Editor’s note: This story may contain spoilers for prying little eyes!
The magical Elf on the Shelf watches over kids and lets them know Christmas is coming — which means parents make a mad dash each night to rearrange their special friend before dawn. Not an easy task!
While the plush stuffed elf “keeps an eye” on children during the countdown to Christmas and ensure kids are on their best behavior, the parents have to do all the hard work once the elf arrives during “Scout Elf Return Week” from Nov. 24 to Dec. 1.
Looking for easy Elf on the Shelf ideas? These 27 options will keep your job simple without skipping out on an ounce of holiday joy. Whether your little elf is being naughty (like drawing on family photos or making a mess in the bathroom) or nice (like working out or making breakfast), these adorable set-ups are sure to be a hit with the little ones.
Even if you’re feeling lazy, these Elf on the Shelf ideas will make your job easy.
The easiest Elf on the Shelf ideas we could find
1. A full clean-out.
Nothing says holiday purge like digging through the couch cushions — so put your elf to work! Pose the family elf digging into the couch and stage anything he or she finds nearby. If your couch is pristine, stage a few items like candy, coins or toys.
2. Color coded.
Grab your elves and any candy that may be sitting in the pantry. Color code the sweets by color and prop up the elf (or elves!) just in time for your kids to notice what they’ve been up to all night.
3. Flip it up!
From the window, to the wall, the elf is flipping these halls! Take family photo frames and flip them upside for a silly setup, courtesy of the family elf.
4. Just roll with it!
It’s time to wrap it up in the bathroom! Your elf will cut a small section of wrapping paper and tape it to an empty toilet paper roll to create this punny scene.
5. Working up a sweat.
A virtual sweat session might be just what your elf needs this season. Set up your laptop and display Lumistella Company’s downloadable elf image.
Learn more about this silly little elf
6. Bringing the jokes!
If Christmas jokes make your kids laugh out loud, it’s time to bring more fun by setting up the family elf with a joke or two. Make a little sign and get ready for some holiday chuckles.
7. An elf makes their mark.
A dry erase marker is all that’s needed to make this all-in-good fun setup come to life. Grab a black dry erase marker and a nearby family photo. Draw on a mustache, a beard or dramatic eyebrows and pose your elf looking mischievous with the marker nearby.
8. Waffle pop-its!
Does your kiddo love pop-its? Make a DIY version using waffles for the base and candy, like Skittles, for the pop-its. Even elves can’t get enough of this wholesome activity!
9. Hungry for a snack?
Got a few extra veggies on hand? Make a little plate for the elf and your child(ren) to enjoy this season. Bonus points if it’s shaped like a Christmas tree.
10. Time for bread, little elf!
It’s time to tuck in the elf, who may or may not be confused about bed and bread. Grab some slices of bread and get to tucking — eye mask optional!
11. Beep, beep! Elf is here!
Can elves drive? Or maybe they take a bus? Use whatever toy with wheels your child may have and put the family elf inside for an all-aboard welcome. This adorable school bus is the perfect morning send-off before a day at school.
12. We made you breakfast!
What are your kids eating that day for breakfast? Put your elf beside their plate and “ta da!” The elf has taken credit for their meal, including toast with frosting and sprinkles. Yum.
13. Taking a little elf snooze.
Your elf has been working hard this season — they need a nap! Grab some toilet paper for a homemade hammock and let them swing from a towel bar.
14. A surprise present.
How about giving your kids an early present? Dress up your elf in wrapping paper or a small gift bag and let your kids find them under the tree peeking through the center.
15. Snow angels for Santa.
What’s not to love about a classic snow angel? Whether you use rice, coconut, flour or sugar, you can keep the mess minimal by making it happen in a large baking dish or on a sheet pan.
16. Climbing to un-bow-lievable heights.
Grab a few bows from your wrapping paper stash and make a DIY rock climbing wall for your elf. Stagger the bows on the wall and affix the elf mid-climb!
17. Elf fun for everyone!
Gather up the toys and get to work on an epic toilet paper game, like this fun example that features many favorite toy characters. No steps? No problem. Roll the toilet paper across any room in your home.
18. Masks make great hammocks.
If you’ve got a mask handy, make a hammock and call it a day. Hang your family’s elf from kitchen cabinets, a shelf or grab some stick-on hooks like this crafty parent.
19. Tic-Tac-Bow.
Tic-tac-toe — but make it festive. Grab some painter’s tape or washi tape, a couple small bows and any blank surface of your home for this fun (and easy!) play on a classic.
20. Elves watching … “Elf”!
Is this some kind of elf inception? Whether your family has two elves or you just want to gather up some other toys for a Christmas movie night, this scene comes together using a cupcake wrapper, popcorn and a personal viewing of “Elf” on a laptop.
21. Could use a little help here!
Two rolls of toilet paper and a few raisins (or chocolate chips) aid in pulling this messy scene together. Don’t worry, most kids think poop is funny — especially when it comes from an elf.
22. Elf on the Shelf: “Greatest Showman” edition
It’s time to bring a circus to your home with some string and a pipe cleaner. Affix the string to adjacent walls and the pipe cleaner to your elves’ hands and send them flying.
23. Maybe your elf is feeling lucky.
What is more fun than scratch-off lottery tickets? Have the adults do the scratching the night before and arrange the tickets with your elf. Even better if you’ve got some winning numbers!
24. Picture perfect.
Family photos will never be the same once the elf comes to town. Grab pompoms for noses (any color will work!) and stick them on family noses for a big morning laugh.
25. Giddy up!
It’s time to take your child’s favorite animals for a wild ride! Grab your elf and put them on the back of whichever animal toy got left out. Bonus points if it’s a prehistoric pal, like this one.
26. Beep beep!
Parking jam! It’s time for the toy cars to get involved in the seasonal fun. Line them up and put the elf on the largest vehicle for a monster truck display that will surely make the kids smile.
27. An elf coloring party.
