We're at that time of year again when we're planning for the return of Elf on the Shelf, and what easier way is there to plan their cheeky morning-antics than with the best Elf on the Shelf props?
Whether it's your first year welcoming those mischievous elves into your home or they've been causing havoc for years, thinking of new scenes to set up every night for your child to wake up to can be difficult. With 24 days to think of, some good Elf on the Shelf props can really come in handy in creating different, magical scenes every day.
Best Elf on the Shelf props at a glance:
• Best Elf on the Shelf props overall: The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition - buy here on Santa's Store.
• Best pet Elf on the Shelf props: Elf Pets Reindeer Tradition - buy here on Santa's Store.
• Best Elf on the Shelf props balloon kit: Balloon Ride Kit - buy here on Amazon.
Elf on the Shelf props are also really handy for those evenings when you only remember to move the Elf as you're going to bed. They'll save you from having to resort to toilet-papering random furnishings or rooms in your house.
Best Elf on the Shelf props overall
![Best Elf on the Shelf props The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/The-Elf-on-the-Shelf-A-Christmas-Tradition.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
No Elf on the Shelf is complete with your very own Elf, and this The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition comes with the scout himself and makes the perfect first night arrival. You can choose between a girl or boy elf, and choose between two different eye colours. It comes with a storybook to read to your child and even an adoption certificate for your elf!
Our writer said: "We've been doing Elf on the Shelf for 5 years and it will be our 6th year this year. We've used 'unofficial elves' that haven't lasted the antics and needed replacing every year, but the quality of this elf is wonderful. I love how it arrived and can't wait to use the delivery box and adoption certificate for the first night in December!"
Pros
- Can select gender and two different eye colours of Elf
- Makes lasting memories
Cons
- Only two eye colour options
- 1 x adoptable Scout Elf
- 1 x illustrated storybook
- 1 x keepsake box
- 1 x official adoption certificate
Best pet Elf on the Shelf props
![Best pet Elf on the Shelf props Elf Pets Reindeer Tradition](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Elf-Pets-Reindeer-Tradition.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
Has your child ever wondered how the Elf gets too and from the North Pole every night? The Elf Pets Reindeer Tradition is a great addition to your Elf on the Shelf prop, and is a much easier way of explaining how your elf reports to Santa every night. It's soft and snuggly, and even comes with a story book.
Our writer said: "I love how soft the reindeer is which means it won't get damaged by my two children. My son is always asking how the elf reports to Santa every night and still manages to get up to mischief, so this will be a great way to explain that to him"
Pros
- Soft and snuggly
- Your own reindeer adoption certificate
Cons
- You might need more than one if you have more than one child (they'll love it!)
- 1 x hardbound storybook
- 1 x huggable reindeer
- 1 x golden heart charm
- 1 x official adoption certificate
Best Elf on the Shelf props kit
![Best Elf on the Shelf Play Kit with Ideas Book](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Play-Kit-with-Ideas-Book.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
This activity book provides lots of elf ideas for inspiration for not only this year! The Play Kit with Ideas Book also comes with 15 elf-size tools for you to use when creating your Elf on the Shelf scenes. You can reuse the props and create so many different scenes in each room.
One review said: "So the elves are on more adventures. These props are great for inspiring ideas. I was worried when putting the chair together as I had to push really hard to get the piece to lock into place, but the parts are really sturdy. I had some issues getting his feet into the boots, I ended up rolling his foot up and shoving it in, but once in it was perfect. I'm having so much fun trying to think of ways to use the tools, and if you can't think of any, the book is full of great ideas."
Pros
- 60 pages of ideas
- 15 tools included
Cons
- Elf's sold separately
- 1 x candy cane cable
- 2 x glacier Grips
- 1 x Christmas climbing boots
- 1 x peppermint grappling hook
- 1x holiday harness
- 1 x cheery chair
- 1 x holiday hooks
- 1 x book
Best cooking Elf on the Shelf props
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Cooking School Set](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Cooking-School-Set.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
This Cooking School Set comes with 20 different props for you to create so many different scenes with your Elf. With a laptop, backpack, and plenty of cooking essentials, you can set up your own elf cooking school or even a little bakery business scene.
Our writer said: "You have to add stickers to some of the props yourself, but this set is really easy to create ideas with. From frying eggs to even working in the home office, there are a lot of ideas you can come up with, and I love that you can see some of the ideas on the QR code. If you get a little box for storing your props in, this is great to reuse every year."
Pros
- 20 piece set
- QR code for scene inspiration
Cons
- No onsite reviews
- 1 x backpack
- 1 x cheeseburger
- 1 x fries
- 1 x cup with straw
- 1 x stand mixer
- 1 x boiling pan and spoon
- 1 x fried egg
- 1 x saucepan
- 1 x baking tray with 4 x cupcakes
- 1 x mini laptop
Best toy figure Elf on the Shelf props
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Action Figure Play Pack: Snow Sports](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Action-Figure-Play-Pack-Snow-Sports.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
The Action Figure Play Pack: Snow Sports is great for your elf to play with as a toy, or even for just your child to play with! It comes with an Elf figure and all the snow-sport accessories you need.
Our writer said: "I think this works as a great little Christmas eve box filler, as a little treat from the Elf himself. It also works really well as a toy for the Elf to play with, and you can create snow ramps in your home or even set a car track up with the figures on!"
