99 Unique Elf on the Shelf Hiding Ideas for Your Apartment
Over the years, Elf on the Shelf has become an increasingly popular tradition for parents to do with their kids. On the one hand, it's really fun to see how kids react to the new hiding spot or mischief of the elf each day. And on the other hand, it can be hard to find something new for the elf to do that the kids haven't seen before.
Some elves make their debut the day after Thanksgiving. Others don't show their face until December. Even so, that's still 24 days of creativity.
Here are a few Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas to get you through the holidays that are easy to pull off in an apartment.
1. The Elf drops in from the North Pole
A couple of helium balloons help your elf's arrival go off without a hitch.
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
2. Hot chocolate hot tub
Hot hot hot … hot chocolate!
Source: raininghotcoupons.com
3. TP tower Elf
Bathroom? Check. Toilet paper? Check.
Source: Pinterest
4. Climber Elf
Just don't look down…
Source: Pinterest
5. Elf rollercoaster
Weeeeeee!
Source: Instagram
6. King Elf
The elf takes the Iron Throne.
Source: seemomclick.com
7. Bow attack!
This one is easy to pull off in an apartment. The bows won't leave marks behind so you don't have to worry about losing your deposit over elf misbehavior.
Source: Pinterest
8. Sleepover in socks!
It's a par-tay!
Source: Pinterest
9. The sick Elf
This move usually buys you a few days of not moving the elf because he's just too sick to move! [Insert evil mom laugh]
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
10. Sprinkle angel
We really like this one because the baking sheet keeps the elf's mess contained.
Source: Pinterest
11. Marshmallow roasting (with a flameless candle)
Who doesn't love a good campfire?
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
12. Damsel in distress
He's holding out for a hero.
Source: fancyshanty.com
13. Utilize your car!
If you're running low on places to hide the elf around your apartment, move him outside to your car. There are so many places to hide!
Source: acraftyfox.blogspot.com
14. Elf in a jar
Because the elf is a jar, your kids can get away with "touching" the elf without him losing his magic. It's a good way to let your kids show the elf around your home and ride to and from school.
Source: mamacheaps.com
15. Cookie time
Have your elf deliver baking supplies to make cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve! This is perfect for a day or two before Christmas.
Photo courtesy of Melisa Raney
16. Frosty the SnowElf
Add a corncob pipe and a button nose and you've got yourself a snowman regardless of the weather.
Source: Elf on the Shelf
17. Minions
Who doesn't love the yellow henchmen? Elf sure does!
Source: Pinterest
18. Orange juice with breakfast, please!
You may not have time to make fresh-squeezed orange juice in the morning, but Elf has enough time!
Source: Laughtard
19. Snowflake mania
Elf loves crafting and making unique snowflakes.
Source: Snowman Crafts
20. Sack races
It may be too cold outside for sack races, but that won't stop the Elf!
Source: Pinterest
21. Snap, Crackle and Pop Elf
Elf loves this marshmallow Rice Krispies treat as much as the next person.
Source: Lovebugs and Postcards
22. Game night
Nothing like a family game of Twister for some family bonding time.
Source: USA Today
23. Gym session
With all the sweets and treats of the holiday season, Elf is taking time for exercise.
Source: The Clickin Moms Blog
24. Inside the wreath
Elf wants some fresh air, so let him rest on the wreath.
Source: Come Together Kids
25. Spiderman traps Elf
Elf obviously does not have spidey-senses as he's been trapped by Spiderman in a web.
Source: Brighter
26. Bandit Elf
Elf was a little tight for cash around the holidays, so he's sneaking some spare change out of the piggy bank.
Source: Daddy By Day
27. Gone fishin'
Elf is very active and loves to go(ld) fish.
Source: Country Living
28. Tightrope Elf
Elf has excellent balance as he scales his way across the tightrope.
Source: Pinterest
29. Rock climbing
Elf has the ability to scale walls — whether they are painted walls or brick, he can scale them all!
Source: Pinterest
30. Yoga
Elves need to stay healthy and flexible so they can have the energy to keep doing their pranks!
Source: POPSUGAR
31. Locked outside
Maybe the elf being locked outside isn't such a bad thing… the house is much cleaner!
Source: Smart School House
32. Potty training
At least he's leaving a mess in the toilet and not somewhere else.
Source: Pinterest
33. Growing pains
“You look quite a bit taller since the last time I saw you… wasn't that yesterday?"
