elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

30+ Cute Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers

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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!

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

2 Elf or Brushing Fairy?

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

3 Elf Fishing

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

4 Toilet Paper Christmas

5 Potty Trained Elf

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

6 Elf Coloring Session

Elf Coloring Session

7 Hot Chocolate with elf

Breakfast with elf, elf on the shelf toddler Idea

8 Elf in Toys

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

9 Barbie Meets Elf

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

10 Roll your Elf

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

11Macdonalds and Elf?

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

12 Toys Sleepover

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

13 Elf in Undies

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

14 Elf Potty Training Helper

15 Elf Sleepover in socks

Elf Potty Training Helper

16 Painting Date with Elf

Elf Painting date

17 Elf reading stories

Elf reading stories

18 Elf taking baths

Elf taking bath idea for elf on shelf for toddlers

19 Elf in the box

Elf in the box for elf in the shelf ideas

20 Elf in Building Block

Elf in Building Block

21 Elf and Cars

Elf and Cars

22 Elf in Jenga

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

23 Elf in car

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

24 Elf snowed

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

25 Run Rudolph

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

26 Elf peaking in

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

27 Peek-a- boo

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

28 Stalking Sneeker

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

29 Selfie with Elfie

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

30 Sneaky Elfs

elf on the shelf ideas for toddlers

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.

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