Yahoo Lifestyle50 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas That'll Make Your Kids Crack Up
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50 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas That'll Make Your Kids Crack Up
It's no secret that Ree Drummond and her family have plenty of Christmas traditions to go around. Matching family Christmas pajamas are a must, and the scent of Ree's freshly baked cinnamon rolls is layered with happy holiday memories.
But for other families, a different sort of tradition has emerged over the past few years: the magical, mischievous Elf on the Shelf. Now, these cute troublemakers are practically synonymous with "Christmas." In the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, they silently watch over your kids during the day and report their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa himself. It's only at night (how convenient!) that they come alive and wreak playful havoc on your home in the name of spreading Christmas spirit—eating your Christmas cookies, sitting beside you during your family's Hallmark movie marathon, and beyond.
Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to give you a head start on the year's silliest game for grown-ups and kids. There are Elf coloring pages to keep both him and your children occupied, printable joke cards to help you spell out the hilarity of it all, and (of course!) an Elf on the Shelf face mask that's perfectly relevant for 2020—plus so, so much more. Best of all, Elves double as excellent stocking stuffers! (For more holiday fun, check out these DIY Christmas games too.)
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1) Virtual Meeting
It's one of the only times a Scout Elf allows other people to watch what he's up to—during a virtual meeting! A downloadable image makes this scenario easy to mimic.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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2) Snow Angels
If you've got to stay at home this winter, why not bring the fun of the outdoors...inside? These marshmallows make it easy for your Scout Elf to construct his very own "snow angel."
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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3) Snow Slide Mountain
Just because you can't go on your annual ski trip, doesn't mean your Elf can't hit the slopes! A small pile of hand towels makes for the perfect sledding hill.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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4) Scout Elf Zen Garden
After such a rough year, why not let your Elves have some meditative time to themselves? A few peppermint candy "rocks" and some sand, and they'll be in business.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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5) Elf Crossing
"Why did the elf cross the sink?" reads the cute sign over this adventure. "'Jaws' because he wanted to!"
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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6) North Pole Putt-Putt
Green felt makes for the loveliest putting green, don't you think? And candy canes are excellent clubs.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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7) Drive-In Movie
Your Elves deserve to kick back and relax after such a tough year. An iPad serves as the screen for this miniature drive-in movie set.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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8) Elf Quarantine Return Letter
Your Scout Elf is here to remind kids why it's important to stay healthy and safe this winter. Don't worry; he'll be done with his quarantine soon enough and back to making mischief!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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9) Balloon Bath
If you've got little kids, this is such an easy way to get them more excited about bath time. Just fill the sink with white balloon "bubbles" and let your Scout Elves take a dip.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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10) Breakfast of Scout Elf Champions
Green milk, a tiny table, and even some Scout Elf cereal are just the things to surprise your kids with on Christmas morning. Let's just hope your Elf is in the mood to share!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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11) Clownin' Around
Clowns, Rudolph...whatever these noses remind you of, one thing's for sure: They'll have your entire family laughing soon enough.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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12) Elf-ercise
Hey, even Scout Elves have to stay in shape—especially with so many Christmas cookie to be eaten. This fun idea comes with an easy-to-use printable.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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13) Baking 'Brown Es'
Punny ideas for the win! This crafty joke is so silly, even your Elf is bound to get a good laugh out of it.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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14) Tic Tac Bow
You've heard of "Tic Tac Toe," but what about "Tic Tac Bow"? It's the Christmas-ified version of the classic game, and Scout Elves love it.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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15) To Do List
Santa's not the only one who makes a list and checks it twice! Make sure your Scout Elf keeps his responsibilities in order with a miniature checklist like this one.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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16) Downward-Facing Elf
It's been a stressful year, and not just for humans. Elves, too, need to wind down sometimes, and a tiny yoga mat is the ultimate accessory for doing exactly that.
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17) Save the Elf!
Quick! Tell your kids they've got to save the Elf—he's about to be run over by a train!
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
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18) S'mores Idea
Turn on the Yule log channel, give your Elf a few marshmallows, and get ready for a delicious, cozy evening with the kids. (Be warned: They're going to ask for some s'mores of their own.)
Get the tutorial at A Small Snippet.
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19) Sneak Peek
Who hasn't snuck a peek at their gift a little early? Let him have his fun.
Get the tutorial at Snapshots of My Life.
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20) Hide & Seek
Even if you don't have a letter board, you can still make this fun idea work. Just let your kids know about the impending "hide and seek" game by jotting down the same message on a piece of paper.
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21) Candy Cane Sleds
There are few things cuter than your Elf...except maybe mini candy canes. Here, the two cuties come together for a delightfully wintry result.
