Guess who has his eyes on you? Elf on the Shelf googly eyes ideas and all the Elf on the Shelf eyes questions you have, answered! New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

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Let’s take a minute and talk about Elf on the Shelf eyes. Like what color are the elves eyes? Are Elf on the Shelf’s eyes creepy? Is there a camera in those eyes (quick answer – no!)

What color eyes does the original elf on the shelf have?

The vintage Elf doll has a mixture of blue eyes with black center. The original Scout Elf on the Shelf also has blue eyes though as the years have gone on, the color of the Elf’s eyes have changed. You now can find Elf on the Shelf with brown eyes too and with different skin colors.

Does Elf on the Shelf have a camera in it?

The Elf on the Shelf does not have a camera in it. In fact, no Elves have camera’s in their body. Even though they remain completely still, Elves can see good and bad behavior in the family they visit. Occasionally, Santa does send Elf surveillance to watch a family.

Elf on the Shelf with moving eyes

The original Scout Elf does not have moving eyes. When Elf arrives from the North Pole, he is given direction to stay completely still until the night when his/her family is asleep. During that time, Elf  moves quickly to the North Pole, visit Santa, and arrive back to his family’s home.  A human cannot see Elf on the Shelf moving, though rarely Elf on the Shelf moving is caught on camera.

Elf on the Shelf Eyes on You Idea

Now that we have learned more about Elf on the Shelf eyes, let’s have fun with some Elf on a Shelf eyes ideas. These are really cute and easy Elf ideas using googly eyes.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll(s)
• Googly Eyes
• Paper
• Pen or Marker

For this fun Elf on the Shelf eyes idea, you can use one or multiple elves.  Using a marker or pen, write the message…

We’re keeping our eyes on you

I’ve got my eyes on you.

If you find yourself with googly eyes, also try this Elf on a Shelf eyes idea. Grab some red pom-poms and turn your entire family until a bugged eyed Rudolph. This eye Elf idea cracked my family up so much, we kept in on our canvas photo for a long time afterwards.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Of course there are many ways Elf on the Shelf eyes are watching you. Put your house under Elf Surveillance with this printable.

Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Let’s recognize the Elf on the Shelf Family. Does Elf on the Shelf have a family? Who created the Elf on the Shelf? Also enjoy a family-friendly Elf on a Shelf idea with a family photo. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

Of course when it comes to welcoming an Elf on the Shelf in your family, it’s important to know all the Frequently Asked Elf on the Shelf Questions.

Does Elf on the Shelf Have a Family?

Every Elf on the Shelf has a family. In fact, she/he has you. You are part of his adopted family he gets to visit every Christmas season.

Some might ask if Elf on the Shelf has parents? Just like us, ever Elf has to come from somewhere and each Elf’s family is different. We do not have the privilege of meeting Elves parents but sometimes Elf might arrive with a brother, sister or friend.  In fact, some families actually have an Elf baby (which makes that Elf a parent.) It’s complicated.

Learn how to welcome an Elf on the Shelf baby into your home.

Who is the Family Behind the Elf on the Shelf?

Who does the magic behind Elf on the Shelf. The Elf Christmas tradition has actually been around a long time but has took off to become a huge success in 2004 when Carol Aebersold and daughter Chanda Bell wrote the Book the Elf on the Shelf and marketed it with the beloved red North Pole visitor we all love. With Aebersold’s other daughter, Christa Pitts, the trio devoted their live to spreading the word of Christmas cheer through the Elf on the Shelf.

(… and if this family would like a third daughter, I am waving my hand!)

Elf on the Shelf Family Pajamas

One way to incorporate even more Christmas Tradition with Elf on the Shelf is with Elf family pajamas. Major retailors including Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and Amazon all have the official Scout Elf brand and generic Elf pajamas. Bringing Christmas Elf Pajamas is an excellent Christmas Eve tradition that can come in a Christmas Eve box.

Elf on the Shelf Family Love Idea

Let’s continue to spread some love with this Family-friendly Elf on the Shelf idea. Elf loves his “adopted” family, because that is what we all our. The family he has the privilege of visiting each winter.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll
• Paper
• Pen or Marker
• Family Photo
• Scissors

Cut out a family photo with scissors. have your Elf hugging your family. Add a note that says, “I love my family.”

Consider having a bendable Elf on the Shelf for a really good hug.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Family Elf Adoption Certificate

When welcoming an Elf into your family, don’t forget your Elf on the Shelf Adoption Certificate! This is a freebie your family can print!.

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

To welcome Elf back into the home, try this arrival idea. Elf on the Shelf Free COVID Testing ideas plus negative Elf on the Shelf COVID test results letter. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

The best way to address the past few years with your child is not to ignore it. Even your child’s Elf on the Shelf can address the pandemic and practice safety. In fact, with these Elf on the Shelf Quarantine Ideas and the encouragement of your elf you can practice safe distancing, wash your hands, wear a mask and/or get an Elf COVID test.

