If you are looking for new and exciting places to put your Elf on the Shelf, you have come to the right place! I have put together a list of 50 creative spots that will delight your children and keep the magic alive throughout the Christmas season.
- Cereal Box Surprise: Have your elf peeking out from behind a cereal box in the pantry.
- Cookie Jar Companion: Place the elf sitting on the rim of a cookie jar, maybe with a tiny cookie in hand.
- Refrigerator Rappelling: Use magnets to make it look like your elf is climbing the front of the fridge.
- Fruit Bowl Fiesta: Nestle the elf among apples and oranges in your fruit bowl.
- Mixing Bowl Mayhem: Set up a scene where the elf is “baking” with flour and a tiny rolling pin.
- TV Remote Control: Position the elf holding the TV remote, as if choosing a holiday movie.
- Bookshelf Acrobat: Create a trapeze using string between shelves, with the elf swinging.
- Picture Frame Photobomb: Place the elf peeking out from behind a family photo.
- Lamp Shade Lounger: Carefully position the elf relaxing on top of a lamp shade.
- Plant Pot Hide-and-Seek: Have the elf hiding among the leaves of a houseplant.
- Toothbrush Tango: Arrange the elf with family toothbrushes, having a “dance party”.
- Toilet Paper Tightrope: Create a tightrope using toilet paper between two points, with the elf balanced on top.
- Mirror Message: Use washable marker to draw a frame around the elf on the bathroom mirror.
- Bubble Bath Bliss: Set up a scene with the elf in a “bubble bath” using cotton balls in a small container.
- Towel Rack Gymnastics: Position the elf doing a gymnastic routine on the towel rack.
- Pillowcase Peek-a-Boo: Tuck the elf partway into a pillowcase, as if playing hide-and-seek.
- Dresser Drawer Detective: Have the elf peeking out from a partially open drawer.
- Alarm Clock Antics: Set up the elf next to an alarm clock, holding a tiny “Don’t oversleep!” sign.
- Shoe Box Hotel: Create a mini bedroom for the elf inside a shoe box.
- Ceiling Fan Flyer: Carefully attach the elf to a ceiling fan blade (when it’s not in use, of course!).
- Tree Topper Takeover: Replace your usual tree topper with the elf for a day.
- Nativity Scene Guest: Add the elf as a respectful visitor to your nativity scene.
- Stocking Stuffer: Have the elf peeking out from the top of a Christmas stocking.
- Wreath Rider: Attach the elf to your front door wreath for a festive greeting.
- Advent Calendar Assistant: Position the elf next to your advent calendar, pointing to the current day.
- Mailbox Messenger: Place the elf in your mailbox with a tiny letter to Santa.
- Snowy Sculpture: Create a mini snowman (or use a store-bought decoration) with the elf building it.
- Icicle Acrobat: Carefully position the elf among outdoor icicle lights.
- Birdfeeder Buddy: Set up the elf next to a birdfeeder, enjoying the company of feathered friends.
- Welcome Mat Greeter: Have the elf sitting on your welcome mat with a tiny “Welcome” sign.
- Selfie Star: Position the elf holding a smartphone, taking a “selfie”.
- Video Game Victor: Set up the elf with a game controller, playing a video game.
- Laptop Learner: Have the elf “typing” on a laptop, maybe writing an email to Santa.
- Tablet Artist: Create a tiny art studio with the elf drawing on a tablet.
- Headphone Harmonies: Place small headphones on the elf, enjoying some Christmas tunes.
- Zip Line Zoomer: Create a zip line using string, with the elf sliding from one point to another.
- Jump Rope Jester: Set up the elf with a tiny jump rope made from string or ribbon.
- Balloon Traveler: Attach small balloons to the elf as if it’s floating away.
- Slam Dunk Superstar: Create a mini basketball hoop and have the elf dunking.
- Miniature Golf Pro: Set up a putting green using a book and have the elf golfing.
- Tea Party Host: Arrange a tea party with the elf and other stuffed animals or dolls.
- Action Figure Ally: Position the elf alongside action figures in an epic “battle” scene.
- LEGO Land: Build a LEGO scene and include the elf as part of the construction crew.
- Barbie’s New Friend: Have the elf hanging out in a Barbie dreamhouse or car.
- Toy Train Conductor: Set up the elf as the conductor of a toy train set.
- Marshmallow Igloo: Build a mini igloo using marshmallows with the elf peeking out.
- Candy Cane Forest: Create a forest using candy canes with the elf exploring.
- Gingerbread Architect: Set up a scene where the elf is building a gingerbread house.
- Hot Cocoa Swimmer: Fill a mug with cotton balls to look like cocoa, with the elf “swimming” in marshmallows.
- Cookie Decorator: Arrange the elf with paper “cookies” and small crafting pom-poms as sprinkles.
Why Elf on the Shelf?
As a pastor and a member of our community, I’ve seen how this little elf brings joy and excitement to families during the holiday season. It’s not just about the fun of finding the elf each morning; it’s about creating lasting memories and teaching valuable lessons about kindness, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas.
Tips for Elf on the Shelf Success
- Plan ahead: Make a list of ideas before the season starts.
- Keep it age-appropriate: Consider your children’s ages when choosing locations and scenes.
- Involve the whole family: Take turns setting up the elf or ask older siblings to help.
- Be creative but safe: Ensure the elf is out of reach of young children and pets.
- Document the fun: Take photos of your favorite setups to look back on in future years.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this list of 50 creative places to put your Elf on the Shelf, I hope you’re feeling inspired and excited for the holiday season. Remember, the most important thing is not where you put the elf, but the joy and wonder it brings to your children’s faces each morning.
As a pastor, I’m often asked about the relationship between Santa Claus, Elf on the Shelf, and the true meaning of Christmas. While these traditions are fun and magical, they also provide opportunities to teach important lessons about kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving – all of which align with the teachings of Jesus.
I encourage you to use your Elf on the Shelf as a tool not just for fun, but also for fostering discussions about compassion, helping others, and spreading joy. Perhaps your elf could model acts of kindness or be found with a Bible verse about love and generosity.
As we celebrate this season, let’s remember the greatest gift of all – the birth of Jesus Christ. May your Elf on the Shelf adventures bring laughter, create lasting memories, and inspire your family to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.
God bless you all, and have a wonderful holiday season!
Korean Community Church Of New Jersey