Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Two Elves

Two elves double the possibilities: competitions, partner stunts and little stories that play out across nights (the rematch is always the next morning). Two elves also solve a common problem in families with two or more kids, where everyone wants their 'own' elf.

These setups are built for two. Each one works with any two elves, dolls or stuffed friends, and uses props you have at home.

16 ideas · updated October 9, 2026 · written by the ElfNights team

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Quick tips

  • Give each elf a personality: one sporty, one bookish, one bossy. The notes write themselves.
  • Run a running 'scoreboard' on the fridge for tug of war, sled races and ping-pong rematches.
  • Introduce the second elf with a hug reunion and a note explaining Santa sent extra help this year.
  • With one elf per child, try a room swap one night for a 'sleepover'.
Jump to an idea (16)
  1. Marshmallow Snowball Fight
  2. Candy Cane Hockey
  3. Licorice Tug of War
  4. Elves Playing a Board Game
  5. Elf Tea Party
  6. Elf Talent Show
  7. Ruler Seesaw
  8. Toy Car Race
  9. Elf Ping-Pong
  10. Elf Photo Booth
  11. Marshmallow Tic-Tac-Toe
  12. Candy Cane Limbo
  13. Elf Reunion Hug
  14. Elf Dance-Off
  15. Elves Swapped Rooms
  16. Two-Elf Sled Race

1Marshmallow Snowball Fight

Time 5 minMess a little messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Marshmallows, Toys, LEGO or dolls

  1. Line up toys or stuffed animals on two sides of a table like two teams.
  2. Build little marshmallow 'forts' in front of each team and scatter mini marshmallows between them.
  3. Put the elf on one side, arm raised mid-throw.
Elf note: “The stuffed animals started it. I'm winning by a lot.”
FunnyTwo elves

2Candy Cane Hockey

Time 5 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Candy canes, Craft & party bits

  1. Use two candy canes as hockey sticks and a cotton ball or bottle cap as a puck.
  2. Set up two goals from cups, boxes or LEGO.
  3. Pose the elf (and a toy opponent) mid-game.
Elf note: “Elf 3, Teddy 0. Teddy wants a rematch tonight.”
FunnyGet movingTwo elves

3Licorice Tug of War

Time 2 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Candy & chocolate

  1. Give each elf one end of a licorice rope or a piece of red yarn.
  2. Pose them leaning back, pulling against each other.
  3. Put a line of tape on the table as the center mark.
Elf note: “Who will win? We'll have a rematch tonight.”
Two elvesFunny

4Elves Playing a Board Game

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toys, LEGO or dolls

  1. Set up a board game (checkers, Candy Land, UNO cards) mid-game on the table.
  2. Sit both elves on either side, one looking very pleased.
  3. Leave a note challenging the winner to a family game after dinner.
Elf note: “We played all night. Who wants to play the winner?”
Two elvesFunny

5Elf Tea Party

Time 10 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Kitchen & food, Toys, LEGO or dolls

  1. Set out a toy tea set or small cups with a few crackers.
  2. Seat both elves (and a few stuffed guests) around it.
  3. Add napkins and a 'Reserved' card for your child.
Elf note: “Tea party! We saved you a seat. Pinkies up.”
Two elvesSweet & cozy

6Elf Talent Show

Time 10 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toys, LEGO or dolls, Paper, tape & markers

  1. Make a stage from a box or a shelf with a paper curtain.
  2. Pose one elf 'performing' (juggling pom-poms or holding a toy guitar) and the other as audience with a scorecard.
  3. Line up stuffies as the crowd.
Elf note: “Tonight's winner: ME. Okay, it was a tie.”
Two elvesFunny

7Ruler Seesaw

Time 2 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. Balance a ruler or wooden spoon on a small round object like a marker.
  2. Put one elf on each end.
  3. Add a cotton ball or coin to make one side heavier.
Elf note: “Up and down all night. I think I'm dizzy.”
Two elvesFunny

8Toy Car Race

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toys, LEGO or dolls, Paper, tape & markers

  1. Make a start and finish line with tape on the floor.
  2. Put each elf in a toy car at the start.
  3. Add a checkered paper flag at the finish.
Elf note: “Race day! Ready, set... wait, who's driving?”
Two elvesGet moving

9Elf Ping-Pong

Time 5 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. Lay a book flat as a 'table' with a row of LEGO or a pencil as the net.
  2. Give each elf a spoon as a paddle and put a cotton ball or pom-pom between them.
  3. Freeze them mid-rally.
Elf note: “Score: 21 to 19. The pom-pom keeps flying away.”
Two elvesFunnyGet moving

10Elf Photo Booth

Time 10 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Paper, tape & markers

  1. Cut out tiny paper props: mustaches, crowns, a speech bubble that says 'Merry!'.
  2. Tape them to toothpicks and set up a photo booth backdrop (a cereal box with wrapping paper).
  3. Pose both elves mid-photo.
Elf note: “We had our own photo shoot. Want to join the next one?”
Two elvesFunny

11Marshmallow Tic-Tac-Toe

Time 5 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Marshmallows, Paper, tape & markers

  1. Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on paper.
  2. Play half a game with big marshmallows vs. mini marshmallows (or chocolate chips).
  3. Sit the elf thinking hard about its next move.
Elf note: “I can't win against myself. Can you finish the game?”
FunnyTwo elves

12Candy Cane Limbo

Time 5 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Candy canes, Toys, LEGO or dolls

  1. Balance a candy cane across two cups or blocks as a limbo bar.
  2. Pose the elf leaning way back underneath it.
  3. Line up toys waiting for their turn.
Elf note: “How low can you go? I made it to two blocks!”
FunnyGet movingTwo elves

13Elf Reunion Hug

Time 2 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. On the second elf's first night, pose both elves hugging.
  2. Put a little 'Welcome back!' sign beside them.
  3. Introduce the new elf in the note.
Elf note: “My best friend is here! Meet my sidekick. We'll be a team this year.”
Two elvesSweet & cozyArrival

14Elf Dance-Off

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. Pose both elves mid-dance facing each other on the table.
  2. Put a phone or speaker nearby with a note naming tonight's song.
  3. Add a paper 'judges' card with scores.
Elf note: “Dance-off! Who had better moves? Vote at breakfast.”
Two elvesFunnyGet moving

15Elves Swapped Rooms

Time 2 minMess no messAges 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. If you have two kids with one elf each, swap the elves into each other's rooms.
  2. Leave a note on each explaining the visit.
  3. Swap back the next night.
Elf note: “We switched rooms for a sleepover! Your sibling's room is very... interesting.”
Two elvesFunny

16Two-Elf Sled Race

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. Lean a cutting board or large book against the couch as a hill.
  2. Put each elf on a lid, plate or piece of cardboard at the top.
  3. Draw a finish line with tape at the bottom.
Elf note: “Sled race! Place your bets: who won?”
Two elvesFunny

FAQ

Why do some families have two elves?

Often because there are two kids who each want an elf, or because a second elf arrives to 'help' in a busy year. Two elves also make competition setups easy.

How do I introduce a second elf?

Start with a reunion: both elves hugging with a note introducing the newcomer. Give the new elf a name your child picks and its own personality.

Do I have to move two elves every night?

Not separately. Pose them together most nights; it's no more work than one elf. Occasionally split them up for a hide-and-seek night.

Keep planning

Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas→Elf Ideas with Candy Canes→Elf Ideas with Marshmallows→24-Day Elf Planner→