100 Elf On The Shelf Ideas That Can Transform Your Home

For many households and families, the Elf on the Shelf is a regular visitor in December. Whether you're looking for mischievous poses to put your elf into or thinking of interactive ways for your kids to play with the helper, they are sure to help transform your home into a winter wonderland of magic and excitement. If you're new to this tradition, The Elf on the Shelf website has what you need to know about getting started with your elven fun, from the elf backstory to the "rules" of elf ownership.

These elves don't spend all of their time on shelves. They like to move around, get into mischief, and inspire imagination. Here are 100 Elf on the Shelf images that are sure to help you get creative with the elves in your home this holiday season. From adorable to downright silly, some ideas will make the kids giggle and even some that will make the adults chuckle. They can also act as holiday decor and add a little hygge to your house. But the most important thing is that you have fun!

It's easy enough to toss your elf onto the Christmas tree with the rest of the ornaments. Already dressed for the occasion, your Elf on the Shelf may go unnoticed for a bit.

Your elf will liven up the home from above when you prop him into a wreath or a door-framing garland. Don't let them make you feel too judged from way up there!

Add some cuteness to the bathtub with bubbles that won't ruin your elves. White balloons make great props and are easy to deal with at clean-up time.

Sometimes the Elf on the Shelf has a knack for making a mess, like when he dumps flour to make "snow" angels. This may not be the home makeover you were looking for.

If the holidays have you climbing the windows and walls, have your elf join in. Gift bows make good "rock" climbing accessories.

Elves enjoy snacks, too, so watch out when they raid the advent calendar! This is a great way to display the Elf on the Shelf at least one day during the holiday season.

Put those summer shoes to use while they're cast aside for the winter. Your child's stuffies are sure to enjoy "riding" in a shoe train.

Make use of the spaces you have to display your kid's elves, even if it means having them hanging off of mirrors and other household items.

Elves don't have to stay in their basic red duds; you can buy them cute outfits and costumes, as seen in this photo. Make them go with your decor!

This is a cute idea for your daily elf pranks, or it can even be turned into a permanent display if you have extra elves. Your kids will love this as a souvenir when they grow up.

Make use of that rarely used camera or Instax you have lying around. Displaying a cute set-up like this makes having an elf even more fun.

Add your elf to the bathroom decor with a cute snowman toilet paper stack. This is an easy creation and is both cute and functional!

A little cute, a little creepy; have some fun with the elves as part of your Christmas decor. This train scene beats the basic tree skirt look.

This cute little thief makes for great decor. Don't worry; you don't have to actually rob the piggy bank. Scatter some change around the piggy and gift it to your little one afterward.

If you want to turn your counter fruits and vegetables into art, put your elf with them. It's an instant still-life portrait!

Sometimes the right sign and the right display place make the Elf on the Shelf brighten everyone's day. This elf's antics are sure to bring a smile to bathroom visitors.

The holiday season can be hectic, and sometimes your Elf on the Shelf needs a break. To accommodate him, make him a hammock and let him take a nap.

Holiday time is stressful, and sometimes the elves get upset. Let them fight it out in a fun boxing scene.

Got a clock or piece of art that won't hang straight? Make it look like it belongs that way with the strategic placement of an elf or two.

Your Elf on the Shelf is a gift; treat him that way. This is a cute way to brighten up your home office or your child's study desk.

You don't have to let any of those spare ornaments go to waste. Just wrap them around your elf! It'll add even more festive joy to your home.

These snowmen are edible (as long as you use edible ink markers to draw their faces), and they may inspire you and the family to head outside and build some snowmen out of the fresh snow.

Rather than making those little elves decorate your huge tree, get them some trees their own size. It'll add even more magic to your home.

Make Taco Tuesday a bigger deal with the help of your Elf on the Shelf. Add a little pizzazz and some fiesta hats!

Have a little fun with some "pin the nose on the snowman." Remember, this can be a riot for kids and adults alike!

While you're transforming your home into a winter wonderland, transform your tree into an elf-eating monster. It's cute, fun, and only a little bit creepy.

It's easy to incorporate festive green and red colors around the house when you have live houseplants and an Elf on the Self dressed in red.

Elves love food, as you've seen. Display them with a collection of treats planned out to look fun–like this garden of Christmas trees.

The Elf on the Shelf adds magic and whimsy to your home, but they can do more. Set up a fun scene like this to show there's more to magic than Santa and his elves.

From "A Christmas Story" to "It's a Wonderful Life," you can have fun recreating holiday movie scenes with your elves.

Of the many modes of transportation your elf will magically take to the North Pole and back, a sleigh ride seems pretty logical.

Dine-in excellence with an elf-inspired meal. This elf is in the kitchen getting all of the ingredients prepared for a fancy dinner.

If your kids have been asking how Santa gets into the house undetected on Christmas Eve, you can tell them he entrusts the elf with packages sent through the mail. 

Put the elf to work with some wrapping projects. They're just the right size to deal with stocking stuffers and other small presents.

It's difficult to tell if these elves are trying to be helpful or attempting to make a mess. Mischievous or not, they're cute!

Everyone has a bad day now and then. Whether you're grumpy or the kid is, let the elf express that Grinch spirit through a cute Grinch costume.

Silver glittery reindeer are just as festive as your Elf on the Shelf, so these two look great together. Perhaps your elf returned from the North Pole on his new friend?

Sometimes elves bicker in the middle of the night, and when they do, one of them might end up under an overturned glass.

This elf must have read the House Digest article on maximizing hygge this winter. Add some extra feelings of warmth around your home by ensuring you have a comfortable and toasty Elf on the Shelf.

Some of the best Elf on the Shelf ideas mimic doll playing. Set your elves up in a fun scene like this one and watch the whole house smile when they see.

Get creative with your elves and some extra plushies. This little woodland scene is adorable and perfect for a snowless winter.

Let the elves help with the holiday countdown. Each day, when they return from the North Pole, it's the perfect time to change the countdown!

Sometimes elves need a break for a bit of vintage fun. Mini arcade games make excellent elf props. Plus, they may make your kids want to learn how to play that old Atari system you have lying around.

Real dogs sometimes tear up toys and pillows. Of course, it's difficult to know if the dog did it in this silly scene or if the elf is at fault here.

Arts and crafts are relaxing, so why not have a nice crafting day with the elves? This therapeutic hobby is enjoyable for the entire family.

Create an adorable family portrait with your collection of elves and other tiny Christmas decor. You may end up with a photo worth using for this year's holiday card.

Bring joy to your home with an elf just "hanging" around. It's easy to put a ribbon through an empty toilet roll and make your elf a swing. This is an easy way to display your Elf on the Shelf on a busy day.

Elves make great comedians. Add a little comedy into your life by quarantining a farting elf under glass. It's sure to make everyone in the house chuckle.

Make the holidays silly by playing with poop that isn't actually poop. This stuff is edible, even if you give it a gross name. Use chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate-covered raisins, or even brown M&Ms.

While you're transforming your home into a wonderful holiday winter wonderland, don't forget to get your elves some fancy coats.