Already have an Elf on the Shelf doll at home? A good elf kit turns it from a nightly chore into the best part of December. Here are 10 Elf on the Shelf ideas that pair perfectly with a pre-planned kit — each one uses props and scenes like the ones in our 2026 Elf Kit.
Arrival ideas
1. Hot air balloon landing. Have your elf "arrive" in a miniature hot air balloon with a note: "I flew all the way from the North Pole!" (Our 2026 Elf Kit includes the inflatable balloon ride.)
2. Kayak adventure. Set your elf in a tiny kayak with a paddle and a note: "Row, row, row your boat… I made it!" A fun twist on the traditional arrival.
3. Elf door entrance. Prop a miniature elf door against the wall with your elf peeking out: "I'm back! I'll be popping in and out all month."
Mid-December scenes
4. Elf game night. Set up a tiny board game with your elf and a few toys as players. Our playable Elfopoly set makes this one instant.
5. Letter to Santa station. Place your elf next to mini stationery with a note: "Write your wish list — I'll deliver it tonight!"
6. Donut breakfast. Arrange mini donuts on a tiny tray with your elf as the "chef." Kids love finding this one in the kitchen.
7. Movie night. Lay out popcorn (real or miniature) with your elf in front of a phone or tablet "screen."
8. Snowball fight. Scatter mini marshmallows around your elf with a note: "Snowball fight at the North Pole!"
Farewell ideas
9. Reindeer food tradition. On Christmas Eve, have your elf leave a packet of reindeer food with instructions to sprinkle it outside — a beloved closing tradition.
10. Goodbye breakfast. On the final morning, set your elf with a tiny farewell letter: "See you next year!" Every Elf Kit Shop kit includes a goodbye letter.
Why a kit makes it easier
Individually, these ideas are simple. The hard part is coming up with 24+ of them, night after night. That's what a Christmas elf kit solves — every day arrives pre-planned with props and photo instructions, so the ideas above (and dozens more) happen in minutes.
Elf on the Shelf® is a registered trademark of CCA and B, LLC. Our kits are designed to work with any standard Christmas elf doll, including the Elf on the Shelf® (doll not included).