The Happy Elf: Fun & Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
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Meet Dexter, The Happy Elf!
Dexter is our Elf on the Shelf, but he is not always on the shelf. When everyone is asleep, he gets busy. He plays games, makes messes, reads books, practices yoga, wraps presents, and generally finds plenty of trouble to get into.
These are some of my favorite photos from the early days of our Elf on the Shelf tradition. They are simple ideas, but they still make me smile.
If you need Elf on the Shelf ideas, I hope Dexter gives you a little inspiration for your own Christmas elf.
Meet Dexter, The Happy Elf
Dexter has always had a personality.
He doesn’t just sit on a shelf and look cute. He gets into things.
Some nights he plays poker with his stuffed-animal friends. Other nights he makes marshmallow snowmen or reads a book.
And sometimes he makes a complete mess.
That’s part of the fun.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is all about finding your elf in a new place each morning. The setup does not have to be complicated. A few toys, a little imagination, and things you already have around the house can create a fun surprise.
Key Takeaways
- Meet Dexter, The Happy Elf, who enjoys various antics when everyone is asleep.
- He makes a mess, plays poker, and even practices yoga alongside stuffed animals.
- Dexter engages in fun activities like making marshmallow snowmen and riding a fish with a boa.
- Despite his playful nature, Dexter sometimes forgets to clean up after wrapping presents.
- The Happy Elf aims to bring smiles and inspiration to everyone who hears about him.
Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Here are some of Dexter’s best adventures.
1. Happy Elf Yoga
“Olm…”
Once, I caught Dexter doing yoga.
Apparently, even elves need to stretch after a long night of Christmas activities.
2. A Roundtable Discussion
Dexter gathered a group of stuffed animals and toys for a very serious roundtable discussion.
I have no idea what they were discussing.
I’m guessing Christmas.
Or cookies.
3. Makes Marshmallow Snowmen
One night, Dexter made marshmallow snowmen.
This is such an easy Elf on the Shelf idea because you don’t need much. A few marshmallows and some tiny decorations are enough to create a cute Christmas scene.
It’s also a fun idea to recreate with your kids during the day.
4. Elf Plays Poker
The gang got together for a poker game.
I have a feeling Dexter may have been the winner.
A simple card game makes an easy setup when you need a last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea. Just gather a few stuffed animals, deal some cards, and put your elf in the middle of the game.
5. Dexter Plays Video Games
Dexter plays DS!
Who knew?
This was one of those setups that took almost no effort but made a fun surprise the next morning.
Look around your house for toys, games, books, and electronics your elf can interact with. You probably already have everything you need.
6. He Reads a Book
Dexter likes to read.
This is one of my favorite easy Christmas elf ideas because it takes almost no preparation.
Sit your elf beside a favorite children’s book and open it to a page. Add a stuffed animal or two, and you’ve got a little reading party.
7. The Rodeo Makes a Happy Elf
Yee-hawww!
Giddy up, fish!
Dexter decided to ride a fish wearing a boa. Apparently, the fish agreed because he is also wearing antlers.
This is exactly the kind of silly Elf on the Shelf idea that makes kids laugh.
The more random the combination of toys, the better.
8. He Decorates
Dexter got involved with the Christmas decorating.
I think he was trying to help.
I may have had a different opinion.
9. Elf Toilet-Papers the Kitchen
Dexter toilet-papered the kitchen.
And then, because apparently that wasn’t enough, he got himself tangled up in the paper.
This is definitely one of those funny Elf on the Shelf ideas that requires very little planning.
Just don’t give your elf too much toilet paper.
10. Happy Elf Hydrates
Hydration is important when you’re a busy elf.
Dexter took a little break to get some water.
This is another easy idea for those nights when you are tired and need something you can set up in a minute or two.
11. Goes to the Beach
Apparently, Christmas elves need vacations, too.
Dexter spent some time at the beach with his toes in the water.
You can recreate this idea with a small bowl, a little water, a toy beach chair, sunglasses, or anything else that looks like vacation gear.
12. The Happy Elf Wraps Christmas Presents
Dexter wrapped presents!
