Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
97 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Make Your Whole Family Smile
Your kids won't see these coming!
By 
Every family has their own special Christmas traditions, whether they're unique to you and yours or shared by people around the world. It's always nice to add something fun or silly to the mix, and there's one holiday practice that's gained pretty widespread popularity over the years: the magical, mischievous Elf on the Shelf.
Nowadays, these cute troublemakers are practically synonymous with Christmas. In the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, they silently watch over your kids during the day and report their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa himself. It's only at night (how convenient!) that they come alive and wreak playful havoc on your home in the name of spreading Christmas spirit—eating your Christmas cookies, sitting beside you during your family's Hallmark movie marathon, and beyond.
Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to give you a head start on the year's silliest game for grown-ups and kids. Every Scout Elf deserves their own moniker, so choose from our Elf on the Shelf names like Buddy and Peppermint. Start with one of our Elf on the Shelf return ideas for your Scout Elf to make their big debut, then have fun with activities! Outfit them in Elf on the Shelf clothes like festive costumes, winter coats, and even ugly Christmas sweaters. There are lots of Elf on the Shelf accessories, too—try Elf coloring pages to keep both him and your children occupied, printable joke cards to help you spell out the hilarity of it all—plus so, so much more.
Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing
Gone fishing! To try this fun pose, make a fishing rod out of a stick and string and have your elf cast it for some wooden fish. He could also be fishing for real snacks or for bath toys in the bath!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
'Frozen' Elf on the Shelf
If your kids are obsessed with Frozen, try bringing Elsa in on the action with your elf. Freeze him in water and pose Elsa to make her look like she's the culprit!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Cookie-Baking Elves
This is a cute one to try if you have two elves but it could also work well for one. Put together a printable 3D oven and dress your elves in tiny aprons featuring festive quotes.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Elf on the Shelf Brushes His Teeth
Here's an elf with great hygiene! Your kid will get a giggle when they see your elf holding their toothbrush with a mouthful of toothpaste.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Elf on the Shelf Treats
The only thing your kiddo will be more excited to find than their elf is the tasty treats he has from Mrs. Claus. Of course he snuck a little bit for himself first!
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
'A Christmas Story' Elf
This one is for all the A Christmas Story fans out there! Pay homage to the beloved film's famous "leg" lamp with this funny printable box and lamp.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Elf on the Shelf Phone Call
Ring, ring, it's for the Elf on the Shelf! Invite your kids to guess who's calling—maybe Santa or a workshop elf? 😉
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Ef on the Shelf Hot Cocoa Bar
It's hot cocoa time! Set your elf up with a whole bar of hot cocoa toppings, like marshmallows, red and green M&Ms, whipped cream, and more!
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
Ef on the Shelf Swinging from the Chandelier
The Elf on the Shelf is having quite the party! Your kids won't be able to stop laughing when they find their elf swinging from a chandelier.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Elf on the Shelf at Mrs. Claus's Bakery
The Elf on the Shelf and Mrs. Claus are having a bake sale and your family is invited! This sweet treat shop is easy to set up with a few free printables.
Elf on the Shelf Playing Bingo
Join your elf in a round of Christmas-themed bingo! You can play these mini games with beads or even M&Ms.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Elf on the Shelf Cleanup Card
Having trouble getting your kids to clean up their rooms for holiday company? Hint: The Elf on the Shelf can be very helpful when it comes to getting stuff done around the house. 😉
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
Elf on the Shelf Skittles Rainbow
Taste the rainbow this Christmas! This elf comes with instructions on how to create a magical rainbow using nothing but Skittles and hot water.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Naughty or Nice Report Card
Report card time! This elf has your child's report card ready and spoiler alert: They're on the nice list!
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Elf on the Shelf
Little Disney fans will get a kick out of these elves dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse. You can add your own Mickey and Minnie toys to the mix, too.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Elf on the Shelf Warning Letter
Give your kiddos a gentle warning from Santa and the elves to help keep their places on the "nice" list.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Christmas Tree by a Mischievous Elf
These Elves are getting up to what they do best: mischief! They're tangled up in the Christmas lights, stealing candy canes, and tying each other up.
Get the tutorial at Vintage Revivals.
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
It's never easy to say goodbye to the holiday season, especially for little ones. This sweet goodbye letter from their favorite elf will soften the blow.
Get the tutorial at Mom Envy.
Window Shelf Elf
Caught in the act! The tiny glass of chocolate milk and itty bitty straw are cute. Even more adorable? The mouth covered in chocolate!
Get the tutorial at Snazzy Little Things.
Nutcracker Elf
It's so handy that most Elves are a similar size to decorative nutcrackers, making them blend in easily. Place a few on the mantel or windowsill, and have an Elf poke its head out from the crowd.
Get the tutorial at So Easy Being Green.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
Watch Next
Set Your Christmas Table With These Centerpieces
21 Unique Photo Gifts That Everyone Will Love
175 Christmas Dog Names for Your Festive Pet
Welcome Back the Elf on the Shelf With These Ideas
