25 Delightfully Positive Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Celebrate With Foster Kids

Kids in foster care are constantly being labeled “bad kids,” and that harmful narrative follows them everywhere—especially during the holidays. That’s why positive Elf on the Shelf ideas matter so much. Instead of using the elf to “catch” kids misbehaving or monitor them, we can flip the script entirely. Foster youth already battle the false belief that they’ve done something wrong to end up in foster care. They deserve an elf who brings encouragement, joy, and creativity, not judgment.

Considering that foster care placements happen for reasons far beyond a child’s control, there is no world in which they should be made to feel “naughty.” Kids in foster care deserve positivity, stability, and love—especially during the holiday season.

Get Rid of The “Bad Kids” Label

The “naughty list” idea can land especially hard on a child who has already been told—directly or indirectly—that they’re a problem. For foster youth, who often struggle with PTSD rates higher than those of war veterans, and other mental health struggles, the last thing they need is another reminder that someone is watching and evaluating their every move.

Reframing with positive Elf on the Shelf ideas instead turns this holiday tradition into a source of support, kindness, and connection helps break down this harmful label. When the elf becomes a messenger of encouragement instead of surveillance, it reinforces the truth every child deserves to hear: You are good. You are loved. You belong.

READ MORE: Confronting Harmful Stereotypes in Foster Care for a Better Future

First Night – Elf on the Shelf Arrives!

Have your child’s elf welcome the Christmas season with a small treat, note, or message of encouragement! Set the elf in a simple scene that shows their arrival with a letter from Santa about how good they’ve been all year or a tiny card with a funny elf joke written inside (“Why is an elf so cold on Christmas day? Because it’s in Decembrrrrr!“) Include a small treat like a candy cane or a small wrapped chocolate in the elf’s hands to start things off sweet.

For the scene, create a trail of candy canes, holly, or tiny Christmas decorations with the elf at the end. Create a cozy arrival setting near the Christmas tree, fireplace, inside a gift box, or perched on your child’s bedroom door as a surprise. Make your Elf on the Shelf tradition personalized by naming the elf and creating unique arrival scenarios.

Other Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas could be:

• Elf parachutes into the room on a homemade paper parachute for a fun and magical landing. (Use tissue paper and string!)
• Hanging from a balloon or paper airplane.
• Elf rides in a toy sleigh or car with a note saying, “I traveled all the way to celebrate with you!”
• Have the elf hold a mini banner that says “I’m here to help you celebrate!“
• Greet them in the morning with breakfast from the elf. Make their favorites and add a holiday spin to the meal: reindeer-shaped pancakes, strawberry Santa hats, hot cocoa instead of milk—whatever you can think of! Make “Elf milk” with red or green food coloring.
• Hold a letter from Santa praising your child’s efforts, kindness, or accomplishments from the past year.

Once you have their elf settled in, the real fun can begin!

The Countdown to Christmas Begins

Take inspiration from these positive Elf on the Shelf ideas (or steal them, we won’t mind!) and have fun!

1. Funny Elf Roleplaying

Set up a themed scene have have your elf play along. Have them stack toy blocks, make snow angels out of flour or powdered sugar, or play with stuffed animals. Dress the elf in a silly costume—a construction worker, a snow suit, or a safari outfit—to match.

2. Elf Shenanigans

Create a silly obstacle course or have the elf play hide-and-seek around the house. Hide the elf among the Christmas tree branches or in a corner for the kids to find.

3. Christmas Tree Fun

Have your elf help decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments or garlands, or set up a mini tree for the elf to decorate, or wrap him in lights as part of the decor itself.

Leave a trail of candy canes leading to the tree to build excitement.

4. Kindness Mission Cards

In the morning, the elf delivers a small kindness task on a card like “Give someone a compliment,” “Draw a picture for a friend,” or “Help clean up without being asked.”

Encourage your child to make this a habit even after Christmas, so their kindness shines throughout the year.

5. Notes of Gratitude

Have the elf leave a note sharing something they’re grateful for and invite kids to write their own daily gratitude:

• “I am grateful to have a friend like you!”
• “I am thankful for my red suit and hat. It looks just like Santa’s.”
• “I am glad that mom is buying us pizza tonight—it’s my favorite!”

