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100 Mischievous ELF Ideas

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100 Mischievous ELF Ideas. Not sure which one is our favorite. "Elfing" the car, elf spaghetti, the special way to arrive from the North Pole. So many awesome ideas! Design Dazzle #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elfmischief #christmaself
100 Mischievous ELF Ideas. Not sure which one is our favorite. "Elfing" the car, elf spaghetti, the special way to arrive from the North Pole. So many awesome ideas! Design Dazzle #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elfmischief #christmaself
Kids young and old look forward to annual holiday visits from the special elves. This is a fun tradition to start at the holidays and helps the magic of Christmas come alive.
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You have probably heard of The Elf on the Shelf or other similar elves (elf magic).

Place the elf around your home during the weeks before Christmas. Each night, the Elf will explore his environment and find something mischievous or fun to do. Usually when the kids  are sleeping the elf appears in a new place and the kids love trying to locate the new whereabouts each day.
100 Mischievous ELF Ideas. Not sure which one is our favorite. "Elfing" the car, elf spaghetti, the special way to arrive from the North Pole. So many awesome ideas! Design Dazzle #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elfmischief #christmaself

Magic elf pudding and free elf printable

100 Mischievous ELF Ideas. Not sure which one is our favorite - "Elfing" the car, elf spaghetti, the special way to arrive from the North Pole. So many awesome ideas! Design Dazzle #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elfmischief #christmaselfVisit this elf post for FREE elf stationary.

100 Mischievous ELF Ideas. Not sure which one is our favorite - "Elfing" the car, elf spaghetti, the special way to arrive from the North Pole. So many awesome ideas! Design Dazzle #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elfmischief #christmaself

Add your own elf ideas to our elf link up party

 If I started this tradition with my kids, I would certainly let them know that the Elf only wakes up a few times a week, not every night. Having to come up with something every evening seems a little much to me – this would certainly be a fun tradition (just not nightly). The Elf on a Shelf comes with a book so there are certain “guidelines” that might need to be followed because of how the story “reads”. You can always get your own Christmas Magic Elf  and make your own rules. When the elves are up to some mischief make sure to leave the elf next to his actions.

 

So very clever!! Dry erase marker will erase off of glass.

 

Elves love green milk. Who knew?

Elves love taking photos especially of kids : )  Elf on the Shelf ideas

 So adorable. Image from here.

 

100 mischievous Elf antics…

1. read a favorite book

2. use masking tape to make a path or fun words

3. play a favorite game

4. play in the nativity set

5. snowball fight with cotton balls

6. play in a bowl of spaghetti (no sauce)  : )

7. eat some Winter Oreo Cookies w/ Red Creme  and dip in milk

8. bake a cake for Jesus birthday

9. play checkers or chess

10. spin the bottle with stuffed animals

11. make a mess in the bathroom with the toothpaste

12. get into the shaving cream

13. hang from a balloon bouquet

14. paint the kids noses with lipstick or sharpie (to match Rudolph)

15 play the Wii or Nintendo

16. hang on the Christmas tree

17. Elf The Car or make the car a  Reindeer Vehicle

18. play the piano or guitar- holiday song sheet music is perfect

19. replace family photos with elf photo

20. elf photo appears as the screensaver on the family computer

21. write “ho ho ho” in toothpaste in the bathroom sink

22. hack into email or Facebook  leave a fun little message

23. use dry erase marker to write on glass covering a family picture

24. play Elvis Presley Christmas music and have a concert

25. take pictures of themselves (the elves) – find the digital camera full of elf pics

26. find the car is parked crazy or  car speakers blaring Christmas music.

27. put together a Christmas puzzle

28. unroll toilet paper – TP the Christmas tree or kids room

29. make snow angels in flour/sugar on the counter

30. empty out a drawer

31. use masking tape to tape something up

32. do a crossword puzzle

33. snack on candy – empty a candy bag

34. Christmas music is on with the CD’s everywhere

35. be a trapeze artist on a chandelier, kitchen rack, etc…

36. try on all the coats in the closet – leave in a pile

37. knit or crochet

38. write on an Etch A Sketch

39. use a dry erase marker to write some fun words on a mirror on window

40. use sharpie and write on mom or dad (the forehead would get a good laugh)

41. go fishing with goldfish crackers

42. sit atop a chandelier (make sure there is no fire hazard)

43. go sledding

44. sit on top of folded laundry

45. tea party with stuffed animals/barbies

46. love to drive a Barbie sized car or jeep

47. color in a coloring book

48. bake some cookies and leave the mess for the kids to clean ; )

49. hang multi-color mini lights in the kids room

50. leave fast food wrappers (with leftovers) scattered around

51. get out the hair dryer and hair bows

52. hide in snow boots or coat pockets

53. make a cup tower with cups

54. display the kids underwear and socks all over the bedroom or family room

55. play with play dough and cookie cutters

56. make a mess with the cereal – spell out the kids names with cereal

57. make Lego figurines or sculptures

58. gets out the exercise equipment – headband around the elf’s head is a must

59. marshmallow fight

60. snowball fight with cotton balls

61. turn milk green

62. hide something special and hide with it

63. paint on a piece of art paper a self-portrait

64. grab the remote for some TV viewing

65. hide in the freezer (they miss the north pole)

