x
Breaking News
More () »

25 places to hide your Elf on the Shelf this holiday season

We have a spot for your elf every day of the month.
The Elf on the Shelf balloon floats in Columbus Circle during the 91st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2017 in New York City.

BEHOLD! December is upon us.

In addition to hot cocoa, holiday movies, dazzling lights and mad dashes to the mall to pick up that last present you forgot, you also have to figure out a bazillion and one places to hide your kids’ beloved “Elf on the Shelf.”

It was so cute and such a good idea at first. What a great holiday tradition! Now it’s just another task on the to-do list.

Don’t worry, parents. We get it. So whether you place the elf somewhere every day of the month or only for a week or two, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 25 places to hide your Elf on the Shelf:

1. Above the stockings

Difficulty level: EASY

OK, duh. I know. This is an easy one. But kids get grumpy when they can’t find stuff right away!

Ok, I'm back to save your life....once again. I give you MY @elfontheshelf IDEAS post! Tons of photos from over the years + inspiration and where to get accessories for these little guys. Plus a little mom wisdom on how the !*&# I survived the last 7 years. 🍷🎄💡So fly on over to the blog *link in profile* and let me help. Don't forget to tag your momma friends! #helpasistaout #elfontheshelf #elfideas #elf #livingwithlandyn

A post shared by Living With Landyn® (@livingwithlandyn) on

2. Inside the holiday wreath

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

Depending on how or where your wreath is located or how large or small it is, kids may have a hard time finding it.

You never know where you'll find a Scout Elf next! #ScoutElfReturnWeek . . . . . #ElfontheShelf #ElfonaShelf #ElfPets #EOTS #ElfonShelf #ScoutElf #Christmas #IdeasforScoutElves #ElfIdeas #ScoutElfIdeas

A post shared by The Elf on the Shelf (@elfontheshelf) on

3. Inside the family photo area

Difficulty level: HARD

Unless you have a tradition of decorating the photo area with photos, I’m betting your kid rarely frequents the area! Heck, throw a frame around the little guy. #Camouflage

Thought I'd share, In case anyone's doing Elf on a Shelf for the first time this year. I've put a few tips on how to do it the easy way. Link in the bio ❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄

A post shared by Issy Joslin (@a_suffolk_mum) on

4. Tucked in the kids' toys

Difficulty level: HARD

Sure, the kids play with their toys all the time. But tucking the little elf neatly into a toy box, or buried at the bottom of it? I just don’t have faith that kids will be patient enough to dig through.

Your elf idea for tomorrow. Link in profile for more. #elfontheshelf #elfideas #classroomelfontheshelf #classroomelf #christmasintheclassroom http://www.simplykinder.com/elf-shelf-classroom-ideas-2/

A post shared by SimplyKinder (@simplykinder) on

5. Poppin' out of a Rice Krispie cereal box

Difficulty level: EASY

All the cutting and positioning will require a considerable amount of time and skill, so you better display that cereal-eating elf proudly! This should get a good laugh and low stress because the kids should find it quickly. Maybe snap a pic of the perfection before the kids get to it.

🥣 🥛 #ricekrispies #ricekrispytreats #snapcracklepop

A post shared by Dan S (@d.shoe) on

6. Scaling the wall with bows

Difficulty level: HARD

The obviousness of this display is what will make it so difficult. What kid would think the family elf would “hide” in such an open space?

Bow climbing. 😂 #itsstillnovembertho

A post shared by H E A T H E R-H A L L-F I T (@heatherhall_fit) on

7. Scaling the tree

Difficulty level: HARD

Most trees have five million and three ornaments, to be exact. Adding an elf to the mix will likely blend in and the hope, be nearly invisible.

Ziggy climbing up the Christmas 🎄 tree!! #ziggyisback #ziggy #christmastree #elfontheshelf #elf #elfideas #familytradition

A post shared by 🎶 Amanda🎶 (@believing_in_myself) on

8. On the coffee table display

Difficulty level: EASY

Especially if you have a little tray or decorations that draw attention to the area, kids should find this relatively quickly!

Dec 2015 - I set up a gift wrapping station last night, next to my Christmas tree. Remember, no peeking...! 🎁 🎄 . . . . #Elf #elfonashelf #elfonashelfideas #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfmagic #christmas #xmas #merrychristmas #merryxmas #festive #festivefun #elves #elfinspo #elfideas #elfmischief #elfantics #elvesofinstagram #elvesofinsta #elvesofig #elfmagic #tree #christmastree #giftwrapping #wrappingpaper #wrapping #wrappingpresents #wrappinggifts

A post shared by Elf Christian Jinx (@elfchristianjinx) on

9. In the crafts area

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

If you simply put him in the crafts area, this might be hard. But if you create a little display, like the one below where the elf is shown painting, it will be easier!