6. Cozy Reading Buddy

Place the elf next to a favorite book with a note: “Let’s read together today!” Encourage quiet reading or set up a special storytime, reading Christmas books together as a way to bond and enjoy a peaceful moment together. Have the elf arrive with a new holiday book or small toy to cuddle while you read as an early Christmas gift

7. Acts of Kindness

The elf can model helpful behavior for your child by completing small, positive acts overnight. The elf can assist with simple chores like dusting or laundry. Have them fold a pile of socks, do dishes, arrange shoes neatly, or tidy up a bookshelf or toy area. You can leave a note saying, “I helped organize these while you were sleeping!” Seeing the elf perform helpful acts demonstrates the value of service, encouraging children to participate in small acts of kindness and responsibility around the home.

8. Affirmation Elf

Have the elf leave daily affirmations for your child:

• “I am so lucky to be friends with a caring person like you!”
• “I am so glad I know someone as smart as you!”
• “Your kindness makes me smile :)”
• “Congratulations on getting an A on your math test!”

You can attach the notes to tiny clipboards, stick them in the elf’s hand, or place them around the room. These messages not only uplift your child each morning but also serve as gentle reminders that they are valued, capable, and loved—especially important for children who may be struggling with self-confidence or feeling uncertain during the holiday season.

9. Family Connection Elf

Inspire family togetherness by leaving prompts for activities the family can do together, like a picnic in the park, board games, or a special dinner night. You might include a small jar with slips of paper listing activities and a note from the elf: “Pick one of these today and spend time together!”

10. Giving Elf

Inspire the spirit of giving! Have the elf leave a note encouraging children to donate a toy to a child in need, lend a hand to a neighbor, or write a kind letter to someone who could use a smile. Invite them to think of ways to spread joy and make others happy.”

11. Creative Elf Crafts

Set up a mini craft station with paper, crayons, markers, or small DIY supplies. The elf can “start” a craft project, such as making a holiday ornament, and your child can finish it. Have them decorate a gingerbread house made from craft paper using glitter, stickers, or puff paint.

Make it more personalized by asking your child to make themselves or their family as gingerbread people, or draw their favorite thing about the holidays. You can also include activities like designing holiday cards for friends or neighbors, making paper snowflakes to hang around the room, or crafting mini gift tags for presents.

12. Elf Mischief

The elf can appear in unexpected places or do silly things. Have them:

• Hide out in their cereal box or snack container
• Hang from a shelf like a mountain climber
• Zip-line across the room (A candy cane or ribbon can be used to create a zip line for the elf.)
• Put googly eyes on the fridge or other household items
• Hanging upside down from a chandelier or ceiling fan
• Wrapping a small household item in toilet paper or wrapping paper
• In the fridge, holding their lunch bag with a scarf or mittens, holding a little elf-sized note that says “Just chilling!“
• Working at their desk with crumpled papers or a tiny clipboard. Tell your child he’s busy writing down all of the gifts they’ll be getting.

These silly setups are not only fun to discover but can also brighten mornings when children might need extra cheering up.

13. Mini Treat Surprise

The elf can bring small, thoughtful treats each morning, such as a wrapped chocolate, a candy cane, or a tiny snack. Include a note celebrating the positive behavior they showed during the week.

14. Elf Movie Night

Create a cozy scene where the elf is ready for a family movie night. Place a small blanket and a bucket or a bag of microwave popcorn next to a TV or tablet, and include a note inviting your child to join in.

Ask your child what they’d like to watch, or suggest one of your own childhood favorites.

15. Hot Cocoa Delivery

Have the elf deliver a mug or hot cocoa packet in a basket with a note: “Time for a warm treat!” This is especially fun on snowy mornings or after outdoor activities. Create even more festive fun by adding garnishes (gingerbread cookies, edible glitter, cinnamon, sprinkles, or pretzels) to make each cup of cocoa unique and tasty.

