14 Fun Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Scavenger hunts are the ultimate kids' activity. Who hasn’t seen a favorite children’s show episode where they do a crazy scavenger hunt and then been inspired to make one for their kids?

And then it was way too much work, so it fell through? Well, this post provides the setup for you to help things move along. Kids will love the candy cane scavenger hunt as one
last elf gift.

So last year’s candy cane scavenger hunt was a big success, but does this year need to be even bigger? No worries. The free Elf on the Shelf printables let kids search for several different Christmas-themed items each day leading up to Christmas. It even leaves it open-ended so you can choose the amounts and the order.

How about celebrating Christmas Eve with an elf-themed movie? These little elf hat snacks are easy for kids to help out with, and then everyone can enjoy them during the movie. And while Elf seems like a slam dunk, there are actually multiple elf-related movies that would fit the bill.

While the elf’s antics and gifts might make it feel like he’s almost part of the family, there are some limits. For example, he’s too shy to talk, so interactions tend to be one-sided. As a result, saying goodbye on Christmas Eve can feel a little strange.

Luckily, these Elf on the Shelf goodbye letters help the little guy express himself. Plus, the free printable
letters come in various styles to better suit your elf’s personality.

This next Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf idea shows that a fun sendoff for the elf doesn’t have to be a big, complicated affair. The hot chocolate gift is something that kids can enjoy on Christmas Eve night while telling the elf bye until next year.

If cocoa sounds good, but you’re looking for something more, combine that with this printable. Let the elf have his own cocoa bar so everyone can share the love. A hot chocolate party just before bed on Christmas Eve is such a fun idea.

Sometimes it’s not just about the activities, though. This post is all about making a great Christmas Eve box. Use the free printables included to help things along, but add your own games, activities, and snacks to assemble a box full of family favorites.

This way everyone will look forward to the elf bringing out the box the night before Christmas.

Create lasting memories on Christmas Eve with this Elf on the Shelf movie night idea. The article offers free DIY props and printables that the elf can drop off to make your night extra special.

Follow the simple steps to make a festive balloon garland. Your kids will be delighted when they find their elf on Christmas Eve with this cute and colorful garland.

Baking cookies is a Christmas Eve tradition for many families. Want to make the tradition extra special this year? This Elf on the Shelf baking cookies idea is perfect! With a free printable sign, you can quickly create a magical scene and enjoy quality time together.

These elf cookies take your Christmas Eve cookie tradition to the next level. This cookie recipe is an Elf on the Shelf food idea that is cute to look at and tastes fantastic.

Need some more Elf on the Shelf cookie inspiration? Make detailed elf sugar cookies with beginner-level designs using simple techniques. No fancy icing or specialty piping tips are needed.

Unleash the inner chef of your elf with this copycat IHOP Elf on The Shelf pancake recipe. Create a batch of fluffy green pancakes complemented by cream cheese icing, whipped cream, and elf sprinkles. The kids will be surprised by this special breakfast from their elf on Christmas Eve morning.

And for families who aren’t quite ready to let the elf leave the shelf just yet, there is the magical mason jar craft idea. A regular quart jar is transformed into a carrier for the elf so kids can take him around the house, even outside, without touching him. This Elf on the Shelf idea lets them get a little more hands-on than usual, giving the elf a proper sendoff.