50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2025 That Get Photos

50 fun, quirky Elf setups parents actually pull off. Each idea includes a setup line and photo tip for capturing and sharing without the fuss.

Imagine the joy and wonder in a child's eyes when they discover a special surprise waiting for them next to their letter from Santa. The excitement, the anticipation, the pure magic of the moment - it's a memory that will last a lifetime.

Personal Touch

Adding a personal touch to the holiday season with a gift from their elf not only brings a smile to their face but also reinforces the magic and wonder of the season. It's a way to make them feel special and loved in a way that only their elf can.

So this holiday season, consider adding a little extra magic to your elf's visit by surprising your child with a personalized letter from Santa. It's a simple gesture that can create a truly special and unforgettable moment for your little one.

See our easy Elf set up ideas below, then be sure to create your very own letter from Santa.

Easy setups (1–10)

1. Elf with marshmallow hot tub in a mug. Photo tip: close-up from kid-height, steam lamp behind for glow.
2. Elf reading a mini storybook on the bookshelf. Photo tip: capture kid reaching for Elf, use soft side lighting.
3. Elf swinging on a string from a light fixture. Photo tip: fast shutter to freeze motion, wide shot to show context.
4. Elf wrapped in a small blanket on the couch. Photo tip: zoom in on Elf face with fuzzy blanket background.
5. Elf hanging from a curtain rod with candy cane zipline. Photo tip: action shot of Elf mid-zip, kids pointing in frame.
6. Elf in a tiny tent made from a handkerchief. Photo tip: low-angle shot with tent entrance visible.
7. Elf making a paper chain garland. Photo tip: overhead shot showing paper chain and tiny scissors.
8. Elf tucked into a shoe with a note. Photo tip: close-up of shoe interior with Elf peeking out.
9. Elf playing with stuffed animals on the bed. Photo tip: wide family shot, include child cuddling a toy.
10. Elf peeking from the cookie jar lid. Photo tip: capture the moment a kid finds it, candid face included.

Photo-ready setups (11–20)

11. Elf framed in a Polaroid on the mantel, fake tiny photo props. Photo tip: actually print or phone Polaroid for authenticity.
12. Elf behind the cookie crumbs like he snuck a treat. Photo tip: macro of crumbs with Elf in soft focus.
13. Elf in a paper airplane on the mantle. Photo tip: motion blur background, Elf sharp.
14. Elf with a tiny selfie stick facing a row of toys. Photo tip: front-facing family shot to show the selfie gag.
15. Elf writing with lipstick on a mirror message. Photo tip: mirror selfie including kid reaction.
16. Elf in a bowl of cereal (use fake cereal for mess control). Photo tip: overhead with bright kitchen light.
17. Elf zip-tied to a balloon cluster. Photo tip: vertical shot to show height, sky or ceiling as clean background.
18. Elf unwrapping a tiny gift box. Photo tip: capture the unwrapping hands and tiny reveal.
19. Elf stuck in a jar with a note. Photo tip: shoot through glass for a quirky distortion effect.
20. Elf with a tiny menu and plate of play food. Photo tip: tabletop close-up, include child pointing to menu.

Crafty setups parents can reproduce (21–30)

21. Elf hanging from a homemade paper star garland. Photo tip: capture sparkle from holiday lights behind.
22. Elf in a sock swing on a doorknob. Photo tip: mid-shot showing swing and kid face.
23. Elf stamped tiny footprints leading to a surprise. Photo tip: low-angle trail shot with footprints in focus.
24. Elf on a mini sled made from a dish sponge. Photo tip: action shot on a sloped surface for motion.
25. Elf painting a tiny canvas with watercolors. Photo tip: close-up of paint strokes and Elf brush.
26. Elf holding a tiny chalkboard with a joke. Photo tip: capture child laughing at the joke.
27. Elf making confetti snow in the hallway. Photo tip: overhead action shot with confetti falling.
28. Elf in a mini hammock between books. Photo tip: wide bookshelf shot, include a cat or child looking on.
29. Elf using a paper crown with toy animals. Photo tip: group shot of toys lined up like a court.
30. Elf tucked into a mitten with a note. Photo tip: thumb-sized close-up, texture of the mitten visible.

Food and breakfast setups (31–40)

31. Elf with pancake mini stack and syrup drizzle. Photo tip: overhead breakfast shot with real smile faces.
32. Elf making cereal art on the table. Photo tip: colorful top-down shot, include kid hands.
33. Elf in a donut hole nest. Photo tip: macro of donut and Elf, shallow depth of field.
34. Elf holding a tiny candy cane fishing rod over a bowl of mini marshmallows. Photo tip: capture reflection in the marshmallows.
35. Elf leaving a trail of sprinkles to the table. Photo tip: close-up of sprinkles line, Elf at the end.
36. Elf with a mini gingerbread house in progress. Photo tip: process shot showing icing squeeze and kid focus.
37. Elf in a teacup setup with tiny cookies. Photo tip: cozy table vignette with warm lighting.
38. Elf arranging fruit faces on a plate. Photo tip: bright, colorful flat lay for social sharing.
39. Elf with a tiny picnic on the floor with toy friends. Photo tip: low-angle candid with toys in frame.
40. Elf reading a recipe card next to mixing bowl. Photo tip: include action of stirring to show engagement.

Mischief and bigger setups (41–50)

41. Elf taped to the wall with a superhero cape. Photo tip: dramatic low-angle shot like a comic book panel.
42. Elf arranging a toy car race on the stairs. Photo tip: wide shot down stairway showing scale.
43. Elf on the toilet paper roll throne. Photo tip: capture the trail, include child reaction for humor.
44. Elf driving a remote-control car, leave the controller nearby. Photo tip: action shot, kids chasing the car.
45. Elf built a tiny fort from boxes and string lights. Photo tip: wide night shot with lights glowing inside fort.
46. Elf doing a tiny science experiment with baking soda volcano. Photo tip: capture the fizzing moment, safe setup only.
47. Elf in a tiny hammock between two lamps. Photo tip: cozy nighttime shot, include soft lamp glow.
48. Elf setting up a tiny treasure map hunt. Photo tip: overhead shot of map and first clue location.
49. Elf in a scene reenacting a popular movie poster with toys. Photo tip: recreate poster composition, include toy cast.
50. Elf staged as the morning photographer, tiny camera and tripod. Photo tip: capture the staged behind-the-scenes with kid as star.