Naughty Elf Ideas That Will Make the Whole Family Laugh

If you’re doing the Elf tradition this year, you already know the truth: once the kids are asleep, that little troublemaker suddenly becomes your responsibility. And somehow, every night, you find yourself up way too late thinking… I need a new elf idea.
If you’re going to lose sleep over a toy in stripy tights, you may as well have a laugh too.

Some kids absolutely love cheeky humour, and these naughty elf ideas are perfect for older kids who enjoy silly jokes, as well as families who just need a bit of Christmas chaos to see them through until December 25th.

38 Naughty Elf Ideas for December

Whether you’re looking for naughty elf ideas DIY, naughty elf ideas Pinterest style, or naughty elf ideas for adults you can tone down for kids, these ideas will give your elves plenty of personality.

These are all real naughty shelf elf ideas from real homes (thank you friends for sharing these with us!), complete with toilet mishaps, food disasters, and… questionable decisions. And trust me, if your kids enjoy funny elf on the shelf ideas, they’ll scream laughing when they see these.

We’ve gathered over 30 ideas here, so even if this isn’t your first year with the elf you’ll hopefully find some new inspiration to try.

The Famous “Butt Toothbrush” Incident

If your naughty elf needs to take things up a level, this is a solid (and slightly horrifying) idea. The elf uses someone’s toothbrush… for their butt.

Kids think it’s hilarious, parents think it’s karma for never putting the toothbrush back in the cup, and the elf looks very pleased with himself.

This is the kind of naughty elf idea for older kids that becomes a legendary family story.

thanks for letting us use your butt brush

Apple Juice… or Wee?

One of the all-time funniest elf ideas: the elf pours a glass of suspicious yellow liquid and asks, “Who is brave enough to taste?”
Kids absolutely lose it.
It’s naughty, it’s gross, and it’s exactly the kind of shelf idea that gets shared in the school playground the next day.

Bum Hole Cereal

Straight from the naughty elf ideas for adults category, but still PG enough for older kids with a cheeky sense of humour: the elf sits next to cereal hoops arranged into the words BUM HOLE.
Simple, easy, and completely ridiculous.
If your child is the type to laugh for 20 minutes at toilet jokes, this one is gold.

Headstand on the Toilet Roll

Your elf decides to practise gymnastics… right on top of your toilet roll.
It’s an easy idea requiring zero prep, but it gets a huge laugh, especially when your kids find the elf’s face squashed into the roll like he’s about to fall into the toilet.
Funny elf ideas don’t need to be complicated. Sometimes your toys just need to act like they’ve lost control of their limbs.

Elf Falls Into the Washing Machine

Perfect for those nights you just need a quick idea before you collapse.
The elf accidentally (or deliberately) falls halfway into the washing machine, legs out, arms spread, looking like he definitely needs help.
This works especially well at the last minute when you’ve run out of both naughty elf ideas and energy, and need something easy.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Crisp-Mas Chaos

Your naughty elf decorates the Christmas tree… using crisps instead of baubles.
If you want a photo that makes the whole family laugh, this is it.

elf on the shelf we decorated the crisp mas tree

It’s cheap, it’s silly, and it looks like your elves threw a late-night party with zero adult supervision.

elf decorated christmas tree with crisps

Naughty Elf Fajita Friday

Your elves wrap themselves up like burritos in tortilla wraps.
This hilarious elf idea looks like they were trying to make dinner… and became the dinner.
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s one of those shelf ideas kids beg you to repeat.

Elf Pants on the Christmas Tree

Your naughty elves have taken Christmas decorating to a whole new level by swapping baubles for… pants. Yes, actual underwear. Hanging from every branch like it’s completely normal, while the elves sit proudly admiring their masterpiece. It’s chaotic, cheeky, and absolutely guaranteed to make the kids scream laughing.

