The Elf on the Shelf 20th Anniversary Logo. At the top of the logo, the number 20 is spelled out in gold ribbon. Below the 20 is a Scout Elf popping out of a green and gold gift box with his hands up and gold ribbons swirling around him. Below the elf is a gold ribbon with the words "20 Years of Elftastical Stories" written across it.

For twenty years, families have been welcoming Santa’s Scout Elves into their homes—and into their hearts. From their very first Christmas visits to the joyful chaos they inspire each December, these beloved elves have become a cherished part of holiday traditions everywhere.

This year marks a milestone: the 20th anniversary of The Elf on the Shelf, and we’re celebrating in true elf style! To honor two decades of Christmas magic, we’ve gathered 20 brand-new elf ideas, straight from the North Pole’s most creative minds.

If your elf is looking for inspiration for this season’s antics, you’ve come to the right place. After all, no one knows the Scout Elves better than us, the official North Pole source for all things merry, mischievous, and magical.

Twenty for the 20th

Each clickable image below will open up a full how-to guide, complete with step-by-step instructions, printable notes, printable signs and printable decorations so your elf can easily recreate the magic at home. From silly setups to sweet surprises, your elf will have endless ways to keep the season bright.

The Elf on the Shelf stands behind a printable cactus with a sign that says, "Can't Touch This!"

Cactus Cutie

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The Elf on the Shelf lands on a handmade net stuck in the Christmas tree as another elf watches

Landing Zone

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Two Elf on the Shelf elves and an Elf Pets Reindeer stand near a three-level house made of books

I Booked a House

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A Scout Elf sits beside a photograph of a family that has been turned into elves using printable hats and elf bodies

I Elf-ified You!

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A series of images showing an elf beside a pretend cake made of a sponge and sprinkles

Yum, Spongecake!

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A Scout Elf sits beside a stack of tangerines with faces drawn on them, arranged as a choir as if they are singing.

Cutie Choir

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A Scout Elf sits beside four Frost Pips elf babies reading books to them.

Frost Pip Story Time

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Two Scout Elves drive a truck full of moving boxes

Two Elves & a Truck

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A GIF showing one elf holding a candycane striped rope while the other elf descends as if rappelling to a pile of candy

Mission (Im)possible

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GIF showing a girl sleeping, then waking up to see balloons have been tied to her hair, then sitting up in delight.

High-flying Hair Day

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The Elf on the Shelf stands behind a printed paper that looks like an elf x ray image

Elf X-Ray

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Two Scout Elves stand in front of a variety of miniature paintings as if in an art gallery

Tiny Art Gallery

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The Elf on the Shelf rests on a cloud made of cotton balls as if sleeping on air

Cloud 9

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The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf girl holds a hair dryer while The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf boy practices flying in the stream of air

Flying Lessons

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A series of images showing two elves next to a pan of french fries spelling out IS it Fry-yay yet?

Is it Fry-Yay Yet?

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A Scout Elf stands with four different items that look like cheese with a sign saying Food or Fake? asking you to guess which one is real

Food or Fake?

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Christmas bows are attached to the arch of a doorway and two Scout Elves climb them as if on an adventure course

Bow Adventure Course

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A Scout Elf stands beside a tornado made of cotton batting with a variety of items stuck to it

Elf-Nado

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An elf holds a rope as another elf descends toward a pretend pond with crocodiles made of rubber shoes

Danger: Angry Crocodiles

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The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf sits in a paper canoe using sticks as oars as if to "row blocks," a pun on the popular video game platform

Is This How You Row Blocks?

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Why Parents Love These Ideas

Parents have told us again and again that their elves have trouble finding new elf inspiration each year, especially when the holiday season is already so busy. That’s why we’ve made this collection as simple, creative, and ready-to-go as possible.

Each idea is designed to:

  • Encourage wonder and play. Your child’s imagination takes the lead as they discover what their elf has done each morning.
  • A mix of levels. Let’s face it. Some elves just like to keep it simple. But others want to go over the top. These ideas are a mix, so there’s something for every elf— along with an extra sprinkle of magic!
  • Create meaningful memories. These little moments of joy build into lifelong traditions your family will treasure.

Plus, every idea comes straight from the source, so you can trust they’re Santa-approved!

A family with two children celebrates Christmas while eating popcorn and laughing with The Elf on the Shelf in the backgrund

Be sure to stay tuned for even more ideas this season!

This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating the elves. It’s about celebrating YOU, the families who keep the magic alive, year after year. Every laugh, every whispered secret, every morning surprise adds to the story we’ve all been creating together for two decades and counting.

Wishing you all a joy-filled season of laughter and love during this special year and every year to come.