Does Elf on the Shelf Quarantine?

For safety, every Elf on the Shelf should quarantine or take a negative COVID test.  Just because your Elf on the Shelf does not quarantine in your home, doesn’t mean he didn’t quarantine in the North Pole before visiting you. Every family elf will be different and you can take a look at Quarantine Elf on the Shelf Ideas of how this looks at home. You can even delivery a negative Elf on the Shelf COVID test results.

How long does Elf on the Shelf have to quarantine?

Depending on your situation, Elf on the Shelf might have to quarantine in your home. If Elf has not taken a negative COVID test, it is wise to have your elf sit for 10 to 14 days. This might cause a boring Elf on the Shelf. For this reason, some elves might return a few weeks before Thanksgiving so that they have time to isolate before joining their family.

Elf on the Shelf COVID-19 Test

In this Elf COVID-19 test idea, Elf is offering free COVID testing.

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll
• Light box sign
• Q-tips
• Optional: Letterboard, paper, pen

In this easy Elf on the Shelf idea, Elf is testing for COVID. Pair a few Q-tips, and write a free COVID testing sign. Later you can print (below) our Elf on the Shelf COVID Test Results. Guess what, it’s a negative!

You can use this as an Elf on the Shelf arrival idea or use it anytime before Christmas. If looking for a pandemic related arrival, don’t forget we have plenty of  Elf on the Shelf Quarantine Ideas including mason jar quarantine, quarantine Countdown and Elf on the Shelf quarantine letter boards.

Elf on the Shelf COVID Test Results

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! We have a new Free Elf on the Shelf printable, get these Elf on the Shelf COVID test results! Your elf has tested negative now comes with our Elf on the Shelf Quarantine Set found in our free Elf printables.

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.  You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Need four days off of new Elf on a Shelf ideas? Get these Elf on the Shelf Vacation Postcards from Kenya, Paris, Hawaii and New York. Send postcards from Elf as your North Pole elf vacations around the world. 

Aloha from Hawaii! Bonjour from Paris! Hello from New York! Jambo from Kenya!

Take your Elf doll on an adventure around the world. Elf on the Shelf is vacationing for a few days and will make a few pit stops before returning back to your home.

The Elf moving committee will enjoy 4 days off of Elf on the Shelf ideas with these four printable postcards. In the meantime your child will check the mailbox each day getting a special Elf on the Shelf postcard.

Does Elf on the Shelf go on vacation?

Yes, Elf loves to go on vacation. Road trips, flight and more, the Elf goes on many vacations during the year after his/her work in the workshop is done. Sometimes Elf goes on vacation with his family, sometimes Elf takes a vacation alone and sometimes Elf on a Shelf travels with you!

Does Elf on the Shelf travel with you?

It is up to each family, mainly the parents, if Elf travels with you. If you plan a vacation with the Elf, it is important to make sure he can be transported for your journey. This can be done through a number of ways, like Elf meeting you at your vacation destination or you can transport Elf using a jar. Elf can also go on his own vacation while you are on vacation.

How do you transport elf on a shelf?

If you are about to leave on vacation, leave Elf a note and let him know you are about to travel. The Elf will take this note back to Santa. Typically Santa gives some extra magic dust for his/her adventure with you. Santa will also put Elf in a mason jar so you can carry the Elf but Elf does not get touched.

Elf on the Shelf Tip: In this Mason Jar Elf on the Shelf Idea, try using a plastic jar or container if a child is transporting Elf on the Shelf.

Elf on the Shelf ideas while on vacation

If Elf is traveling with you, make sure you are prepared with a few supplies to create the best Elf on the Shelf ideas while on vacation.

• Elf brings pajamas
• Elf brings souvenirs
• Elf dresses for the beach
• Elf has on a snow outfit
• Elf Scavenger Hunt
• Elf reads a travel book
• Elf decorates a mini Christmas tree
• Elf packs a suitcase with new clothes
• Elf hides candy canes
• Elf climbs bows up the wall
• Elf send postcards

Postcards from your Elf

We have put together a bundle of four Elf on the Shelf Travel Postcards. This gives you four days off of find a new Elf on a Shelf idea. Instead, your child will check the mail each day* for a postcard to watch an Elf on the Shelf trip around the world – from Hawaii, to New York, to Paris, Kenya and back to your home.

*If you are traveling away from a home instead of checking the mailbox, you child can look under the hotel room each day.

One day Elf is missing! You child is wondering why Elf on the Shelf didn’t move! In fact, not only did elf not move, Elf is gone. Lead your child to check the mailbox!

Using these Elf on the Shelf vacation postcards, write a new message from Elf each day about Elf’s travels around the globe. These fun Elf postcard images also include hidden elves, just like “where’s waldo” only “where’s elf.” Your child can have fun checking the mailbox for four days and enjoy finding Elf the post cards.

