Elf Ideas for Kids

Make December magical for little ones with our collection of elf ideas for kids. These setups are sweet, simple and full of festive fun – designed to bring smiles without any mess or mayhem. Perfect for families who love Christmas traditions that are easy to manage but full of wonder.

From kid friendly elf ideas that encourage kindness to gentle naughty elf ideas for kids that bring a giggle, you’ll find something for every age and sense of humour. Toddlers will love the bright, easy-to-spot scenes, while older kids enjoy following your elf’s cheeky adventures.

Our Christmas elf ideas for kids are quick to set up, family-tested and guaranteed to spark excitement each morning. Scroll through the gallery below and start creating your own magical December moments.

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Funny elf idea – the miniature light tangle

Tom’s elf tangled loosely in non-lighting miniature coloured bulb garlands beside a bare cardboard Christmas tree

The elf meant to decorate the tree and decorated himself instead. A funny scene with miniature faux bulb garlands or paper bulbs on spare string.

Elf activity idea – beat the elf’s maze time

Tom’s elf with blue square, green triangle and purple circle miniature ball mazes and a beat my time note

The elf has set a miniature ball-maze challenge. Children can try to beat his pretend time or make a free paper maze of their own.

Elf activity idea – the elf lotto mix-up

Tom’s elf and a teddy playing Elf Lotto with one uncovered printed window and a missing-elf challenge note

The elf has nearly filled his lotto house but is waving the wrong tile. Children can find the matching elf, then play the Christmas game.

Funny elf idea – the unicorn rainbow poop surprise

Tom’s elf in a white and pink unicorn outfit beside rainbow craft pom-poms and a unicorn poop note

The elf became a unicorn and left a ridiculous rainbow surprise made from craft pom-poms. Use the onesie or a free paper horn and white-fabric disguise.

Funny elf idea – the roller-skate snowbank crash

Tom’s elf seated in a cotton-wool snowbank wearing black roller skates with yellow wheels

The elf tried roller skating and ended up in a cotton-wool snowbank. A supported static crash scene with a miniature skate set or cardboard boots.

Funny elf idea – the doughnut bakery mix-up

Tom’s elf wearing a pink doughnut costume at a homemade bakery with a teddy and a not for sale note

The elf dressed as a doughnut and his teddy customer has misunderstood. A pretend bakery joke with a bought costume or a cardboard doughnut.

Funny elf idea – the present with feet

Tom’s elf dressed as a homemade red gift box with green ribbon, red legs and a do not shake note

One Christmas present has a face, mittens and feet. Make a gift-box elf disguise with a costume or the homemade cardboard version in our picture.

Elf surveillance idea – Santa’s little lookout

Tom’s elf with his yellow cheek paint, on duty beside an elf camera and an Elf Surveillance sign

The elf is on duty, keeping an eye on the children’s good behaviour and reporting back to Santa. Use an elf camera, surveillance sign or a homemade version.

Funny elf idea – spot the odd banana

Tom’s elf wearing a yellow banana costume while hiding among bananas in a fruit bowl

The elf has disguised himself as a banana in the fruit bowl. A quick spot-the-elf joke with a banana outfit or a homemade yellow-paper disguise.

Two elves idea – the pillow-fight get-along shirt

Tom’s elf and a second official elf sharing a get-along shirt after a miniature pillow fight

Two elves have had a miniature pillow fight and Santa has put them in one get-along shirt. Make the silly scene with an accessory or a scrap-fabric version.

Funny elf idea – the sock crocodile swing

Tom’s elf on a red wooden swing above a blue paper pond with two sock crocodiles

The elf swings over a pond full of sock crocodiles. A funny low-level scene with a wooden swing and a free cardboard-seat alternative.

Elf goodbye idea – the goodbye-to-the-house tour

Tom’s yellow-smudged elf beside a My favourite places board with drawings of a living room, kitchen, bedroom and hallway.

The elf remembers four favourite places in the house on a handmade farewell tour board.

Elf goodbye idea – the final surprise envelope trail

Tom’s yellow-smudged elf beside pastel surprise envelopes labelled Now, Tonight and Tomorrow.

Three labelled envelopes leave small family activities to enjoy before and after the elf’s departure.

Elf goodbye idea – the goodbye story starter

Tom’s yellow-smudged elf beside crayons and a What happens next story sheet with space for a picture.

The departing elf leaves a travel-story starter for the family to finish with words or a picture.

Elf goodbye idea – the thank-you paper rosette

Tom’s yellow-smudged elf beside a red pleated paper rosette on cardboard with a Thank you, family centre.

Personalise a blank thank-you rosette for the family, or fold the free paper version shown in the photo.