Dec 2015 - I got busy with some paints last night and left a large canvas and paints for my boy to paint his own Christmas painting 🎄 . . . . #Elf #elfonashelf #elfonashelfideas #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfmagic #christmas #xmas #merrychristmas #merryxmas #festive #festivefun #elves #elfinspo #elfideas #elfmischief #elfantics #elvesofinstagram #elvesofinsta #elvesofig #elfmagic #painting #easel

A post shared by Elf Christian Jinx (@elfchristianjinx) on

10. In the bathroom, getting ready

Difficulty level: EASY

I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume your kids brush their teeth and maybe even shower in the morning. Please say yes. If that’s correct, they’ll have no problem finding the elf.

I didn't know elf's shaved! I hope you cleaned the mess up Buddy!! #elf #buddytheelf #elfshaving #elfontheshelf #naughtyelf #elfideas

A post shared by Mrs Shaz Bailz 🇦🇺 (@mrsbailz70_xx) on

11. Hanging from the curtains

Difficulty level: HARD

You may have to hint to them to look upward!

Hanging out in the living room. ❤️ #elfontheshelf #twoelvesarebetterthanone #twoelves #christmastime #eots #scoutelf #easyelfideas #elfideas

A post shared by @snowflakeandcoco on

12. Working out on the kitchen counter or table

Difficulty level: EASY

What a funny little surprise it will be to see the elf get his arm day on! Let’s be honest, elf needs arm day.

Incorporating health and fitness using the #elfontheshelf to teach my kids! 💪 . . . #momlife #elf #elfontheshelfideas #fitness #health #eatyourfood #santaiswatching #tistheseason #christmas #christmasshenanigans #elfideas #familyfun #gymelf #momlifebelike #momof2 #fitfamily #fitnessjourney #fitnessaddict #teachyourkids #healthyhabits #fitnessjourney #teachthemyoung #elfontheshelf2017

A post shared by Ask Me🌼 (@califitmama) on

13. Zip lining to the tree

Difficulty level: EASY

This is as obvious as a display can get if you have the elf zip lining across the room to the tree. But this is a lot of work, too! Maybe save this for the grand finale. Or at least wait until you have a bunch of people over so you can show off.

Super Ziggy is Ziplining.... #elfontheshelf #elf #familytradition #family #lights #christmaslights #idoitforLink #happy #creative #superheroelf #superhero #cape #tv #santa #superZiggy #elfideas #iamthatmom

A post shared by 🎶 Amanda🎶 (@believing_in_myself) on

14. Stealing from the piggy bank

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

This might be hard if you don’t readily display the piggy bank, so move it to a spot that’s easily accessible. And uh, maybe consider putting a “just kidding” note on the elf so the kids don’t actually think he’s a thief.

➕Day 3 - 2017➕ #theadventuresofemmett #elfspam #elfontheshelf #scoutelf #elfideas #elfies #elfontheshelfideas #christmasmagic #christmastradition #mumlife #scoutelfideas #imagination #inspiration #elfshenanigans #elfantics #naughtyelf #thethingswedo #elfgonebad #elvesgonewild #robber #thief

A post shared by Emmett (@adventures_of_emmett_the_elf) on

15. In mom's bathroom near the bathtub for a spa day

Difficulty level: HARD

Unless you regularly hide the elf in your private bedroom and bathroom, you’ll probably want to give your kids a hint on this one.

In serious need of a day in a spa like Pippin! Here is Pippin treating himself to a @clarins ‘elf’ spa along with a few other cheeky elf moments. • #elf #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfonashelf #elfonashelfideas #christmas #christmaself #elfantics #spa #spaday #relax #pamperday #christmas2017 #santaself #elfideas

A post shared by Nicola 🍁🥂☕️📸 (@littlemonstersandme) on

16. Flying near a major walkway

Difficulty level: EASY

Use some clear string, make a paper plane and let the let the elf soar! Place this somewhere the kids pass by every morning.

#Repost @elfontheshelf (@get_repost) ・・・ This elf came flying in the door for a high flying surprise! #ScoutElfReturnWeek . . . . . #ElfontheShelf #ElfonaShelf #ElfPets #EOTS #ElfonShelf #ScoutElf #Christmas #IdeasforScoutElves #ElfIdeas #ScoutElfIdeas

A post shared by Feathering Your Nest (@featheringyournest) on

17. In the popcorn bowl

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

Forgot to place the elf one morning? No worries. Tell the kids the elf went out for a day trip and will return home in the evening. Then at night, pop some popcorn and then invite the kids into the kitchen to surprise them with the elf’s return!

