Funny Elf On The Shelf Ideas

December will be here before you know it, and you know what that means? It’s time for the return of the Elf on the Shelf. Whether you’re usually the type to be excited about all the festivities or you’ve forgotten to move that elf more times than you can count, you will likely need some elfin inspiration to get you through the holiday season. We’ve compiled a list of 21 funny elf on the shelf ideas to get you through three weeks of elf fun. We hope you find it helpful this Christmas!

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Walking the Pet Dinosaur from The Inspiration Edit:

What would a magical being keep as a pet? A friendly dinosaur, of course! Grab a dino or two and tie on yarn as a leash to make it look like your elf took a dino for a fun walk.

Elf on the Shelf in the Fridge from The Inspiration Edit:

Sometimes, an elf just misses the comfortable cold of the North Pole. When he needs to feel a little frosty again, pop him into the fridge for the day.

Elf Employee of the Month Printable from Frugal Coupon Living:

The Elf is a pretty significant figure during December, so it’s no surprise that he’d appoint himself the Employee of the Month! Give him his own name tag and parking spot in honor of his dedication.

Scrabble Elf from The Homespun Hydrangea:

Does your elf have a naughty side? If so, grab your Scrabble tiles and have your elf spell out funny messages or words for the kids.

Dark Side Elf from Nerdy Mamma:

The Elf on the Shelf is super good, but that doesn’t stop Darth Vader from trying to get him to join the Dark Side. He’s probably tempted—after all—cookies!

Dunk Tank from This Mama Loves:

Use this printable to set up the ‘Dunk an Elf’ tank. Add some mini marshmallows as snowballs, and you’re all set. How cute and silly!

Elf on the Shelf Coloring Sheet from Kids Activities Blog:

This printable includes kid-sized and elf-sized coloring sheets. Kids will get such a kick out of the elf-sized sheet and note. Pair it with a new box of crayons or colored pencils.

Stink Stank Stunk Printable from Frugal Coupon Living:

Do you remember the line in You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, where the Grinch is described as “Stink, Stank, Stunk?” Use this label to put on a spray bottle for the bathroom so that anything that stinks, stank, or stunk can be gotten rid of in a pinch! It’s a great printable for the Elf’s bathroom shenanigans.

Shaving Elf from Natural Beach Living:

Here’s another one for the bathroom—a shaving elf! Now we know the secret to his baby smooth skin.

God Keeps Watch Elf from Joy-Filled Life:

If you’d like to add a few Christ-centered ideas into your elf rotation, this is a great one! Add googly eyes to everything in your fridge as a reminder that God keeps watch always, not just during the Christmas season.

Elf Gets Married from Not Quite Susie:

Do you have a wedding Barbie or some other doll with a wedding dress or fancy dress? The elf can pretend he’s getting married!

Elf Baby Shark Printable from Frugal Coupon Living:

Odds are, if you have a toddler or a preschooler, you sing the Baby Shark song a lot. Now your Elf can join in the fun with these cute printables and a shark fin on his back.

Body Slam Elf from The Soccer Mom Blog:

Perhaps your elf is a wrestling fan! Grab some of the kids’ action figures, and put your elf in the ring. Here, we see Hulk Hogan ready to body slam that elf!

Stranger Things Elf on the Shelf from The Homespun Hydrangea:

If you’re a fan of the Stranger Things series, try this idea using a string of Christmas lights and the alphabet written on a cardboard box.

Make Your Own Snowball Catapult from Not Quite Susie:

Provide instructions, craft sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoons, and mini marshmallows for the kids to make snowball catapults. It’s a fun way to fit in a little STEM activity during the holiday season.

Elf on the Shelf Jokes from Frugal Coupon Living:

The holidays can be a little stressful, especially for parents who need to remember to move the elf every night. If you’re tired of complicated Elf on the Shelf scenarios, print these jokes to use now and then. They’ll save the day on the mornings when you realize your elf forgot to do something.

Elf Letterboard from Natural Beach Living:

Use your letterboard to spell out funny messages with the kids. This one that reads, “Will work for candy canes,” is hilarious.

Mission Impossible Elf from Over the Big Moon:

Kids will get a kick out of receiving missions from their elves. It can be something funny, something serious (like doing a better job on their chores), or an act of kindness challenge.

Cereal Box Elf from Kimspired DIY:

Grab a box of Rice Krispies at the store to try this goofy elf idea. Cut out one of the elves to make room for THE elf. Hey, it’s worth spilling a little cereal to get a laugh out of the kids.

Elf on the Shelf Door from Make Life Lovely:

Your elf could come through the regular door, but where’s the fun in that? Make a special door for your elf using craft sticks, paint, and a little mini wreath to make it more festive. The kids will be delighted that there’s a sort-of elf portal in your home.

Minion Elf from Glue Sticks & Gumdrops:

Turn your elf into a minion! You’ll need some yellow, black, and white construction paper and a little glue or tape. That’s it!

Pin this list of funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas, so you’ll have your holiday season planned this December!