It’s not the holiday season until our favorite elf shows up. Here are almost 100 ways to hide him.
Throughout the years, the enchanting tradition of Elf on the Shelf has blossomed into a cherished ritual, uniting parents and children in the magic of the season. Witnessing the pure joy radiating from our children’s faces as they discover the elf’s daily escapades is an unparalleled delight. Yet, as we strive to keep the enchantment alive, the challenge of continually surprising our little ones with unique Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas can be quite exhilarating.
Whether our mischievous elves make their grand entrance the day after Thanksgiving or choose a fashionably late arrival in December, the canvas of creativity spans a glorious 24 days. This festive journey of elf antics, brimming with the spirit of imagination, allows us to craft moments that will be etched in our family’s holiday memories.
Embrace the magic of Elf on the Shelf with these uplifting hiding ideas designed to effortlessly transform your apartment into a whimsical wonderland throughout the joyous holiday season.
1. Balloon landing
Equip your elf with a couple of helium balloons for an epic entrance straight from the North Pole!
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
2. Hot chocolate hot tub
Your Elf on the Shelf knows how to chill—literally! Set up a cozy hot chocolate bath for some steamy elf relaxation.
Source: raininghotcoupons.com
3. TP tower Elf
Bathroom antics are fair game. Let your elf craft a toilet paper tower masterpiece.
Source: Pinterest
4. Climber Elf
Go vertical with your elf antics! Watch your elf scale new heights with a daring climb using a candy cane.
Source: Pinterest
5. Elf rollercoaster
Weeeeeee! Create an elf-sized rollercoaster ride using everyday items and let the adventure begin.
Source: Instagram
6. King Elf
Move over, Game of Thrones! Your elf takes the Iron Throne, Lego-style.
Source: seemomclick.com
7. Bow attack!
Turn your kitchen into a festive battleground as your elf launches a bow attack—no cleanup required.
Source: Pinterest
8. Sleepover in socks!
It’s a par-tay! Set up a sock-filled sleepover with elf and his toy buddies.
Source: Pinterest
9. The sick Elf
Need a breather? Let your elf play the ‘sick’ card, granting you a brief hiatus from moving him.
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
10. Sprinkle angel
Embrace the mess with an elf making snow angels in a sprinkle-covered baking sheet.
Source: Pinterest
11. Marshmallow roasting (with a flameless candle)
Create a cozy campfire scene with elf roasting marshmallows over a flameless candle.
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
12. Damsel in distress
Elf gets dramatic, needing rescue from toy train tracks. Will someone come to the rescue?
Source: fancyshanty.com
13. Utilize your car!
When apartment space is scarce, let your elf explore new hideouts—like your car!
Source: acraftyfox.blogspot.com
14. Elf in a jar
Make touching the elf safe with an ‘elf in a jar’—perfect for showing him around without losing his magic.
Source: mamacheaps.com
15. Cookie time
Equip your elf with baking supplies to help make cookies for Santa. A sweet setup before Christmas Eve.
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
16. Frosty the SnowElf
Give your elf a frosty makeover, complete with a corncob pipe and button nose.
Source: Elf on the Shelf
17. Minions
Elf joins forces with the yellow henchmen, bringing a touch of Despicable Me to your holiday scene.
Source: Pinterest
18. Orange juice with breakfast, please!
Elf takes on morning duties, squeezing fresh ‘orange juice’ to start the day.
Source: Laughtard
19. Snowflake mania
Unleash your elf’s crafting skills as he creates a flurry of unique snowflakes.
Source: Snowman Crafts
20. Sack races
Even if it’s too cold outside, your elf is up for an indoor sack race adventure.
Source: Pinterest
21. Snap, Crackle and Pop Elf
Elf indulges in a marshmallow Rice Krispies treat, proving he’s a fan of breakfast cereal.
Source: Lovebugs and Postcards
22. Game night
Bring the family together with an elf-hosted game night. Twister, anyone?
Source: USA Today
23. Gym session
Elf stays in shape amidst the holiday treats. Exercise time for a spirited elf!
Source: The Clickin Moms Blog
24. Inside the wreath
Let your elf take a breath of fresh air—inside a festive wreath.
Source: Come Together Kids
25. Spiderman traps Elf
Elf’s superhero skills are put to the test as he gets caught in Spiderman’s web.
Source: Brighter
26. Bandit Elf
Times are tough, and your elf is on a mission for some extra holiday cash.
Source: Daddy By Day
27. Gone fishin’
Elf shows his love for angling, going for the gold in an indoor ‘fishing’ adventure.
Source: Country Living
28. Tightrope Elf
Discover your elf’s circus-worthy balancing act as he navigates a tiny tightrope.
Source: Pinterest
29. Rock climbing
Whether it’s painted walls or brick, elf proves he can scale them all in a rock climbing feat.