Not too crazy yet but I got a real believer this year so I better step up my game #christopherpopinkins #elfontheshelf #elfideas

A post shared by Lisa Lambert (@lisamarielambert) on

18. Hanging down from the chimney

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

Again, sometimes the more “simple” the spot, the more difficult it is to find the elf.

Stuck up the chimney #elfontheshelf #elfideas #instaelf #christmas

A post shared by Jingles (@jingleselfontheshelf1) on

19. Posing with a photo backdrop

Difficulty level: EASY

Got a cute marquee board? Or even a little whiteboard? Write a cute little message instructing the kids to take an “elfie!” What a fun way for the kids to interact with their elf. This could be a fun first one!

It’s Elfie time again! 😃 #elfontheshelf#christmas2017#christmas#elfideas#fun

A post shared by Hannah Harris (@hanna_spanna94) on

20. Hiding in the presents

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

If you’ve got lots of presents with intricate patterns of wrapping paper, this might be quite difficult for the little ones to handle. Hints are always helpful.

3 days ago was the 2nd year I have been running this channel, and it has been a pleasure to excite all of you with fun and more elf magic each day🎄🎅🏼!#elf#elfontheshelf#elfideas#creative#christmas#art#santa#fatherchristmas#christmastree#happyholidays#santaclaus#snow#frosty#seasonsgreetings#happyholidays#presents#seasonal#love#family#cute#parents#cosy#kids#elfmagic

A post shared by @the_elf_page on

21. Hiding on - or eating - the ginger bread house

Difficulty level: EASY

Did your kids make a ginger bread house? If yes, then the elf definitely wants to start munchin’ on it.

Could any elf top this idea? 🎅🏼🎄☃️#elf#elfideas#elfontheshelf#gingerbreadhouse#creative#christmas#craft#cute#festive#happyholidays#seasonsgreetings#family#winter#autumn#december

A post shared by @the_elf_page on

22. Putting a movie on

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

Sometimes DVD players are stored in entertainment centers, which can make this hiding spot difficult. Try to find some way to draw attention to the area.

MOVIE NIGHT. The popcorn 🍿is popping but there’s disagreement! Our elves aren’t happy we can’t find Shan’s favorite movie, “A Christmas Story.” Looks like Ashley McSprinkles has convinced the gang to watch Harry Potter. #shantheelf #elfontheshelf #elfideas #scoutelfideas #christmastime #elfantics #picoftheday #instagood #movienight #harrypotter #hewhomustnotbenamed #funtimes #santashelper #popcorn #2017 #christmas #elf

A post shared by Shan McJingles (@shan_the_elf) on

23. Hiding in the holiday decor

Difficulty level: MEDIUM

How often do your kids check out the decor in the house? That’ll help you determine how many, if any, hints you should give them.

She’s back! We usually have Sparkle fly in on December 1st our advent calendar, but Evie has been super sick lately, so she flew in early to make her feel better. ✨ . The obsession that girl has for this elf is intense. She draws her pictures, talks to her, and reminds Hudson to be a “good big boy” when she’s watching. I’ll take it! 🙌🏻 . Do you guys do Elf on the Shelf?? What have been some of your favorite places to put it or make it do?? We need new ideas this year since she remembers everything from last year! 🤦🏼‍♀️ . #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf #christmastradition

A post shared by Allison Carter (@confettipartyplans) on

24. Coloring

Difficulty level: EASY

Grab the kids’ favorite coloring book and pop it open! Just make sure the elf is coloring on a page your kids wanted to color.

🎅🏻WE ARE SANTA’S ELVES🤶🏻 • #RosietheElf decided she wanted to exert some creativity last night! Not bad, little elf! • • • Have a cute scout elf idea? Tag us to be featured! #magicalelfexpress • #elf #elfontheshelf #elfideas #countdown #holidaymode #giftidea #blackfriday #waltogram #magic #ootd #fashion #holidays #community #waltdisneyworld #disneyland #waltogram #disneyig #instadisney #disneyland #wdw #costumeideas #waltgram #fashion #custom #sale #shopsunite #shopsmall #smallbizmama #elfideas #elfontheshelf2017

A post shared by Magical Elf Express (@magicalelfexpress) on

25. Playing Twister

Difficulty level: EASY

Like the cereal box, this requires some work. So display it somewhere the kids will definitely see.

Who doesn't love a good game of Twister?? #elfontheshelf #elfideas #mamashelpingmamas

A post shared by Nicole Iacovoni (@nicoleiacovoni) on

Before You Leave, Check This Out