66. popcorn fight

67. play on the computer keyboard. elf the family (elfyourself.com)

68. do interesting things with candy canes – hang everywhere

69. wait at the bus stop for the kids to arrive

70. leave an elf Elf on the Shelf Ornament on the tree

71. play with blocks

72. get into stickers (round colored labels) and leave a mess

73. make paper snowflakes and hang around

74. bake some Christmas cookies

75. check out the fish bowl

76. ride a skateboard

77. ride a bike

78. hide in the mittens and place in an unusual spot

79. playground planking

80. hang from the rearview mirror in the car

81. graffiti with spray snow

82. leave a gingerbread house kit to decorate

83. bring new socks or mittens to the kids

84. perch atop a headboard or picture frame

85. write out the dinner menu using wacky north pole terms for dinner

86. leave notes about doing well in school

87. make a mess with diapers and diaper wipes

88. green pee in the toilet

89. play with toys

90. play in bath bubbles

91. make an igloo with Sugar Cubes

92. hang out of the Christmas stocking

93. read the polar express book with lots of Jingle Bells scattered around

94. make a mess with Christmas lights

95. use scrabble tiles to leave a Christmas message

96. paint everyones toes red

97. sweep the kitchen

98. pile all the couch pillows into a pile

99. play tic-tac-toe on the bathroom mirror with lipstick or spray snow

100. write a letter to the kids using the world’s smallest letter kit

Want to serve up some Elf Spaghetti…

Elf spaghetti! Enjoy a fun dinner with the family with green noodles and marinara sauce. Don't forget the Mozzarella snowballs! Design Dazzle

If you need a clever way for your elf to arrive to your home, here is a fun idea…

 

fun-way-to-arrive-from-NP
Click here for more details on the elf arrival from the North Pole idea

I love all of these 100 Mischievous ELF Ideas

 

The World’s Smallest Post Service

 

Happy Elfing!!!
Image from here.
Lots of ideas for Elf on the Shelf found here. Image from Rae of Light Photography

 

Image from here. Image by Chubby Cheek Photography
 Elf on the Shelf ideas. Image by Chubby Cheek Photography
 Image from here.

Image from here.

How about capturing a photo of Santa in YOUR very own home with your elf? Your elf could be sitting on Santa’s shoulder or sitting next to a plate of cookies in YOUR home! Wouldn’t this be proof that Santa exists? Your family would LOVE this.
Catch Santa in your house

Wouldn’t this be cute in the hands of an elf. Just in case you’re wondering…the bow and “arrow” helps shoot strings of christmas lights up on the roof top

elf on the shelf
18-Inch Stuffed Sitting Elf Ornament, Set of 2

 

Santas Secret Elf Boy and Girl Set 11″


Elf on the Shelf 4-Inch Hanging Ornament

elf on the shelf
An Elf’s Story DVD with Elf on the Shelf Gift Set

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf

Does your family have a special elf that loves to play antics? Leave a comment and share your ideas!

 

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Toni - Design Dazzle

Toni - Design Dazzle

Owner at Design Dazzle
Toni Roberts is a DIYer, designer, crafter, traveler, holiday lover, and memory maker. Design Dazzle encompasses ideas and inspiration for life’s celebrations, home projects, DIY crafts, holiday fun (especially Christmas), travel and more.
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100 Mischievous ELF Ideas
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100 ideas of Christmas wonderful, elf on the shelf ideas
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Last Updated:
August 14, 2020

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  10. Anonymous says

    Such great ideas! We enjoyed our elf on the shelf but seemed to run out of ideas fast! This gives me alot of new ideas to make our elf more fun! This is probably my best pinterest post ever! I could not wait for my kids to wake up to see what Trix had done that night! Cant wait to see their faces this year! Thank you!

    Reply

  11. Anonymous says

    we started this tradition last year and my daughter loved it. We did do a lot of these ideas but definatly in need for more this year. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  12. Anonymous says

    We do this with our kids but they have to trap the elf. The best way to catch an elf is with chocolate chip cookies and a pillow case. In our house, the elves (the one they caught last year and the 2 they will trap this year) will leave on the 24th to go and help Santa. Each elf comes with his or her own story, what they do for Santa and also what they do for fun. Last year, we woke up to all our daughters Barbies naked on the Christmas tree and the Christmas tree moved. It was priceless! We also let our daughters fall asleep with the elves and in the morning they would have to find them because they would slip away during the night. This year, I decided that I was going to make my own elves and they turned out great. Have fun with the ideas and thanks again for some new Ideas.

    Reply

  13. Anonymous says

    They would sometimes find them in the morning but if they didn't, they would set up a trap and catch them.

    Reply

  14. ~Beth D. says

    I also made my own elf doll. A lot bigger than the store bought one, so limited to what he can do. But our elf made treats for my sons class. Cut little flat mice out of felt and used a candy cane for the tail. very cute! My son was so excited to share with his class because they had one in class as well!

