43 Days ’til Christmas – Plan with these Elf on the Shelf Ideas (24 Days of Mischief)

This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.

If you’ve ever bolted upright in bed at midnight and whispered to your spouse, “Did you move the elf?” — you’re not alone.

For 13 years, I did the Elf on the Shelf tradition in our house — thirteen years of middle-of-the-night scrambles, running downstairs half-asleep, and blaming random family members when our elf didn’t move. And let me tell you, when that little guy stayed in the same spot two mornings in a row, the gaslighting began. I’d be like, “Well someone must’ve touched him — you probably just don’t remember!” It became a full-blown household mystery every single time. 😂

But this year, I’m officially off the hook. My youngest is 11, and while our elf will still make his annual appearance, I won’t be sneaking around in the dark trying to make him zipline across the kitchen at midnight anymore.

So today’s post is for anyone still deep in the elf years — those magical, mischievous mornings that make the holidays so fun (and occasionally exhausting). Let’s get you ahead of the game so you can actually enjoy the tradition instead of surviving it.

🎄 Plan with Your Elf Calendar or Planning Page

Remember that printable calendar from Day 99? It’s still a great spot to jot down your 24 days of elf adventures.

But if you want something a little more detailed, I’ve added a new Elf Planning Page that includes space for the date, activity, and any items you need to buy. You’ll also get a blank “choose your own adventure” version if you prefer to brainstorm freely.

Use whichever format fits your style — whether it’s a simple calendar overview or a full planning sheet. Having your ideas mapped out now means no more panicked 11:45 p.m. brainstorming sessions.

👉 If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter to get access to all the printables and freebies, you can do that using the form below!

🧝‍♀️ 24 Days of Mischief

Here are 24 easy, funny, and sweet ideas to fill your Elf Adventure Calendar — no perfection required!

1. Elf arrives with a welcome note and small treat. Our elf brings the Advent Calendars every year.
2. Hiding in the pantry with a bag of marshmallows.
3. Drawing silly faces and adding googly eyes to family photos.
4. Hanging upside down from a light fixture or ceiling fan.
5. Elf “caught” fishing for goldfish crackers in a bowl.
6. TP’d the Christmas tree (a classic).
7. Takes a bubble bath in mini marshmallows.
8. Builds a LEGO fort.
9. Writes a note encouraging the kids to do something kind.
10. Wrapped up in toilet paper like a mummy.
11. Caught eating cookies with a crumb trail.
12. Playing cards or board games with other toys.
13. Elf brings a Christmas book to read that day.
14. Elf hides in the fridge and colors the milk a festive color (green and red are favorites!).
15. Leaves a mini scavenger hunt with candy at the end.
16. Hangs the family’s underwear in place of their stockings.
17. Makes mini elf donuts using Cheerios and frosting with sprinkles.
18. Roasting marshmallows over a tealight candle (battery-operated, of course).
19. Stows away in the car for the day — perfect for the last day of school before Christmas break!
20. Elf snuggles with stuffed animals under a blanket.
21. Makes a “snow angel” in flour or sugar.
22. Leaves out cocoa packets for a family hot chocolate night.
23. Elf gets tangled in Christmas lights.
24. Farewell letter on Christmas Eve with a reminder to be kind year-round.

Keep it flexible — if you miss a night, it’s totally fine. Your elf can always be “resting after a long flight from the North Pole.”

🎁 Gather Props Early

No need to buy anything fancy. Grab a small bin and toss in:

• Mini cups, craft supplies, string, tape, wrapping paper scraps
• Toy vehicles, doll clothes, or leftover decorations
• Mini notes, candy canes, or printable signs

Having it all in one spot means you can set up an elf scene in under two minutes.

💡 Keep It Manageable

You don’t need to outdo yourself each night — kids will love even the simplest ideas.
The goal isn’t to make your elf Instagram-famous. It’s to create small moments of laughter and surprise.

So plan ahead, prep your bin, and when December hits, you’ll be ready to sprinkle a little mischief without losing sleep.

📎 Today’s To-Dos

✅ Pull out your printable holiday calendar from Day 99 (or print a second copy for elf planning)
✅ Jot down a few elf ideas you’d love to try
✅ Set aside a small box for elf props
✅ Add “Elf arrives December 1st!” to your planner