That Elf on a Shelf is a sneaky fella who is always getting into things he shouldn’t. And if your elf forgets to move…oh the shame! That’s why you need a list of easy Elf on the Shelf ideas and instant Elf on the Shelf props at your fingertips. Embrace the holiday tradition of the original Elf on the Shelf because it will make special memories for your entire family.

Month of Elf on the Shelf Ideas with Printable Calendar - elf on the shelf laying on white background with Christmas lights and wrapped packages in red/white stripe, black and brown paper packages
Oh so many Elf on the Shelf props & ideas for when the Elf comes back…

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Where Do I Buy Original Elf on the Shelf?

Here at Kids Activities Blog we absolutely adore the original Elf on the Shelf Christmas tradition and we are so thrilled with The Elf on the Shelf Store on Amazon that can send you the original Elf quickly! Grab the Elf on the Shelf that suits your child best:

Pssst…check out all the original Elf on the Shelf accessories and other Elfish items!

Related: Elf on the Shelf ideas

When Does the Elf on the Shelf Come Back?

“Most Scout Elves return to their families during Scout Elf Return Week—a week-long window at the end of November, leading into December. (This year’s Scout Elf Return Week will take place Nov. 24–Dec. 1.)”

Official Elf on the Shelf Blog – watch social media for the #ScoutElfReturnWeek hashtag!

31 Easy ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS Calendar You Can Print

Never has there been a Christmas tradition that got more laughs than Elf on the Shelf. Perhaps the best part of this holiday game is that your Elf gets to take on the personality you choose.

Move your elf calendar digital Screenshot
Get our Move your Elf calendar in digital or printed!

Did you start the Elf on the Shelf tradition but found your ideas running stale before the end of the month? And horror of horror, did you have to explain away why the Elf forgot to move one night?

Elf on the Shelf Printable Planning Calendar

If you are ready to up your Elf on the Shelf game, we’ve got the resources you need!

  • Download the move your elf calendar of easy Elf on the Shelf ideas & click through the links in each idea for more information
  • Print this Elf on the Shelf ideas calendar & bookmark this page to easily click through to each idea for more information and elf notes & elf printables

That’s 31 days of doable Elf on the Shelf ideas you can print right off — we’ve done all the work for you!

Elf on the Shelf Surprise Box that says "Surprise I'm Back" and the Scout Elf popping out of the present box
Looky! The Scout Elf is back!

Bookmark this page and come back every day for a new printable or activity.

Elf on the Shelf Props and Easy Ideas

We’ve created unique set of Elf on the Shelf props for you that you can print off and use every day to make moving Elf quick, easy and easy to remember.

Day 1: Elf-Sized Countdown to Christmas

Day 2: Elf-Sized Coloring Book

Day 3: Elf Photo Booth Props

Day 4: Elf on the Shelf Beach Day

Day 5: Elf on the Shelf Yoga Poses

Day 6: Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate

Day 7: Elf on the Shelf Superhero Ideas

Day 8: Elf on the Shelf Mad Scientist

Day 9: Princess Elf on the Shelf

Day 10: Elf on the Shelf Golf

Day 11: Elf on the Shelf Ball Pit

Day 12: Elf on the Shelf Party

Day 13: Elf on the Shelf Treasure Hunt

Day 14: Elf on the Shelf Mustache

Day 15: Elf on the Shelf Cookies

Day 16: Elf on the Shelf Paper Bag Race

Day 17: Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Classroom

Day 18: Basketball Elf on the Shelf

Day 19: Elf on the Shelf in the Car Ideas

Day 20: Elf on the Shelf Exercise

Day 21: Elf on the Shelf Lemonade for Sale

Day 22: Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane

Day 23: Elf on the Shelf Baseball

Day 24: Elf on the Shelf Tic Tac Toe

Day 25: Elf on the Shelf Bake Sale

Day 26: Elf on the Shelf Bingo Cards

Day 27: Elf on the Shelf Toilet Paper Snowman

Day 28: Elf on the Shelf Kindness Cards

Day 29: Elf on the Shelf Zipline

Day 30: Elf on the Shelf Potty Ideas

Day 31: Elf Craft for Preschoolers

Elf on the Shelf Taped To Mirror with lettering on mirror that says, "I'm Back!"
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is fun for kids of all ages…

When Does the Elf on the Shelf Start?

Some families choose to have their scout elf return the day after Thanksgiving, or as soon as their holiday decorations are put up. Others wait until December 1 or a few weeks before Christmas. Whatever you choose, there are tons of fun ways to bring your Elf on the Shelf back from the North Pole.

Elf on the Shelf Notes and Printables

Did your scout elf forget to move last night? Don’t worry! These Elf on the Shelf Notes and Printables have you covered. From excuses to why your elf didn’t move to fun elf-sized coloring pages your kids will love, these printable Elf on the Shelf resources will save your bacon!

More Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Your Elf on the Shelf doesn’t have to be elaborate — sometimes, simple is the way to go. These easy Elf on the Shelf ideas are just what you’re looking for:

Elf on the Shelf Books

Get your kids excited for this tradition by reading Elf on the Shelf Books together. Each scout elf comes with the original Elf on the Shelf story, but there are other stories to tell, too.

Which Elf on the Shelf props are you most excited about?



Welcome to Kids Activities!

My name is Holly Homer & I am the Dallas mom of three boys…

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