Source: Pinterest
34. Elf plays with the copy machine
Now you have proof of what the elf was up to!
Source: Simple As That
35. Cleaning out the couch
This time, the elf decided to help us out by doing some deep cleaning. Or, maybe he just did it for the couch change — finders, keepers!
Source: Pinterest
36. Elf's travels
Clearly, this elf didn't read about Gulliver, or else he might have seen this coming.
Source: Motley News
37. Hot air balloon ride
Up, up and away!
Source: Pinterest
38. Indoor camping
There's nothing like the great indoors — no bugs, great temperature and indoor plumbing is just down the hall!
Source: The Creek Line House
39. Secret agent elf
Santa gave his elf a secret mission and this elf intends to complete it.
Source: Pinterest
40. Feeding ducks
Let elf enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the pond with his new ducky friends!
Source: Frugal Coupon Living
41. DJ elf
This elf likes to party — but he does it quietly, so he doesn't wake anyone up!
Source: Pinterest
42. A Christmas Story
Unlike Ralphie, this elf actually likes the pajamas Aunt Clara sent.
Source: Pinterest
43. Toilet prank
Jim Halpert would be proud of the work this elf is doing around the house.
Source: Lovebugs and Postcards
44. Snowball fight
Elf and the other toys like to have fun together — even if it makes a little bit of a mess!
Source: Pinterest
45. Darth Vader uses the force
“Elf… I am your father."
Source: Nerdy Mamma
46. Mechanic
Elves are really good at fixing things — especially motors that never ran in the first place.
Source: Pinterest
47. Bath time
Rub-a-dub-dub, there's an elf in the tub.
Source: Pinterest
48. A quick round of pool
Don't be fooled — this little guy can take on even the best pool players.
Source: Jessie Daye
49. The Greatest Showman
Step right up! Come see this elf in action as he clowns around and shows off his talented animals.
Source: Pinterest
50. Massage
After all of the holiday shenanigans, this Elf on the Shelf has been hiding a lot and needs a little bit of rest and relaxation.
Source: Pinterest
51. A day on the golf course
Let's see if our elf friend can get a hole in one!
Source: Pinterest
52. Drive in movie
Elf rolls up to the big screen with his crew of faithful friends. Screening today is a beloved Christmas classic!
Source: City Chic Living
53. Car wash
These elves decided to make sure everyone has clean cars for the holidays (and they're probably making a little extra cash in the process).
Source: The Keeper of the Cheerios
54. Replaced toilet paper
This mischievous elf took the toilet paper and replaced it with something a little less comfortable.
Source: The Pragmatic Parent
55. Reporting to Santa
Our elf lost track of time and had to let Santa know there would be a delay in his daily report. Now we have proof he's been communicating with good Saint Nick!
Source: Lil Boo Blue
56. Family photo prank
The Elf on the Shelf loves the family he spies on, but that won't stop him from pulling a prank and drawing funny things on photos.
Source: Mandy with Multiples
57. Elf goes to the moon
With a little bit of Santa's magic, this elf is taking a trip far, far away from the north pole.
Source: Pinterest
58. People's Sexiest Elf Alive award
When there's no other competition at your house for the "Sexiest Elf Alive" contest, your Elf on the Shelf is going to take advantage of the situation and award himself the honor.
Source: Mommy Evolution
59. Hula dancing
Even your elf wants a little break from the cold weather. He's taking a little vacation and learning how to dance in Hawaii!
Source: That's Country Living
60. Date with Barbie
Elves can fall in love, too! Plus, who can resist Barbie and a nice, sugary snack?
Source: Elf on the Shelf Ideas
61. Gymnastics
This year's summer Olympics inspired this elf and he's trying his hand at the uneven bars.
Source: Sarah Scoop
62. Jurassic adventure
Even though this elf always has a smile on his face, we know he's a little scared of the T-Rex chasing down his Jeep!
Source: Pinterest
63. Selfie time
Some elves like to take selfies — more formally known in the elf world as "elfies."
Source: Learning LiftOff
64. Wheel of Fortune
This elf has the chance to make some serious cash on a time-tested favorite TV show.
Source: Mommy Evolution
65. Surfing
This Elf on the Shelf is catching a wave with his favorite girl, Barbie — it looks like things are getting serious since their first date sipping syrup!
Source: Pinterest
66. Broken leg
Elves can get hurt, too! If kids have a messy room and you've told them to clean it time and time again, your elf can reinforce the message by letting the kiddos know that their room is dangerous for him!
