The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a cherished part of many families’ holiday celebrations. Throughout December, this mischievous little elf brings magic and excitement into homes as it embarks on daily adventures. To make this December more enchanting, I’ve curated 25 delightful Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you plan, ensuring each day is filled with wonder and joy. My baby is 7 months old this holiday season and I can’t wait until next year to plan and create this magic for her!
- December 1st: Arrival Day
- December 2nd: Snowball Fight
- December 3rd: Candy Cane Zip Line
- December 4th: Movie Night
- December 5th: Decorating Fun
- December 6th: Elf’s Letter to Santa
- December 7th: Elf’s Hide and Seek
- December 8th: Baking Day
- December 9th: Elf’s Spa Day
- December 10th: Music Concert
- December 11th: Naughty or Nice List
- December 12th: Elf’s Snow Angel
- December 13th: Elf’s Sleigh Ride
- December 14th: Elf’s Gift Wrapping Station
- December 15th: Elf’s Book Club
- December 16th: Elf’s Snow Fort
- December 17th: Elf’s Elfie
- December 18th: Elf’s Tinkering Workshop
- December 19th: Elf’s Hot Cocoa Party
- December 20th: Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt
- December 21st: Elf’s Dance Party
- December 22nd: Elf’s Photo Booth
- December 23rd: Elf’s Gift Wrapping Mishap
- December 24th: Christmas Eve Preparations
- December 25th: Christmas Day Celebration
- Free Elf on the Shelf Ideas Planning Calendar
December 1st: Arrival Day
Start the month with a bang as the elf arrives in a unique way, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of holiday cheer.
December 2nd: Snowball Fight
Transform your living room into a battleground for a friendly snowball fight, using marshmallows or cotton balls as your “snow.”
December 3rd: Candy Cane Zip Line
Watch in awe as your elf zips across the room on a candy cane zip line, bringing a dash of excitement to the day.
December 4th: Movie Night
Set up a cozy movie area for your elf, complete with popcorn and a favorite Christmas movie, making it a night to remember.
December 5th: Decorating Fun
Get crafty with your elf by creating miniature decorations or lending a hand in decorating the Christmas tree.
December 6th: Elf’s Letter to Santa
Capture a heartfelt moment as your elf writes a tiny letter to Santa, adding to the spirit of the season.
December 7th: Elf’s Hide and Seek
Encourage a fun game of hide and seek by having your elf hide in unexpected places for the kids to find.
December 8th: Baking Day
Join your elf in a baking adventure, creating a scene with miniature baking utensils and ingredients for holiday treats.
December 9th: Elf’s Spa Day
Create a relaxing spa scene with the elf, showcasing a day of pampering and relaxation.
December 10th: Music Concert
Host a musical extravaganza with your elf conducting a toy orchestra or playing a tiny instrument.
December 11th: Naughty or Nice List
Have your elf craft a mini list, checking it twice to determine who’s been naughty or nice.
December 12th: Elf’s Snow Angel
Witness the magic as your elf creates snow angels using flour or powdered sugar.
December 13th: Elf’s Sleigh Ride
Construct a miniature sleigh and let your elf take a thrilling ride with other toy figures.
December 14th: Elf’s Gift Wrapping Station
Help your elf wrap tiny presents for the toys, using scraps of wrapping paper and ribbons.
December 15th: Elf’s Book Club
Create a cozy reading nook with books, inviting your elf to read to other toys or figures.
December 16th: Elf’s Snow Fort
Build a snow fort or igloo for your elf and other small figures using marshmallows or sugar cubes.
December 17th: Elf’s Elfie
Capture a fun moment as your elf takes a selfie using a toy camera or a phone.
December 18th: Elf’s Tinkering Workshop
Spark creativity by setting up a tinkering workshop for your elf with toy tools and materials.
December 19th: Elf’s Hot Cocoa Party
Throw a delightful hot cocoa party for your elf and other toys, complete with tiny cups and marshmallows.
December 20th: Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt
Hide candy canes around the house for a thrilling scavenger hunt, with your elf providing clues.
December 21st: Elf’s Dance Party
Celebrate with a dance party, where your elf and other toys dance to festive music.
December 22nd: Elf’s Photo Booth
Create a mini photo booth with props for your elf and other toys to take fun pictures.
December 23rd: Elf’s Gift Wrapping Mishap
Share a giggle as your elf gets wrapped in a roll of paper or tangles up in ribbons.
December 24th: Christmas Eve Preparations
Assist your elf in setting out cookies and milk for Santa or preparing a heartfelt note.
December 25th: Christmas Day Celebration
Witness the joy as your elf joins the toys in celebrating Christmas morning with unwrapped presents or a tiny feast.
Embrace the magic of the holiday season with these 25 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas, fostering moments of wonder and delight for your family throughout December. Let these daily adventures create cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Free Elf on the Shelf Ideas Planning Calendar
Click below to grab a free printable planning calendar with all 25 days of fun. Happy Elfing!