12 Days of Elf on the Shelf Ideas My Toddler Loved

Having the visit from an Elf on the shelf for about a month is not just a lot of fun but it requires some preparation time too. You can have the best intentions, but sometimes you run out of ideas, or you just need one last-minute idea. These twelve Elf on the Shelf ideas can help you get back on track!

Since I grew up in another country, I remember learning about the Elf on the Shelf from my oldest daughter. Every day, she was coming from school telling me about a nice elf that kept entertaining one of her friends.

Then, the year after, we had our own elf on the shelf named Izzy. Our Elf on the Shelf kept visiting our house for a few more years until it wasn’t a secret anymore.

But last year, Izzy came back to surprise my little one for the first time. This time, I wanted Izzy to do more than just hiding or changing places. And, she delivered!

The good news is that there are so many good Elf on the shelf ideas out there that it was easy for Izzy to find something different to do each day. By the way, make sure to pin it this post for later.

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12 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here are the twelve Elf on the shelf ideas that my toddler loved from last year:

1. Elf inside the cereal box

This cereal box is such a cute idea from Lovebugs and Postcards. It took some time for my toddler to find our elf but once she found her, she kept stopping by the kitchen to see the elf inside the box.

2. Elf on the shelf eating marshmallows

In addition to the adventures, our elf had to eat too. Evidently, she was enjoying the marshmallows but she still shared with the kids.

3. Elf with minion bananas

While I was looking for a last-minute elf on the shelf idea, I found this one. As soon as I saw this minion idea at Fancy Shanty, I knew that my toddler would like it since she loves minions (and bananas!)

4. Elf on the shelf riding a horse and driving a car

Izzy was riding a horse one day next to her bear friend. Then, another day, she was found driving across the Christmas village after getting some groceries for the little one.

5. Elf the Snowman

I found this idea at Frugal Coupon Living! It was pretty easy to do and we all enjoyed it. I just customized it a little bit more adding a red Christmas garland at the top and using some chocolate cookies to leave a trail of the snowman’s buttons (something that my daughter appreciated). For the scarf, I went through all the ribbons that I use to make hair bows and I found the Olaf ribbon which couldn’t have been more appropriate!

6. Elf on the shelf fishing

Since my daughter loves goldfish, Izzy had two days of fishing. On the second day, there was even a printable for my daughter to color.

7. Elf on the shelf snow angel

The idea of the snow angel was found at Pretty Providence. It was also a perfect time to add some powdered donuts for the kids since it was something that we don’t do at home often. If you have some cookie cutters, you can add some designs to the elf’s mess, like the heart I added in the corner.

8. Elf on the shelf playing games

This relaxing day had our Elf on the Shelf playing games with her special group of friends who were on the other side of the board. This friendly game ended with a smiley face on the board.

9. Elf in the flower

Another easy and cute idea! To create this flower, just head over Remodelaholic to print your template. Then, just cut the three different layers and glue them together. I used a butterfly bucket that I had at home but you can find similar ones at Walmart, Target, and even at dollar stores.

10. Elfie Selfie 

Selfies are everywhere and elves can’t be the exception. This elfie selfie is more like a close-up, but there are other great selfie pictures that you can check out here, here, and here.

11. Elf with nativity

This idea came from a picture I saw at Sweet Shoppe Design. I gave it a try and not only did I like the picture, but it was an opportunity to remember the true meaning of the holiday season.

12. Elf on the shelf pictures

On the last day, my toddler received several pictures of Izzy. Those pictures showed the adventures that Izzy had during the previous weeks. My daughter not only had a good time remembering those days but I am still keeping those pictures as a memory.

Please share it with your friends. They will love it!

Elf on the shelf ideas

There you go! The twelve days of Elf on the Shelf ideas that my toddler loved.

Have fun with your Elf!

In the meantime, which idea was your favorite? Leave me a comment below.