Source: DIY Cuteness
67. Pool of sharks
The Elf on the Shelf is finding him in a bit of a scary situation — he's in a sink full of sharks!
Source: Pinterest
68. Walking the dogs
Talk about doing the most— this helper friend decided to stay out of mischief and help out by taking the dogs for a much-needed walk. Note: If you have a real pet, you can use them to help out with this one.
Source: Pinterest
69. Playing cards
Elf is having a good time playing a round of cards with his friends.
Source: Essex Live
70. Shaving
Apparently this elf can grow facial hair… but he wants to keep his face smooth and soft, so he's doing what anyone else with facial hair must do.
Source: A Small Snippet
71. Sledding down the banister
Grab a shoe and help your elf sled down the banister! Or if you want to get a little more creative, you can make an elf-sized sled from candy canes and construction paper.
Source: Inner Child Fun
72. Baking cookies
Use some cereal (like Fruit Loops or Cheerios) and frosting to showcase your elf's baking skills.
Source: I Heart Arts n Crafts
73. Spidey-elf
This elf is playing superhero for a day! He's got his Spiderman mask on and is hanging by his web (actually, just a piece of thread).
Source: M. Sullivan Photography
74. Christmas treehouse
Your elf has his own treehouse! Build one out of craft foam sheets or popsicle sticks and hang it in your Christmas tree.
Source: Pinterest
75. Roomba around the house
If you have a Roomba or other automatic vacuum that moves around the house, you might find that your elf has turned it into their automobile to get from room to room (while cleaning up the floor a bit).
Source: The Sleepless Mom
76. Ping pong
Challenge the elf to a ping-pong match and see who wins!
Source: Pinterest
77. Marshmallow golf
Because using a normal golf ball would be silly!
Source: Giggles Galore
78. Zen garden
Even elves need a little break from the stress of the holidays.
Source: Pinterest
79. Wrapping paper swing
Playground fun is for elves, too!
Source: Frugal Coupon Lady
80. Elf-sized ball pit
This ball pit is far more delicious than the human-sized ones — it's made of gumballs!
Source: Pinterest
81. Balloon bubble bath
Rub-a-dub-dub, there's an elf in the tub!
Source: Secrets of a Super Mom
82. Minecraft elf disguised as Santa
Santa, is that you? What happened to your head?!
Source: A Little Moore
83. Magic elf slime
As always, our elf friend is making more messes—but this one is a fun one!
Source: Little Bins for Little Hands
84. Stuck in the washing machine
Somehow, our elf got stuck with all of the clothes in the washing machine! How did that happen?
Source: Josh Wood TX
85. Kissing booth
These kisses are kid-approved and tasty!
Source: Living Locurto
86. Beach vacation
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Source: Biscuits 'n Crazy
87. Pool floaty
Just a relaxing day at the pool.
Source: Pinterest
88. Shrinking machine
It looks like elf stole a magic shrinking machine from the North Pole!
Source: Pinterest
89. Melted snowman
Oh no! Elf didn't realize the snowman would melt in the house!
Source: Pinterest
90. Space elf
These elves tried to join one of Elon Musk's space missions!
Source: Pinterest
91. Zoom meeting
Along with lots of other people, these elves are working remotely!
Source: Pinterest
92. Elf hacks tech devices
This elf has some mad tech-hacking skills!
Source: Bow and Rattle
93. Frozen
Elsa got a hold of our elf this time! Now is this a bad thing… or did it keep him out of other trouble?
Source: Pinterest
94. Movie night with elf
Watch your favorite Christmas movie with your elf and enjoy some sweet treats.
Source: Mom Wife Busy Life
95. Real life Candy Crush
Play your favorite game with elf — but in real life!
Source: Pinterest
96. Playing the drums
Don't worry — he won't play them loud enough to wake the kids!
Source: Prudent Penny Pincher
97. Stranger Things invasion
Stranger Things has escaped the big screen and come to haunt the elf!
Source: Madison Cypher
98. Portrait painter elf
Elves enjoy learning new skills, like painting portraits!
Source: Woman's Day
99. Make a rainbow
This elf is using Skittles to make a magic rainbow!
Source: Paging Fun Mums!
Get in this spirit with these Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas
Moving the elf is a beloved family tradition that children love. These Elf on the Shelf hiding ideas can help you keep the magic alive for your children during the holiday season.