24 Days of Elf Ideas for December 2026 (Free Magic Planner)

Every December, thousands of families wake up to a letter from their North Pole elf. This year, we've made it even easier to add a little extra magic to the tenth edition of our elf letters.

Our free 2026 Magic Planner gives you a simple prop idea for every day from 1 to 24 December, each one matched to that day's elf letter.

You don't have to do them all. You don't even have to do one a day. Pick one or two that make you smile and your little ones will remember them for years.

Download the free 2026 Magic Planner PDF Here

How the Magic Planner works with your elf letters

Each of our North Pole elf letters tells a chapter of the story, featuring all your favourites such as Pip McJingles and Sprout the dog to Holly the robin, Beti the Yeti and some very sneaky South Pole penguins.

The planner pairs each letter with a small, easy prop, so the story jumps off the page and into your home.

Most ideas use things you already have: socks, tinsel, cotton wool, paper and a few toys. Leave the prop out with that morning's envelope and let your children make the connection.

Not got your elf letters yet? [Shop our North Pole elf letters] and start a wonderful new tradition.

Week 1: 1–7 December

• Day 1 - The Wish Sorting Department: Sprout has scattered the wish letters! Scrunch up some coloured paper and scatter it around your elf.
• Day 2 - Christmas pyjamas: Holly the robin beats her stage fright. Pop your elf in tiny PJs or leave out Christmas pyjamas.
• Day 3 - Snow-Beti building: Make a mini snowman from cotton wool, with a nibbled carrot (Sprout again!)
• Day 4 - The Moon Scope: A paper moon or a toilet-roll telescope pointing at the sky.
• Day 5 - Piggy gingerbread house: Set out a gingerbread house kit or a small pig admiring it.
• Day 6 - Sleepy sleigh bells: Scatter bells and leave a note asking your little one to sing them awake.
• Day 7 - The chocolate coin trick: A pile of chocolate coins, with one cheeky foil-wrapped pebble.

Week 2: 8–14 December

• Day 8 - Hot Chocolate Championships: A mini hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and a jar labelled 'Christmas Spirit'.
• Day 9 - The sock mystery: Cookie the reindeer has been hoarding socks, so build a little sock nest.
• Day 10 - The Great Tinselator: Wrap your elf in tinsel. The more tangled, the better.
• Day 11 - The Nice List key: Hide a small key on a red ribbon for a treasure hunt.
• Day 12 - The penguin sledge snatch: Toy penguins in scarves and coats, next to a sledge.
• Day 13 - Jolly BonBon's treats: Leave out coal-shaped sweets or a piece of fudge from the story - order your own Jolly Bonbon's fudge from our website.
• Day 14 - Santa's DIY disaster: Paint pots, a brush and a blue paw print nearby.

Week 3: 15–21 December

• Day 15 - Concert auditions: Give your elf and toys a microphone or instrument.
• Day 16 - Mince pie experiments: Mini pie cases with the craziest toppings you can find.
• Day 17 - The penguin plot: A scrunched-up 'secret plan' map with an X marking the sledge.
• Day 18 - Christmas Concert Spectacular: A toy orchestra – even a pan and wooden spoon count.
• Day 19 - Arctic fox hide and seek: Hide your elf, count to ten and go looking.
• Day 20 - The snowflake factory: Make paper snowflakes and stick them to the windows.
• Day 21 - Shooting star camp: A sock sleeping bag and marshmallows for a midnight snack.

Week 4: 22–24 December

• Day 22 - Penguins to tea: Your elf writes an invitation for another toy to come to tea.
• Day 23 - Christmas Eve's Eve box: Fill a secret box and unbox it together.
• Day 24 - Supermoon moongazing: Sit your elf by the window with binoculars and host a moongazing snack party.

Tips to make it easy on yourself

• Plan the night before. Glance at tomorrow's idea after the kids are in bed.
• Keep a magic box. Store tinsel, bells, cotton wool and spare socks together in one place.
• Skip without guilt. The letter does the heavy lifting; the props are a bonus.
• Share the magic. Tag us @elfforchristmas – we love seeing your set-ups.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to do a prop every day? No. The elf letters work on their own. The planner is there for days you fancy doing something extra.

What age are the elf ideas for? They're designed for children aged around 3 to 11, the same age as our elf letters.

Do the ideas work with any elf? Yes. Any elf toy can join in, whether it's one of ours or one you already have.

Is the Magic Planner free? Yes, it's a free printable PDF. Print it, pop it out of sight of little ones and tick off the days.

I'm short on time - which ideas are quickest? Days 6, 10, 11 and 19 take under two minutes and use things you'll already have at home.

Get your free Magic Planner

Ready for the most magical December yet? Download the planner, line up your elf letters and let the North Pole do the rest.

Download the free 2026 Magic Planner PDF Here

For more mischief and kindness ideas, printables and recipes, take a look around the Christmas Elf Blog.