11 Elf on the Shelf Ideas Your Preschooler Will Love
Elf on the Shelf ideas don’t have to be elaborate or exhausting to be fun. I know how overwhelming it can feel to come up with something new every night, especially during an already busy season. The good news is that preschoolers don’t need big setups or Pinterest-perfect scenes to feel the magic.
Simple, playful moments are more than enough. In this post, I’m sharing easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that are quick to set up, low-pressure, and actually enjoyable for little learners and the grown-ups helping them along.
If you want it slightly warmer, slightly shorter, or even more no-prep-focused, I can tweak it fast.
At a Glance
• Best for: Preschoolers ages 3–5
• Setup time: 1–5 minutes
• Prep level: Low to no prep
• Skills supported: Early literacy, counting, fine motor, playful problem-solving
• When to use: December mornings, circle time, or as a simple daily surprise
• What to expect: Easy wins, simple setups, and ideas that don’t add stress
Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Preschoolers
Ready to bring some extra giggles and holiday cheer to your home or classroom? These Elf on the Shelf ideas are fun, easy, and perfect for little ones! Whether your elf is getting into silly mischief or helping with a craft, there’s something here for everyone. Take a peek at these cute ideas below—and if one catches your eye, click through for the complete how-to!
???? Each year when elf arrives, make it super easy. We use this Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter. Print it, plug in your child’s name, sign it with your elf’s name, and you are all set. A personal letter from the good ol’ elf is always a win!
???? Have your elf bring everything your little one needs to make homemade ornaments together!
???? Toilet paper the Christmas tree. Place your Elf on the Shelf nearby, with some toilet paper near his hand… guess who did it?!?
???? Grab the Band Aids. Seriously, preschoolers love them, right? Use them to stick Elf on the Shelf to the door, the wall, the bathroom mirror, or where ever you want to stick him. Your preschooler will love this!
???? Keep some accessories on hand. My kids, especially the younger kiddos, thing it is super cool when Elf on the Shelf shows up wearing new clothes. They have so many accessories and clothes available for your Elf. Or, if you don’t want to buy accessories, use Barbie clothes or GI Joe clothes. Little kids will think this is just too cool!!
???? Let Elf bring breakfast. Ours brings breakfast at least once each Christmas season. We love using this North Pole Breakfast pack. Just print it out and use the invitation as a sweet invite from Elf for your kids. Use the circle cutouts for your breakfast muffins or cinnamon rolls. Use the labels to indicate Elf juice (orange juice, holly-jolly milk, etc.). Have fun with it and make memories!
???? Little kids love do a dot pages!! And they are great for building hand muscles and working on fine motor skills. I love this pack, and this one is a little more educational. Both are fun! Let Elf bring these pages as a special treat for your preschooler.
???? Have Elf deliver your favorite Christmas book for your little one. We have some great Christmas book ideas to get you started!
???? Grab some mini marshmallows and fill a coffee cup up with them. Place your elf on top and call it a bubble bath. The kids will love eating the marshmallows as a special treat.
???? Have the elf leave a message on the bathroom mirror! This is an excellent go-to for one of those mornings when you wake and realize you did not move yourself, and you need a quick idea!!
???? Has your preschooler been extra good? Let the elf leave a behavior report, sharing praise…. or maybe he leaves a naughty report?
My kids have so much fun every single year with our Elf on the Shelf shenanigans. Here is some great reading for you if this is your first year and you’re trying to learn the ins and outs of Elf on the Shelf. It explains how Elf on the Shelf works and what the buzz is all about.
Print and Go Elf on the Shelf Ideas
If you are looking for lots of easy-print-and-go-ideas to make Elf on the Shelf super fun this year, check out this bundle. It has tons of printable ideas that are both fun and educational.
Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.