Naughty Elf Drawing on the Kids’ Faces

While everyone slept peacefully, the elves went full prank mode and doodled all over the kids’ faces with washable marker. Moustaches, monobrows, squiggles, the elves have zero self-control and even less artistic ability.

The elves found the markers… and nobody in the house was safe. They turned everyone into living cartoons while you slept!

Temporary Tattoo Takeover

Your elves decided the family needed a makeover and covered the kids (or each other) in temporary tattoos. Arms, cheeks, foreheads, nothing is safe when the elves get their hands on a tattoo sheet.

Googly Eyes on the Family Photos

The elves raid your craft drawer and stick googly eyes all over the family photo frames. Suddenly Grandma has giant wobbling eyeballs and the baby photo looks like it’s watching you from across the room. Silly, easy, and hilarious every single time.

Mud Tracks in the Bath (But It’s Just Chocolate!)

Your elf and the Grinch have turned the bathtub into their own off-road monster truck course, leaving muddy tyre tracks everywhere. Luckily it’s only chocolate spread, but the shock factor is priceless. Kids love anything that looks messy, and this one feels extra bold because it’s in the bath where they least expect it.

Elf Decorates Dad’s Face

Catching Dad fast asleep is an opportunity your elf simply couldn’t resist. With a sheet of Christmas stickers in hand, your elf has given him the ultimate festive makeover. Seeing Dad covered in stickers when he wakes up is guaranteed to get the kids laughing, and it’s such an easy, no-mess idea for tired parents.

Elf Balloon Bath Takeover

Walk into the bathroom and instead of bubbles, it’s bursting with balloons. Your elf and the Grinch are sitting proudly on top as if they’ve created the best spa day ever. It’s bright, colourful and magical, and kids absolutely love the surprise of seeing a whole bathtub full of balloons first thing in the morning.

Elfie’s Sock Sleepover

Your elf has invited the dolls over for a cosy sleepover and tucked everyone into their own mini sleeping bags made from socks. It looks adorable and hilarious, especially with the handwritten sign asking for quiet. It’s a cute, gentle idea that still has that mischievous elf energy kids adore.

Loose Ducks Mini Challenge

The elf released a tiny army of festive ducks and left a note saying all 100 had escaped. This is the kind of chaotic energy only December brings, and now the entire house is on duck-hunt duty.

Elf Car Wash in the Dishwasher

Your elf has decided that the dishwasher door is the perfect place to set up an Elf Car Wash, complete with toy cars queueing up for their shine. Kids will love discovering this miniature pit stop, and you can definitely blame the elf for leaving the dishwasher wide open at 2am. It’s such an easy setup, but looks hilarious in the morning.

Snowman Drawing Chaos

The elf and his mischievous green sidekick have been busy redecorating the door with their own masterpiece. Not only did they draw a snowman, they also added a cheeky note explaining why the snowman now has… well… a rather unexpected carrot placement. Kids who love silly humour will absolutely howl at this one and it only takes seconds to set up with a few markers.

Science Lesson Phases of the Moon

When your elf decides to homeschool the kids, you just know it’s going to be chaotic. This time, the lesson is the phases of the moon, and your elf has demonstrated each one using advent calendar treats. Completely inaccurate, totally unnecessary, and absolutely something an elf would do. It’s the perfect mix of educational and ridiculous.

Winter Wonderland Flour Party

Nothing says naughty elf quite like covering the entire table in flour to create a winter scene. Little animal figures, snowballs and sparkly bits turn it into a magical frozen world. Sure, it’s messy, but the kids will think it’s the best thing ever, and the elf can take full responsibility for the cleanup you definitely did not sign up for.

Elf and Grinch Get Served as Lunch

Your elf has been playing restaurant, but unfortunately today’s menu seems to feature themselves. Placed on the table with pretend food pieces stacked on top, it looks like the Gruffalo characters are about to tuck into an elf salad. It’s cheeky, funny and guaranteed to get giggles as soon as the kids spot it.

