kid is like mine then this is a win for sure!
2. Wrapped Fridge
Take it up a notch from wrapping your toilet and use Christmas wrapping paper to wrap your entire fridge! The process of doing this would be a wild ride for sure but having your fridge wrapped would not only make your kids crack up, it would also bring holiday spirit to your kitchen! I would do this one early on and leave it wrapped the whole holiday season!
3. Cannon Ball in Hot Chocolate
Your kids will be yelling “cannon ball” when they see this surprise! There is nothing more awesome than an elf about to take a plunge into some hot chocolate. This one would be even better if the hot chocolate was still hot when the kids woke up and found it! Nothing like a warm drink on a winter’s morning!
4. Elf Cannon
This is one elaborate scene but will make your kids laugh for sure! Grab a used toilet paper roll and some paper for the cannon and set up your scene with your own elf flying through the air!
5. Balloon Tree
This Balloon Tree isn’t just awesome, but would be the coolest tree to have set up all Christmas season!
6. Goldfish Bath
Looking to get your kids some new pets this holiday season? Or maybe you have some fish comfortably swimming in their tank? Well this elaborate idea is for you! Get those fish in the bath and let your elf have some fun fishing! Your kids will be stunned by this awesome set up!
7. A Candy Garden
Ready to incorporate some sweet treats into these elaborate ideas? This candy garden is adorable and the perfect way to “plant” some candy!
8. A Self Portrait
This one is actually a pretty simple idea and so funny! Let your elf draw your kid or even your family’s portraits! Your beautiful drawing can be displayed all season long (or even year long!) Truly a gift that keeps on giving!
9. Elf Roadways
Do you have a car lover? This elaborate idea is perfect for you! Get your tape out and your kids favorite cars out and set up one crazy road!
10. Elf Man
This funny play on Pac Man will have your video game loving kid pumped! The best part of this great idea is that it takes minimal preparation and supplies, plus your kids get to have a sweet treat after they find their elf!
11. Wrapped Food
Take elaborate elf ideas to another level with this hilarious idea! Wrap all of the contents of your fridge and let the games begin! I think this idea is worthy of filming because I can imagine a kids face when they go to get their morning bowl of cereal and find this mess!
12. Shower of Balloons
I love this idea so much because it’s pretty simple to do, but really doubles as an activity for your kid too! My son LOVES balloons and will play with them for hours! When he finds this set up, he will lose his mind!
13. Knocked Down Tree
Take that beautiful Christmas tree your family set up for hours and knock it down for some “oh my gosh” fun! Your kids will not believe how naughty their elf got and this stunt will be a core memory for them for sure!
14. Lawn Makeover
Let your elf mark their spot with this funny idea! This would even be more funny if you have an older kid who is responsible for mowing the lawn and finds this in the morning! This will get your neighbors talking and be one you all laugh about for a long time (especially as the grass slowly grows back!)
15. Jingle Shoes
Take “jingle all the way” to another level by adding some jingle into your kid’s life by throwing some glitter and jingle bells onto their favorite shoes!
16. Saran Wrapped
This one is great for the whole family! Saran Wrap your car and then see your kid’s faces as you get ready to leave for the day! It will be a laugh for sure!
17. Elf Ross
Bob Ross already brings so much joy, so add in your own elf and you are in for some fun! Add in some fun drawings and funny faces and your kid will be cracking up! The best part of this idea is that your kid can keep their elf’s art as a decoration for their room.
18. Fort Build
This elaborate idea is epic! Use all the cardboard from gifts to build your kid an epic fort that they can play in all season long! Your elf will be a hero and your cardboard will get a new life, a win for everyone!
19. Deck the Car
Usually elf ideas stay in the house, this idea takes it out to your car! Decorate your car with candy canes, Christmas lights and a ton of other decorations to get your car ready for the season. This will be a hard spot for your kids to find, so you might have to give them a clue but they will love it!
20. Rocket Ship
This elaborate idea needs a little magic and some special elves to make this happen! Have your elf fly through the air in a rocket ship, sending a special message to your little ones!
21. Table Skating
There is nothing like ice skating in the winter and your elf will know how to do it right! Set this awesome display up on your kitchen table and let your kids enjoy their morning!
22. Sink Skating Rink
This one really brings the North Pole to your kid’s bathroom in such a fun way! I think it would be fun to use slime or something your kids could play with after they find their elf so they could use it as a sensory box too!
These elaborate ideas are so much fun and will have your kids talking about them for years! I hope you find a fun idea that brings you and your kids a good laugh!
After you have done some of these elaborate ideas and you are tired and desperately looking for an easy last minute idea, check out our easy Elf on the Shelf ideas! Merry Christmas!