27 Elf on the Shelf Ideas! {Easy, Funny Ideas for 2023}

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Get ready for some serious Christmas mischief with these new and easy Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas! Your Elves are about to have some serious FUN!

On the hunt for some seriously Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas? When it comes to Christmas Decorating, the Elf on the Shelf is one of the best parts!

Let me tell you though… our Elf, Melvin Ulysses, can be quite a handful at times! He is one mischievous, devious little guy!

But seriously, I love it when our Elf makes his appearance each year… and part of the fun is just finding new crazy places for him to show up, right? And you know what? I think the adults have as much fun hiding him as the kids do finding him!

So if you’re looking for quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas to downright hilarious hiding spots, it’s time to get inspired with this BIG list of creative tips straight from the North Pole!

Go check out some of the funniest Elf on the Shelf Ideas below…

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas ::

Is your Elf as wild and crazy as ours? You just never know where they might show up… we even spotted ours at the Grand Canyon! Well, maybe he mischievously sneaked into the car and came along for the road trip with us. It was so fun having him along… even though he did almost blow off the edge at one point during a big wind gust! Seriously… don’t those Elves just have a way of throwing caution to the wind? YIKES!

Elf on the Shelf Doll

Need a new Elf? Or does Elf need a friend? Start a fun new family tradition, or stash a set away as a fun gift!

Now before your Elf makes his way back from the North Pole, go check out these hilarious Elf on the Shelf ideas and funny hiding spots your kids will LOVE…

Have Your Elf Make an Entrance in Some New Clothes!

Be sure to pick up some cute new clothes for your Elf, too! Our elf, Mevlin Ulysses, had some t-shirts, a jacket, and a sweater he loves changing in and out of to keep things interesting leading up to Christmas.

Elf on the Shelf Clothes

Or knit your Elf his own little scarf! Here is our Elf sporting the little scarf I knit for him last year…

Now are you ready for some funny Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots? Let’s get those shenanigans started…

Elf on the Shelf Hot Tub {Relaxing After a Long Day}

After a hard day keeping an eye on the kids, nothing beats a relaxing soak in the Crockpot… ahem, or should I say Hot Tub?! Simply fill it up with bubbles {marshmallows}, and Elf is ready to relax and unwind! Aaahhh… To keep Elf clean, I actually slipped a ziploc bag around his body and legs so he didn’t turn white. 🙂

Elf on the Shelf Tissue Box Bed {Shhhh…}

After a busy day keeping tabs on the kiddos, make sure Elf has a cozy spot to tuck into bed. It just so happens that a tissue box is the perfect size! Don’t forget to tuck him in with a tissue blanket, and fold up an extra tissue for a little pillow. Trust me… he’ll appreciate it!

Elf on the Shelf Bungee Jumping

Now if you’ve got an adventurous Elf on your hands, why don’t you let them go bungee jumping? All you’ll need is a long piece of yarn tied around their waist, and then taped to the back of the door or any other fun place they’d like to jump from. 🙂

Elf on the Shelf Nativity Scene {Hanging With the Wise Men}

Seriously… you know you’ve seen it all when Elf tries to impersonate one of the wise men! Where does he get off? 😉

Swinging from the Chandelier! {On a Swing}

Another fun idea is to let your Elf be found swinging from the chandelier one morning! And to take it to the next level, you can even make him his own swing using an empty toilet paper roll and wired ribbon or twine. Just pull two strands of ribbon or twine through the toilet paper roll, knot, and hide the knotted section back in the roll. Now you’ve got a swing! Wasn’t that so EASY?

Elf on the Shelf Drinking Syrup!

Do you remember the four main food groups of Elves? Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corns… and Syrup! So set up your elf with a straw and syrup for a fun surprise for the kids! It might be perfect for a Saturday morning when you’ll be making pancakes or waffles!

Elf on the Shelf Tic Tac Toe!

Did you know Elves love playing Tic Tac Toe… with Tic Tacs? 🙂 It’s true! So go grab a piece of paper, make up a quick Tic Tac Toe board, and let your Elf get the game started with some Tic Tacs!

Elf on the Shelf Movie Night!

Fridays or Saturdays are a great day to set up your Elf on the Shelf with the remote control and a little popped popcorn. Then all day long, your kids can look forward to movie night!

Elf on the Shelf Candy Ideas

Spoil your kiddos with their favorite candy one morning! Open up the package, have your Elf with one hand in the candy bag, and lay a few pieces around outside of the package. Your little ones will LOVE it!

Elf on the Shelf Potty Training {Yellow Skittles + Chocolate Chips – Ew!}

Are your little ones learning how to use the potty? Elf on the Shelf can even set a great example for your little ones by showing off his superb potty training skills! Yes… a small mason jar will work just fine for the potty, and some chocolate chips, or yellow skittles {ahem} make for some good props, too! 😉

Elf on the Shelf Sneaking Christmas Treats!

