Great ideas for elf on the shelf printable props, recipes, and activities.
The holiday season is full of magic, and our Elf on the Shelf round-up brings together all the best ideas in one place! From printable games and coloring pages to sweet treats and crafty surprises, there’s something for every family to enjoy.
Our elf’s name is Loot, and gosh, he is a crazy one. Now that the kids are older, we never know who will move him or when he might end up from day to day.
Whether you’re new to elf adventures or a seasoned pro, these ideas make December mornings extra special. Get ready to be inspired and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Elf on the Shelf Recipes
Here are some of our favorite Elf on the Shelf recipes to create yummy treats!
The magic of Christmas is not determined by age. That is the biggest lesson from our elf. Here are some Elf on the Shelf ideas, recipes, and printables.
Mischief Munch Snack Mix is sure to be a total hit!
This delicious hot cocoa recipe is sure to create magical memories with your elf.
Create mini donuts from cereal with this great elf on the shelf printable prop idea.
Elf on the Shelf Mini Sugar Cookies are the perfect size for sharing in gift baskets and during holiday parties!
Halfway homemade Elf on the Shelf Snowman Cupcakes are quick and asy to make with a box cake mix base.
Elf on the Shelf Printables
Print, craft, bake, or play—there’s no wrong way to add a little elf magic to your home.
Each idea is designed to spark creativity, joy, and laughter throughout the holiday season.
Download this adorable set of tags to create some elf fun. Use the tags with coordinating items to be a little silly and create some magic.
When it comes to elf on the shelf ideas and printables, this one is a total winner! Print this FREE Elf on the Shelf Paper Doll using watercolor paper (if you want to use watercolor paints)!
Paint the elf and the accessories. I am in love with the watercolor paint pods from Ooly. They are not too expensive and work fabulously. You can use my affiliate link and grab them on Amazon! Cut out the pieces and assemble using tiny clothespins. Of course, tape or glue would work too!
Bring a little extra cheer to your elf’s nightly adventures with this fun Elf on the Shelf printable word search game!
Get ready to sprinkle some extra holiday joy into your home with this adorable Elf on the Shelf printable coloring page!
Add a dash of holiday fun to your elf’s daily surprises with these adorable Elf on the Shelf printable gift tags!
Elf on the Shelf Activities
Now that you’ve explored our Elf on the Shelf round-up, it’s time to pick your favorites and start planning the fun.
Keep coming back for even more whimsical elf inspiration and festive printables!
Share your elf reading a book. The Rebel Girl series is one of our favorites! Then the book makes a great kickoff gift for the season!
Get a pair of holiday socks for the elf to use as a sleeping bag. The bonus is a new pair of socks for someone in the family!
Here is one of my favorite ideas from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama because….JOKES!!!
The elf is adorable, playing with a tiny pack of clay that has bright colors and is air-dry.
One of our favorite stores Beyond the Blackboard in Colorado has SOOOOO many great things to go with your elves.
Creating sassy and quirky decorations for the holidays is always fun and my crafty friend Creatively Beth’s Elf Clothesline Garland with FREE Printable Patterns is the perfect project to craft up in an afternoon with the kiddos!
I would LOVE to know some of your elf ideas. Share them and spread some holiday magic.
Best Ways to Use Free Printables
You might have seen this list from me before but I think it is worth sharing over and over. Sometimes the people in the back need to hear things a few times, right? There are so many great ways to use free printables. Here are some of my favorites.
- Print them and mail in an envelope with a stamp. Snail mail rocks.
- Batch some up to make an activity book. This is great for a road trip!
- Print and use at a place setting on the table to create a conversation starter.
- Add them to goody bags. By the way, goody bags are not just for birthday parties.
- Package them up with your favorite markers and crayons to give as a gift.
- Drop a few off at the local coffee shop with fun pencils to spread some happy.
- Cut them up to make cards, gift wrap and decorations.
BEST Tools For Working With Free Printables
These are my favorite tools and art supplies to use with free printables and why I love them too.
- Printer – This Laser Printer is inexpensive and works like a charm. It even works with Alexa. Bonus!
- Scissors – Lots of printables can be cut up to create decorations and cards and things like that.
- Markers and Crayons – All thing ooly work the best for me. I LOVE all of their markers, pencils and crayons.
- Colored Pencils – For adult coloring, PRISM makes the colored pencils that I love to use most.
- Twine – For creating banners and garlands from printables, I love this twine best.
- Adhesive – Lots of printables have pieces that get cut out and put together. This is my fave tape runner!
Reasons To Do Elf on the Shelf
There are so many reasons to get your Elf on the Shelf game going this holiday season. If you are curious as to why it makes so much sense, here are some of my favorites.
- Elf on the Shelf Creates Holiday Magic -The idea of a little “scout elf” visiting every night taps into kids’ sense of wonder. It can make December feel extra special and exciting.
- Daily Joy and Laughter – Setting up silly or creative elf scenes—whether mischievous or heartwarming—gives kids something to look forward to each morning.
- Fun Family Tradition – Many families enjoy building traditions, and the elf becomes something kids talk about, remember, and even pass down.
- Encourages Imagination – Kids often talk to the elf, write notes, or make up stories about what it’s doing. It becomes a fun imaginary world they get to participate in.
- 5. Conversation Starter -It naturally opens up sweet moments—talking about kindness, gratitude, helping others, or even just being silly for the sake of fun.
- Shared Creativity (for parents too!) – For parents who like crafts or humor, it’s a chance to be playful. It’s also an excuse to slow down and do something whimsical.
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about these fun Elf on the Shelf ideas! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
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XOXO,
Laura
PS: Here are a couple of other FREE Christmas Printables.
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