Get the tutorial at Busy Kids Happy Mom.
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22) Elf Pancakes
Tiny pancakes aren't just adorable—they're also perfect for an Elf to enjoy! Add a few Christmas sprinkles, and you've got yourself a picture-perfect Sunday morning with your kids' favorite trickster.
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23) Olaf Idea
Toilet paper was the trend of 2020.Here, paired with some orange construction paper, it becomes a snowman friend for your Elf—and if your kids are fans of Frozen, that friend can have a name: Olaf!
Get the tutorial at California Unpublished.
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24) Elf Arrival Idea
Let your kids know they've got a special delivery at your doorstep...then tell your Elf to get in place and prepare for all the giggles.
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25) Elf-upuncture
In 2020, it's all about finding ways to help your Elf relax. A few sewing pins is all it takes to relieve him of his stresses and worries.
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26) Elf Phone Printable
Why, yes, that is the latest version of the iElf X Phone! Bring your Elf into the 21st century with this hilarious printable.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
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27) Refrigerator Adventures
It shouldn't be that surprising to find your Elf chilling (pun intended!) in the fridge. After all, what North Pole native isn't a fan of colder temperatures?
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28) Rainbow Experiment
"Let's make a rainbow," reads the note that accompanies this sweet activity. "Just add warm water." As soon as you or your children do exactly that, you'll see a rainbow of color appear.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
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29) Elf Kissing Booth
Your kids will get a kick out of this "Elf Kissing Booth," surrounded by strewn chocolate "kisses." It might be one of the most creative ideas on this list.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
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30) Printable Kindness Cards
Place one of these "Acts of Kindness" cards next to your Elf during any of his funny shenanigans. They'll remind your children of the importance of kindness—and give them an actionable task to take on too.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
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31) Elf Pool Party
Since your Elf is only a few inches tall, a kitchen sink works perfectly as a swimming pool. Add a few adorable "pool floats" (in this case, mini drink holders), and he'll be ready for a splashing good time.
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32) Hidden on a Bookshelf
It's called "Elf on the Shelf" for a reason, you know! Here, your Elf takes a seat behind a children's book and settles in for a good old-fashioned reading session.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
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33) Photocopier Fun
Any jokester knows that a photocopier is a veritable gold mine when it comes to the pranking game. Let your Elf in on the fun with this cute idea.
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34) Elf Sticky Notes
Need a little help getting into the spirit this year? These printable Elf sticky notes make it so easy to come up with daily ideas of things for your little guy (or gal) to do and say.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
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35) Elf Coloring Pages
These printable coloring pages will provide your kids with more than just laughs. They're also a full activity in their own right—and in 2020, that's something all parents are sure to appreciate.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
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36) Printable Joke Cards
If there's one thing elves are really, really good at, it's telling jokes. These printable cards say things like, "Why kind of photographs do elves like taking? Elfies!"
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
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37) Elf Face Mask
When it comes to 2020 Elf on the Shelf ideas, this one simply takes the cake.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
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38) Christmas Elf Maze
Have your Elf start to work through this maze, but leave it mostly unfinished. Your kids can help him get all the way to the end.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
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39) Elf Prescription
Give your Elf a prescription for his Reindeer Flu or "Magic Lost"—then wrap him up in something cozy (say, a wash cloth?) and hand him a box of tissues. It's the least you can do.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
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40) 'Toasty and Warm' Printable
"It was cold outside," reads this silly printable. "Now we're warm and toasty!" Pair the small sign with actual toast, and watch the giggles roll in.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
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41) 'Trees for Sale' Sign
Well, what else are you going to do with all those extra Little Debbie trees? This cute idea is perfect for snack time, and gives your Elf a little side job as a tree salesman.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Coupon Living.
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42) Letter to Santa
Free printable stationery makes it easy to set up this sweet activity for your kids. The fill-in-the-blank-style letter is perfect for the youngest set.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
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43) Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar
You don't have to help your Elf around the house every morning. Instead, he can stay put—but hold up a clue revealing a different gift each day.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
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44) Elf Bowling
The best part of this miniature bowling game? Your kids don't just to observe—they can play along!
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
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45) Mini Piñata
If you're still looking for a way to announce your Elf's arrival, here's an adorable idea: Bring him in with a tiny piñata!
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46) Elf for Breakfast
Use any cereal with a cartoon mascot to mimic this fun idea. Simply punch a hole where the head was, and let your Scout Elf out the rest.
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47) Quarantine Letter Board Printables
These cheeky letter board signs show that your elf is getting ready to hunker down at home—namely, your home!—for the winter season.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
Get ready to watch their jaws drop.