DIY Table Builders

Your elf and the naughty green helper have dragged out all the tools and attempted some home improvements. The table is flipped over, the toolbox is open and both of them are armed with toy drills and screwdrivers like they’re running their own workshop. It’s the perfect naughty elf moment because it looks like an absolute disaster zone that the kids will love.

Face-First in the Dog Bowl

One of the funniest naughty elf ideas for kids: the elf leans in for a drink or snack from the pet bowl… and falls in head-first.
Great for families with pets or little ones who think elves behaving like silly babies is the peak of comedy.

Elf Stuck in a Boot

An elf trying to hide in a Christmas boot or shoe is such a classic, but when only the stripy legs stick out, it becomes instantly hilarious.
Kids love this one because it looks like the elf got caught mid-sneak.
Easy, fast, and perfect for busy parents juggling Christmas, school runs, and remembering what day it is.

The Grinch Daily Schedule – Ending With Tree Destruction

The Grinch has helpfully left a to do list stuck beside the tree, explaining exactly why the decorations are now a mess. According to his schedule, after wallowing in self pity and staring into the abyss, he was always planning to wreck the tree at 5.30am. It’s a brilliant way to make a bit of harmless chaos feel intentional.

Elf Makes Mystery Treats (That Look Suspiciously Like Poo)

The elf has proudly made Daddy some homemade treats, but… they look a little questionable. Placing chocolate drops behind a plush reindeer adds that classic naughty elf toilet humour that older kids find hilarious. The sign saying “Don’t tell him” just makes it even funnier.

Elf Breaks the TV (But Not Really)

A broken-screen image on the TV and a tennis ball beside a guilty-looking elf instantly creates panic followed by huge relief once everyone realises it’s fake.

The note explaining that elves shouldn’t play ball games in the house ties it all together perfectly. It’s naughty, silly, and one of the funniest ideas for getting a big reaction.

Elfazon Delivery

If your elf is arriving late or dramatically, this Elfazon delivery setup is perfect. Pop your elf inside a huge cardboard box, slap on a fake shipping label, and suddenly your elf has been delivered straight from the North Pole via next day prime magic. Kids will be howling at how oversized the box is for such a tiny elf, and you can joke that Elfazon clearly doesn’t do sensible packaging.

The Floor Is Lava Challenge

Your elf has turned the entire living room into a lava pit overnight, complete with cushions and props to jump between.

Kids instantly recognise this game and will love that their elf set it up just for them. The little sign and dramatic poses make it even funnier, and it’s a brilliant idea when you want something big and impressive with zero effort.

Felt Christmas Tree Chaos

Your elf was supposed to decorate the kids’ felt Christmas tree, but instead he’s gotten himself completely tangled in the lights and ornaments. Meanwhile, the Grinch sits nearby looking very unimpressed. All the decorations are scattered across the floor, making it look like the elf gave up halfway through and rolled down the tree instead. It’s silly, colourful and perfect for younger kids.

Home Alone Battle Plan

This one is an instant win for any Home Alone fans. Your elf has teamed up with Kevin, complete with a dollhouse ‘McCallister mansion’, escape posters of the Wet Bandits and a hand drawn battle plan. It looks like they’re preparing for a full booby trap mission. Kids love the movie reference and the chaotic setup makes it an easy showstopper.

Elf Drives Your Car

Catch your elf trying to take your car for a morning joyride. You can leave the elf sitting behind the wheel so the kids notice the moment they walk outside.

It’s such a simple setup but gets a huge laugh, especially when kids see the elf “trapped” under the seatbelt or peeking over the dashboard like he owns the place.

Elf Swaps Cars

Your elf isn’t impressed with your family car and has climbed onto a toy sports car instead with a note saying they prefer it. This is a brilliant outdoor idea if you want the kids to find the elf before school. It feels naughty without the mess, and the handwritten sign adds that extra bit of sass.

