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New Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2021

Drumroll, please! Without further ado, introducing the latest, greatest Elf on the Shelf ideas for 2021! Featuring new and easy stunts, these elf ideas are certain to inspire all your elf’s 2021 adventures. We know your Scout Elf is itching to fly back for the season. They’ll be home soon to wow you with one of these original elf ideas!

Click each picture for full instructions for your Scout Elf.

Christmas Color Wheel

Elf with water candy magic trick plate

Christmas Spirit is swirling with this red and green color wheel and magic trick all in one!

Materials:

  • Plate
  • Red and green coated candy
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Your Scout Elf will arrange a circle of red and green coated candy on a plate.
  2. They’ll leave a glass of water next to them, and when you find them, you can pour the water on the candy and watch the magical, red and green surprise!

The Masked Scout Elf

Group of elves wearing printable masks

A masked choir was spotted singing Christmas carols. Will your Scout Elf be among those belting out happy holiday tunes?

Materials:

  • Color printer
  • Card stock/paper
  • Printable
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Material to create curtain

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will print and cut out the printable.
  2. They will use tape to attach a mask to themself and to some friends.
  3. They will set up a small curtain using material.
  4. When you wake to the sound of music, you’ll spot the masked choir, but which mask will your Scout Elf be behind?

Scout Elf to the Rescue!

Elf in fireman outfit saving an Arctic Fox mini from a tree

Your Scout Elf will be this year’s holiday hero! Sporting their Chief of Cheer Firefighter Set, they’ll rescue an Elf Pets® Mini from the Christmas tree.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will put on their Chief of Cheer Firefighter Set.
  2. They will build a ladder using straws and wooden craft sticks.
  3. They will glue two straws together, twice (once for the left and once for the right).
  4. They will glue wooden craft sticks horizontally across the two straws to create ladder rungs.
  5. They will make their ascent on the ladder to rescue an Elf Pets® Mini from the Christmas tree.

View Claus Couture Collection®

TP Christmas Tree

Elf with toilet paper Christmas tree

Leave it to your Scout Elf to turn a simple toilet paper stack-up into snazzy Christmas décor. The more sparkle, the better!

Materials:

  • Toilet paper
  • Yellow construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Miniature Christmas lights/ornaments

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will stack six rolls of toilet paper into a pyramid shape.
  2. They will decorate the TP tree with miniature Christmas lights and ornaments.
  3. They’ll add a finishing touch by taping a star cut out of yellow construction paper to the top of the tree.

Get Well Soon

Elf in foot cast and hospital gown with 'get well soon' printable

Your Scout Elf had a minor accident, and Santa gave them a Get Well Soon card. They have another card for you, too, in case you’re feeling under the weather!

Materials:

  • Claus Couture Collection® Elf Care Kit
  • Color printer
  • Card stock/paper
  • Printable
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will put on their Elf Care Kit.
  2. They will print and cut out the printable cards, one for them and one for you!
  3. They will wait for you to find them and read your Get Well Card. Then, you all can rest up together.

Dino Dough Designs

Elves and clay dinosaurs with clay decorations

Your Scout Elf had a roaring good playtime! A little modeling clay added pops of color to your toy dinosaurs.

Materials:

  • Modeling clay
  • Toy dinosaurs or other animals

Instructions:

  1. While playing with some of your toys, your elf used modeling clay to “decorate” the dinosaurs.

“Tutu” Cute Scout Elf

Elf with magical standing tutu outfit on top of music box

Your Scout Elf is a dancing queen—the Tiny Tidings Tutu keeps her on her toes to live out her ballerina dreams!

Materials:

  • Claus Couture Collection® MagiFreez™ Tiny Tidings Tutu
  • Jewelry box

Instructions:

  1. Your Scout Elf loves ballet, so she will put on her Tiny Tidings Tutu and prepare for a perfect presentation.

View Claus Couture Collection®

Present Pile-Up Board Game

Elves playing Present Pile-Up Board Game

Aim! Toss! In to win! Scout Elves love to practice loading Santa’s sleigh by playing the Present Pile-Up Board Game, a mini version of the North Pole’s Christmas Eve prep.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will set up the Present Pile-Up Board Game and take a shot at tossing the presents into Santa’s sleigh.
  2. When you wake, you’ll play!

Scout Elf Kazoo Band

Elves playing kazoos

Buzz! Buzz! Your Scout Elf gathered kazoos and friends to form a harmonious band.

Materials:

  • Kazoo

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will practice their favorite tunes on their kazoo. Then, you can try your hand with the musical instrument. Will you be able to carry a tune in a bucket?

Candy Rock Climb

Elf with candy rock climbing wall and printable sign

Who doesn’t love a challenge…especially when it involves candy?! Your Scout Elf scaled this candy climb…and they may have snuck in a sweet treat along the way.

Materials:

  • Color printer
  • Card stock/paper
  • Printable
  • Scissors
  • Tape/glue dots
  • Gummy bears

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will set up for their climb by attaching gummy bears to a wall or window using tape or glue dots.
  2. They will print and cut out the printable sign and trophy.
  3. They will scale the candy climb, trying not to eat too many gummy bears before reaching the top.
  4. They will celebrate their victory and wait for you to wake to see them!

Find the Elf

Elf with printable 'find the elf' cards

Does your Scout Elf have 20/20 vision? They’ll find out when they search for the hidden elves and Elf Pets in these free printables. Then, it’ll be your turn to put your skills to the test!

Materials:

  • Color printer
  • Card stock/paper
  • Printable
  • Scissors
  • Pen

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will print and cut out the printable.
  2. They’ll see how keen their eyesight is when they search the printables for the hidden elves and Elf Pets.
  3. When you wake, you can give it a go!

Indoor Christmas Camping

Elf with coloring sleeping bag and printable coloring tent

Your Scout Elf is ready to snuggle up in their Doodles and Dreams Sleeping Bag and camp out for the night by the Christmas tree!

Materials:

  • Claus Couture Collection® Doodles and Dreams Sleeping Bag
  • Printer
  • Card stock/paper
  • Printable
  • Scissors
  • Crayons/markers

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will print and cut out the printable.
  2. They will use crayons/markers to color and decorate the printable tent, fire and other camping props.
  3. They will fold the printable tent.
  4. They will get cozy in their Doodles and Dreams Sleeping Bag.
  5. They will enjoy a night of camping “under the Christmas lights.”

If you loved these ideas, check out The Best of 2020: Elf on the Shelf Ideas for additional inspiration.

Before you or your elf get to work recreating any of these inspirational photos, be sure to read these safety warnings. Santa wants to make sure everyone stays safe!