50 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Workplace

Who says everyone’s favorite Christmas Elf is just for kids? Check out over 50 fantastic and funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Workplace – with the majority of them using props that you already have in the office.

collage of elf on the shelf at the office

Having an Elf in the workplace can bring a lot of joy and excitement to employees during the holiday season. Not only does it add a fun and festive element to the office, but it can also help to boost morale and promote teamwork among coworkers.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition involves hiding a small elf doll each day. While most scout elves are hanging out in houses and flying back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa, we’re talking about elves that like to hang out in the office.

funny elf on the shelf ideas for the office - elf sitting at computer

To bring Elf ideas in the workplace, you’ll simply have an elf or two around the office each day. The elf can “hide” in mystery places or be set up with fun scenes. While I‘m pretty lazy when it comes to our own Elf, I did come up with some super fun scene ideas that you could easily set up in the office.

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The fun comes when you encourage your employees, or co-workers, to find the elf each day. This can lead to friendly competition and collaboration, as coworkers work together to locate the elf each day or even take turns hiding the elf or setting up the scene.

While the Elf tradition may have originated as a children’s activity, it has become increasingly popular among adults in recent years. Many workplaces have adopted the tradition as a way to bring some lighthearted fun and holiday spirit to the office.

elf with mask on and sign that says dentist little helper

While most of my Elf on the Shelf ideas for the workplace evolved around a true office type setting, many of them can be changed or adapted if you work in special offices like:

Doctor’s Office
Dentist’s Office
School

You can also find very specific props and even outfits to go with special type of work environments too. I share some of those below.

Are you ready for over 50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas to use in the workplace? Be sure to pin them for later!

elf sitting on keurig drinking coffee from a straw — Elf drinking too much coffee

If you have a Keurig or coffeemaker in your office kitchen, set up your elf with his/her own K-cups!

elf tangled in wires — Tangled Wires – Christmas Lights

I often find that the note is the best part of the scene – everyone knows how the Christmas tree lights are always in a knot. This one takes such little effort – but is super cute and always fits in with my office and all of the tangled cords.

elf posing at the office - best elf ideas for the workplace

Elf on the Shelf Office Pranks

elf on the shelf sitting in front of employee of the month picture

elf on the shelf in a copier making pictures of itself — In the copier

It’s a classic Elf style prank – hiding in the copier for printed elf selfies.

elf playing tricks with keyboard and mouse — Computer mouse won’t work.

I love this funny elf prank – put a small post-it on the bottom of a coworker’s mouse so it won’t work!

elf sitting on laptop covered in post it notes — Post-It Screen

Speaking of Post-Its, use a few to totally cover up a computer screen.

elf in candy jar in front of google webpage — In the Office Candy Jar

If you have a candy jar in the office, it’s the perfect place for an elf. Candy is definitely one of their main food groups.

elf sitting by keyboard and mouse at the office with a resume — Elf Resume

This is a fun and easy setup – print a fake resume for the elf to fill out. If you want to include a few jokes about coworkers, go ahead.

elf sitting at work desk with colored pencils and markers — Add some color in the office!

This elf switched out all pens and pencils in the office with color pencils. This works even better with crayons.

elf in filing cabinet with pictures of other elves — File away photos.

Remember that selfie the elf made with the copier? File it under important documents. So many of these ideas use very little “props” and some you can use again in different ways later in the month of December.

Now, let’s get to a few funny ideas for your Elf in the office. I think these are super fun IF your coworkers and employees will get the joke. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings because having an Elf is all about fun and happiness.

elf holding nose with stinky toilet spray — If you have a great relationship and joke with coworkers, this one is fun!

I can’t resist a good bathroom joke and this letter makes all the difference with this prop.

elf with joke about sleeping in the office with kleenex as blanket — Elf sleeping on the job.

Another fun one if you call out someone who might fall asleep at their desk from time to time.

You can always let the elf practice coloring or doodling on boring office worksheets.

elf holding a glitter container pretending to put glitter in coffee pot — Glitter > Sugar

Fun prop IF you have glitter around your office kitchen like I do.

elf taped to a computer screen — Sticky Tape

Wires aren’t the only thing elves can get wrapped up in – this little guy is just stuck with some Scotch tape.

elf employee of the month plaque — White-out Employee of the Month

This might be my favorite. Of course, I wouldn’t REALLY white-out a true certificate. Print a fake one out and have your Elf be the employee of the month for December!

elf drawing on the clock so that it always reads 5:00 with tropical drink sitting nearby — It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

Buddy the Elf says it’s 5:00 – that’s because he changed the time himself so he could get to that tropical drink early.

