Elf Mischief Ideas for Kids: Easy Ideas for Every December Night

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What can an elf get up to each night in December?

Here are more than two dozen quick elf scenes sorted by how long they take. Most use bits you already have at home, so you can set one up in a few minutes before bed.

Two minute scenes

1. Elf wraps the fridge handle in a bit of tinsel
2. Elf hides inside a clean mug on the shelf
3. Elf leaves a tiny note saying good morning
4. Elf sits in a bowl of cereal as if swimming
5. Elf hangs from a door handle on a ribbon
6. Elf tucked up asleep in a tissue box bed
7. Elf perched on top of a framed photo
8. Elf peeking out from a half open drawer
9. Elf wearing a sock as a sleeping bag

Five minute mischief

1. Elf builds a tower from biscuits or crackers
2. Elf draws a smiley face on a mirror with a dry wipe pen
3. Elf makes a snow angel in a scatter of flour (wipe it after)
4. Elf goes fishing over the bath with a cup and string
5. Elf sets up toy cars in a traffic jam on the stairs
6. Elf wraps a few small toys as tiny presents
7. Elf makes footprints across the table with a little flour
8. Elf hides sweets around the room with a treasure map
9. Elf builds a fort from cushions
10. Elf zip wires across the room on a length of string

Kind and funny ideas

1. Elf leaves a thank you note for a helpful child
2. Elf sets up a board game as if mid play
3. Elf brings a joke on a slip of paper to read at breakfast
4. Elf organises a teddy bears tea party
5. Elf leaves out a new book or puzzle to try
6. Elf writes the week's good deed challenge
7. Elf hides inside the biscuit tin with a note
8. Elf sets up a tiny cinema for the toys
9. Elf leaves a kindness task, like a drawing for a neighbour
10. Elf arranges a photo booth with silly props

How to use the elf mischief ideas, step by step

1. Print the list and keep it somewhere handy near the kitchen
2. Once the children are asleep, choose one idea for tonight
3. Set up the elf with a few bits from around the house
4. In the morning, find it together and tick it off the list
5. Pick tomorrow's idea and gather anything you need

Ways to use the elf mischief list

• Keep it simple on busy nights. Lean on the two minute scenes when you are tired. A sock sleeping bag or a note still delights, and nobody will notice you kept it easy.
• Link the elf to a kind deed. Have the elf set a small challenge each morning, like helping lay the table or sharing a toy. It keeps the fun warm rather than only silly.
• Let the elf play a game. Set the elf up mid play with a quick classic like Snakes and Ladders and Ludo, then play the real thing together after breakfast.
• Build a mischief on the board. Have the elf topple a tower overnight with the animal tumble tower so the children rebuild it as their morning task.
• Share the setting up. In a classroom or a big family, take turns to plan the next scene. Older children love dreaming up ideas for the little ones.

Games and gifts to pair with your elf

Your elf can introduce a new game or craft as part of the morning surprise. These make easy mischief props and good December gifts for ages 6 and up.

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Classic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoShop nowTumble Tower Game - Wooden Animal Blocks & DiceShop nowScavenger Hunt GameShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowDominoes Set- Double Six DominoesShop nowSkittles Game - Wooden Number SkittlesShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop nowKids' Spelling Game - Wooden Letters & Word CardsShop nowGiant Playing CardsShop nowFolding Draughts Set - 12" Board & PiecesShop nowMancala Game - Luxury Warra SetShop nowLudo Board Game - 12" Folding Ludo BoardShop nowMini Whiteboard - Educational ToyShop nowWooden Family Games SetShop now

Elf mischief by age and key stage

What children gain from the elf tradition

• Reading. Morning notes and clues give short, happy reading practice every day in December.
• Imagination. Guessing what the elf got up to and inventing new scenes stretches creative thinking.
• Routine. The tick off each morning builds a gentle daily habit the whole family shares.
• Kindness. Elf challenges can nudge children towards helping, sharing and thanking others.
• Problem solving. Working out how the elf 'did' a scene encourages children to think things through.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

An elf works best as a small, steady habit rather than a competition. Pick a time each morning to find it together, read the note and tick the list. Keep most scenes simple so you can keep it up all month without stress. Over the years the morning hunt becomes one of those warm family routines children remember long after they know how it all works.

Frequently asked questions

How do you use the elf mischief ideas?

Pick one idea each night once the children are asleep, set up the elf, then tick it off in the morning and choose the next one.

What age are the elf mischief ideas for?

They suit ages 6 and up, from Year 2 in KS1 through KS2, and a grown-up does the setting up.

How long does setting up take?

Most scenes take two to ten minutes. Lean on the two minute ideas on busy nights so you can keep going all month.

What do I need for the scenes?

Mostly bits you already have, like tinsel, a mug, a sock, a little flour or some small toys. The list tells you what each one uses.

Can the elf be messy with flour?

A light scatter works for footprints or snow angels. Wipe surfaces afterwards and keep flour away from anyone with an allergy.

Can I use scissors for the props?

Yes, but keep scissors as a grown-up job when you prepare things after bedtime, and store them away safely.

What if I forget a night?

The elf can simply have been very sleepy. A quick note saying good morning covers any missed evening.

Can the elf bring a gift?

Yes, the elf can introduce a new game or craft. See the gift ideas above for easy props that double as presents.

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.