Ever since Elf On The Shelf came out in 2005, people have been very creative about the ways they staged their own elves. There have been so many cool interpretations.
So I wanted to give you a rundown of some of the most popular Elf On The Shelf ideas in case you’re running out of your own this year. Check these out and they’ll surely give you a chuckle.
The Picture Swap Idea

Ha, ha, ha. I love the look on this mischevious elf trying to get away with swapping all your family’s photos for his own. Genius.
The Pooping Elf
Oh no! Not the pooping elf idea. LOL! This one is both gross and cute at the same time. Are you gonna eat these? Ha, ha.
“I Peed Myself” Elf
If you’re gonna do a “number two” with your elf, then, of course, you may as well do a “number one,” too. This one always cracks me up.
The “Harry Potter” Elf

One of the most original and probably the first viral Elf On The Shelf Ideas still looks so good. Stick to the classics, I say.
5. “Frozen” Elf
You can blame Frozen for this seemingly cruel yet really funny Elf On The Shelf idea. I feel so bad for him, though. Poor little guy.
“Titanic” Elf
Here’s the Elf On The Shelf recreating the famous scene from Titanic when Jack and Rose go flying together. What a classic moment. You loved it, admit it!
“Star Wars” Elf
When Star Wars made a comeback in 2015, people started creating lots of fun Star Wars -inspired Elf On The Shelf scenes like this one.
Wookie Elf
This one, too. Oh, that’s so cute. I hope Chewy behaves himself this time and doesn’t go for a snack. I feel bad for those scared Porgs.
“Spider-Man” Elf
Then, there’s this cool and mischevious Spider-Man-inspired Elf On The Shelf Idea. Are they working together or going against each other? What do you think?
This Interrogation Elf Idea
OMG, that’s taking things just a little bit extreme. Ha, ha. This is probably my favorite idea so far. Going a bit dark but it’s pretty funny.
Buddy The Elf Spaghetti
As we know elves like to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. That’s quite the meal. Ha, ha!
Melted Snowman Scene
Elves have a way of always getting back at the snowman every chance they get. This was always a popular Elf On The Shelf scenario.
Mr. Rogers Elf
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood thanks to this cheerful elf. The attention to detail here is impressive.
Marshmallow Elf
In this cute idea, the Elf On The Shelf is having some mischievous fun with marshmallows. Don’t leave him home alone again.
Potato Chip Elf
Ah! This one is a little dark (but also weirdly making me crave potato chips). Sorry, Mr. Potato Head!
Snack Elf
This sneaky elf knew how to get to the best treats in the kitchen. These elves never seem to stop eating, do they?
Starbucks Elf
I guess even elves need their daily fix of Starbucks. I bet they go with the classic peppermint mocha.
Peanuts Elf
I love seeing this elf hanging out with the Peanuts gang and wearing his Charlie Brown sweater. Such a cute idea!
19. Candy Crush Elf
This spin on the popular game is hilarious! I guess everyone is addicted to Candy Crush in one form or another.
Toilet Paper Snowman
This idea is festive, funny, and super easy to copy. Just grab some toilet paper and a marker to try it with your own elves.
“Mission Impossible” Elf
This elf will give Tom Cruise a run for his money with these stunts. I guess elves have a real sense of adventure.
Beach Elf
Elves need a vacation just like everybody else. I’m just wondering how he recruited Ken to hold the umbrella for him.
Photocopy Elf
No one, not even an elf, can resist photocopying themselves. Anyone else starting to think that these elves are more trouble than they’re worth?
“Baby Shark” Elf
Yes, this song has even found its way into Christmas. If you aren’t tired of this song yet, this is a pretty cute idea for your elf.
So which one is your favorite Elf On The Shelf scenario?
Or do you have an original idea nobody has even thought of yet? Spill the beans here, please.