Source: Pinterest
30. Yoga Elf
Elves love getting their stretch on.
Source: POPSUGAR
31. Locked outside
Elf’s mishap could be a blessing! A cleaner house while he enjoys some outdoor time.
Source: Smart School House
32. Growing pains
Elves experience growth spurts too! Stilts become the tool of choice.
Source: Pinterest
33. Elf plays with the copy machine
Elf gets tech-savvy, leaving undeniable proof of his late-night copying adventures.
Source: Simple As That
34. Camping out
Elf decides to rough it for the night.
Source: Pinterest
35. Elf’s travels
Some elves explore too much. Ours found himself in a Lego-induced kidnapping scenario.
Source: Motley News
36. Hot air balloon ride
Up, up, and away! Elf takes a whimsical hot air balloon ride.
Source: Pinterest
37. Cleaning out the couch
Elf is short on cash after spending too much on Christmas presents. Help him scrounge up some change.
Source: The Creek Line House
38. Secret agent elf
Santa’s elf takes on a secret mission, adding a dash of spy intrigue to the holiday season.
Source: Pinterest
39. Feeding ducks
Elf indulges in a peaceful afternoon, sharing crumbs with newfound ducky friends.
Source: Frugal Coupon Living
40. DJ elf
This little elf knows how to party—quietly, ensuring no one’s sleep is disturbed!
Source: Pinterest
41. A Christmas Story
Unlike Ralphie, this elf appreciates Aunt Clara’s sent pajamas with good cheer.
Source: Pinterest
42. Toilet prank
Elf follows in the footsteps of Jim Halpert, bringing office pranks home.
Source: Lovebugs and Postcards
43. Snowball fight
Elf on the Shelf joins the toy troops for a playful snowball fight, leaving a joyful mess behind.
Source: Pinterest
44. Darth Vader uses the force
“Elf… I am your father.” Darth Vader’s iconic line gets an elfin twist.
Source: Nerdy Mamma
45. Mechanic
Elves are really good at fixing things — especially motors that never ran in the first place.
Source: Pinterest
46. Bath time
Rub-a-dub-dub, there’s an elf in the tub.
Source: Pinterest
47. A quick round of pool
Don’t be fooled — this little guy can take on even the best pool players.
Source: Jessie Daye
48. The Greatest Showman
Step right up! Come see this elf in action as he clowns around and shows off his talented animals.
Source: Pinterest
49. Massage
After all of the holiday shenanigans, this Elf on the Shelf has been hiding a lot and needs a little bit of rest and relaxation.
Source: Pinterest
50. A day on the golf course
Let’s see if our elf friend can get a hole in one!
Source: Pinterest
51. Drive-in movie
Elf rolls up to the big screen with his crew of faithful friends. Screening today is a beloved Christmas classic!
Source: City Chic Living
52. Car wash
These elves decided to make sure everyone has clean cars for the holidays (and they’re probably making a little extra cash in the process).
Source: The Keeper of the Cheerios
53. Replaced toilet paper
This mischievous elf took the toilet paper and replaced it with something a little less comfortable.
Source: The Pragmatic Parent
54. Reporting to Santa
Our elf lost track of time and had to let Santa know there would be a delay in his daily report. Now we have proof he’s been communicating with good Saint Nick!
Source: Lil Boo Blue
55. Family photo prank
The Elf on the Shelf loves the family he spies on, but that won’t stop him from pulling a prank and drawing funny things on photos.
Source: Mandy with Multiples
56. Elf goes to the moon
With a little bit of Santa’s magic, this elf is taking a trip far, far away from the North Pole.
Source: Pinterest
57. People’s Sexiest Elf Alive award
When there’s no other competition at your house for the “Sexiest Elf Alive” contest, your Elf on the Shelf is going to take advantage of the situation and award himself the honor.
Source: Mommy Evolution
58. Hula dancing
Even your elf wants a little break from the cold weather. He’s taking a little vacation and learning how to dance in Hawaii!
Source: That’s Country Living
59. Date with Barbie
Elves can fall in love, too! Plus, who can resist Barbie and a nice, sugary snack?
Source: Elf on the Shelf Ideas
60. Gymnastics
This year’s summer Olympics inspired this elf and he’s trying his hand at the uneven bars.
Source: Sarah Scoop
61. Jurassic adventure
Even though this elf always has a smile on his face, we know he’s a little scared of the T-Rex chasing down his Jeep!
Source: Pinterest
62. Selfie time
Some elves like to take selfies — more formally known in the elf world as “elfies.”
Source: Learning LiftOff
63. Wheel of Fortune
This elf has the chance to make some serious cash on a time-tested favorite TV show.
