It’s hard to say whether Elf on the Shelf is more entertaining for the kids, who wake up to discover what their magical elf has been up to overnight, or for the parents, who get to dream up mischievous and funny Elf on the Shelf ideas.
As fun as this Christmas tradition can be for everybody involved, the pressure can be on when it comes to finding new places for the Elf to hide each night.
If you’re new to this elf-ish tradition, we’ve got you. The idea comes from the children’s book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. According to the story, Santa Claus sends scout elves to children’s homes at the start of the Christmas season. These elves observe the children during the day and fly back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa on who’s been naughty or nice.
The rules of Elf on the Shelf are very simple. Each night, the Elf will move to a new spot or position around the house, often in a funny or mischievous situation. In the morning, children must find the Elf, but not touch him, as that may cause him to lose his magic.
So take a break from Christmas shopping, and discover your favourite Elf on the Shelf ideas below.
Where can I buy Elf on the Shelf in New Zealand?
Shop the Elf on the Shelf and other Elf-related merchandise here:
- Christmas Elf Doll, $19.95, Best Deals
- Girl Elf Behavin’ Badly, $16.93 (free shipping), Amazon
- Set of 2 Girl and Boy Elves Behavin’ Badly, $28.18 (free shipping), Amazon
- Elf on the Shelf + picture book, $66.99, Mighty Ape
- Elf on the Shelf + picture book (girl version), $66.99, Mighty Ape
- Naughty Elf (boy or girl), $42.75, Mighty Ape
- Limited-edition 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Boy Elf, $107.74, The Iconic
Is your Elf naughty or nice? Jump to:
Nice Elf on the Shelf ideas
Filming a ‘Get Ready With Me’ video for their TikTok
Recycle your toilet rolls so Elf can swing on the doorframe
Taking a nap on the dining table, ready for Christmas lunch
Getting tangled in the Christmas lights
Let your Elf add his personal touch to the Christmas tree
This elf has lost control of the toilet paper roll
Oh dear! Elf needs help from under the Christmas tree
Taped to the window, elf’s in a bit of a predicament
Swinging around on a light fixture
Help! An elf SOS from the bathtub, complete with sharks
Elf has been creative with the soft markers – it’ll take some time to find him in the tree
Even elves have to do chores! That includes cleaning up after the reindeer elf brought back from the North Pole
Elf has a sack race with the other toys, and it looks like he’s winning
Elf’s horsing around in the fruit bowl
Elf is in disguise as a gingerbread man
An elf-sized kissing booth — just add mistletoe!
Who are you calling Elf?
Elf is showing off his flexibility playing Twister
Elf loves staying warm, and a toast-related pun
Elf tacos are sure to work up an appetite for dinner
The elves are lining up for the sushi train
Nama-stay in bed until Santa’s arrival
Don’t leave this Elf home alone
Elf’s in disguise as a toilet-roll snowman
Elf can see you, but you may not be able to find him
S’mores, anyone?
Elf and Evie are working hard in the kitchen
You won’t catch Elf skipping arm day
🎶Hangin’ around the Christmas tree
Call it Elf-care
A little dad joke goes far with Elf on the Shelf
The Elves are cuddling up to watch Elf, the movie, no doubt
It’s spa day for this elf, with a foot spa and all
Naughty Elf on the Shelf ideas
Naughty Elf is stuck in Mum’s bra
Elf has a marshmallow ‘snowball’ fight with Woody
Elf, the tattoo artist
Lemonade, anyone? Elf has made his own, unique recipe
This Elf may have got the wrong idea about the purpose of toilet paper
Elf claims his innocence, but we’re not too sure…
Elf might need his own elf-sized nappy after this accident
Shelfie time, with the googly-eyed family
Elf has a chocolate feast and tries to hide the evidence
Not the kind of bubbles we were expecting
What are the rules of Elf on the Shelf?
The elf’s mission is to report to Santa whether the children in the household have been naughty or nice. The elf leaves each night for the North Pole to deliver his report and returns the following day to a different place in the house. It’s the kids’ task to search for him each morning.
Although Elf on the Shelf is an American tradition, it’s risen in popularity among Kiwi families.
What do you do for Elf on the Shelf?
These days, the elves are far too mischievous to sit on the shelf. Throughout December, hilarious elf ideas include hanging Elfie on the Christmas tree, having him nibble on candy canes, staging marshmallow fights with other toys, and bathing him in cereal.
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