20 Elf on the Shelf Activities Your Kids Will Beg for Every December!

December is a magical time for families, especially with the beloved tradition of the Elf on the Shelf.

These mischievous little elves bring joy, creativity, and a sprinkle of holiday magic to homes around the world.

In this listicle, discover 20 delightful Elf on the Shelf activities that will captivate your kids and become cherished family fun moments for years to come. Get ready to create unforgettable holiday traditions that will have your little ones eagerly anticipating each morning!

1. Elf Breakfast Surprise

Start the month off with a whimsical Elf breakfast surprise! Imagine your little ones waking up to find their elf sitting at the breakfast table with a mini pancake stack, complete with syrup and a tiny note from Santa.

This delightful setup not only sparks joy but also gets everyone excited about the day ahead. Kids will love finding their elf in such a playful situation, encouraging them to join in on the fun and create their own breakfast masterpieces.

Watch as they giggle and share stories about what the elf might have done throughout the night while they were sleeping!

2. Elf Movie Night

Transform your living room into a cozy movie theater with an Elf Movie Night! Prepare some popcorn, hot cocoa, and snuggle blankets, then set up a screening of your family’s favorite holiday film.

Position the elf among the treats, perhaps with a tiny popcorn bucket in hand, and let the excitement build as the family gathers around. This fun activity not only fosters bonding but also creates a magical atmosphere where everyone can unwind and enjoy the spirit of the season.

It’s a perfect way to introduce new holiday traditions while keeping the classic Elf on the Shelf excitement alive!

3. Elf in a Snowball Fight

Bring a little winter magic indoors by staging an epic snowball fight between your elf and some stuffed animals! Use cotton balls as snowballs and scatter them around the room, with the elf caught in the action.

Your kids will burst into laughter as they discover the scene, imagining the fun their elf has been having all night. This playful activity not only entertains but also encourages imagination and storytelling.

Plus, it’s a great way to inspire kids to engage in creative play with their own toys!

4. Elf Art Gallery

Set up an Elf Art Gallery where your kids can display their creative masterpieces! Have the elf ‘curate’ the gallery, showcasing drawings or crafts your children have made.

Hang the artwork on a string with clothespins, and place the elf next to a tiny easel holding a mini canvas. This activity encourages artistic expression and gives kids a sense of pride as their creations are celebrated.

Plus, it opens up conversations about art and creativity, making it a wonderful family bonding experience!

5. Elf’s Advent Calendar

Create a magical Elf Advent Calendar that counts down the days to Christmas! Each day, have the elf reveal a small treat or activity for your kids.

This could range from candy canes to handwritten notes with fun family activities. The excitement builds daily as children eagerly anticipate what’s behind each door. Not only does this keep the spirit of the season alive, but it also introduces the concept of anticipation and giving, making it a cherished family tradition.

Moreover, you can involve the kids in creating the calendar, adding another layer of fun!

6. Elf’s Baking Day

Organize an Elf’s Baking Day where your little ones can help the elf bake festive treats! Set up a mini baking station with cookie dough, sprinkles, and tiny utensils.

Your elf can be in the middle of the action, perhaps covered in flour or peeking out from a mixing bowl. This activity not only provides a delicious way to bond as a family but also introduces your kids to the joys of cooking.

They’ll love creating tasty treats together and will eagerly share them with friends and family, making it a sweet holiday tradition!

7. Elf’s North Pole Visit

Craft a story around your elf taking a magical trip to the North Pole! Set up a cozy corner with cotton balls as snow and some tiny presents that the elf brought back.

Write a whimsical letter from the elf about the adventures they had at Santa’s workshop. This enchanting activity not only fuels your kids’ imaginations but also invites them to believe in the magic of Christmas and the joy of giving.

It’s a wonderful way to teach children about the spirit of the holiday season while creating lasting memories together.

8. Elf’s Spa Day

Give your elf a Spa Day pampering! Set up a relaxing spa scene using mini towels, a tiny robe, and a makeshift bathtub filled with cotton balls as bubbles.

Your kids will giggle with delight as they find their elf indulging in a luxurious day of relaxation. This fun activity encourages laughter and creativity while providing a light-hearted perspective on the holiday season.

It’s a great reminder for kids to take care of themselves and enjoy moments of joy, even during the busy holiday rush!

9. Elf’s Candy Land Adventure

Transport your elf to a whimsical Candy Land adventure! Create a colorful landscape using various candies and treats, with the elf nestled among them.

This sweet setup will have kids dreaming of sugarplum fairies and candy canes! Encourage your little ones to join in, creating their own candy creations to share with the elf. It’s a delightful way to combine creativity with yummy treats while capturing the essence of holiday fun.

Plus, it can lead to conversations about sharing and enjoying the sweetness of life!

10. Elf’s Dance Party

Host an Elf Dance Party where all your household toys can join in! Set up a mini disco with colorful lights and music, and have the elf lead the fun.