Want more Elf ideas for the workplace? Sure you do – because you’re going to need at least 1 a day for December. Check out some more ideas from me and other bloggers below:

This elf doesn’t seem to be interested in doing any work – . Source

elf sitting next to a keyboard with naughty and nice list of names

Easy setup – put coworkers names on a Nice List or Naughty List. If you don’t have a dry erase board, simply have the elf type out a list on someone’s computer.

This FREE Elf on the shelf Twister printable is an easy setup and will bring back some memories of a nostalgic game for employees at the office.

Not required, but these festive Christmas sweaters from Amazon could be used for an office Ugly Christmas Sweater prop or party.

I can’t even with this one, but it does happen to be my favorite one… just make sure it goes along with the humor style of your boss! Source.

I’m not sure why glasses on an elf makes them look like they fit in at the office more, but they do! This is a free printable for your own elf glasses. Source.

elf sitting at board room table with coffee cup

See? An elf in the office needs to wear glasses. And a tie. I seriously love this little idea staged at a big conference table. Source.

This elf got into the office First Aid Kit. Source.

If you work in a doctor’s office or hospital, this set from Etsy is perfect. Not only will employees enjoy seeing the elf visit, but patients will too! Source.

These mini electronics are actually pretty inexpensive on Amazon and I could see them being used in so many ways with a scout elf in the office.

elf sitting on office chair with toilet paper

We can’t have a list of fun ideas for an elf without one involving a toilet paper roll! Let the office elf roll someone’s desk or chair. Source.

elf sitting in bowl with payday candy bars

Elves are all about having PUN [punny fun], right? Love this little PayDay setup in the office. Tell me who wouldn’t smile at seeing that?! Source.

elf laying on mouse pretending to sled on snow

Another idea with a computer mouse – this setup is an elf using it to snow tube. Source

elf with paper everywhere in front of computer making paper snowflakes

I am OBSESSED with this idea, but also realize that it would take quite awhile to get all of these snowflakes cut out. If you have the time, do it! Source

elf sitting in front of christmas lights

A list of over 100 quick Elf on the Shelf ideas that literally take 5 minutes. Some of these will work in an office setting too!

I love it – this dentist office gets it. The magical elf is a fun way to get kids excited and happy at the dentist office and in turn, will make everyone working there smile more too! Source

small dentist apron with teeth on it that would fit an elf

What a great way to get kids excited to be at the dentist – if their helper is an elf. This cute outfit is inexpensive and handmade, available on Etsy.

It’s that time of year when elves might get a little headache – or might get a lot if they’re working in the office with you everyday. Source

elf sitting on printer with ink toner cartridges

No one likes to do it, but it has to be done. So this time let the little elf show up in a new spot – the toner drawer! Source

elf sitting above bathroom sink with blue water and ducks in sink

I’m not sure this one is entirely office friendly, but if you have more than 1 sink in the bathroom, it could be so fun. You can buy these little tiny ducks on Amazon for so cheap. Source

elf typing a naughty and nice list on a computer screen

Another take on the Nice List and Naughty List – an elf sitting at a computer is just a funny sight. Source

There are over 20 ideas in this post to use balloons as props with elves. Some of these would be so great in the office – like did you know you can actually put an elf in a balloon?!

Sleeping on the job? Leaving the printer out of paper? What would your office mates bad behavior be? Source

elf sitting in a refrigerator around drinks with a blanket

It’s a simple hiding place, but a classic one since this little elf is from the cold North Pole – in the office refrigerator. Source

elf sitting on copier with lots of elf pictures around

This elf REALLY had fun with the copier! Source

elf hanging on to straw with cup of marshmallows

I love for our elf to do some nice things sometimes and bringing the office a cocoa party would be just that. It’s an expensive way to celebrate the season. Source

elf posing with barbie dolls in a YMCA pattern

This one may take bringing a few extra members into the office, but everyone can appreciate a YMCA dance party in the morning in December. Source

If you’re a DIYer and work in an office that needs to wear masks, this is a good prop to use with your office elf. Source

It’s free and it’s easy to print – let Spiderman visit the office one day! Source

santa standing beside a sign that says elf on the shelf good deed challenge

I love this Good Deed Challenge and it could really be incorporated into an office setting amongst coworkers to remember the goodness of the season. Source

a basket of goodies with sign that says you've been elfed

Elves don’t always have to be mischevious, sometimes they can bring presents too! This is a fun way to spread Christmas cheer through the elf too. Source

If you’re looking for a way to add some holiday cheer to your office this season, consider bringing in an Elf and see how it can benefit your team!