#BluHacks: 'Elf on the shelf' ideas

1. Elf on the shelf

#BluHacks no.39

We couldn't not begin with the original 'Elf on the shelf' idea. But, why not get more creative with your mischievous little friend and set them up doing something more fun than just lounging around? We're using a blob of Blu Tack to help our Elf go fishing from our shelves - we wonder what they'll catch…

You can add some character to your seated Elf by propping them up with a mini book as if they’re reading, balancing a toy camera to “snap” photos, or holding a tiny mug as though they’re enjoying hot chocolate. You could even have them peeking over the edge, dangling their legs cheekily, or sitting cross-legged in a meditative pose. With just a little imagination, even a simple shelf seat can feel full of mischief.

3. Bansiter slide

#BluHacks no.216

Ready, set… slide! Perched at the top of the stair banister, your Elf can look like it’s about to zoom down and surprise the kids. A little Blu Tack will keep them safe in place. You can get creative here too - sit the Elf inside a toy car, sled, or even a cardboard “toboggan” made from an empty cereal box for a speedy effect.

For extra mischief, scatter a few other toys or stuffed animals along the banister as if they’ve joined in on the fun, or place the Elf halfway down, mid-slide, for that caught-in-action look. However you set it up, it’s a playful way to turn your staircase into a mini adventure park - an action-packed, naughty Elf idea.

5. Decorating Elf

#BluHacks no.125

Bring some extra sparkle to your home with an Elf who’s taken charge of the festive decor. Imagine entering the kitchen to find cupboard doors covered in shiny craft bows, paper snowflakes, or colourful tinsel - clearly the work of your busy little helper. You can also have your Elf drape fairy lights around a chair, stack baubles in a fruit bowl, or tape festive cut-outs across the fridge.

For a crafty twist, set them up with scissors, paper scraps, and markers, as though they’ve been making the decorations themselves. Whether it’s bows in surprising places or a mini festive makeover of a whole room, your Elf will leave the house looking merrier than ever.

7. Climbing the Christmas lights

#BluHacks no.403

Your Elf doesn’t always have to be zipping through the air - sometimes they’re busy scaling new heights. Wrap them around a strand of Christmas lights so it looks like they’re climbing up towards the tree topper or hanging halfway like a daring mountaineer. A little Blu Tack will keep them steady while they “climb.”

You could also position your Elf swinging from a single bulb, dangling upside down like a circus acrobat, or racing a toy figure up the same string of lights.

For extra mischief, tangle them in the wires with a cheeky expression, as if they’ve gotten themselves stuck mid-climb. Whether they’re scaling, swinging, or tangled in the twinkle, it’s a scene that shines bright with festive fun.