24 Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar Ideas (One for Each Day)

If you want to keep the Elf on the Shelf fun, magical, and totally stress-free this December, this list of 24 Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar Ideas is exactly what you need. These quick, simple setups help you stay organized through the entire holiday season—no more last-minute panic at 11 p.m.! Whether you love funny scenes, mess-free ideas, or super-fast elf setups, you’ll find inspiration for every single day.

Let’s make this the easiest and most magical Elf on the Shelf season ever.


Day 1–4: Funny Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar Ideas

1. Elf in the Toilet Paper Roll Slide

Set your elf at the top of a toilet paper roll “slide.” Kids LOVE this one!

2. Marshmallow Bubble Bath

Place your elf in a bowl filled with mini marshmallows like a cozy bath.

3. Silly Elf Selfie

Prop your elf up with your phone, selfie camera open and ready.

4. Cereal Snow Angels

Put the elf on the counter making “snow angels” in spilled cereal.


Day 5–8: No-Mess Elf on the Shelf Ideas

5. Elf Reading a Holiday Book

Sit your elf next to a Christmas book—easy and mess-free.

6. Elf Watching a Christmas Movie

Place the elf near the TV remote with a tiny note: “Movie night?”

7. Elf Wrapped in a Cozy Blanket

Wrap your elf in a small cloth for a warm winter nap.

8. Elf Coloring Page Delivery

Print a holiday coloring sheet and have the elf “bring it” for the kids.

Looking for ready-made Elf on the Shelf printables or props? Check out my Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar bundle on Etsy


Day 9–12: 1-Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas

9. Elf Sitting in a Shoe

Put the elf inside a sneaker or winter boot. Done!

10. Elf Hiding in the Fridge

Place the elf on a shelf with a note: “It’s chilly in here!”

11. Elf Peeking Out of a Cupboard

Half-hidden elves make kids giggle every time.

12. Elf in a Tissue Box

Sit the elf inside an empty tissue box like a tiny bed.


Day 13–16: Crafty Elf on the Shelf Ideas

13. Elf Decorating a Mini Tree

Give your elf a tiny tree and some beads to “decorate.”

14. Elf’s Paper Snowflakes

Cut a small snowflake and place scissors next to the elf.

15. Elf’s Tiny Letter

Write a tiny note from the elf saying something sweet.

16. Elf’s Gift-Wrapping Station

Use scraps of wrapping paper to set up a mini wrapping scene.


Day 17–20: Educational Elf on the Shelf Ideas

17. Elf with a Mini Word Search

Print a tiny holiday-themed word search to encourage reading.

18. Counting Candy Canes

Line up candy canes and label them with numbers 1–10.

19. Elf Reading a Map of the North Pole

Print a mini “North Pole map” for a fun learning moment.

20. Elf with a Stack of Books

Use your child’s books—place your elf reading or recommending one.


Day 21–24: Outdoor or Indoor Activity Ideas

21. Elf Ice Skating Scene

Use a mirror as an “ice rink,” place elf on top for a cute skating moment.

22. Elf Camping Indoors

Make a tiny campfire using paper and place elf with a mini blanket.

23. Elf Zipline Adventure

Tie a string across the room and clip the elf to it—kids LOVE this.

24. Christmas Eve Goodbye Hug

Place the elf somewhere special with a note saying goodbye until next year.


🎄 Final Thoughts

This collection of 24 Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar Ideas ensures you have something fun, fast, and festive ready for every single day of December. From funny scenes to educational moments, these ideas help parents stay organized while keeping the magic alive for kids.

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