Yay, me.
But he did not clean up.
Boo, me.
This may be the most realistic Elf on the Shelf idea of all. Someone always leaves the wrapping paper behind.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas Using Things You Already Have
You do not need to buy a bunch of special elf props to make your Scout Elf fun.
Try using things you already have:
| Idea | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Elf reading | Children’s book |
| Elf playing cards | Playing cards + stuffed animals |
| Elf making snowmen | Marshmallows + toothpicks |
| Elf playing video games | Game controller or handheld game |
| Elf decorating | Christmas decorations |
| Elf wrapping presents | Wrapping paper + ribbon |
| Elf at the beach | Small bowl + sunglasses |
| Elf yoga | Small towel or exercise mat |
| Elf having a party | Toys + cups + snacks |
| Elf making a mess | Toilet paper or wrapping paper |
The best part is that these ideas do not need to be perfect.
Your elf can be silly.
He can make a mess.
Your elf can use the same props more than once.
That’s the beauty of an Elf on the Shelf tradition. The kids usually care much more about discovering what happened overnight than how much time you spent setting it up.
More Easy Happy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
If Happy Elf has you thinking about your own elf, I have even more inspiration for you.
Check out my 500+ Adventures of Elf on the Shelf for hundreds of ideas, including easy setups, arrival ideas, funny scenes, and more. It is the post I’d bookmark when you run out of ideas halfway through December. For even more official Scout Elf inspiration, you can browse the ideas at The Elf on the Shelf.
You can also look through my Crafts & DIY category for more holiday projects and family-friendly ideas.
How to Make Elf on the Shelf Ideas Easier
I learned a few things from doing this year after year.
Keep a small box of elf props.
Save little items that might work for your elf. Playing cards, ribbon, small toys, books, candy, cups, straws, and craft supplies can all become props.
Use what you already have.
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup every night.
A book and your elf can be enough.
Take photos.
I am especially glad I took these photos years ago. They captured a little piece of our Christmas traditions that I might otherwise have forgotten.
Have a few emergency ideas.
Some nights you will remember at 11:45 p.m. that the elf has not moved.
Keep three or four extremely easy setups in your back pocket.
Reading a book.
Playing cards.
Wrapped in ribbon.
Hanging from a Christmas tree.
Done.
The Happy Elf
I took these photos back in December 2011, before I started blogging and when my photography skills were, at best, questionable.
It was also usually around 4 a.m.
I was trying to take pictures without waking everyone by turning on lights or making too much noise.
Looking back at these photos now, I don’t mind the imperfect photography nearly as much.
They remind me of a fun time when the boys were younger and Dexter was busy creating Christmas memories while we slept.
And yes, he occasionally left me a mess to clean up.
That’s what made him The Happy Elf.
I hope Dexter makes you smile and gives you a few Elf on the Shelf ideas for your own Christmas tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elf on the Shelf Ideas
What are some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas?
Some easy ideas include having your elf read a book, play cards with stuffed animals, wrap a small present, sit beside the Christmas tree, or create a simple scene with toys you already have.
What can my Elf on the Shelf do?
Your elf can play games, read, decorate, make a small Christmas mess, have a tea party, play with toys, or create a funny scene overnight. You can use everyday household items to create many different setups.
Do Elf on the Shelf ideas have to be complicated?
No. Some of the best ideas are simple. Your elf can sit in a funny location with a book, toy, snack, or Christmas decoration. The surprise of finding the elf is often more important than an elaborate setup.
What should I do if I forget to move my elf?
Don’t panic. Use a quick setup that takes less than a minute. Put the elf somewhere unexpected, sit it beside a book, or have it holding a Christmas ornament. Simple is fine.
Where can I find more Happy Elf ideas?
There are more ideas in my 500+ Adventures of Elf on the Shelf post, including simple setups and ideas for keeping your elf busy throughout December.
I updated this post from an earlier version dated November 24, 2012. I made new photos and simplified the recipe instructions.
HA HA! Love Elf on a Shelf! 🙂 Stopping by from SITS. Have a great Saturday!