Pros
- Perfect as a gift or a prop
- Great toy for throughout December
Cons
- Not suitable for under three years old
- 1 x articulated Scout Elf figure
- 1 x helmet with goggles
- 1 x skis and ski poles
- 1 x snowboard
- 1 x snow saucer
Best Elf on the Shelf props balloon kit
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Balloon Ride Kit](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Balloon-Ride-Kit.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
This Balloon Ride Kit will definitely cause some Elf excitement! Easy to set up, the inflatable balloon comes with a small loop at the top so that you can thread string through and hang it from anywhere. The basket is a great size for your Elf too.
One review said: "This is actually amazing! I’ve set him up ready for the 1st, for my little human. This is such a fab idea! Easy to put together, and is going to bring a world of excitement! 100% recommend " Another customer said: "Good quality, children loved it. Can use year after year."
Pros
- Can hang from anywhere
- Packs away for use every year
Cons
- The basket can be fiddly to put together
- 4 x balloon string
- 1 x balloon
- 1 x string
- 1 x cardboard balloon basket
Best Elf on the Shelf props mate
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Elf Mates Enchanted Forest](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/10/Elf-Mates-Enchanted-Forest.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
With a magical heart on their collar so your child knows it's an Elf Mate and not their usual Elf, the Elf Mates Enchanted Forest are champions of kindness and are helping to spread Christmas cheer! They come with ear muffs and a scarf too so you can dress them up.
One writer said: "Really great quality, the glittery features give it that extra sparkle and help to make it stand out from our usual Elf. It's a great way of introducing a nice Elf if your child is used to all the mischief of a cheeky Elf."
Pros
- Includes scarfs and ear muffs
- Select which Elf you want
Cons
- No female elf mates
- 1 x Elf mate
- 1 x scarf
- 1 x ear muffs
Best Elf on the Shelf props carrier
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf Carrier](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Elf-on-the-Shelf-Scout-Elf-Carrier.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf Carrier would be a great way to have your elf arrive on December 1st, but it's also a great way for your child to take their Elf on the go. With a safety latch that helps keep Elf inside the transparent carrier, it comes with a carry handle for your little one to hold.
One customer said: "Little boy made up that he could take his elf to school and for swimming lessons - even gave him a ride on the back of his bike. Well made up he was" Another buyer wrote: "My son was delighted when he got to take his elf to school. Great quality and price. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- See through carrier with safety latch
- Carry handle for easy transportation
Cons
- Elf not included
- 1 x elf carrier
Best fairy Elf on the Shelf props
![Best Elf on the Shelf props MagiFreez Rainbow Snow Pixie](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/MagiFreez-Rainbow-Snow-Pixie.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
We think this would be a great outfit to pop on your child Elf to replace the star or fairy at the top of your Christmas tree! The MagiFreeze Rainbow Snow Pixie includes legs attached to a stand so that your elf can stand up properly, a shimmery skirted dress and colourful fairy wings.
Pros
- Supportive base that helps the elf stand
- Perfect for replacing your tree topper, or creating other fairy-scenes
Cons
- No onsite reviews
- 1 x legs with stand
- 1 x felt fairy wings
- 1 x organza skirt
Best Elf on the Shelf props arrival envelope
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Personalised Elf Arrival Envelope](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Personalised-Elf-arrival-envelope-or-elf-return.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.etsy.com
If you're looking for a fun way for your elf to arrive or even leave, the Personalised Elf Arrival Envelope is perfect. With the option to choose from an arrival and return package, it's easy to slot your elf into this fabric envelope. You can select a colour and choose a name to pop on your envelope too.
One customer wrote: "These are absolutely fantastic. So well made. I bought a red one and a brown one. Seller has great communication and delivery was quite speedy. I would definitely purchase from this seller again. Thank you."
Pros
- Personalise name, colour and type of envelope
- Reuse every year
Cons
- Returns not accepted
- Personalise colour and name
Best wrapping paper Elf on the Shelf props
![Best Elf on the Shelf props Elf on the Shelf Christmas Gift Wrapping Paper](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Elf-on-the-Shelf-Christmas-Gift-Wrapping-Paper.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk
With ten pieces of wrapping paper, the Elf on the Shelf Christmas Gift Wrapping Paper is not only perfect to wrap gifts up, but it can be used for some cheeky elf tricks! Wrap your little ones favourite teddy, their water bottle or even their shoes! You could even use it to wrap a little gift from the Elf themselves. It also comes with ten gift tags.
Pros
- 10 wrapping sheets for practical or cheeky elf use
- Features the scout Elves
Cons
- No onsite reviews
- 10 x wrapping sheets
- 10 x gift tags
Best Elf on the Shelf props message board
B07G79C11Z
The Elves Behaving Badly Rewritable Board allows you to leave funny notes for your child from the Elf. The pen wipes off easily too so that you can reuse it as many times as you want to.
One customer wrote: "It's a good size. Good whiteboard it rubs off easily, so can use it again and again without the pen mark smudges. Adds that extra little touch to the elf on the shelf." Another review said: "Great for writing annoying notes for my daughters. Winds them up and makes me laugh"
- 1 x board
- 1 x marker
When did Elf on The Shelf start?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition began in the USA back in 2005. Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, self-published the book The Elf on The Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, along with a special box with a small Elf inside. Since then, Elf on The Shelf has grown in popularity across the globe, with it getting popular in the UK in the early 2010s.
When should I start Elf on the Shelf with my child?
If you're looking to start this Christmas tradition on the eve of December 1st, it's worth noting that children under the age of one might not understand a whole lot. But if you're wanting to create picture and video memories, it's best to use large props that don't pose a choking hazard.
There's no right or wrong time to start Elf on the Shelf, but children over the age of two will probably appreciate it a lot more, and will really get excited at finding the Elf every morning.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.