Last Updated on November 23, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Elf on the Shelf can be just as fun for older kids, with creative, humorous, or interactive setups that appeal to their age group and sense of humor. For tweens and teens, ideas should be more clever, perhaps incorporating their hobbies, favorite trends, or even lighthearted pranks.
Below are detailed and extended Elf on the Shelf ideas for older kids that they will find engaging and memorable.
1. “Caught You On Camera” Elf
Set up the elf as a mischievous spy by equipping it with a phony camera or phone and a stack of printed “photos” depicting its adventures about the house. For example, print images of the elf sneaking nibbles, hiding in the refrigerator, or hanging from light fittings.
Use plastic accessories or little notes to accompany each “photo” with funny comments, such as “Busted raiding the cookie jar!”” Older children will admire the elf’s inventiveness in documenting its own escapades.
You can broaden this by encouraging children to “catch” the elf in the act by setting up their own surveillance systems using their devices. It turns into a game, keeping children interested in the elf’s everyday adventures.
2. Elf TikTok Influencer Setup
For kids who love social media trends, transform the elf into a TikTok influencer. Set it up with miniature props like a ring light, smartphone, and handwritten “hashtags” such as #ElfLife or #NorthPoleVibes.
Pose the elf in funny or dramatic influencer-style positions, like doing a “Get Ready with Me” session or pretending to film a dance tutorial. Teens and tweens will find this relatable and amusing, especially if you mimic their favorite online personalities.
To make it interactive, challenge your kids to create their own Elf-inspired TikTok content or suggest new ideas for the elf’s influencer antics. This can spark their creativity and get them involved in the fun.
3. Pranking sibling rivalries
Make yourself a troublemaker who targets siblings in a humorous way. For example, the elf could “steal” a sibling’s favorite hoodie or rearrange their shoe collection, leaving a brief note that read, “Couldn’t resist!””
Alternatively, the elf may TP a room or place googly eyes on everyday goods such as notebooks or cereal boxes. Older children will love the pranks’ mischievous aspect as well as the underlying humor.
To add a twist, leave hints or a “ransom note” from the elf, sending the youngsters on a short treasure trip to reclaim their belongings. This introduces an interactive element that kids will appreciate.
4. “Gamer Elf” Attack
If your children enjoy video games, position the elf in their gaming chair with a controller or keyboard in hand. Scatter game cases or props around, and include a note such as, “Leveling up my elf skills!””
You could even use ridiculous nicknames or avatars to make it appear that the elf has interrupted their favorite game or “high-jacked” their internet account. This idea is ideal for kids that adore Roblox, Minecraft, or console gaming.
Take it a step further by challenging the kids to beat the elf’s “high score” or discover a “hidden” gift in their favorite game. This provides kids something pleasant to look forward to after school.
5. Elf with a Sense of Humor
Older children enjoy a good chuckle, so let your elf provide the entertainment with setups like “lifting weights” with marshmallows or “wrapping” themselves in tape after attempting to gift-wrap.
You can also design amusing settings, such as the elf trapped inside a cereal box or covered in sticky notes with wacky remarks. These lighter antics keep older children entertained and looking forward to the next hilarious show.
For an extra layer of fun, include jokes or puns that your children will enjoy, tailored to their age or sense of humor. This technique works great when you require a quick and simple setup.
Using an Elf on the Shelf when you have older kids can be as exciting as ever with ideas tailored to their interests and sense of humor. From clever pop culture references to interactive games and pranks, these setups bring creativity and laughter into the holiday season.
By incorporating elements that align with their hobbies or favorite trends, you’ll keep the tradition fresh and enjoyable, ensuring it’s a highlight of the holiday season! Are you going to be using any of these ideas to entertain your older kids? Comment which one below and tell your friends!