16. Elf with Pets

Stage the elf playing safely with stuffed animals, toy pets, or even a family pet (with supervision). They could be holding a tiny leash, feeding a small stuffed animal, or “sleeping” next to a favorite plush friend.

17. North Pole Adventure

Create a magical North Pole scene with cotton snow, paper snowflakes, icicles made from hardened hot glue, and miniature paper reindeer. Pose the elf exploring, riding a sleigh, or meeting Santa and the reindeer to boost their Christmas spirit.

18. Gingerbread House Fun

Have the elf decorate a gingerbread house with candy and icing or host a tiny gingerbread “party.” Have your child join in and help the elf finish the house.

19. Elf Photographer

Pose the elf with a toy camera and small “family photos” of dolls or stuffed animals. Use this opportunity for a fun photo op with the family, using cardboard cutouts as “frames” and props like speech bubbles, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or elf ears.

20. Toy Car Ride

Have the elf take a ride in a toy car, train, sleigh, or other miniature vehicle. Create a fun track or ramp using blocks, books, or wrapping paper tubes. Children will enjoy following the elf’s “journey” and can even add their own twists, like racing their own toys alongside the elf.

21. Elf Puzzle Time

Set the elf up like they’re working on a small puzzle or matching game. Encourage your child to finish it or solve it alongside the elf, or with you. This promotes problem-solving skills, patience, and teamwork, while giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride.

22. Elf Baking

Have a baking day with your child and start a new Christmas tradition! Stage the elf with cookie cutters, a rolling pin, measuring spoons, and mixing bowls. Write a note from them that says, “Time to make something sweet!” Together, you can decorate pre-made cookies from the store, make homemade Rice Krispies treats, bake their favorite cookies from scratch, or mix a boxed cake mix.

23. Snow Angel Elf

Create a snowy winter wonderland using fake snow, cotton balls, glitter, or shredded paper. Pose the elf making snow angels, building a mini snowman, or sliding down a “snowy” slope. The elf can help build and decorate marshmallow snowmen with icing and pretzel arms (cotton balls and marshmallows make great snowman material).

24. Elf Treasure Hunting

A scavenger hunt for candy canes can be organized by hiding them around the house. The elf could arrive with a tiny treasure map or riddles to solve. Each clue can be hidden around the house or tree, creating a morning adventure.

25. Dance Party Elf

Set the elf in a fun pose with a tiny music player or disco ball made from foil. Invite your child to have a short holiday dance party and encourage them to dance silly. Join in so they know it’s okay to let loose!

Last-Minute, Easy Elf Ideas

Sometimes the holiday season gets busy! Here are some last-minute ideas you can do with your elf:

• The elf can be found hiding in a stocking, peeking out, and holding one of their stocking stuffers
• Place in a dry bowl of cereal like they’re in a jacuzzi or ball pit. (Make sure to remove them before the milk’s added!)
• The elf can be set up playing tic-tac-toe with toys for a fun, easy activity.
• Have them be in charge of giving out the daily Advent treats (if your child has one).
• The elf can lead a toy parade with toy cars, animals, or dolls.

When the Elf Leaves

Elf on the Shelf typically departs on Christmas Eve to return to the North Pole. When it’s time for the elf to return to the North Pole, make the farewell meaningful.

You can create a memorable departure for your elf by leaving a goodbye note or a silhouette of the elf flying away. Leave a note thanking your child for sharing the holiday season and reminding them of all the kindness, creativity, magic, and joy they had with the elf. You can include a small keepsake like a tiny ornament, photo, or handwritten note so they have a tangible reminder of the fun and positive memories.

Emphasize that even though the elf is leaving, the spirit of generosity, creativity, and love continues every day.

Have Fun Elf-ing!

Positive Elf on the Shelf traditions can transform the holiday season for foster kids. By focusing on kindness, creativity, family connection, and playful silliness—rather than surveillance or staying off the “naughty list”—you help bring joy that helps children feel valued, capable, and deeply loved.

Each playful scene and thoughtful activity reinforces that they belong, they are good, and the holidays can be a time of joy and encouragement. We hope these creative ideas inspired you to add positive holiday cheer and magic this year with your children that uplifts their hearts and celebrates the best of who they are.