If you’re looking for some fun and easy ideas to surprise your toddler or young children this Christmas season, look no further! These easy Elf on the Shelf ideas are quick to pull together and full of holiday cheer.
With a little bit of creativity and a sprinkle of magic, you can bring these ideas to life.
1. Making a Hot Chocolate
“It’s hot chocolate time! Is there anything sweeter?” says Elf.
The Magic Behind It: Children will delight in the sight of their elf enjoying a cozy drink! It’s relatable and it’s easy to set up!
2. Inviting a Friend to Play a Game
“Game day is always fun. Let’s Play!” says Elf.
Place your elf alongside your child’s favourite soft toys, ready for a fun game day. The elf could be holding a game piece or setting up a board game, like a simple puzzle or memory game. Leave a note from the elf inviting your child to play.
The Magic Behind It: Toddlers love playtime with their toys, and they’ll be excited to join in with the elf and their other friends.
3. Inviting your Child to Read Together
“Let’s read your favourite book” says Elf.
Start your elf’s adventure by placing them with a holiday-themed book paired with a set of funny Christmas-themed glasses for your child to wear.
The Magic Behind It: They’ll enjoy the silly look, while the interactive activity will encourage a love for reading.
4. Magic Glove for Child to Move Elf
“Take me on a tour and snow me all your favourite things!” says Elf.
Let your elf deliver a special glove that grants the wearer the ability to move the elf on an extraordinary adventure.
The Magic Behind It: Develop storytelling skills with the joy of interactive play.
5. Wrapping Presents while Getting Tangled in String
“Let’s wrap!” says Elf.
Place your elf in the middle of a mess of wrapping paper, gift tags and tangled string to make it look like they accidentally got tangled up in the process of wrapping presents!
The Magic Behind It: Toddlers love to see the elf interacting with their world. Plus, they’ll get a laugh out of the elf’s playful chaos!
6. Baking Christmas Treats
Set your elf up as if he’s been busy all night baking brown-Es, complete with a baking tray with brown cardboard cut into the letter “E”. Bonus points if you have the time to use a letter “E” shaped cookie cutter and dough.
The Magic Behind It: Toddlers love the idea of making treats, and they’ll enjoy seeing the elf work on a special baking project with their own initials!
7. Making a Cup of “T”
Continue your child’s spelling journey with this twist to making a cup of tea. Cut out the letter “T” from a piece of paper and place it in the mug, as if the elf is brewing a special tea.
The Magic Behind It: Combine a love of pretend play with a simple learning opportunity for your toddler to spot letters and maybe even try to spell words with the elf’s help!
8. Busking for Elf Bucks
Set your elf up with a tiny musical instrument (a mini guitar, drum, or even just a small tambourine) and place a “tip jar” labelled “Elf Bucks.”
The Magic Behind It: The idea of earning Elf Bucks will surely delight and encourage them to make music or earn Elf bucks as well.
9. Writing Letters to Santa
“Write your letter to Santa. There is room for everyone on the nice list so be sure to be good!”
Place your elf with a letter to Santa template, ready to help your child write their own wish list. The elf could even have their own wish list ready to deliver to the North Pole that night. You could even leave a mini note that says, “What do you think I should ask for this year?”
The Magic Behind It: This setup creates a fun, relatable moment for your toddler and encourages them to think about their own wishes for Santa.
10. Planting Seeds (and a Flower Appears!)
Set up your elf with a small flowerpot, holding a packet of seeds or a little shovel, as if he’s planting something magical. The next day, make a flower (real or fake) appear magically. Â
The Magic Behind It: Toddlers are fascinated by the idea of plants growing, and the magic of the elf “planting” something will spark curiosity about plants and how they grow.
11. Making a Shrinking Machine
Place your elf near a mini “shrinking machine” (this can be made from a cardboard box or just a small toy appliance) with a few biscuits or lollies that they’re shrinking down for a magical snack.
The Magic Behind It: The imagination behind a shrinking machine will intrigue your toddler, and they’ll love the idea of tiny-sized treats your elf!
12. Elf Magic to Transform Eggs into a Surprise
“I’m using my magic powers. Check back tomorrow for a surprise!” says Elf.
Set your elf up with a tiny wand and a carton of eggs covered in magic “sparkles” to make it look as if he’s casting a spell. The next day surprise your child with painted or chocolate eggs.
The Magic Behind It: This whimsical elf scene can be a talking point for your child to guess what will happen to the eggs. Will they hatch or be scrambled eggs for breakfast tomorrow?
13. Elf with Passport
“See you next year! I’m off to the North Pole!” says Elf.
On Christmas Eve, the elf needs to get ready to fly back to the North Pole with a passport and a paper plane.
The Magic Behind It: The idea of travel will captivate toddlers, and they’ll love the thought of their elf heading off on a special trip.
These last minute Elf on the Shelf ideas are perfect for making lasting memories Inspired by the wonderful educators and team at Busy Bees on Bletchley, these setups are sure to add joy, wonder, and a little bit of holiday magic to your home.
