25 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas + Elf on the Shelf Calendar Printable

If you have an Elf on the Shelf, you know how excited your kids are for their arrival every winter! So let us help take some of the work out of planning your Elf’s adventures with this Elf on the Shelf Calendar Printable and Elf on the Shelf Ideas! 

After Halloween, I start planning my winter calendar. It’s my favorite time of the year, because I love all the fun activities and traditions! 

My family agrees with me. They love winter as well! I often overhear my kids telling each other Elf on the Shelf Jokes and quizzing each other with our Christmas Movie Trivia. I think it’s so fun to whip up a quick batch of cookies, like our Soft and Chewy Eggnog Cookies, and cuddle up under a blanket to watch classic Christmas movies.

But, if you’re like me, you have a love/hate relationship with your Elf on the Shelf. On the one hand, you love the magic and laughter that the Elf on the Shelf brings to the Christmas season. 

On the other hand, all the planning and preparation that goes into setting up the Elf on the Shelf escapades can be overwhelming and give me anxiety trying to plan and remember to move the dang elf. 

I’m always worried that I will forget to move him one night, and my kids will never forgive me! Thankfully, our Elf on the Shelf Calendar helps me stay on track and prepared so I can kiss Elf on the Shelf anxiety goodbye! 

Rules for Elf on the Shelf

If you’re new to having an Elf on the Shelf, remember these basic rules:

1. The most important rule is that human hands can not touch your Elf! If they are touched, they lose their magic and must return to the North Pole to recharge.
2. When your elf arrives, it’s your family’s job to give him or her a name. Have fun with it! We have a huge list of Elf on the Shelf Name ideas if you need some inspiration. 
3. The Elves can’t talk or move during the daytime. But they’re great listeners and quietly observe everyone until they report back to Santa. Elves are a great way to make sure Santa knows your Christmas wish!
4. On Christmas Eve, all elves are called back to the North Pole to help Santa prepare for delivering gifts all over the world. Don’t worry; your Elf on the Shelf will return next year!

Ways to Use Calendar

The Elf on the Shelf Calendar Printable is perfect for planning fun ideas for your Elf! In the download, there are two calendar options:

1. A blank calendar for you to fill in your own fabulous ideas for your Elf on the Shelf to complete! 
2. A completed 25-day calendar that’s filled with fun ideas for your Elf to do, making your life a little bit easier! 

You can take some of the work out of planning by using our ideas and pairing them with some of your own! With this Elf on the Shelf Calendar, you’ll be prepared to start December with a bang!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Add to Your Elf on the Shelf Calendar

Here is a great list of different ideas that your Elf on the Shelf can do each morning. Some are simple and require no prep (my favorite!), while some you may need to set up. No matter what you choose your kids are going to love your Elf appearing each morning! 

Don’t forget the Elf on the Shelf Arrival letter if it is your first year having an elf on the shelf or if you have a new elf joining the fun! And if the kids are acting naughty, don’t forget to set up the Elf on the Shelf camera and send the kids an Elf on the Shelf Warning letter. 

1. Elf in the fridge
2. Elf doing crafts
3. Elf brushing teeth
4. Elf making hot cocoa – set up our Elf on the Shelf hot cocoa booth!
5. Elf kissing booth (free printable available!)
6. Elf making tacos
7. Elf snowball fights
8. Elf playing twister
9. Elf in the Silverware drawer
10. Elf asking for toy donations (great way to clean out right before Christmas!)
11. Elf making snow angels in flour
12. Yoga Elf
13. Elf playing with Legos
14. Elf photo booth with props (printable available!)
15. Elf zip lining using a candy cane
16. Elf playing cards (a family favorite!)
17. Pin the nose on the snowman
18. Elf in superhero costumes
19. Elf in the ball pit
20. Elf Scavenger hunt
21. Elf playing mini golf
22. Elf coloring
23. Elf on the tree
24. Elf in the stocking
25. Elf on the Shelf jokes
26. Elf goodbye letter

Do you have other Elf on the Shelf Ideas? Share them in the comments for other moms and dads!

Grab your free Elf on the shelf printable calendar

Download your free Elf on the Shelf Printable Calendar below to simplify your December! 

Don’t forget to share your elf on the shelf activities with us on Instagram! Tag us @micheletripple. We can’t wait to see the fun!

How Do I access my free printables?

Fill in the form above. You will receive an email in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder! You will then click to confirm your subscription. Once confirmed, you will be sent your printable through your email.

How Do I Print a PDF?

You’ll need a program that supports PDFs. Adobe Acrobat is a great option. Open the program, click File, then print. Select your printer and the number of copies you want to print. Be sure you click double-sided if you want it to print on both sides.

Can I resell these?

You may not resell any printable found on our website or in our resource library. You may use them for class parties, at church, at home, or in the classroom. You may get these printed at an office supply store or copy center at your own expense.