Source: Mommy Evolution
64. Surfing
This Elf on the Shelf is catching a wave with his favorite girl, Barbie — it looks like things are getting serious since their first date sipping syrup!
Source: Pinterest
65. Broken leg
Elves can get hurt, too! If kids have a messy room and you’ve told them to clean it time and time again, your elf can reinforce the message by letting the kiddos know that their room is dangerous for him!
Source: DIY Cuteness
66. Pool of sharks
The Elf on the Shelf is finding him in a bit of a scary situation — he’s in a sink full of sharks!
Source: Pinterest
67. Walking the dogs
Talk about doing the most— this helper friend decided to stay out of mischief and help out by taking the dogs for a much-needed walk. Note: If you have a real pet, you can use them to help out with this one.
Source: Pinterest
68. Playing cards
Elf is having a good time playing a round of cards with his friends.
Source: Essex Live
69. Shaving
Apparently this elf can grow facial hair… but he wants to keep his face smooth and soft, so he’s doing what anyone else with facial hair must do.
Source: A Small Snippet
70. Sledding down the banister
Grab a shoe and help your elf sled down the banister! Or if you want to get a little more creative, you can make an elf-sized sled from candy canes and construction paper.
Source: Inner Child Fun
71. Baking cookies
Use some cereal (like Fruit Loops or Cheerios) and frosting to showcase your elf’s baking skills.
Source: I Heart Arts n Crafts
72. Spidey-elf
This elf is playing superhero for a day! He’s got his Spiderman mask on and is hanging by his web (actually, just a piece of thread).
Source: M. Sullivan Photography
73. Christmas treehouse
Your elf has his own treehouse! Build one out of craft foam sheets or popsicle sticks and hang it in your Christmas tree.
Source: Pinterest
74. Roomba all the way
If you have a Roomba or other automatic vacuum that moves around the house, you might find that your elf has turned it into their automobile to get from room to room (while cleaning up the floor a bit).
Source: The Sleepless Mom
75. Tabletop tennis
Challenge the elf to a ping-pong match and see who wins!
Source: Pinterest
76. Marshmallow golf
Because using a normal golf ball would be silly!
Source: Giggles Galore
77. Zen garden
Even elves need a little break from the stress of the holidays.
Source: Pinterest
78. Wrapping paper swing
Playground fun is for elves, too!
Source: Frugal Coupon Lady
79. Elf-sized ball pit
This ball pit is far more delicious than the human-sized ones — it’s made of gumballs!
Source: Pinterest
80. Balloon bubble bath
Rub-a-dub-dub, there’s an elf in the tub!
Source: Secrets of a Super Mom
81. Minecraft elf disguised as Santa
Santa, is that you? What happened to your head?!
Source: A Little Moore
82. Magic elf slime
As always, our elf friend is making more messes—but this one is a fun one!
Source: Little Bins for Little Hands
83. Stuck in the washing machine
Somehow, our elf got stuck with all of the clothes in the washing machine! How did that happen?
Source: Josh Wood TX
84. Kissing booth
These kisses are kid-approved and tasty!
Source: Living Locurto
85. Beach vacation
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Source: Biscuits ‘n Crazy
86. Pool floaty
Just a relaxing day at the pool.
Source: Pinterest
87. Shrinking machine
It looks like elf stole a magic shrinking machine from the North Pole!
Source: Pinterest
88. Melted snowman
Oh no! Elf didn’t realize the snowman would melt in the house!
Source: Pinterest
89. Space elf
These elves tried to join one of Elon Musk’s space missions!
Source: Pinterest
90. Zoom meeting
Along with lots of other people, these elves are working remotely!
Source: Pinterest
91. Elf hacks tech devices
This elf has some mad tech-hacking skills!
Source: Bow and Rattle
92. Frozen
Elsa got a hold of our elf this time! Now is this a bad thing… or did it keep him out of other trouble?
Source: Pinterest
93. Movie night with elf
Watch your favorite Christmas movie with your elf and enjoy some sweet treats by using this Elf on the Shelf hiding idea.
Source: Mom Wife Busy Life
94. Real life Candy Crush
Play your favorite game with elf — but in real life!
Source: Pinterest
95. Playing the drums
Don’t worry — he won’t play them loud enough to wake the kids!
Source: Prudent Penny Pincher
96. Stranger Things invasion
Stranger Things has escaped the big screen and come to haunt the elf!
Source: Madison Cypher
97. Portrait painter elf
Elves enjoy learning new skills, like painting portraits!
Source: Woman’s Day
98. Over the rainbow
This elf is using Skittles to make a magic rainbow!
Source: Paging Fun Mums!
Get in this spirit with these Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas
Moving the elf is a beloved family tradition that children love. These 98 Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas can help you keep the magic alive for your children during the holiday season.
