The holiday season is filled with magic, excitement and – most of all – traditions that withstand the tests of time! For many of us with young children, one of the most beloved Christmas traditions is the arrival of a mischievous festive companion known as ‘Elf on a Shelf’. Elf on a Shelf is an elf doll that arrives every year at a family’s home after Thanksgiving and stays up until Christmas Day. The elf is said to observe your child’s actions every day and “report” back to Santa Claus on their good or bad behaviour during the holiday season. Each night, the elf moves to a different location and the morning after is the fun part where your child has to look around to see where it ended up.

The idea of Elf on a Shelf is more than just encouraging good behaviour throughout the holiday season, it’s a fun way to keep the magic of Christmas alive! While the classic Elf on the Shelf is often set up in some creative and funny scenarios, why not make it extra special this year for any young soccer fans in your life? If your kids are die-hard fans of the beautiful game, they will love these soccer-inspired Elf on a Shelf ideas!

Idea #1: Elf Kicks a Goal

If you’re on the hunt for an easy soccer-themed Elf on a Shelf scenario, we’ve got you covered! For this scenario, all you need is a miniature soccer ball and some mini cones or LEGO pieces to create goal posts. Set the ball up in front of the elf to make it look like he or she is about to take a shot at a goal. If you want to DIY this, try making your own mini soccer ball out of a cotton ball or paper!

Idea #2: Elf Watches a Soccer Match

If your family loves watching soccer matches, here’s another Elf on a Shelf idea they will get a kick out of (no pun intended)! Create a cozy scene where the elf is sitting in front of a screen watching a soccer match. You can dress this up by adding some popcorn next to them and even DIYing some mini soccer-themed merch of their favourite team to deck it out in!

Idea #3: Elf Gets Stuck in the Net

We had to include an extra silly scenario in the spirit of Elf on a Shelf where they are found tangled up in the net after what we can imagine was a pretty crazy soccer match! Make your own mini soccer net with some string and make it look like the elf got stuck from their own clumsiness to achieve this scenario.

Idea #4: Elf Wins the World Cup

For the ultimate young soccer fans who aspire to win the World Cup trophy one day, they’ll absolutely love finding their elf being awarded the most prestigious prize! You can create your own miniature trophy prop using some tin foil or a small cup. Place it in the elf’s hands and surround them with confetti to celebrate their victory!

Idea #5: Elf Coaches A Team

If your child dreams of being able to coach their own team one day, they’ll appreciate it when their elf gets a new job with a winter twist! Place a whistle next to your elf and create your own team of mini snowmen out of cotton balls. Arrange the team of snowmen in a practice formation with your elf as the coach. You can take this a step further by creating mini jerseys for the snowmen to make them look even more like a team!

Idea #6: Elf Does a Trick Shot

Finally, another soccer-themed Elf on a Shelf idea that your soccer playing youngsters will love depicts your elf doing a trick shot! This scenario is super simple to achieve, and you only need objects found around the house. Place the elf in a trick shot situation by creating an obstacle course leading to the goal posts. These obstacles can be anything from cups and bowls to LEGO pieces and other toys. You can also leave a note saying something like “Get ready for this epic trick shot!”

If this blog post has inspired you to start your own Elf on a Shelf tradition this year, be sure to check out our selection of soccer-themed elves at SoccerCards.ca to bring even more festive soccer cheer! These elves are complete with team colours and logos for Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.