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Easy and creative ideas for the Scout Elf that will see you through December.
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that involves toy elves being placed around the home during December to keep an eye on whether kids are being naughty or nice. Looking for some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can replicate in your own home for Christmas 2024? We've been compiling some funny, fuss-free (and sometimes naughty but always family-friendly) Elf on the Shelf ideas in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Beginning as a US children's book in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has gained popularity in the UK and across the world. In the run up to Christmas, the magical Scout Elves help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists by taking note of a family's Christmas adventures and reports back to Santa at the North Pole each night. Each morning, the Scout Elf returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting for someone to spot them.
This activity sees parents, grandparents, family members and guardians wake up extra early every morning (or at night after the kids have gone to bed) to place the Elf in a different area or room of the house, usually up to some sort of mischief. It's a firm favourite in many households as the nearly month-long event sees kids race around the house looking for their Scout Elf each morning.
It is, however, quite the commitment and can sometimes take a lot of preparation and creativity.
The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is available at all good retailers across the UK, both in store and online (RRP: £24.95), including Amazon, John Lewis and The Range. It includes an adoptable Scout Elf with an official adoption certificate, a keepsake box and a beautiful, illustrated storybook.
You can buy Santa's official Scout Elf now in time for the festive season, then all that will be left is to name your Scout Elf. Plus, there's a range of elf clothing, accessories and props (some of which you'll see below) that can help to create fun new scenes and moments around the home. You can also buy a cuddly, plush toy version of Elf on the Shelf for extra elf magic.
Lights4Fun has also launched an exclusive lighting collection with Elf on the Shelf for 2024. Perfect for fans of the modern festive tradition, the collection includes hanging fairy lights, a light-up bauble, and a wipe-clean whiteboard sign — all featuring the mischievous elves.
'It's time to spread the Christmas cheer with a sparkling range of decorative lighting, all starring Santa's favourite helper. Fairy lights make spirits bright and winter nights sparkle, and maybe morning will even bring a special handwritten message from nighttime North Pole adventures,' say the team at Lights4Fun.
There are a few rules for little ones to remember, too:
Another big part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and especially in the age of social media, is to share photos of the hilarious antics Scout Elves have been getting up to in the home. Plus, it gives families more genius Elf ideas because you have to get really creative.
While the first week of December will be a breeze, it can be a challenge keeping it up for the entire month. So take a look at these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that you and your kids will love this Christmas.
What a great way to make an entrance into the home on arrival day for the countdown to Christmas. This kit includes a plastic scooter with moving wheels, Elf-sized safety helmet, and a festive striped scarf.
Create Insta-worthy moments with these pop-up scenes. Create three backdrops for the Scout Elves (accessories included) with a Drum Set, Spa Day and Doughnut Shop.
A worthwhile purchase, this kit contains 15 Elf props including a candy cane cable, glacier grips, Christmas climbing boots, holiday harness and more. It also comes with a 60-page book of ideas, which will set you up for the countdown to Christmas, and then some!
Another pop-up pack from the Elf on the Shelf creators. You get five scenes and themed accessories: Scout Elf Gamer, Christmas Car Ride, Scout Elf Salon, Scout Elf Beach Time & Christmas Campout. Simply pop it open and set it up!
Your little one's Scout Elf is getting a makeover this year. Made with standing technology, this special Magifreez design gives Scout Elves super-standing power to create elf scenes that rise above the rest!
If you're stuck for Elf on the Shelf ideas, why not pop your Scout Elf on the back of this adorable reindeer? Your little ones can adopt the reindeer for themselves with the included official adoption certificate.
Give the kids something to do in the lead up to Christmas with the Elf on the Shelf activity pack. Complete with crosswords, tracing, colouring, stickers and more, they'll be entertained (and quiet!) for hours.
If your children are too good at finding the pesky Scout Elf around the house, try hiding the world's smallest Elf on the Shelf. A tiny piece of magic that fits right in your hands, this Scout Elf would make a great stocking filler.
Note that this mini Elf is not suitable for children under three.
A great hiding spot, collate dolls/toy figures for a pretend rollercoaster ride. Just ensure they're safely strapped in.
It could be a disaster if it all topples down, but there's no denying that this is a fun Elf on the Shelf idea.
For an early morning bathroom surprise, fill the sink with cotton wool balls.
This is a rather messy Elf on the Shelf idea, but kids will love it.
A sofa classic, scatter some loose coins for the kids to collect as a bonus.
Pretend that Elf is doing a spot of last-minute online Christmas shopping!
So, who's going to clean up this mess?
Make your Elf a dab hand in the kitchen – nothing beats handmade crisps.
Look at what those pesky Elves have done now! Little ones will have so much fun opening the doors.
A simple and easy way to make breakfast more fun.
And, relax! Embrace Elf and co in some fun yoga activities.
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