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Uh… Elf on the Shelf, of course! That devious little guy… caught in the act yet again! Make up some Christmas Pretzel Hugs with the kids one day, and the next morning you can stage your Elf sneaking some on a plate for himself!

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Climbing!

Talk about a daredevil, right? Who needs rock climbing, when Elf can climb the Christmas Tree?!? Attach a ribbon for a ‘safety harness’, and your Elf will be ready for his big adventure! They’re ain’t no mountain {or tree} high enough… to keep him from spying on YOU!

{thanks to Brittany B. for sharing!}

Elf on the Shelf Calling Back to Santa {Behavior Update}

Sometimes questionable behavior needs to be reported… or sometimes Santa just needs to hear how good your kiddos are behaving! Have your Elf be found on the phone {or your cell phone} calling back to the North Pole to give Santa updates on how things are going back at the ranch… or your home. 😉

Taking Pictures To Report Back to Santa!

In addition to calling back to Santa, you can also have your Elf take pictures one day to make sure those manners are in tip-top shape! A little creepy? Maybe, but also a great motivator to keep your little ones on the nice list! 🙂

Elf Bringing a New Book!

Surprise your littles with a Fun New Children’s Book one morning! You can prop it open, and have your Elf reading it while they wait for your little ones to wake up!

Horseback Riding Adventure!

Grab the nearest toy horse, and send Elf on a horseback ride! It can be such a great adventure… and you can even set up little trees or barnyard animals around the scene! Giddyup Elf, and Yee-haw!

{thanks to Brittany B. for sharing!}

Elf on the Shelf Playing Games

Did you know that Elves love playing games, too? Whether it’s board games, cards, video games, foosball, or chess… these are all fun props for setting up your Elf! If it’s chess… don’t be surprised if you see that devious Elf stealing the King’s Queen!

Chess Game:

Foosball Game:

Elf on the Shelf Eating the Gingerbread House?

Your elf doesn’t only love the shelf… he’ll also LOVE lounging around on your Gingerbread house… and sneaking a bite or two! It’s just too tempting not to nibble on!

Elf on the Shelf Hiding in the Christmas Tree

Once you’ve got the tree up and the ornaments on… take a day to hide your Elf right in the tree, and see just how long it takes for the kids to notice! You’d be surprised how well that sneaky guy can blend in!

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Ideas

In addition to tree climbing and hiding in the tree, Elf also loves to help decorate the tree… or dismantle it, depending on his mood. He’s the perfect size to be caught “helping” around your Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, too!

Lego Building Extravaganza!

Did you know that elves also love to build legos? Whether it’s an existing set, or a new little set as a surprise gift for your kids, you can set your Elf up to be in the process of building the set!

Elf on the Shelf Drinking Coffee

Keeping an eye on the kiddos is hard work… but elves LOVE coffee! Simply help your Elf on the Shelf get situated with a K-Cup and mug and he’ll be energized for the coming day!

Elf on the Shelf Spying on the Pets!

Not only does Elf stay busy keeping an eye on the kids… he loves to make sure your fish, parakeets, and other little pets stay in line, too! Whether he’s feeding the fish, snatching a piece of dog food from the bowl, or just spying on your bird from the top of the cage, there are so many silly Elf on the Shelf ideas when you drag the pets into the mayhem!

Elf on the Shelf Snowball Fight!

Grab your Elf, some of other little toys {like Hello Kitty and Little People below}, and let them go to town having a snowball fight! Mini marshmallows make the perfect little snowballs.

{thanks to Brittany B. for sharing!}

More Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas from your Frugal Friends…

Michelle writes: “Our elf took pics of us sleeping last night”

Arron writes: “In ‘quarantine’ can’t move for 10-14 days.”

More Ideas For Decorating Your Home For Christmas:

45 Easy Christmas Crafts to Make at Home

Got the itch to craft? These craft ideas for kids adults will keep you busy all throughout the holiday season!

50 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget

Load up on fun and frugal Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget with this BIG list of creative ideas and hacks!

55 Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults

Whether you’re looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids… I’ve got you covered!

Now that you’ve loaded up on some seriously fun Elf on the Shelf ideas… score a whole bunch of seriously funny Christmas Gift Ideas for everyone on Your List…

101 Fun Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Does Santa’s helper need some stocking stuffer inspiration?

77 Teenage Guy Stocking Stuffers

Christmas stocking time is about to get really interesting this year. These fun stocking ideas are a little helpful and a little silly… and totally perfect for teenage guys!

50 Teenage Girl Stocking Ideas {Fun Gifts}

Help Santa stuff those stocking with these fun Teenage Girl Stocking Ideas!

100 Fun Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens

Our kids are growing up fast, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make Christmas an unforgettable and really fun time for them!

BIG List of 101 Stocking Stuffers for Men

Need some inspiration for what to put in your man’s stocking? Make filling your man’s stocking easy with these Fun Stocking Stuffers for Men!

99 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad

We all know getting gifts for guys in our life can be kinda hard, that’s why I’ve put together this fun list of Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad to help you out!