20 Christmas Elf Ideas Kids Will Love

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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Elf Ideas Kids Will Love. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Arrival and Welcome Ideas; Kind and Helpful Ideas; Funny and Silly Ideas; Elf Messages and Treats.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

A little festive elf who turns up in a new spot each morning can make December feel magical. The best ideas are quick enough to set up while the kettle boils, and gentle enough to make a child smile.

These twenty ideas are kind, funny and safe. Nothing breaks, nothing is frightening and nothing makes a big mess. Choose the ones that suit your children’s ages and your morning routine.

Arrival and Welcome Ideas

First impressions matter, so give your elf a warm welcome.

• Arrival with a letter: Perch your elf on the mantel with a short note introducing themselves. A scroll style letter adds to the magic and sets the tone for the month.
• Elf door: Place a tiny door at the base of a wall or skirting board. Children love checking if the elf has left a message or sprinkle of glitter.
• Elf passport: Make a small booklet for your elf with a few stamps for adventures. Children can add a sticker each morning.
• Elf name card: Let children choose a name for their elf and write it on a card. It makes the elf part of the family straight away.
• Elf arrival basket: Fill a small basket with a pencil, a notepad and a tiny treat. It gives children a sense of welcome and a place to find notes.

Kind and Helpful Ideas

Elves are great at encouraging good habits without any nagging.

• Kindness challenge: Leave a small note challenging children to do one kind thing that day. Examples include helping a sibling or tidying up a toy.
• Elf with a toothbrush: Prop the elf by the sink holding a toothbrush. Gentle encouragement for a brushing routine, with no mess involved.
• Reading elf: Seat your elf with a small book and a note asking children to read together before bed. It makes story time feel like an event.
• Elf tidy up helper: Leave a note asking children to help tidy toys. Place the elf next to a basket and a smiley face sticker chart.
• Thank you elf: Have the elf deliver a note thanking children for being helpful. A heartfelt message encourages more of the same.

Funny and Silly Ideas

A giggle is the aim here, and there is no need for any mess.

• Elf in a bowl of cereal box: Seat the elf in an empty cereal bowl with a spoon. Children will love the silly scene at breakfast.
• Elf on a swing: Tie a bit of ribbon between two chairs or a shelf and let the elf swing. Check it is secure so nothing can fall.
• Elf snowman: Build a tiny snowman from marshmallows or cotton wool balls. Kids can eat marshmallows, but check for allergies before they do.
• Elf pillow fort: Build a small fort from cushions with the elf inside. A flashlight or battery tea light adds charm.
• Elf zip line: Tie a thin ribbon across the room with the elf hanging from it. Make sure it is above head height and out of the way.

Elf Messages and Treats

Notes and little surprises keep children excited each morning.

• Elf mail: Leave a small envelope with a joke or riddle. Collect them in a box through December.
• Hot chocolate morning: Place the elf by the hot chocolate ingredients with a note suggesting a cosy treat. Make it special with marshmallows.
• Elf craft kit: Leave the children a simple craft to make together, such as a paper chain. Provide scissors safe for their age.
• Elf picture hunt: Hide the elf and draw a map to find him. Keep it simple and safe, away from anything tall or breakable.
• Goodbye letter: At the end of the month, your elf says goodbye with a thank you note and a small keepsake. A little tearful, but sweet.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• RoSPA: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, with home and leisure safety advice.
• Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
• MoneyHelper: budgeting: Free, impartial budgeting tools and tips to plan your spending.

Frequently asked questions

How do I keep the elf idea easy?

Prepare a short list of ideas ahead of time and use what you already have at home. Some mornings the elf can simply sit somewhere new.

What if my child touches the elf?

That is up to your family. Many parents say it is fine to say hello, others have a simple rule. Choose what suits you and keep it gentle.

What age is the elf suitable for?

It is usually enjoyed by children aged around three to eight. Choose ideas that do not involve small parts for the youngest children.

More ideas you might like

• Christmas Countdown Ideas
• Advent Calendar Ideas
• New Family Christmas Traditions
• Christmas Morning Ideas