Marshmallow Bubble Bath
The elf relaxes in a bowl or sink of mini marshmallows like it is a bubble bath.
5 min setup No mess 4 items
14 Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers
For little ones, simple wins. These ideas are easy to understand, avoid small loose parts where possible, and invite your toddler to join in.
14 ideas
Toilet Paper Snowman
The elf builds a snowman out of stacked toilet rolls with a drawn-on face.
10 min setup No mess 4 items
Fishing for Goldfish Crackers
The elf sits by a bowl of water “fishing” for fish-shaped crackers or sweets.
10 min setup A little mess 4 items
Candy Cane Hunt
The elf hides candy canes around the house and leaves a clue to start the hunt.
10 min setup No mess 2 items
Snowball Fight
The elf is in the middle of a snowball fight with soft toys using mini marshmallows or cotton wool balls.
5 min setup No mess 2 items
Santa Letter Helper
The elf leaves paper, pens and an envelope addressed to Santa so your child can write their list.
5 min setup No mess 3 items
Making Reindeer Food
The elf mixes oats and sprinkles into a bag of reindeer food to scatter on Christmas Eve.
5 min setup A little mess 4 items
Colouring Contest
The elf has started colouring a Christmas picture and challenges your child to colour their own.
5 min setup No mess 2 items
Riding the Toy Train
The elf hitches a ride on a toy train, car or dinosaur across the floor.
2 min setup No mess 1 item
Hide and Seek
The elf hides somewhere tricky and leaves a note saying “Find me!”.
2 min setup No mess 1 item
Elf Bowling
The elf sets up skittles made from toilet rolls or plastic cups with an orange for the ball.
5 min setup No mess 2 items
Bedtime Story Reader
The elf is found reading a Christmas picture book to your child’s soft toys.
2 min setup No mess 2 items
Advent Treat Delivery
The elf arrives carrying today’s small treat — a sticker, a sweet or a hot chocolate sachet.
2 min setup No mess 2 items
Play Dough Sculptor
The elf has made a little play dough snowman or Christmas tree overnight.
5 min setup No mess 1 item
Plan the whole month
One idea for every night from 1 to 24 December.