    Here is is arrival to our house: https://bethstherapy.blogspot.com/2011/12/elf-on-shelf.html

    And then some of his adventures: https://bethstherapy.blogspot.com/2011/12/elf-adventures.html

    Love this list! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  15. Denise F. says

    I am trying to plan an ELF Christmas party for my 6 grandchildren, ages 7 to 16. A challenge every year to enclude interesting things for all to do at the same time. We plan to "Ask for help with a mischivous elf terrorizing Grandma and Grandpa's house!!" He will have left all the messes all over the house when the kids arrive. We will take pictures of the elf doing his damage and then play the pictures the next day for moms and dads along with the videos of the kids playing Minute To Win It games. Should be a good time. Thanks for so many wonderful ideas. And, congratulations to all you wonderful parents that care about taking the time and effort to make wonderful Christmas seasons for you children.

    Reply

  17. Anonymous says

    Oh My! This is a great idea! I'm laughing out loud at the idea and I'm alone at home. My Dad used to hide a little cork guy he made named CORKIE when he came over to visit. When I found him, then I had the pleasure of hiding Corkie at his house. My Dad passed away years ago and this is one of my best memories of him. Now I will start this tradition with my family. Thank you.

    Reply

  18. Karen says

    Love all of the ideas but please don't use a sharpie to write on people. Sharpies are permanent markers. Use a washable marker instead-all of the fun with none of the embarassement later in the day. :0) Can't wait to use some of these fun ideas!

    Reply

  21. LloydSPCA says

    Great ideas, thanks so much! This will be our first year with the elf, and our daughter is almost 6. I have a question for everyone who has been "elfing" for a while. What do you do with the elf during the day? Does he stay in that same spot, with all his mischief? Or do you clean it up and put him somewhere until you move him that night?

    Reply

    • veronica says

      They stay put all day because they only come to life at night. The children are not allowed to touch them because they lose their elf majic.

      Reply

  22. nurse nikk says

    Great new ideas! Our elf, Bernard, has done a lot of these. He has also dressed in cowboy clothes, boots & hat & rode Barbie's horse, brought coal (candy coal) if our son got into trouble at home or school, he caught a cold so we dressed him in hospital scrubs, had old medicine bottles w peppermint, chocolate, & marshmallows that cured him right up. He brought my son a cake & special present on his bday, Dec 21st, wrote out Happy Birthday in sprinkles. We are from the south & are a hunting family so this year he made his debut with his very own toy 8pt Buck deer, he had on his orange vest & hat but left a note to assure us it wasn't one of Santa's reindeer. My mind overflows w ideas lol.

    Reply

  25. Anonymous says

    My friend has a boy and a girl elf and the elves are getting married at her house this yr. Can't wait to see her pics!

    Reply

  26. Anonymous says

    Our elf was caught in my son's toy boat fishing in the goldfish bowl. He used a fishing pole that consisted of a candy cane, strip of ribbon, & a partially opened paper clip. He also spray painted my son's hair and his stuffed dog while they were sleeping. My husband & I had a ton of fun with Sneaky Elf!

    Reply

  27. Anonymous says

    ok when you do ideas such as make snow angels in flour/sugar on the counter do you leave the elf in that postion all day because you are not allowed to touch the elf. First time doing elf on the shelf. Thanks!

    Reply

  31. Mimi Becky says

    When our elf, "Chip", makes a mess, we move the elf to the side because when the kids touch him, it takes away some of his magic. We have the kids clean up the mess. This way, THEY are taking care of him. We love our elf. Tonight, he might tape crepe paper across Chloe's doorway.

    Reply

  32. Megan says

    Oh Goodness! Our elves are so naughty!! We have 3 as we have 3 kids. Plus it's easier to make up scenes with more than one! Our elves arrive on 1Dec. At night, the kids put them to bed in their own special box. (a box like you'd wrap a shirt in). They leave them water (3 shotglasses) and crackers. (The dog loves that part) During the night the elves have duct taped the youngest to the wall, decorated ornaments (and the kids can make their own also), written on the bathroom mirror, undecorated the tree, decorated the tree with the kids underwear, taken down all the pictures on the walls, locked one in the bathroom cabinet, hid in cereal boxes, sat in a bowl of ice cubes in the freezer, set-up scenes with the kids' other stuffed animals (ski jump, spa time, making a mess with shaving cream on the kitchen table…) decorated a small tree for the hallway, bought small gifts for kids, made a fort with all out canned goods, Food colored the dog and cat…

    Reply

  35. Kay says

    I love the ideas! Can’t wait to print the Elf Stationery for my daughter’s elf, Chuckie. He’s a bit mischievous around our house, but she’ll enjoy his new hiding spots!

    Reply

  36. Amy Bateman says

    What a great round-up of ideas! We have three elves that visit our family (I post some of their antics on my blog). Sometimes they’re well-behaved, but a lot of the time they really get into mischief. It has been fun to see some of the ideas my husband or oldest daughters come up with for elf adventures.

    Reply