Toilet Roll Tumble Down the Stairs

Toilet roll chaos never fails. Your elf and his green partner in crime have apparently rolled themselves all the way down the stairs wrapped in toilet paper. It’s quick, easy and always gets the kids giggling because it looks like the elves had way too much fun overnight.

Dinosaur Feeding Disaster

Your elf has ignored the sign that says “Please Don’t Feed the Dinosaurs” and is now dangling over a whole herd of hungry dinos. Meanwhile, the Grinch is holding the rope looking a little too pleased. This setup is brilliant for any child who loves dinosaurs and creates the perfect dramatic scene without needing any mess.

Zipline From the Christmas Tree

Your elf has rigged up a zipline right across the living room and is swooping down from the Christmas tree like a tiny festive action hero. Add the Grinch tangled up behind for extra laughs. It’s such a fun, big visual setup and really brings the naughty elf energy to life.

Elf Target Practice with Tomato Sauce

Your elf has taken things to a whole new level by setting up ketchup target practice in the kitchen. With a bottle in hand and splat marks everywhere, it looks like they’ve spent the night perfecting their aim… with absolutely no regard for the cleanup. Kids will crack up at the dramatic splashes of red and the elf looking far too proud of themselves, while you can just shake your head and blame it on their naughty streak.

Elf Reindeer Nose Rejection Centre

Your elf has opened a Nose Rejection Centre, and business is booming. Today’s task? Grating a carrot because it “didn’t pass inspection.” The setup looks like the elves have taken their job very seriously, examining carrot noses like they’re running quality control at the North Pole. Kids will find it hilarious that the elf is rejecting perfectly good noses, and the grated carrot mess just adds to the silliness of the whole scene.

Spider-Man Rescue Mission

It looks like the elves managed to get themselves wrapped up in a giant web, and Spider-Man had no choice but to step in. They’re stuck, confused, and honestly a little offended at the size of the spider placed dramatically beside them.

Elf Planetarium – Uranus Viewing

Tonight’s special show at the Elf Planetarium: a dramatic viewing of the planet Uranus. They’re taking it VERY seriously.

Elf ‘Poop Explosion’ With Chocolate Mess

The elves claimed they had a stomach ache, and honestly, the chocolate-smeared carnage speaks for itself.

Why Naughty Elf Ideas Work So Well

Sometimes the cutest elf ideas are great, but naughty elves bring a different kind of magic. Kids love feeling like the elves break the rules, it makes the whole Christmas play feel alive.
Plus, for parents, creating these silly scenes becomes a fun way to stay awake, share a laugh with your partner, and get through the madness of December with some humour.

Whether you want naughty elf ideas for school chatter, naughty elf ideas DIY you can pull together at midnight, or full-on naughty elf ideas for adults you adapt for kids, anything that makes your family laugh is a win.

Credit and thanks to my friends Luciana, Susan, Stacey, Kelly Vayette and Terrin Terrin for all of these fantastic naughty elf ideas!

If you try any of these elf ideas or come up with your own elves causing trouble, share your photo! The more chaos, the better. If you have a genius elf idea that you would like us to share, you can hit me up on Facebook messenger at our page In The Playroom, in our group Kids Crafts, or via email.

You can also leave a comment on this post and ask me to email you, and I will. I’m always happy to hear from readers with ideas.

The Christmas elf tradition doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few cheeky, easy ideas, even the naughty nights become the best Christmas memories.

More Elf Ideas

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Alongside all these cheeky naughty elf moments, we also have plenty of not so naughty ideas if you prefer something a little tamer. You’ll also find loads of elf themed printables and simple crafts that keep the magic going without the midnight chaos.

Encourage Giving with Our Elf Toy Donation Letter Printable

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with friends or in your favourite parenting groups so more families can join in the fun. It really helps us out and spreads a little extra Christmas magic.

In The Playroom

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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.