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Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers is by far the best way to introduce your little one to all holiday festivities.
Toddlers may be too little to fully understand the Elf on the Shelf’s ‘rules,’ but they are never too young to enjoy the fun!
From silly peek-a-boo hiding spots to cuddly toy adventures, your elf can become part of your toddler’s daily playtime.
These ideas are all easy to set up, safe for tiny hands, and designed to make mornings extra exciting for both you and your child.
1 Santa’s Greetings!
2 Elf or Brushing Fairy?
3 Elf Fishing
4 Toilet Paper Christmas
5 Potty Trained Elf
6 Elf Coloring Session
7 Hot Chocolate with elf
8 Elf in Toys
9 Barbie Meets Elf
10 Roll your Elf
11Macdonalds and Elf?
12 Toys Sleepover
13 Elf in Undies
14 Elf Potty Training Helper
15 Elf Sleepover in socks
16 Painting Date with Elf
17 Elf reading stories
18 Elf taking baths
19 Elf in the box
20 Elf in Building Block
21 Elf and Cars
22 Elf in Jenga
23 Elf in car
24 Elf snowed
25 Run Rudolph
26 Elf peaking in
27 Peek-a- boo
28 Stalking Sneeker
29 Selfie with Elfie
30 Sneaky Elfs
Elf on the Shelf for Toddlers Tips:
Use Their Favorite Toys
If your toddler loves cars, let the elf “drive” their toy truck.
If they’re into dolls or plushies, set up the elf having a tea party with them.
Incorporate Their Daily Routine
Elf “brushing teeth” next to their toothbrush.
Elf holding their pajamas at bedtime.
Elf reading one of their bedtime books.
Add Their Name
Write little notes from the elf addressed to your child: “Good morning, [Name]! I missed you last night!”
Print or handwrite a mini “report” from the North Pole that includes their name.
Celebrate Their Milestones
Potty training? Have Elf cheering them on with a sticker.
First year of preschool? Elf holding a backpack with a little “yay!” sign.
Favorite Snacks or Foods
Elf sitting with their favorite fruit, cookie, or snack.
Elf pretending to “make breakfast” with their cereal box.
Tie Into Family Traditions
If you do bedtime prayers, Elf can be “folding hands.”
If you decorate cookies together, Elf can be the “taste tester.”
If you watch a holiday movie, Elf can “hold the remote” waiting to join.
Capture Their World
Use their art: Elf proudly “holding” a drawing they made.
Elf playing with their toy kitchen or building blocks.
Elf “sleeping” in a doll bed right next to their favorite stuffed animal.
Magic-Making Tip for Toddlers: Since little ones often want to touch, you could introduce the idea that your elf has “gentle magic” — they can be hugged, but every night they still fly to the North Pole. This keeps it stress-free for both you and your child.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Disclosure page.
