30 DIY Elf on the Shelf Props That Will Guarantee Fun!

If you’re wondering what to do with your Elf on the Shelf tonight, these easy DIY Elf on the Shelf props will help you come up with loads of ideas!

It’s almost time for our elf, Jack, to join us for a month of silly (but simple!) antics.

Jack’s been a family member for the past seven years, but it’s not always easy to come up with something for the elf to do each night.

Sure, he could just bop around from one shelf to another, but a) I don’t have that many shelves, and b) where’s the fun in that?

But with the simple and fast ideas and activities in The Elf Helper plus some DIY Elf on the Shelf props, I’m prepared for a whole month of fun.

And you can be, too!

Let’s start with props you probably already have at home, then we’ll head to the dollar store for a few more…

20 Easy DIY Elf on the Shelf Props You Already Have at Home

Hunt around your medicine cabinet, pantry, and playroom for props you can make for your elf. You’ll be surprised by how many things you can do using what you already have!

1. Marshmallows
2. Cottonballs
3. Q-tips
4. Toothpicks
5. Tissues
6. Scrap of felt or fleece to make a no-sew elf blanket or scarf
7. Your kids’ toys
8. Puzzle
9. Board game (like Candy Land or Bananagrams)
10. White paper (paper snowflakes!)
11. Crayons and markers
12. Play tea set
13. Tea bags
14. Sprinkles
15. Mug
16. Cocoa mix
17. Deck of cards
18. LEGO set
19. Play food
20. Stickers

DIY Elf Supplies You Can Get at the Dollar Store

There’s a very good chance you have these supplies at home, too, but head to your local dollar store if you need to stock up. Any of these basic supplies can inspire lots of silly Elf on the Shelf shenanigans! You can use the leftovers for crafts during winter break.

1. Popsicle sticks
2. Pompoms
3. Fake snow
4. Battery-operated tealight or candle
5. Pipe cleaners
6. Christmas book
7. Mini gift bows or ribbon
8. Paper cocktail umbrellas
9. Stuffed reindeer toy
10. Christmas party decorations
11. Candy canes

Where to Get Everything You Need for Easy Elf Fun!

Want a one-stop-shop for everything you need for Elf on the Shelf?

After losing WAY too much sleep stressing out because I forgot to move the elf again, I came up with a bunch of simple ideas, activities, and editable templates to make remembering to move the elf SO EASY!

The Elf Helper is a 28-page pack including an elf planning calendar, 40 ideas for where to put the elf tonight (plus photos of our elf in action!), 30 fun activity cards for kids, editable templates, and so much more!