Your kids will love spotting their elf dancing away, encouraging them to move and groove too! This lively activity not only promotes physical movement but also brings immense joy and laughter, making it a highlight of the holiday season.

It’s a perfect way to incorporate play into your family traditions while letting loose and enjoying the festivities!

11. Elf’s Letter to Santa

Encourage your kids to write letters to Santa with the help of their elf! Set up a cozy writing station with paper, crayons, and a tiny desk for the elf.

Watch as your little ones pour their hearts out, sharing their wishes and dreams. The elf can be seen ‘helping’ by holding a pen or peeking over their shoulder. This activity not only fosters creativity but also emphasizes the importance of sharing thoughts and feelings during the holiday season.

It creates an engaging tradition where kids learn to express gratitude and hopes for the upcoming year.

12. Elf’s Game Night

Organize an Elf Game Night, where the elf is the host of fun board games! Set up a table with various games and have the elf ready to play.

Your kids will be thrilled to join in as they take turns rolling dice or drawing cards with their mischievous elf. This activity not only promotes family bonding but also encourages friendly competition and teamwork.

It’s a memorable way to spend quality time together, making it a beloved holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to each December!

13. Elf’s Pajama Party

Host an Elf Pajama Party where your kids and their toys can join in the fun! Set up a cozy sleeping area with blankets, pillows, and snacks, and have the elf ready for a night of giggles.

This playful scenario encourages your children to use their imagination and enjoy a night of laughter and storytelling. It’s a delightful way to create lasting memories and bond as a family during the holiday season.

Plus, it can inspire kids to cherish the beauty of friendship and the joy of cozy nights in!

14. Elf’s Scavenger Hunt

Create an Elf Scavenger Hunt that will lead your kids on an exciting adventure around the house! Hide small treats or clues in various locations, with the elf giving hints along the way.

Your little ones will love the thrill of searching for surprises, making it a fantastic family activity. This engaging game fosters teamwork and problem-solving while creating unforgettable memories.

It’s an excellent way to keep the holiday spirit alive and encourage active participation from everyone involved!

15. Elf’s Storytime

Set aside a cozy evening for Elf Storytime, where the elf reads holiday tales to your kids! Create a little reading nook with fairy lights and cushions, and have the elf perched with a book in hand.

Your children will be enchanted as they gather around, listening to magical stories that capture the spirit of the season. This activity not only encourages a love for reading but also fosters family bonding through shared stories.

It’s a beautiful way to wind down during the hectic holiday season while instilling the joy of storytelling.

16. Elf’s Christmas Card Station

Create a Christmas card station with your elf, where kids can design and send festive greetings to family and friends! Set up a table with colorful paper, stickers, and crayons, and let the elf inspire their creativity.

Your children will love crafting personalized cards, adding a personal touch to their holiday wishes. This activity encourages kindness and thoughtfulness, reminding kids about the joy of giving.

Plus, it’s a beautiful way to involve the entire family in spreading holiday cheer!

17. Elf’s Winter Wonderland

Transform a room into an enchanting Winter Wonderland with the help of your elf! Use cotton batting for snow, hang paper snowflakes from the ceiling, and scatter faux snow around the room.

The elf can be seen playing in the snow or building a tiny snowman. This captivating setup will immerse your kids in a magical winter scene, encouraging imaginative play and exploration.

It’s a delightful way to celebrate the beauty of winter while creating a visually stunning holiday experience!

18. Elf’s Secret Mission

Involve your kids in a thrilling Elf Secret Mission, where they have to help the elf complete fun tasks around the house! Create a list of silly challenges, like finding hidden ornaments or making a festive snack.

Your children will love the excitement of working alongside their elf, fostering teamwork and creativity. This playful activity not only brings joy but also allows kids to feel empowered as they take part in their elf’s adventures.

It’s an engaging way to instill a sense of responsibility while enjoying the holiday spirit together!

19. Elf’s Holiday Photo Booth

Set up a holiday photo booth where your elf poses with your kids for some festive snapshots! Use fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and holiday-themed backgrounds.

Your children will have a blast taking silly photos with their elf, creating cherished memories to look back on. This activity encourages creativity and laughter while capturing the spirit of the season through candid moments.

It’s a fantastic way to document the joy of the holidays and create lasting keepsakes!

20. Elf’s Gratitude Jar

Create an Elf Gratitude Jar where your kids can jot down what they are thankful for each day! Have the elf encourage this heartwarming tradition by writing the first note.

This activity promotes reflection and gratitude, instilling important values in your children. They will love reading through the notes as they fill the jar, creating a beautiful keepsake of their thoughts and feelings.

It’s a meaningful way to foster kindness and appreciation during the holiday season, reminding everyone of the blessings in their lives!

Conclusion

The magic of December is truly alive when you incorporate these 20 Elf on the Shelf activities into your family traditions.

From playful breakfasts to creative crafts, each moment spent together creates lasting memories filled with laughter and joy. Embrace the spirit of the season by enjoying these delightful activities that will have your kids begging for more each year!