Scout Elves—you’ve hit the jackpot if you’re searching for elf ideas that double as cute and creative! See below for a variety of Elf on the Shelf ideas that can meet any of your needs. Do you love downloading free printables to help you out, do you like using cool products to aid in setting up your scenes or do you just need inspiration to spark your creativity? See below for an all-encompassing gallery of elf ideas images.
Click each picture for full instructions for your Scout Elf.

You’ve Got Mail!
Special delivery! Your elf brought these little letters just for you. Open the tiny envelopes to reveal the special notes.
Materials:
- Color printer
- Card stock/paper
- Printable
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
- First, your elf will print and cut out the printable.
- They will fold the envelopes and leave the elf letters out for you to read.

Scout Elf Day Trip
Lucky you! Santa has given permission for you to carry your Scout Elf around for the day, thanks to this special day trip pass.
Materials:
- Color printer
- Card stock/paper
- Printable
- Scissors
- Large, clear jar
Instructions:
- First, your elf will print and cut out the printable.
- They will leave the special day trip pass note next to a large, clear jar they will be seated in.
- For the day, you will be able to carry your Scout Elf with you wherever you go. How cool!

Scout Elf Snow Angel
It’s marshmallow mayhem, and your Scout Elf is loving it. Now, they can make the perfect “snow angel!”
Materials:
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Your Scout Elf will scatter many marshmallows on the counter, hop in the pile and begin making a snow angel!

Sparkling in the Spotlight
With this sparkling purple tulle elf tutu, your Scout Elf will be feeling fancy. She is a festive fashionista!
Materials:
- Claus Couture Collection® Sugar Plum Party Dress
Instructions:
- Your Scout Elf is feeling extra fun, so she will slip into her Sugar Plum Party Dress and get ready to dance the night away!

Spitting Image
Magic mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest Scout Elf of them all? Kids will love looking like a Scout Elf when they spot their reflection in the mirror!
Materials:
- Color printer
- Card stock/paper
- Printable
- Mirror
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
- Your elf will print and cut out the Scout Elf hat and collar.
- They will tape it to a mirror and wait nearby for you to spot your reflection. In no time, you’ll look like your favorite seasonal visitor!

Christmas Movie Night Tips
Lights, camera, action! Get ready for at-home movie night with your Scout Elf and Elf Pets. With this caddy filled with snacks, you’ll be ready to grab a blanket and tune in for showtime.
Materials:
- Snack caddy or bento box
- Individual snack bags
- Movie snacks i.e. popcorn, candy, fruit, etc.
- Elf Pets® Reindeer
- Bin
- Wrapping paper
- Christmas movies or animated specials i.e. this season’s new Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue
Instructions:
- First, your elf will fill a snack caddy or bento box with your favorite movie snacks.
- Then, they will wrap your favorite Christmas movies or animated specials and store them in a bin.
- Finally, they will hang out with the Elf Pets® Reindeer until you find them. Together, you all can sit down for a cozy movie night!

Christmas Storybook Collection
The Elf on the Shelf® and Elf Pets® are characters in their very own books. They’re excited to share them with your family and their arctic friends thanks to these tiny printable books. Featured books include The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, Elf Pets: A Reindeer Tradition, Elf Pets: A Saint Bernard Tradition, Elf Pets: An Arctic Fox Tradition and The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas.
Materials:
- Color printer
- Card stock/paper
- Printable
- Scissors
Instructions:
- First, your elf will print and cut out the printable.
- They will fold the books according to the printable instructions and sit down to read their favorite Christmas stories!

Scout Elf Ski Trip
It’s time to shred the slopes! Packed with the necessary equipment and accessories, this play set will leave your elf ready for a day full of fun in the snow.
Materials:
Instructions:
- Your elf will unpack the Snow Play Set, put on their boots, skis and goggles, spread out the snow and get ready for a day full of snowy adventures.

Christmas Pancake Party
It’s a festive flapjack party when your Scout Elf returns home for the holidays! They’ll make a grand entrance by whipping up delicious pancakes for you all to enjoy together.
Materials:
- Pancakes prepared according to favorite recipe
- Array of fruit, candy and other toppings depending on the pancake
- Raspberries
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini and regular chocolate chips
- Bananas
- Brown decorating icing
- Blue decorating icing
- Powdered sugar
- Dried cherries
- Strawberries
- Dried mangos
- Blue coated candies
- Blueberry
- Bacon
- Blackberry
- Yellow chocolate coated candy
Instructions:
- Your Scout Elf will get busy in the kitchen whipping up a batch up pancakes.
- Then, they will use an array of fruit, candy and other toppings to create pancakes that resemble themself or their furry friends!

Christmas Candy Overload
A Scout Elf can never eat too much candy…or can they? Your Scout Elf got into the Christmas candy and may have given themself a tummy ache. Whoops!
Materials:
- Wrapped candy
- Empty candy wrappers
Instructions:
- Your elf will unwrap Christmas candy to eat and enjoy. One small problem…they don’t know when to stop!

Printable Christmas Activities
Color however you feel inspired to with these free and fun printable Christmas activities! Your family and friends can join in on the fun and complete together.
Materials:
- Printer
- Card stock/paper
- Printable
- Scissors
- Coloring pencils
Instructions:
- Your elf will print the Christmas activity sheets and cut out the mini versions for themself.
- They will leave the sheets next to them and wait for you to find them, so you all can color or fill in the activity sheets together.

Oh, Snowman Tree!
Is this how you decorate a Christmas tree? Your Scout Elf skipped the ornaments and used toilet paper instead to transform the Christmas tree into a snowman. “Snow” silly!
Materials:
- Toilet paper
- Black, white and orange construction paper
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
- Your elf will use toilet paper to wrap your Christmas tree.
- Then, they will cut a black hat, an orange nose and circles for eyes and a mouth out of construction paper.
- They will tape the finishing touches onto the Christmas tree turned snowman!
Inspiration for elf ideas is endless! Check out the elf ideas gallery to inspire your elf.
Before you or your elf get to work recreating any of these inspirational photos, be sure to read these safety warnings. Santa wants to make sure everyone stays safe!