Elf Travel Locations

• Paris, France
• Hawaii
• New York City
• Kenya

To Make Your Elf Postcards

1. Get your Elf postcard printables.
2. Cut the postcards out
3. Glue the back and front together
4. Write a message on the back and add your mailing address and child’s name.
5. Put a new letter in the mailbox each day

Four nights of Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas!

Elf Postcards Printables

Find Elf Postcards in the Elf Shop. We actually have two sets.

First, you can grab the Elf vacation postcards that include four days off from the Elf moving committee.  As elf visits different locations, your child will visit the mailbox each day to see where Elf went.

You can also grab Elf beach vacation postcards, back to school postcards or North pole postcards. This collection of Elf postcards will be used throughout the year, not during the Christmas season.

Free Elf on the Shelf Printables

We want you have the easiest Elf season ever. To help any Elf on the Shelf moving committee member, we want to supply you will daily free Elf on the Shelf ideas and Elf printables!

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.  Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

Let us help you with a new idea each day. Maybe even some free printables. Want new ideas for Elf on the Shelf in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Take your Elf to the freezer with this Elf on the Shelf Ice Skating Lesson. What better ice skates than candy canes? New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.  You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Elf Ice Skating

If you are willing to be a creative Elf mom, try out this latest Elf on a Shelf Ice Skating Idea. This Elf is getting some ice skating lessons in the freezer? Can you pull it off?

Elf on the Shelf Supplies Needed

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll
• Straws
• Container to freeze ice
• Marker
• Paper
• Candy Canes
• Optional: dental floss

To create this cute Elf idea, add the candy canes to freeze in the container.

On white paper, write Ice Skating Lessons. Tape to your straws. Put aside.

Once your ice is frozen, tape the bottom of the straws to your container. Lay Elves legs on the candy canes. You can use something like dental floss to lace the candy canes around the elf’s legs. You can also use dental floss to help position elf.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

Want free digital downloads too? If doing this ice skating Elf on the Shelf idea, download this fun Elf on the Shelf coloring page.

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

We have some sticky situations. If your child finds humor in a mess, try these Messy Elf on the Shelf ideas to create a laugh. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.  You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Messy Elf on a Shelf Ideas

If your child finds humor in a mess, try these mucky Elf on the Shelf ideas to create a laugh. Dirty, filthy, chaotic Elf ideas that create some fun!

Elf Flour Snow Angel

Using all purpose flour, Elf makes a snow angel on the filthy kitchen counter top.

Elf Makes OREOs with Toothpaste

Elf pulls a prank and switches out OREO icing with toothpaste – this can get way messier! This is one nasty situation.

Elf is Tied Up with Gift Wrap Tape

Talk about a sticky situation! It looks like the gift wrap tape got tangled around Elf. Recreate this Elf Washi Tape idea.

Elf Pops Popcorn in the Microwave

Guess the microwave is out of commission unless you get some Elf Magic Grippers. Elf explodes the bag of popcorn!

Elf Gets into the Chocolate

He is just like us. He loves chocolate and he has a smeared Elf face to prove it! Elf on the Shelf gets into the chocolate.

Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow Warning

I love a good warning and a good funny. This filthy funny Elf idea – don’t eat the yellow snow! 10-4. We hear you Elfie!

Elf Cuts Paper Snowflakes

A Small Snippet creates a mess with Elf on the Shelf snowflakes – look at all that paper left behind! Perhaps the next day you display some fun paper snowflake garland.

Elf Silly String Mess

Oh goodness, look what a mess this Elf made with silly string! Looks like takeout tonight for dinner as the stove is too grubby to cook.

Elf Ketchup Mess

In this silly Elf idea, Elf smeared the ketch up on the kitchen wall. Let’s home it doesn’t stain.

Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Footprints

Santa let Elf take the reindeer home… the reindeer came inside and soiled the floor with his muddy footprints. This could be great if you have an Elf Pet.

You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, Elf props, Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

If you are doing a messy idea like this or if you find you have a messy child, make sure you do this silly Elf on the Shelf broken leg idea with our Elf Prescription. Elf needs to sit out a few days for a broken legs after tripping over toys – “make sure to clean up!”

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Does having to move the Elf cause stress? Have a. This Etsy Elf Kit sale is an amazing price for Black Friday. Over 161 Elf ideas that give you a stress free Holiday Season with your family Elf!

Let’s chat! There are a few truths about the Elf on the Shelf Season.

1.) Doing Elf on the Shelf is really fun!

2.) Elf is fun way to begin the Christmas season!

3.) It’s really easy to run out of Elf on the Shelf momentum!

If the third rings true to you, you’re not alone. Elf on the Shelf Stress is Very Common. That’s why it’s important to be orgnaized before the Elf season even begins. Having a set of ideas, as well as, a set of Elf props will make the holiday season much easier and more enjoyable.

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Be germ free! This fun gift tag + hand soap creates this cute TEACHER GIFT IDEA FOR THANKSGIVING.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.